Ace Troops Episode 28 Recap
> Ace Troops Recap
During a close-quarters combat exercise, Chinese soldiers, renowned for their jungle guerrilla tactics, found themselves unable to adapt, suffering a significant and disheartening defeat. This experience highlighted their critical deficiencies. The training profoundly broadened their horizons, exposing them to true special operations. Zheng Yuan underscored the urgency of establishing a specialized force, stating that the national army must avoid isolation and continuously learn and adapt to be fully prepared.
He reflected on how they had previously believed themselves to be unrivaled, yet had never truly seen the world, recalling Deputy Commander Xiao's adage that war is fought by those who know against those who don't. While doubting the foreign army's melee superiority over their jungle skills, he conceded their disadvantage stemmed from lack of exposure.
The foreign army instructor provided specific tactical guidance, such as sniper detection techniques and emphasized team coordination, where a leading partner ensures safety before others advance. He stressed the paramount importance of safety and mutual protection, asserting that a partner's death jeopardizes the entire team. The instructor also taught innovative methods for finding exits in seemingly inescapable situations.
The foreign army instructor expressed that a major power like China should excel in special operations and required more dedicated soldiers to continuously learn and train. Zheng Yuan then explained that although special operations originated with privileged British officers during WWII, its true essence lies in individuals, regardless of natural talent, repeatedly pushing past their limits to achieve the impossible.
Based on these insights and future operational demands, Zheng Yuan announced the expansion of the military district's Special Operation Battalion and the decision to incorporate Ninth Company into this newly formed unit. He also noted the transfer of the third Reconnaissance Company to the newly formed Hong Kong Garrison, scheduled for deployment in 1997.
Following these announcements, he presided over a farewell ceremony for the foreign army instructors, commending the soldiers for their newfound global perspective and asserting that special operations, a new military discipline, embodies the ancient virtues of valor and wisdom. Following the exercises, Gu Yiye, accompanied by Gao Liang, went to Zhangmu Station to pick up Xiu. Clutching a bouquet of wild flowers, Gu Yiye nervously scanned for the arriving train.
Gao Liang lightheartedly threatened to tease him relentlessly at the wedding, reminding Gu Yiye of a past incident where he regrettably encouraged a similar prank on a Platoon Leader. Gao Liang also observed Xiaofei's rapid growth and lively, mischievous personality, which was a stark contrast to his late father, Zhang Fei. Gu Yiye expressed his intention to share stories of Zhang Fei's heroism with Xiaofei when he was older.
As the train arrived, Xiu, although shy, gratefully accepted Gu Yiye's flowers. On their motorcycle ride back, a passing military train evoked painful memories for Xiu of Zhang Fei's departure. At the guesthouse, Xiaofei excitedly jumped onto the bed with his shoes on. Gao Liang intervened, taking Xiaofei outside to play, allowing Gu Yiye and Xiu privacy.
Xiu apologized for the modest accommodation, which had been specially arranged by the regiment leaders, but Gu Yiye reassured her, and Xiu appreciated Li Shaobing's efforts in securing the room. Xiu then excused herself to get some fruit, leaving them alone to talk.
During their private conversation, Xiu, feeling anxious and inadequate, thanked Gu Yiye for his care over the years but confessed that she believed she was not worthy of him, stating that without Xiaofei, their paths would never have crossed as they belonged to different worlds. She pledged to be a good partner and offered to leave with Xiaofei if she ever became a burden. Gu Yiye, however, countered that her presence was a source of comfort to him.
He openly spoke about his past relationship with Jiang Nanzheng, admitting that he initially believed they were a perfect match but later realized his own self-absorption. He described how he was raised to be tough and driven by distant goals, often neglecting those closest to him. Their separation motivated him to change, to be more present and compassionate. He asserted that Xiu and Xiaofei’s arrival completed this transformation, giving him a true home.
He then explained his unique, unspoken bond with his father, Gu Heng, whose decision not to attend the wedding was not disapproval but a tacit affirmation of trust in Gu Yiye's ability to handle this important life event. Gu Yiye assured Xiu of his father's full support. He asked Xiu about the purpose of marriage, and she replied, "They want to spend time with someone, forever."
Gu Yiye echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the immense determination, deep affection, and courage required for such a lifelong commitment. He thanked Xiu and Xiaofei for giving him a home, promising to dedicate himself entirely to their small family. Xiu, despite her continued self-doubt, vowed to work hard to build a good life for them, and Gu Yiye affirmed that a true man is capable of building and cherishing his own family.
Outside, while Xiaofei happily played with Gao Liang, he openly expressed his dislike for Gu Yiye, viewing him as an intruder. Gao Liang gently admonished Xiaofei to accept Gu Yiye as his father. The wedding ceremony proceeded in the guesthouse, attended by personnel from Regiment 720, including female soldiers. Gu Yiye publicly professed his love for Xiu, pledging to cherish both her and Xiaofei and to nurture their family life. Unexpectedly, Xiaofei interrupted, exclaiming, "I am not your son!
You are not my dad! My father is Zhang Fei!" A pall fell over the gathering. Just then, Gao Liang and Jiang Nanzheng arrived. Gao Liang gently explained to Xiaofei that Zhang Fei was indeed a hero who sacrificed his life for his comrades and their peaceful existence, having gone to "another place."
Nanzheng further comforted Xiaofei, assuring him that Zhang Fei would be pleased to see Xiu find happiness with Gu Yiye, who had undergone a profound transformation for their sake. Gu Yiye seized the opportunity to present Xiaofei with Zhang Fei's military medal, promising to share his father's heroic stories in detail and agreeing to Xiaofei's request to retain the surname Zhang. Gu Heng, Gu Yiye's father, then quietly entered, observing the scene before formally stepping forward.
At Xiu's prompting, Xiaofei sweetly addressed Gu Heng as "Grandpa," much to Gu Heng's gratification. In the days that followed, Gu Yiye faithfully upheld his promises, patiently caring for Xiu and Xiaofei, establishing a harmonious family life. Jiang Nanzheng, reflecting on these events, narrated her admiration for Gu Yiye's evolution, describing him as an "extraordinary" yet humble hero who exemplified responsibility, genuine devotion, and kindness, recognizing him as a lifelong cherished comrade.
A year later, Gao Liang was appointed acting battalion commander of the Special Operation Battalion, enduring daily trials. He and Jiang Nanzheng, who was pursuing advanced studies, frequently exchanged letters, pouring out their thoughts and affections. In one letter, Gao Liang confided in Nanzheng about the "savageness and desperation" of special operations, where they faced the world's most brutal adversaries, and expressed his daily gratitude for simply being alive and whole, finding solace and resilience in his thoughts of her.
Nanzheng's reply praised his team as the "blade of the troop" and men of true grit, expressing deep concern yet profound admiration for his growth through repeated "impasses," which she saw as a unique and powerful masculine charm unique to soldiers. She cherished this "hormonal feeling" of their love, describing it as the world's only one, painful yet filled with happiness, making their hearts beat together despite the distance.
Over a meal, Zheng Yuan toasted Gao Liang's achievements, noting his unit's twelve gold medals in district competitions. He then expressed disappointment that Nanzheng had not shared any details about her relationship, contrasting it with Gao Liang's confident assertions of their rapid progress. Gao Liang defended Nanzheng, stating she would inform her father when she was ready.
Zheng Yuan then tasked Gao Liang with leading a team for a critical project: enhancing infantry-artillery coordination for a rapid reaction system, a mission expected to last at least three months. Gao Liang initially resisted, concerned about disrupting his unit's training, especially with other Special Operation Battalions like Army B closely monitoring their advancements.
However, upon learning that Jiang Nanzheng was the deputy leader of the research group for the system, Gao Liang promptly accepted, emphasizing the importance of collective interests. Meanwhile, in a separate meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff He decided that Xia Lin would lead the Shanwang One project's communication efforts. Section Chief Zhao vehemently objected, citing Xia Lin's past work style as unreliable and overly ambitious, recalling his significant failure in the Red Arrow Exercise.
Deputy Chief of Staff He dismissed her concerns, arguing that individuals can change and that Xia Lin was the chosen leader. Upon arrival at the project site, Gao Liang warmly welcomed Jiang Nanzheng and Han Chunyu but greeted Xia Lin with thinly veiled sarcasm, immediately creating tension between them. Niu Mancang and Jiang Weixing cautioned Gao Liang against being hot-headed, reminding him that Xia Lin was present for official duties and that disrespecting him would reflect poorly on their superiors.
Gao Liang, however, continued to express his disdain for Xia Lin, suggesting he would only hinder the technical team. Niu Mancang and Jiang Weixing pressed Gao Liang to set aside his personal animosity, with Jiang Weixing, as the Party Branch Secretary of the Squadron, explicitly warning him to control his emotions, especially since his "hot-blooded girlfriend," Nanzheng, was also on the team.
Gao Liang retorted by teasing Jiang Weixing about his own romantic interest in Head Nurse Tong Bing of the General Hospital. Following this exchange, Xia Lin met with Han Chunyu to adjust their meeting schedule.
