Love in Flames of War Episode 35 Recap
> Love in Flames of War Recap
Sheng Hanjun, who never works overtime, left punctually for David's birthday party. Xiao Beichen was also there, having received an invitation from David. At the party, David, delighted by her presence, hailed her as "Caroline, queen of the ball." Although initially hesitant, citing a previous all-night dance, Sheng Hanjun relented, performing a dance for the birthday celebration. Her graceful movements captivated onlookers, causing Xiao Beichen to gaze at her intently.
Later, he found her in the courtyard, massaging her tired feet. She recounted the sacrifices and injuries she endured for dance, including bleeding toes from ballet, calluses, and a past incident where she stepped on glass splinters during a school performance. Xiao Beichen, observing her intently, commented that she had "let herself get hurt a lot" to evade him. He then invited her to dance, and she accepted. They danced intimately, her bare feet placed on his shoes.
As Xiao Beichen drew closer, Sheng Hanjun, noting his intoxication, gently pulled away, suggesting he rest. He then helped her put on her high heels, reiterating that he would patiently "wait for the day when she is ready to come to him." Meanwhile, Zheng Fengqi continued her investigation into Sheng Hanjun and Shen Yanqing. Her subordinate reported that servants at the Shen residence confirmed Sheng Hanjun and Shen Yanqing were indeed a married couple with a child.
However, Zheng Fengqi dismissed this as mere coincidence, trusting her "sixth sense" that the woman was Lin Hangjing. Convinced that no one could completely conceal their true identity, she ordered her agents to maintain close surveillance, anticipating that a person pretending to be someone else would eventually show flaws.
Later that day, Xiao Beichen, Mo Weiyi, and Xu Zijun were on their way to a dinner engagement with Mr. Bai, who had brought Uncle Xiao in an attempt to influence the Beixin Port project. Recognizing it as a "purposive dinner," Xiao Beichen abruptly decided not to attend. He instructed Mo Weiyi and Xu Zijun to go in his stead, assuring them of their drinking capacity, and then ordered his driver to return to East Camp.
Back at East Camp, Sheng Hanjun waited until the office was deserted before discreetly entering Xiao Beichen's office. She accessed his safe, examining its contents, which included letters from Nanjing rather than the anticipated Mutual Prosperity Agreement. Before Xiao Beichen's unexpected return, she meticulously restored everything to its original state and resumed her pretense of diligent work. Xiao Beichen, seeing her light on late at night, expressed surprise.
He explained his premature departure from the dinner, deeming it a tedious gathering of sycophants. He praised her dedication, though subtly hinting at his awareness of her sophisticated writing style, which he claimed was on par with Chinese-educated poets. Sheng Hanjun maintained her facade, assuring him she would complete all translations for the next day's assessment. Suddenly, the power failed due to a short circuit. In the confusion, Xiao Beichen cut his hand on some glass.
Sheng Hanjun, noticing his injury, fetched iodine tincture from his cupboard and carefully bandaged his hand. As Sheng Hanjun left East Camp, a heavy rain began. Xiao Beichen offered her a ride, but Shen Yanqing arrived to pick her up, concerned she might catch a cold. Xiao Beichen observed them, remarking on Shen Yanqing being a "good husband." Shen Yanqing arranged a meeting with Xiao Beichen at Hua Xing Hotel for the following morning.
Inside the car, Sheng Hanjun quickly informed Shen Yanqing that the safe did not contain the "Mutual Prosperity Agreement," only letters from Nanjing which she had no time to read. Shen Yanqing stressed the critical need to prevent Japanese control over Beixin and obtain the list of companies shortlisted for the port project before the bidding selection concludes, to effectively deploy counter-actions.
He also planned to use media influence to highlight the port's strategic importance and the necessity of fair competition, alongside an in-depth analysis of strikes against Japanese companies to pressure Xiao Beichen. The next day, during the assessment meeting, an official announced the commencement of a two-week closed-door review to select eight companies for the next round, with all details to be publicly disclosed.
Concerns were raised by Professor Wang regarding Yamato Co., Ltd.'s proposal, specifically about potential waterway siltation and rock erosion, which led to significant debate among the assessors. Following the meeting, Xiao Beichen informed Sheng Hanjun that all assessment sessions would be entirely enclosed, requiring participants to reside at Hua Xing Hotel to prevent any information leaks.
When Xu Zijun feigned forgetting to relay this information earlier, Xiao Beichen highlighted that media, including Shen Yanqing, were closely scrutinizing the process, implying Sheng Hanjun should abide by the rules. Upon arriving at Hua Xing Hotel, Sheng Hanjun was shown her room, noting that its windows were sealed for security. She mentioned needing to call her husband to send her luggage.
Xiao Beichen then presented her with a selection of clothes, explaining they were from his late wife's tailor, chosen in her preferred styles. Sheng Hanjun, while acknowledging his "thoughtfulness," politely stated her preference for "dresses" for comfort, and Xiao Beichen promised to arrange more. She then mentioned needing to inform her husband and child, but Xiao Beichen revealed he had already spoken with Shen Yanqing, who "quite understood and supported the closed-door assessment process."
He added that his room was conveniently located next to hers should she require anything. Sheng Hanjun thanked him and requested a phonograph with a list of her favorite records. Meanwhile, Commander Xiao Haishan discussed the precarious political climate. He noted Zhang Xueliang's recent "flag replacement" and the Nanjing Government's upcoming plan to reduce local military power, which was unsettling various powerful factions.
Expressing concern about potential conflict, Xiao Haishan stated his resolve to foster common ground between Zhibei and Nanjing. Madam Qi, his wife, stood firmly by his side, reassuring him that she would support him no matter his path. Confined to Hua Xing Hotel, Sheng Hanjun fretted over how to establish contact with Shen Yanqing, recalling the critical need to obtain the bidding list. When she discovered the typewriter in her room was broken, she went to Xiao Beichen's adjacent room.
Finding his door ajar, she entered, only to encounter him fresh from a shower, his shirt open. She quickly averted her gaze, blushing, prompting Xiao Beichen to tease that she was not as "open as Western girls" as rumored. Sheng Hanjun sharply retorted that he was "more open than I expected." She then warned him that an illicit photograph of them could become a sensational headline, creating a scandal during the Beixin Port assessment.
Xiao Beichen, undeterred, challenged her, stating that in Beixin, no one would dare. Sheng Hanjun reaffirmed her deep respect for both her marriage and her work, then reiterated her actual reason for coming: to request a functional typewriter so she could complete her tasks. Xiao Beichen assured her a new one would be delivered promptly. The assessors continued their contentious debate over Yamato Co., Ltd.'s port proposal, particularly Professor Wang's arguments concerning potential waterway siltation and hillside erosion.
The following morning, as Xiao Beichen, Xu Zijun, and Mo Weiyi had breakfast, Xu Zijun remarked that Sheng Hanjun's cheongsam resembled one worn by "Miss Lin." Sheng Hanjun then approached their table, and Xiao Beichen noticed red spots on her hand. She explained that her current room, being "in the shade" and adjacent to the garden, had caused her to develop "eczema," and she believed some sun on the "winding corridor" would alleviate it.
Xiao Beichen promptly offered her the sun-facing room next to his, which she graciously accepted, although her real intention was to secure a room with a better vantage point for contacting Shen Yanqing. Meanwhile, Yoshida reported to Mr. Sato that their surveillance revealed Mo Weiyi had secretly visited the Beixin Institute of Geology to meet with Gu Qiwen. That night, a fierce thunderstorm broke out, complete with flashes of lightning and loud thunder.
Concerned, Xiao Beichen went to Sheng Hanjun's door. She answered, appearing composed and drinking red wine, claiming to have no fear of thunder and playfully suggesting he was "overly thoughtful." She then playfully told him to charge the wine she was drinking to his bill. Xiao Beichen reminded her to drink in moderation, given her work commitments.
After she closed the door, Sheng Hanjun's composure crumbled; she visibly trembled and curled into a corner, revealing her deep, unchanged fear of thunder. Unbeknownst to her, Xiao Beichen remained outside her door, silently keeping watch, his wedding ring still on his hand.
