Guardian Episode 31 Recap
> Guardian Recap
Zhao Yunlan confronted his father, realizing he wasn't entirely himself. Zhao Yunlan explained he had long suspected that his father's expressions, tone, and even habits had changed, particularly after a conversation his father had with Wang Xiangyang on the rooftop. He tested his suspicion by threatening him with a gun specially designed to harm Subterraneans, which would have left an ordinary person unharmed. His father, speaking with a different demeanor, revealed his true identity.
He was Zhang Shi, a Subterranean with the psychic power to live inside a human body. Zhang Shi explained that he had peacefully coexisted with Yunlan's father for twenty years after possessing him during an early mission, and had watched Yunlan grow up. The real Zhao Xinci learned that forcibly expelling Zhang Shi would likely harm himself, so he chose to coexist with him.
They shared a body and a family, and Zhang Shi came to regard Yunlan as almost a son. He explained that Yunlan's father, known as the "Hunter of the Subterraneans," had solved many cases because of Zhang Shi's presence, though Zhang Shi admitted he couldn't always override the strong will of his host, especially after Yunlan's mother's death, when Zhao Xinci became determined to eradicate all Subterraneans.
The purpose of their meeting was for Yunlan's father to urge him to abandon the Special Investigation Unit. He argued that with its mixed-species members now exposed, the unit was universally condemned and some members had to be sacrificed to divert public attention. He suggested dismissing the "different kinds"—Chu Shuzhi, a Subterranean, and Zhu Hong and Da Qing, Sub-beasts—as "obstacles." Zhao Yunlan firmly rejected this, declaring he would protect his people and that the SIU was his family.
The two parted in disagreement, with Yunlan's father stating he would have to bear the burden for his son. Later, Zhao Yunlan encountered a distressed Zhu Hong, who had received an ultimatum from her Fourth Uncle to return to the Serpent tribe, as the SIU was deemed an unstable place. Zhu Hong expressed her reluctance to leave, especially because of her attachment to Zhao Yunlan.
She felt neglected since Shen Wei's arrival and confessed her profound love for him, willing to sever ties with her family for his sake. Desperate for reassurance, she pleaded with him to say he needed her. Zhao Yunlan, however, urged her to leave without worry, painting himself as a "black sheep"—loquacious, mean, and a troublemaker—and suggesting she could find happiness with someone else. As he wished her a good life, his words only intensified her frustration.
Before their emotional exchange could resolve, the Werecrow Yaqing appeared, inflicting only a superficial wound on Zhu Hong before disappearing. Zhao Yunlan rushed Zhu Hong back to the SIU, instructing Guo Changcheng to attend to her wound. He retreated, pondering Shen Wei's earlier warning to hold his ground, torn about how to act without his guidance. Meanwhile, public opinion spiraled out of control, with posts about the SIU overwhelming Minister Gao’s efforts to suppress them.
It was soon discovered that Zhu Hong, despite her minor wound and normal vital signs, was trapped in a deep, unresponsive sleep, tightly clutching Zhao Yunlan's clothes. She had been ensnared by Mr. Nightmare, an agent of the Night King, in an illusory dream so perfect she didn't want to wake up. Determined to save her, Zhao Yunlan entered her dream. At the same time, two representatives from the Marine Administration arrived to seal the unit.
Chu Shuzhi intervened, instructing Guo Changcheng to guard the unconscious Zhao Yunlan and Zhu Hong, giving him an elixir to use on Zhao Yunlan if he didn't wake up within five minutes. Chu Shuzhi then confronted the officials, firmly stating they would not enter as long as he stood there. Inside the dream, Zhu Hong was lost in a fantasy where Zhao Yunlan was entirely devoted to her.
When the real Zhao Yunlan appeared, she resisted his attempts to bring her back, crying that she didn’t want to wake up to a reality where his affection was divided. She tearfully recounted her past efforts to become the "lady" she thought he wanted—practicing walking in high heels and forcing herself to eat dried meat instead of raw—only to feel he still didn't see her as a normal girl.
Zhao Yunlan patiently reassured her, emphasizing that every member of the SIU, including her, was his friend and family, and equally important to him. As she calmed down, Zhu Hong made one final request: to express her feelings as a girl, confessing she had fallen in love with him the first time they met. With her emotions settled, Zhao Yunlan successfully brought her back to reality.
Upon waking, Zhao Yunlan confronted Chu Shuzhi, angered that a "puppet" was allowed to interfere in the dream, fearing Zhu Hong could have been seriously harmed. Chu Shuzhi defended his actions, arguing that Zhao Yunlan was too soft-hearted and that ruthlessness was sometimes necessary. Zhao Yunlan then faced the Marine Administration, asserting his intent to stand with the SIU, regardless of the mounting public criticism.
