Love in Flames of War Episode 30 Recap
> Love in Flames of War Recap
Gossip about Lin Hangjing’s pregnancy being illegitimate runs rampant throughout the Xiao family. The maid Xiu tells Lin Hangjing that Xiao Shuyi has been openly declaring her baby a “bastard” conceived with “another man.” While a furious Jin Xiang attempts to defend Lin Hangjing against other maids spreading these rumors, Lin Hangjing states that she only cares about her baby being healthy and with her, dismissing the cruel gossip.
Zheng Fengqi visits Lin Hangjing, expressing false remorse for not helping her escape earlier and for the danger Lin Hangjing incurred. She then reveals she has located Mu Zizheng’s mother and arranged for her care and financial support, a gesture that deeply moves Lin Hangjing. Seizing the opportunity, Zheng Fengqi tries to persuade Lin Hangjing to forgive Xiao Beichen, reminding her that she is carrying his child.
However, Lin Hangjing firmly asserts that she cannot return to how things were with Xiao Beichen. As Zheng Fengqi leaves, she subtly kicks a pebble from a flowerpot onto the stairs. Moments later, Lin Hangjing accidentally trips on the pebble, falls, and experiences severe abdominal pain, causing a fright. Xiao Rong quickly informs Xiao Beichen, who rushes back to the residence.
The doctor confirms that Lin Hangjing showed signs of a miscarriage due to the fall, but fortunately, the baby is saved, and she will need several days of rest and medication for her physical weakness and low spirits. After hearing the news, Xiao Beichen promptly leaves. Madam Qi confronts him, acknowledging his continued suspicion but reminding him that he knows Lin Hangjing’s character best.
She states that true trust means believing in someone even when everyone else doubts them, urging him to be present for Lin Hangjing during her vulnerable pregnancy and to avoid future regret. Distraught, Xiao Beichen seeks solace at Luminous Jade. Zhao Banqu offers him drinks and observes Xiao Beichen’s inner struggle, understanding his dilemma of not wanting the baby but being unable to lose Lin Hangjing.
Zhao Banqu advises him that while no one can make this decision for him, his heart has already made a choice, urging him to "choose what you love, and love what you choose." Meanwhile, Du Heng receives a letter confirming his approval as a probationary member of the Communist Party. The letter instructs him to continue strengthening the Party's presence within the Ying Army.
It also addresses his suggestion of recruiting Xiao Beichen, cautioning that while he is a potential asset, his warlord background necessitates a gradual approach to avoid rushing the transformation of old ideologies. Back at the Xiao residence, Xiu brings Lin Hangjing a dose of abortion-preventing medicine. Lin Hangjing immediately suspects Xiao Beichen's involvement and, recalling his previous threat, violently throws the medicine, smashing the bowl.
Xiao Rong rushes in, distraught, explaining that the medicine is genuine and specifically for her severe weakness and low spirits, containing rare, expensive century-old dried tangerine that Xiao Beichen personally sourced from Xinhui. He reveals Xiao Beichen's instruction to keep his involvement a secret, fearing her refusal. Lin Hangjing, however, adamantly refuses to consume anything from Xiao Beichen, dismissing both Xiao Rong and Xiu.
Despite her refusal, Xiao Beichen instructs Xiao Rong to continue sending the medicine and to closely monitor her diet. Xiao Shuyi enthusiastically prepares gifts for Shen Yanqing, then confronts Xiao Beichen for ignoring her. She reminds him that Shen Yanqing, a childhood friend and his lifesaver, is back and presses him to invite Shen Yanqing to the residence. Xiao Beichen relents and agrees. The next day, Xiao Beichen warmly welcomes Shen Yanqing, and they reminisce.
During dinner, Xiao Shuyi, in an effort to impress Shen Yanqing, serves her homemade stewed beef brisket, giving him a large portion of meat while Xiao Beichen gets mostly potatoes. Xiao Beichen asks Shen Yanqing about his romantic life abroad. Shen Yanqing explains his dedication to the newspaper industry left no time for personal relationships, and he hasn't met anyone he truly loves.
He describes his ideal woman as someone "not gaudy, not snobbish, not following the fashion blindly, but having a moral integrity," who is "most respectable and lovely," a description that causes Xiao Beichen to suppress a smile. Xiao Shuyi, misunderstanding, invites Shen Yanqing to stay, offering to cook for him. Shen Yanqing gently declines, revealing he is only in Beixin to handle family properties and will soon return to Europe to settle, crushing Xiao Shuyi's hopes.
Later, Xu Zijun calls Xiao Beichen, worried about Xiao Shuyi’s affections for Shen Yanqing. Xiao Beichen reassures him that Xiao Shuyi is "not the kind of girl Yanqing likes" and they "are not right for each other." Xiao Beichen then tells a disheartened Xu Zijun that he and Xiao Shuyi are like "stars," seemingly close but "never reachable." Undeterred, Xiao Shuyi takes Shen Yanqing on a rickshaw tour of Beixin City, where they recall shared childhood memories.
She playfully asks who is cuter, her or her childhood cat "Spotted Fatty," to which Shen Yanqing replies, "You both are lovely." After Xiao Shuyi sprains her ankle, Shen Yanqing helps her back to the Xiao residence. There, she boldly confesses her deep affection, stating she has waited years for him and begging him to stay for her.
A flustered Shen Yanqing gently rejects her, explaining that their long separation means they don't truly know each other, and that "this is not like kids playing game." He views her feelings as mere childhood nostalgia, not love, and tells her they "are really not right for each other," advising her not to "waste time on me." Despite his clear refusal, Xiao Shuyi vows to "always wait for you."
The doctor examines Lin Hangjing, assuring her the baby is fine but expressing concern that her recent low spirits and weak physical state might affect the baby's development. He proposes weekly intravenous infusions to stabilize her mood and strengthen her body. Meanwhile, Xiao Beichen, concerned about Lin Hangjing's well-being, has Xiao Rong deliver a meticulously prepared plum syrup, simmered for twelve hours.
Xiao Rong discreetly informs Jin Xiang that Xiao Beichen stands outside Lin Hangjing’s room every night, waiting until her lights are off, looking heartbroken, and asks Jin Xiang to convey Xiao Beichen’s sincerity. Jin Xiang brings the plum syrup to Lin Hangjing, who initially welcomes it, but her demeanor instantly changes when Jin Xiang reveals it was sent by Xiao Beichen.
Jin Xiang attempts to persuade Lin Hangjing by detailing Xiao Beichen's consistent efforts and secret care, but Lin Hangjing remains resolute. She declares that "between husband and wife, the most important thing is trust," and since Xiao Beichen "has never trusted me," their relationship is "only a torture for both of us." She then dismisses Jin Xiang and retires for the night. While tidying Lin Hangjing's desk, Jin Xiang discovers a list of baby names, all bearing the surname Xiao.
Moved by this, Jin Xiang takes Lin Hangjing to the courtyard. There, Lin Hangjing sees Xiao Beichen meticulously handcrafting a cockhorse. Jin Xiang explains that Xiao Beichen personally selected the finest materials and has been dedicatedly working on it for days, which deeply touches Lin Hangjing. Concurrently, Xiao Shuyi brings Shen Yanqing to a bridal shop, proudly showing off a wedding dress she has prepared. She asks him to try on a matching suit she selected for him.
Shen Yanqing gently refuses, explaining that such attire is reserved for a couple who are about to marry. Undeterred, Xiao Shuyi dramatically kneels before him in the crowded shop and declares, "I, Xiao Shuyi, want to propose to you!" The public spectacle draws many onlookers. Mortified and flustered, Shen Yanqing urges her to get up, stating that love "can't be forced," and quickly makes his escape, leaving a determined Xiao Shuyi behind.
