A Lonely Hero's Journey Episode 31 Recap
> A Lonely Hero's Journey Recap
Gu Yizhong received a newspaper, and his fingertips briefly touched Xiao Ruotong's. He quickly withdrew his hand. Xiao Ruotong expressed how she missed him every minute and every second. Faced with her deep affection, Gu Yizhong remained silent, knowing he could not respond due to his identity.
He explained that he had made a solemn promise to someone who saved his life and must keep it, stating that they must fight without concern for themselves as the country was on the brink of survival. Elsewhere, Zhou Zhifei held a collection of poems given to him by Wang Mingzhong, but he struggled to understand its meaning. He decided to use their childhood friendship to try and influence Wang Mingzhong. They had known each other since they were young.
Zhou Zhifei recalled his stepfather often beat him after his mother remarried, and during those times, Wang Mingzhong's mother would invite him over and cook for him, which he deeply remembered. By reminding Wang Mingzhong of this old kindness, Zhou Zhifei hoped to elicit some cooperation. Seeing Wang Mingzhong's severely injured state, Zhou Zhifei was furious. He ordered his subordinates to find a doctor immediately and took Wang Mingzhong to his office, where food and drink had been prepared.
At the office, Zhou Zhifei expressed concern and asked Wang Mingzhong about his injuries. He then spoke of their past and the difficulties of his childhood, referencing their visit to a Mr. Xu who survived the Hundred Days' Reform by "going with the flow," a philosophy that had guided Zhou Zhifei for over twenty years. He said that as long as one is alive, there is hope.
Zhou Zhifei then revealed he knew Wang Mingzhong was in Suzhou to meet a Communist operative code-named "Lonely Boat." He appealed to their old friendship and his gratitude for Wang Mingzhong's mother's help, promising Wang Mingzhong safe passage if he provided the contact information, location, and password for "Lonely Boat." Wang Mingzhong, however, remained evasive, claiming to be just a small businessman and not understanding what Zhou Zhifei was talking about.
Increasingly frustrated, Zhou Zhifei lost his temper and flipped the table. At that moment, Luo Wuqiang arrived with his men, surrounding the location and demanding Wang Mingzhong's release. Kondo Masao was informed and, despite hearing that Wang Mingzhong was suspected of being a Communist intelligence head, ordered Zhou Zhifei to release him to avoid escalating the situation. Under pressure from his superior's order and his own desire for information, Zhou Zhifei ultimately conceded.
As Wang Mingzhong was about to leave, Zhou Zhifei lunged to snatch the poetry collection from his hand, believing it contained hidden information. In the struggle, Wang Mingzhong was killed. To cover up the death, Zhou Zhifei immediately claimed Wang Mingzhong was mistakenly shot by a subordinate and publicly executed the subordinate as a form of accountability to Luo Wuqiang.
On their way out of No. 90, Luo Wuqiang and his entourage were ambushed by Japanese Military Police outside the Chang Gate. Just as they were in peril, Gu Yizhong and Six Brother arrived. Gu Yizhong handed Luo Wuqiang detailed intelligence regarding the Japanese "Wu Plan," scheduled for 2 a. m. the next day, aimed at forcing Luo Wuqiang's division to surrender their weapons.
Six Brother selflessly chose to provide cover, telling Gu Yizhong to take Commander Luo and complete the mission while he held off the Japanese soldiers. Six Brother was killed heroically in the exchange of fire, ensuring Gu Yizhong and Luo Wuqiang's escape. Kondo Masao was informed that Luo Wuqiang had apparently escaped the ambush.
He immediately issued a stern order to the Japanese Military Police Captain, Sall Well: Luo Wuqiang must not escape Suzhou, demanding he be found alive or dead. The Captain confidently replied that the city's exits were all blocked with checkpoints, making escape impossible. Zhou Zhifei learned of Luo Wuqiang being attacked and called Mr. Li to report. Mr. Li was enraged, calling the Japanese incompetent for causing trouble instead of preventing it.
Zhou Zhifei also mentioned hearing that Lyuzhu's car was seen entering Luo Wuqiang's barracks in Changshu, assuming she had been taken hostage. Meanwhile, Gu Yizhong sought help from Lyuzhu to borrow her car to get Luo Wuqiang out of the city. Lyuzhu playfully suggested Gu Yizhong spend the night with her as a condition, finding his awkwardness amusing. Ultimately, Lyuzhu agreed to help. She arranged for Gao Hu to drive her car to assist Luo Wuqiang's escape.
Before Luo Wuqiang left, Lyuzhu kissed him on the cheek, joking that the lipstick mark would be his protective charm. Gao Hu drove them towards the Qi Gate. When stopped by the guards, Lyuzhu had instructed Gao Hu to say that Mr. Li urgently needed to leave the city tonight. The guards, seeing the lipstick mark on Luo Wuqiang's face and recognizing the car, mistook him for Mr. Li and let them through.
Luo Wuqiang and Gu Yizhong successfully used Lyuzhu's car to leave Suzhou. Separately, Lu Junnuo, accompanied by Bingmei and Company Commander Meng, also attempted to leave Suzhou. After the ambush at Chang Gate, they learned that other city gates were also blocked due to the curfew after 8 p. m. and roadblocks. Company Commander Meng suggested trying the Pan Gate water city gate as small boats could pass at night. However, before they reached Pan Gate, they were stopped.
Luo Wuqiang returned to his headquarters in Changshu and was greeted by his soldiers. He learned that 67 officers and soldiers from the Guard Company had sacrificed themselves to save him during the ambush outside Suzhou. He told his men it was not the time for immediate revenge but for preparation.
He issued orders, directing the Twenty-first Independent Brigade towards Kunshan for defense against the expected Japanese advance under the "Wu Plan," ordering the Ninety-eighth and 99th Regiments to support them, and the 101st Regiment and the Guards Regiment to strengthen defenses in Changshu against attack from Shanghai. He declared to his division that they would never surrender their weapons while they were alive.
He also instructed his staff to immediately contact Director Lin Guoping of the New Fourth Army's 6th Division by radio. Following these events, Mr. Li received a phone call from Luo Wuqiang. Luo Wuqiang confirmed his safe return to Changshu and asked about Lu Junnuo, confirming his concern for her safety. Mr. Li confirmed that he knew about the situation.
Later, speaking with Zhou Zhifei, Mr. Li revealed that Lu Junnuo was under his control and had been watched by two special operations groups from No. 76. He corrected Zhou Zhifei, stating that Luo Wuqiang was concerned about Lu Junnuo's safety, indicating they could still use her as leverage. Mr. Li ordered Zhou Zhifei to personally guard Lu Junnuo at Lyuzhu's house and ensure she does not leave.
Separately, Zhou Zhifei spoke with someone else, confirming Six Brother's death and Xiao Ruotong's disappearance, having searched for her all night, noting how difficult it was to leave the city. Lu Junnuo is shown at Lyuzhu's house, speaking to the guards, confirming that she is being held there and cannot make calls without permission from Mr. Li, effectively under house arrest.
