Love in Flames of War Episode 33 Recap
> Love in Flames of War Recap
Warlord Jin Cheng, residing in his base camp of Dongping, hosted an event to commend his forces and establish his authority. He personally bestowed a medal of merit upon Xiao Beichen for his leadership in crushing Wei Zhenliang's conspiracy to annex the Zhibei region. Jin Cheng reminded everyone that despite the victory, the broader situation remained unstable, urging continued vigilance. Meanwhile, Xiao Beichen remained consumed by his grief over Lin Hangjing's disappearance five years prior.
He diligently shoveled snow in their courtyard, hoping she would one day return and not fear the slippery path. He frequently visited the bridge where they had once released sky lanterns, clinging to the memories. Five years had brought significant changes to China. The central Nanjing Government's plan to demobilize regional armies created widespread instability among the warlords. During this period, Japan's ambition to invade Chinese territory became increasingly apparent.
Xiao Beichen confronted his father, Xiao Haishan, about agreeing to the international bidding for the Beixin Port development, especially since Japan's Yamato Co., Ltd. had offered assistance and requested a fifty-year management right. Xiao Haishan argued that a port would facilitate trade and believed Commander-in-Chief Jin Cheng would not betray the nation. However, Xiao Beichen suspected Jin Cheng of illicit dealings, citing his covert arms expansion and frequent Japanese visitors, doubting the Japanese motives were purely for civilian construction.
Xiao Haishan ultimately put Xiao Beichen in charge of the international bidding. Separately, Kang Jingxiong informed Jin Cheng that Xiao Haishan had agreed to the international bidding, ensuring the Japanese military supplies and financial aid were within reach. Jin Cheng expressed his unease, calling cooperation with the Japanese a dangerous gamble and fearing historical condemnation for ceding national territory.
Kang Jingxiong pointed to Yang Gongcheng of the Cheng Army, who had signed a "Mutual Prosperity Agreement" with the Japanese, gaining significant Japanese armaments by granting railway rights. Jin Cheng, however, remained concerned about the slippery slope towards betrayal. Xiao Beichen, discussing the port development with Mo Weiyi and Xu Zijun, reiterated that while the port was necessary, they must guard against the Japanese, whose true intentions were far from simple livelihood construction.
He outlined a plan to use the Japanese's own tactics against them to disqualify them from the bidding. Mo Weiyi was put in charge of the bidding, Xu Zijun of logistics and security, and another aide was tasked with investigating all bidders' backgrounds, especially the Japanese. During a meeting, Xiao Beichen encountered Sato, who expressed Yamato Co., Ltd.'s interest in the bidding. Xiao Beichen acknowledged the company's reputation and welcomed strong contenders. It was then that Zheng Fengqi arrived.
Sato introduced her as a renowned actress from Tokyo who had returned to China for development, hoping Xiao Beichen would support her. Zheng Fengqi extended her hand, but when Xiao Beichen conspicuously ignored it, she retracted her hand and presented him with movie tickets instead. Xiao Beichen merely rose and departed. Watching him leave, Zheng Fengqi swore she would make him experience the ruin of his family and losing everything.
Sato, observing the deep hatred in Zheng Fengqi, believed it could be harnessed. He underlined that Xiao Beichen's stance was pivotal to their success in acquiring the Beixin Port's development rights, which he described as one of three crucial maritime gateways for invading North China. At home, Madam Qi expressed her sorrow over Xiao Beichen's prolonged mourning for Lin Hangjing, remarking that he had nowhere to go emotionally.
Mo Weiyi informed Xiao Beichen and Madam Qi that Shen Yanqing was on the list of invited news agencies for the bidding event. He revealed that Shen Yanqing had married Sheng Tian's granddaughter in the UK, and his wife would accompany him. Madam Qi worried about how Xiao Shuyi would take the news. Overhearing their conversation, Xiao Shuyi, though visibly saddened, asserted that she was no longer the same person she was five years ago.
She expressed a desire to attend the event to quietly observe Shen Yanqing and see what kind of woman his wife truly was. Xiao Beichen agreed. At the evening gala, various figures mingled. Xiao Beichen was a focal point. A classmate approached Xiao Shuyi, seeking her help to intercede with Xiao Beichen regarding the bidding, but Xiao Shuyi politely declined. Sato and Zheng Fengqi also attended, exchanging brief greetings with Xiao Beichen.
Mo Weiyi announced the initial list of qualified companies, which included Japanese Yamato Co., Ltd., US MJ Corporation, Yang's Construction, Hengfeng Construction, and UK Edward Construction. He then introduced the attending media, including Editor Yu of Ta Kung Pao, Editor Zhou of Hui News, and Editor Shen of The Times. Shen Yanqing then entered the hall with his wife, Sheng Hanjun. A collective gasp went through the crowd as Sheng Hanjun bore an astonishing resemblance to Lin Hangjing.
Shen Yanqing was quickly called away for other engagements. Xiao Beichen, in disbelief, pushed through the crowd, his heart pounding, and embraced Sheng Hanjun tightly, believing it was Lin Hangjing returned. Unaware guests watched in astonishment, while Zheng Fengqi and Xiao Shuyi understood the raw emotion behind his actions. Sheng Hanjun, however, firmly pushed him away, introducing herself as Sheng Hanjun, Shen Yanqing's wife.
Xu Zijun quickly intervened, pulling Xiao Beichen aside and reminding him that they were in public and any discussions should wait. Xiao Beichen, unable to accept it, followed Sheng Hanjun to a more secluded area. He pleaded with her, asking if she was indeed Lin Hangjing. He recounted how, after finding her earrings in the fire, his heart had died, yet a faint hope of her survival had sustained him until this day.
He apologized profusely for his past actions and for causing her pain, begging her not to leave him again. Sheng Hanjun, however, sternly rebuked him for his disrespect, reminding him that he was accosting his friend's wife. Shen Yanqing rushed over, interjecting that Sheng Hanjun was his wife, and therefore Xiao Beichen's sister-in-law. Enraged, Xiao Beichen punched Shen Yanqing.
Sheng Hanjun immediately stepped in front of her husband, warning Xiao Beichen that if he continued to harass them, she would file a lawsuit with the British Embassy for citizen protection and pursue the matter to the fullest extent. With that, Sheng Hanjun and Shen Yanqing left, leaving Xiao Beichen to grapple with his overwhelming emotions.
Xu Zijun and Mo Weiyi later confirmed to Madam Qi and Xiao Haishan that Sheng Hanjun did indeed look identical to Lin Hangjing, but their personalities and demeanor were entirely different. Xiao Beichen had locked himself in his room, refusing to see anyone. Xiao Shuyi was also in low spirits. Xiao Beichen ordered a thorough investigation into Sheng Hanjun's background.
The initial report revealed that Sheng Hanjun was Sheng Tian's only granddaughter, groomed from a young age to be his successor. She was proficient in English and German and had attended St Paul's Girls' School in Europe. She had lived in Europe until she met and married Shen Yanqing four years prior, with numerous public reports and a photo of them with Sheng Tian to prove it.
She had followed Shen Yanqing to Shanghai when he became Editor of The Times and was known for investing in various companies for leisure. Further records from Europe were still being retrieved. Madam Qi expressed her suspicion, feeling that something was amiss and insisted on meeting Sheng Hanjun herself. Xiao Haishan, equally curious, agreed to arrange a family feast to invite Shen Yanqing and Sheng Hanjun.
