Love in Flames of War Episode 36 Recap
> Love in Flames of War Recap
Sheng Hanjun approached the hotel front desk to exchange a record, requesting Beethoven's Violin Concerto. Meanwhile, the assessment committee had concluded its review of the port construction plans. Xiao Beichen, appearing weary from his efforts, instructed Xu Zijun to seal the final report and personally safeguard it. Sheng Hanjun then brought him ginger tea to ward off the cold, which he consumed without hesitation, though he secretly anticipated her next move.
Later, she quietly entered his room, confirmed he was in a deep slumber, and retrieved the sealed report. Inside, she discovered a critical document from the Institute of Geology, highlighting Gu Qiwen. Mo Weiyi, who had been discreetly observing Sheng Hanjun, later informed Xiao Beichen that she had indeed mixed an anti-allergic drug into his medicine, inducing deep sleep. Xiao Beichen admitted he was aware of her actions but had deliberately played along.
He had already deciphered the coded message she transmitted through the music. Concluding that Shen Yanqing and Sheng Hanjun harbored ulterior motives, Xiao Beichen ordered an increase in security around Gu Qiwen. Shortly after, Gu Qiwen suffered a heart attack and was rushed to Jihe Hospital. Xiao Beichen instructed Mo Weiyi and Xu Zijun to remain at the hotel to ensure safety, while he departed for the hospital alone.
At the hospital, an assassin disguised as a doctor attempted to kill Gu Qiwen. Xiao Beichen arrived just in time, engaged the fake doctor in a brief conversation about the proper medical specializations for coronary heart disease, then left. Once Xiao Beichen was out of sight, the impostor made a second attempt on Gu Qiwen's life. However, one of Shen Yanqing's operatives intervened, shooting the assassin and escaping through a window.
Xiao Beichen, hearing the gunshot, rushed back to the hospital, but the operative was nowhere to be found. Subsequent investigations revealed that the Japanese were responsible for the assassination attempt, having tampered with Gu Qiwen's medication. Sato, facing the failure of his mission and receiving intelligence that "Migrant Bird," a high-ranking CPC underground operative, had secretly entered Beixin, decided it was time to activate "Copper Sparrow."
Mo Weiyi deduced that Sheng Hanjun's associate had likely saved Gu Qiwen, suggesting their objective was also the Japanese, though the specific power they represented remained unknown. Concurrently, Yong Ge cautiously answered a knock at his door to find a very much alive Mu Zizheng, who had been presumed dead. Yong Ge warmly welcomed him, praising his successful assassination of traitor He Zhongyi.
He then carefully disclosed information about Shen Yanqing's wife, Sheng Hanjun, and her involvement in the Beixin Port bidding, urging Mu Zizheng to remain composed. At the Xiao residence, Xiao Haishan and Xiao Beichen discussed military matters. Madam Qi brought them fish maw and chicken soup and mentioned the arrival of teachers from St. Paul's School for Girls, who were part of a European travelogue writers' group.
Elsewhere, Sato played chess with Zheng Fengqi, confidently stating that Xiao Beichen had already fallen into a meticulously planned trap concerning the port, despite the Japanese bid being rejected. Shen Yanqing and Sheng Hanjun confirmed that the Xiao family was not collaborating with the Japanese and had not secretly granted port construction rights. They observed Xiao Beichen's deep-seated animosity towards the Japanese, concluding that while his background hindered revolutionary consciousness, he remained a potential ally.
Their superior had instructed them to assist the Family Han in securing the port, recognizing its critical strategic value in the event of war. Sheng Hanjun expressed concern that Sato, given his ruthless actions against Gu Qiwen, would not easily relinquish his pursuit of the port, emphasizing the need for unwavering vigilance.
In a separate discussion, Kang Jingxiong advised Jin Cheng to bypass the central government and sign a Mutual Prosperity Agreement directly with the Japanese, promising consistent financial support for military expansion and equipment without future concerns. Jin Cheng, however, appeared to remain uncertain. Later, while strolling, Sheng Hanjun sprained her ankle. Xiao Beichen, who happened to be nearby, offered her a ride and thoughtfully stopped to purchase effective drugs for traumatic injuries from Meng's Clinic.
While waiting in the car, Sheng Hanjun spotted Mu Zizheng in the crowd. Overcome with emotion, she quickly exited the vehicle and limped towards him to confirm his identity. When Xiao Beichen returned, Sheng Hanjun quickly regained her composure, explaining she had merely gone to buy a sugar-coated figurine for Shen Ke. Xiao Beichen's gaze met Mu Zizheng's in a charged moment. Mu Zizheng approached, and Sheng Hanjun greeted him calmly.
He appeared unsurprised, simply noting her striking resemblance to a friend he once knew. Shen Yanqing's investigation revealed that Mu Zizheng had not perished five years prior but was rescued after falling into the water. Upon returning to Beixin and learning of Lin Hangjing's death in a guesthouse fire, he had endured a prolonged period of depression before eventually taking up undercover work at the YMCA.
Lin Hangjing felt immense relief knowing he was alive but decided against revealing her true identity, believing it best to let the past remain, particularly given Mu Zizheng's responsibilities to his mother. Earlier, after being shot and falling into the water, Mu Zizheng had been rescued. Upon his return to Beixin, Yong Ge tragically informed him of Lin Hangjing's death in a guesthouse fire. Enraged, Mu Zizheng confronted Xiao Beichen, accusing him of causing Lin Hangjing's demise and replacing her.
He vowed to avenge her. Xiao Beichen, in turn, challenged Mu Zizheng, asserting he could not kill him and provocatively stating that Mu Zizheng's life was owed to Lin Hangjing, daring him to stay alive so he could eventually seek retribution. Mu Zizheng, alone in his sorrow, lamented that Xiao Beichen had killed Lin Hangjing and found a substitute, firmly reiterating his commitment to avenge her. Xiao Beichen later surprised Sheng Hanjun by taking her to a literary exchange meeting.
He informed her that a group of British travelogue writers were attending, including her former writing teacher, Ms. Evan. Sheng Hanjun expressed genuine surprise and delight, noting she had not seen Ms. Evan since relocating to Shanghai with Shen Yanqing. Xiao Beichen referenced a Chinese proverb about the profound bond between teacher and student, encouraging her to reconnect.
When Sheng Hanjun suggested buying a gift for Ms. Evan, Xiao Beichen revealed he had already prepared a beautiful calligraphic scroll of classical Chinese poetry, knowing Ms. Evan's academic interests. Later, at the event, Sheng Hanjun deliberately spilled coffee on a hotel staff member as a distraction.
During the ensuing commotion, Sheng Hanjun discreetly asked a passing lady to call a specific number and relay a message: the recipient's wife had forgotten her masquerade mask and urgently needed him to send it to her.
