Fall in Love with a Fox Episode 7 Recap
> Fall in Love with a Fox Recap
Zi Jing and her companion arrive as temporary workers in Taoyuan Valley. Steward Wang instructs them on the valley's rules, emphasizing discretion, particularly regarding the heavily guarded warehouse. Zi Jing confirms her suspicion that the building they passed was the warehouse and plans to investigate it later. Nearby, Qingyun overhears their conversation and realizes their true objective in the valley is the warehouse. Later, Steward Wang gathers the temporary workers in the kitchen, stressing the importance of hard work.
He notices Qingyun is missing and scolds him upon his eventual arrival, who claims he got lost in the large yard. Steward Wang orders him to work immediately. Seeing the harsh treatment, Jin Baiwan throws some beans on the floor, causing Steward Wang to slip and fall. As others attend to the steward, Jin Baiwan tells Qingyun that Steward Wang deserved it and advises him to stay away from him in the future. Qingyun remains silent.
Jin Baiwan, puzzled by his continuous stare, asks his name. After a moment, he replies, "Qingyun." He explains that her voice sounds like someone he used to know. Jin Baiwan expresses frustration that men keep comparing her to others, but Qingyun clarifies that the person he was thinking of was less talkative than her and jokes that he wasn't actually referring to Jin Baiwan. Qu Zheng finds Jin Baiwan, who is surprised by his swift arrival.
She explains that she had stated clearly in her letter that she had to rely on him to reach Taoyuan Valley but now feels she is unnecessarily troubling him, especially since their marriage contract is not real. Qu Zheng counters that the contract's authenticity matters less than whether everyone believes it. Jin Baiwan expresses concern that his reputation as the Lord of Tingqin Garden would be harmed if people knew he was used.
Qu Zheng claims he doesn't care, but Jin Baiwan insists that she does and feels she cannot repay him. Qu Zheng suggests they have a lifetime together for her to do so. Jin Baiwan cautions against making promises of a lifetime so casually. Qu Zheng acknowledges her point and agrees that since she proposed the engagement, she can also cancel it, but asks her to think carefully.
He states he won't force her, but he admits he enjoys being troubled by her. He tells her to come to him when she has made her decision. Jin Muqiu's father advises her to play the zither to attract Yu Linfeng, saying he favors women skilled in arts. Muqiu is concerned, as she only knows one song, leading her father to joke about her not inheriting her mother's musical talent.
While she plays, Yu Linfeng arrives and compliments her skill, linking it to her family's esteemed background. Muqiu's father mutters to himself about her talent for fibbing. Yu Linfeng proposes they play a duet using his Xiao, suggesting the piece "Autumn Days," to which Muqiu readily agrees. Meanwhile, Song Jianshan asks Qu Zheng about Jin Baiwan's intent to cancel the engagement. Qu Zheng confirms it and suspects it's because he told Su Zhuozhuo about their arrangement. Song Jianshan apologizes.
Qu Zheng laments that Su Zhuozhuo ruined his chances by drugging him and suggests he's destined to be alone. Song Jianshan offers to help persuade Jin Baiwan, but Qu Zheng reminds him their priority in the valley is investigating the snow lotus. He adds that Jin Baiwan's absence is manageable until the young lady from the Jin family arrives, who can then protect her. Qu Zheng believes the engagement will not be cancelled easily.
Yu Linfeng confirms with Jin Muqiu's father that the arrangements for Tongfu Town are complete. He and Muqiu spend time together flying a kite. Muqiu shares her fondness for kites, which her father confirms. Yu Linfeng has a kite he made brought over, and Muqiu writes on it before they successfully fly it. During this, Muqiu stumbles and falls, resulting in an accidental kiss. Both are flustered and apologize, acknowledging the unintentional nature of the act.
Yu Linfeng then tells Muqiu that although they were already engaged, his time with her has shown that she is the woman he has "dreamed of" and he now truly "fancies" her. Muqiu is delighted, and they express mutual appreciation for their relationship. Yu Linfeng takes Jin Muqiu to the town's night market. They try street food and buy sugar figures.
Muqiu notices servants diligently recording things; they explain Yu Linfeng instructed them to note all her preferences to better understand her and avoid displeasing her. Linfeng shares that this is his first time being with someone he loves and asks for her understanding if he makes mistakes. Muqiu tells him he is doing wonderfully. She asks if she can call him "Brother Shu," a name he accepts, and suggests calling her "Qiuer" in return. They visit a bookshop.
Muqiu asks the owner about the sales of "Qiuer's books," which the owner confirms are bestsellers and recommends a popular title. Yu Linfeng immediately denounces the book as "tacky," "filthy," and "frivolous," accusing such novels of fabricating and sensationalizing stories. He specifically mentions a book from two years ago that negatively portrayed him as a playboy. Muqiu silently realizes she wrote that book.
Yu Linfeng advises her, as a lady from a prominent family, to avoid being influenced by such literature. Muqiu tries to defend the books based on their popularity, but Linfeng insists that serious readers disdain them and states he "loathes" them. When Muqiu asks what he would do if the author were present, he emphatically replies he would sever ties, believing that those who appreciate such "vulgar things" are not his kind of people.
Muqiu is visibly upset by his harsh criticism of her secret passion. Jin Baiwan is internally torn about cancelling the engagement, despite telling Song Jianshan she will speak to Qu Zheng herself. Song Jianshan visits her in the kitchen, suggesting she give up the work and return with Qu Zheng. Baiwan is hesitant but insists she will discuss it with Qu Zheng, though she doesn't specify when. Song Jianshan teases her about having feelings for Qu Zheng, which she denies.
He warns her that Qu Zheng is serious and she won't be able to go back on cancelling the engagement. Baiwan maintains she will not regret it. Song Jianshan spots Qu Zheng looking for Baiwan. Baiwan quickly hides. Qu Zheng asks Jianshan if he's seen her, and Jianshan says no, hinting that perhaps Baiwan was looking for Qu Zheng. Qu Zheng says he will find her later.
Baiwan complains to Jianshan that she said she would tell Qu Zheng herself, but not necessarily right away. Jianshan jokes he cannot help them reconcile. As Qu Zheng and Jianshan depart, Baiwan admits to herself that she might indeed like him. An attendant is sent to the kitchen to summon Jin Baiwan, stating Lord Qu wishes to see her. Baiwan goes, anticipating a conversation about their engagement.
However, Qu Zheng introduces her as the pastry cook and begins complaining about the pastries she made, calling them "chewy" and "too hard," claiming Song Jianshan nearly broke a tooth. Baiwan is confused, asking if this is the reason he called her. He confirms it playfully, suggesting she expected him to discuss "that matter." He notes she looks thinner and asks if the kitchen work is difficult.
As she tries to leave, he stops her, asking why she keeps avoiding him and suggesting she will continue to hide until the engagement is resolved. Baiwan denies hiding, reminding him he said the decision was hers and she is waiting to give him her answer. He accuses her of trying to delay. She comments on waiting for her Miss to arrive.
While they are speaking, Su Zhuozhuo approaches Qu Zheng, revealing she knows his marriage contract with Jin Baiwan is fake. She confesses her long-standing feelings for him and admits she secured the investigation task to be close to him, asking him to consider her now. Jin Baiwan overhears this conversation and is hurt. Jin Muqiu and her group arrive in Taoyuan Town.
Her father remarks on the town's prosperity, informing her that she will become the "first lady in charge" upon marrying Yu Linfeng, overseeing a large portion of the valley's assets. Muqiu expresses her wish to simply continue writing her novels. Her father agrees, provided she keeps it secret from Yu Linfeng.
He recalls being astonished by her writing talent in the past and, despite initially urging her to stop writing now that she is marrying, relents when she calls it her only hobby, though he warns that Yu Linfeng will not be as understanding as he is. Suddenly, one of her dowry boxes tips over, scattering numerous books. Servants quickly work to cover and collect them, trying to prevent others from seeing.
Yu Linfeng arrives and expresses surprise at the large number of books, assuming she is a passionate reader. Muqiu and her father appear flustered and start sweating. When Linfeng asks why they are sweating, Muqiu attributes it to nervousness about meeting his parents, confirming his suggestion. Yu Linfeng reassures her, describing his parents as kind and noting that his mother shares her interests in arts, anticipating they will get along well. Muqiu remains anxious about meeting his parents.
News circulates that Steward Wang has beaten Qi. Steward Wang believed Qi was responsible for his fall the previous night, which resulted in a waist injury, and gathered servants to assault him. Qi is seen returning with a bleeding hand from the beating. Jin Baiwan hurries to his side, feeling guilty as she knows her actions caused the fall.
Qi dismisses her concern, but Baiwan insists his injury is her fault because Steward Wang punished him in retaliation for something she did. She promises to find medicine for his hand.
