Love in Flames of War Episode 27 Recap
> Love in Flames of War Recap
After Kang Jingxiong discovered Mu Zizheng's true identity, he brought him before Jin Cheng. Jin Cheng was furious, exclaiming, "Mu Zizheng! What an ungrateful man you are! How have I been treating you? When you were in trouble, I took you in! I even adopted you as my godson. But what are you? A spy sent by the Youth Association." Jin Cheng reminded Mu Zizheng that he had previously attempted to assassinate him in the Xiao Residence.
Mu Zizheng, in turn, exposed Kang Jingxiong's illicit activities, stating that Kang was transporting opium for the Japanese, colluding with them in the dark, building munitions factories, and exploiting Chinese civilians in labor camps. Mu Zizheng warned Jin Cheng that by being connected with Kang, he would sooner or later become a "forever cursed" sinner.
Jin Cheng retorted that he already knew about Kang Jingxiong's actions—all of which he had tacitly approved—and that all he cared about was Mu Zizheng's betrayal and his being a spy. Jin Cheng declared that a spy like Mu Zizheng should be executed brutally, but since everyone knew Mu Zizheng was his godson, he would allow him to die with dignity. He threw a gun at Mu Zizheng, ordering him to kill himself.
At that critical moment, Jin Rouke rushed in, pleading with her father, Jin Cheng, to spare Mu Zizheng's life, reminding him that Mu Zizheng had once saved their lives. Jin Cheng dismissed this, saying it wasn't enough to forgive a spy. Jin Rouke then confessed her love for Mu Zizheng, asserting that if Jin Cheng killed him, he would also lose her, his only daughter.
She reminded her father that she had always strived to be his "facade" and that he would regret her loss. Mu Zizheng, who had always regarded Jin Rouke as a sister, did not want her to make such a sacrifice. He kowtowed to both Jin Cheng and Jin Rouke, then picked up the gun, intending to take his own life. Jin Rouke desperately tried to stop him, but the gun, to everyone's surprise, was empty.
Jin Cheng revealed that allowing Mu Zizheng to live was his repayment for saving their lives, but from that moment on, Mu Zizheng would have no ties to the Jin family and would no longer receive their protection. Jin Cheng then ordered Jin Rouke to leave, threatening to kill Mu Zizheng if she uttered another word. Meanwhile, Lin Hangjing, upon hearing her father, Lin Tangsheng, coughing intensely, rushed to his room.
Lin Tangsheng reassured her he was fine, attributing his weakness to his long years in prison. He declined her offer to call a doctor, mentioning he was old and merely suffering from minor illnesses. Lin Hangjing suggested getting him some pear with rock sugar she had stewed, and he agreed. After Lin Hangjing left, Xiao Beichen entered, noticing Lin Tangsheng coughing up blood. Xiao Beichen asked if he still intended to hide the truth from Lin Hangjing.
Lin Tangsheng reminded him of their agreement: he had only come to see his daughter one last time, as his time was running out. He expressed relief that Lin Hangjing had Xiao Beichen by her side. Xiao Beichen promised to care for and protect Lin Hangjing all his life, a promise Lin Tangsheng believed. Lin Tangsheng then said he was tired and wished to rest alone.
A flashback revealed that six months prior, Xiao Beichen had urged Lin Tangsheng, whose illness was treatable, to go to Haidu for medical attention. Lin Tangsheng initially refused, but Xiao Beichen persuaded him, saying he should try for Lin Hangjing's sake. Lin Tangsheng agreed, but made Xiao Beichen promise not to disclose his condition to Lin Hangjing, fearing it would upset her.
In a more recent flashback, doctors informed Xiao Beichen that Lin Tangsheng's tumor had worsened too quickly, and they had done everything they could. Despite Xiao Beichen's desire to seek other doctors in Beixin City, Lin Tangsheng felt it was futile, lamenting that doctors had "signed his death warrant" and thanking Xiao Beichen for his tireless care.
Xiao Beichen then convinced him to return to see Lin Hangjing, emphasizing that after waiting six years, failing to reunite with her father would be her life's greatest regret. Lin Tangsheng finally agreed to return for one last visit. Mu Zizheng met with Yong from his organization, reiterating his innocence. Yong acknowledged Mu Zizheng's integrity but questioned how he would explain to the organization that Jin Cheng spared him despite his cover being blown.
Mu Zizheng, feeling distrusted, offered his life to prove his loyalty, asking Yong to shoot him. Yong, however, suspended Mu Zizheng's work and advised him to settle down and remain hidden for his safety. Alone, Mu Zizheng expressed his bitterness, feeling that despite risking his life repeatedly, he still lacked their trust.
Xiao Beichen, in a conversation with Mo Weiyi, learned that Jin Cheng and Kang Jingxiong had departed, and Jin Rouke had interceded for Mu Zizheng after his identity was exposed. Xiao Beichen remarked that Jin Rouke was a passionate woman who had placed her trust in the wrong person. Later, a despondent Mu Zizheng wandered the streets.
He witnessed a wealthy man humiliating and beating another man over a woman, declaring that the poor man was "far inferior" and should "lick the mud" from his shoes, claiming it was "fate." Identifying with the victim's powerlessness, Mu Zizheng intervened but was severely beaten himself. Left lying in the rain, he was approached by Zheng Fengqi.
She advised him that "blaming heaven and man is of no help," and that he needed allies to compete with Xiao Beichen for Lin Hangjing's affection. Zheng Fengqi then took him to meet a Japanese man. The man congratulated Mu Zizheng on his new freedom from both Jin Cheng and the Youth Association, suggesting he could "make a difference in a new world." Mu Zizheng questioned their motives. The man proposed cooperation for mutual benefit.
Mu Zizheng, feeling useless and without value, rejected the offer, stating he had nothing and was not interested in their "business." As Mu Zizheng left, Sato emerged from behind a curtain, telling his subordinate that Mu Zizheng would eventually cooperate. Sato observed that "everyone has puzzles of fear and desire," and by finding Mu Zizheng's "lost piece," they could control him.
He added that just as Zheng Fengqi was a good example of someone working for them, Mu Zizheng, who needed a chance for a comeback, would "agree to cooperate." Back at the Xiao Mansion, Lin Hangjing was dismayed to hear that Lin Tangsheng planned to return tomorrow, claiming his school had renewed his contract. She expressed her reluctance for him to leave so soon. Madam Qi suggested he wait for Xiao Haishan's return.
Xiao Beichen echoed Lin Hangjing's sentiment, urging Lin Tangsheng to spend a few more days with his daughter. Lin Tangsheng relented, promising to stay one more day. The next day, Lin Hangjing took her father to a tailor shop. She happily picked out Soviet wool fabric for him, explaining its warmth and moisture-absorbing qualities would be good for the damp Southern winters, promising to mail the finished garment to him.
Lin Tangsheng, though appearing somber, told her he liked anything she chose. Outside the shop, he bought her a candied hawthorn skewer, telling her, "However old you are, in my eyes, you're always a little girl." Lin Hangjing, reluctant for him to leave, asked him to promise to visit her again after his work was done. He promised. She then asked him to tell her a story, just like when she was little.
Lin Tangsheng began recounting "Katie's Gift," about a merchant father who brought gifts to his beloved daughter, Katie, after every trip. The first was a music box, then a pair of dance shoes. He concluded the story by explaining that the last gift, a branch, was brought by a friend because Katie's father would never return, and the branch was meant to be planted and grow, a way for him to accompany his daughter forever.
As Lin Hangjing drifted to sleep in his arms, Lin Tangsheng quietly wept. Lin Hangjing awoke the next morning to find her father's body cold and unresponsive. Panicked, she called for a doctor, who gravely announced that Lin Tangsheng had passed away. Lin Hangjing vehemently denied it, protesting that he was fine just last night, telling her stories.
The doctor explained that Lin Tangsheng had suffered from a severe lung disease for years, exacerbated by his time in prison, and had been "struggling to live." He offered his condolences. Lin Hangjing was inconsolable, refusing to accept that her father, who had only just returned after six years of her longing, could leave her so soon. During the funeral, a grief-stricken Xiao Beichen vowed to the deceased Lin Tangsheng that he would fulfill his promises.
Elsewhere, Zheng Fengqi received news that Lin Tangsheng had been released from prison six months prior and had been living in a private nursing home, where Xiao Beichen frequently visited him. Realizing Xiao Beichen had known about Lin Tangsheng's condition all along, Zheng Fengqi congratulated her subordinate for the "good job" and rewarded her with a small house. Reflecting on the success of her film, she quoted her favorite line from it, "After your heart is broken, you see devils everywhere."
