Fall in Love with a Fox Episode 3 Recap
> Fall in Love with a Fox Recap
Jin Baiwan offered Qu Zheng the pendant she always wore, explaining that she had nothing else to repay his great kindness. Though the pendant wasn't valuable, she had always kept it with her, and wished to give it to him if he didn't mind. Qu Zheng hesitated, asking if she was certain about giving away such a personal item, especially if it might be related to her origins.
Jin Baiwan stated its preciousness was precisely why it could express her gratitude. Qu Zheng countered that if it was given to her by someone important who cared for her deeply, they wouldn't want to see her give it away. However, given that he had saved her several times, perhaps the giver would only wish her to keep it safe.
Qu Zheng suggested they rest there for the night and offered to get water, but Jin Baiwan insisted she go, mentioning his recent recovery from snake venom. Qu Zheng said he was fine and offered to make a fire and cook, but found his lighter missing. Back in the carriage while searching for her lighter, Jin Baiwan discovered a token from the Yan School.
Realizing the Yan School's lineage of medical practice, she understood why Su Zhuozhuo's medical skills were so high, but was puzzled as to why she had kept it secret. Stepping out, she overheard Su Zhuozhuo talking to Qu Zheng, addressing him as "Mr. Qu." Jin Baiwan found this form of address odd, especially if they were supposed to be cousins as she previously thought.
She heard Su Zhuozhuo mention their main task was to keep Jin Baiwan stable because they were after the book, the Puyuan Canon, and feared she would run away with it. Su Zhuozhuo questioned why they didn't just take it directly, but Qu Zheng stated he had his own plans. Jin Baiwan, now realizing their true intentions, quickly feigned ignorance when they turned around. She decided she would quietly leave that night. That night, Jin Baiwan slipped away.
Qu Zheng and Su Zhuozhuo searched for a long time but found no trace of her. Jin Baiwan arrived at an inn but was immediately spotted by Yu Chen and men from the Mole Gang who were just arriving. She tried to act casual but was discovered. They captured her and celebrated finding the Puyuan Canon and catching Jin Baiwan, drinking heavily.
Jin Baiwan waited patiently until they were drunk, then managed to untie herself and was about to escape with the book when Yu Chen woke up. Qu Zheng appeared just in time to help Jin Baiwan. During the fight, when Qu Zheng was nearly attacked from behind, Jin Baiwan instinctively shielded him, receiving a knife wound herself. She was surprised she would protect someone as cunning as a fox and realized Qu Zheng actually knew martial arts.
However, due to her injury, she soon lost consciousness. Meanwhile, at the Nonuple Palace, representatives from various schools discussed the recent rumors about the Puyuan Canon circulating in the martial world. The tragic massacre of the Xu family five years prior due to this same martial art manual was still a vivid memory, raising questions about who was causing the current unrest. Most schools agreed that the Nonuple Palace should investigate the matter.
The conversation revealed tension between the Young Host of the Nonuple Palace and Envoy Xueyue. Jin Baiwan eventually woke up, injured. Qu Zheng stayed nearby and revealed his true identity, explaining he was Qu Zheng, the Lord of the Tingqin Garden, who had founded it three years ago. He confessed to keeping his identity secret but assured her he was not a bad person and was investigating the Puyuan Canon because of the events five years ago.
Jin Baiwan understood he wasn't trying to steal the book and realized that he had been secretly protecting her all along, rather than the other way around, recalling incidents at Yu Chen's house and the lantern show. She was worried about her surroundings due to her injury and was startled by a mouse.
Seeing her fear, Qu Zheng suggested they tie their hands together with a long red string with bells, promising to guard her from outside her room to ensure the book's safety and protect her. He played the zither to help her sleep. Feeling secure and happy, Jin Baiwan thanked him for saving her life but added she wouldn't forget his lies. They discussed the difference between the real martial world and stories, and why swordsmen travel.
Qu Zheng mentioned he was searching for a specific girl, describing her virtues, martial arts skills, and cooking, making Jin Baiwan doubt such perfection existed. Qu Zheng confirmed he had found the girl he was looking for. At the Nonuple Palace, the Young Host sought out his father, the Host, to volunteer for the Puyuan Canon investigation, expressing dissatisfaction that it was assigned to Envoy Xueyue.
The Host stated the matter was settled and emphasized that the Nonuple Palace valued strength, urging the Young Host to use his power to gain what he wanted instead of begging for opportunities. Back with Jin Baiwan, Qu Zheng said he had found a highly-skilled doctor for her and expected her arrival soon. To Jin Baiwan's dismay, the doctor was Su Zhuozhuo.
The two women immediately began bickering, with Su Zhuozhuo refusing to treat Jin Baiwan after being separated from Qu Zheng overnight. Jin Baiwan reminded Su Zhuozhuo they had lied about being cousins and were acting suspiciously. Su Zhuozhuo retorted that Jin Baiwan had run away, which was her own fault. Qu Zheng intervened, urging Su Zhuozhuo to treat Jin Baiwan, who was injured because of him, assuring Jin Baiwan that Su Zhuozhuo, despite being blunt, was a kind doctor.
Su Zhuozhuo agreed to treat her on the condition that Jin Baiwan hand over the Puyuan Canon. Qu Zheng postponed discussing this. Jin Baiwan accused them of being no different from Yu Chen, only wanting the book. Qu Zheng reminded Su Zhuozhuo that Jin Baiwan was injured and needed treatment, threatening to find another doctor if Su Zhuozhuo insisted on using it as leverage. Su Zhuozhuo reluctantly agreed to treat her without the condition.
Su Zhuozhuo gave Jin Baiwan several bowls of foul-smelling medicine, which Jin Baiwan found difficult to drink. Qu Zheng offered her a preserved plum to help with the bitterness. Jin Baiwan felt her shoulder pain ease.
Later, Su Zhuozhuo admitted the pain relief medicine had a side effect and revealed she had intentionally caused a rash on Jin Baiwan's face, saying it was a lesson because she believed Jin Baiwan's family was not strict enough and Jin Baiwan was shamelessly bothering Qu Zheng. Jin Baiwan was angered by the insult to her and the Jin's Escort Agency. Qu Zheng stepped in, asking Su Zhuozhuo to be lenient due to Jin Baiwan's injury.
When Jin Baiwan was still upset, Qu Zheng apologized to her on behalf of Su Zhuozhuo, admitting it was his fault that Su Zhuozhuo was angry at her. Jin Baiwan understood.
