Operation: Special Warfare Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Operation: Special Warfare Synopsis
Under the inspiration of Qin Guan as the representative of the Armed Police Secret Service officers, Ning Meng, a college student in sports school, was recruited into the army with her classmates Liu Zhenzhen and Chen Xuan because of her martial arts skills.
The three girls with different motivations for joining the army were selected to join the ” Secret Service Group 8″ after a lot of training.
During the terrorist tracking operation, Ning Meng strayed into the Gobi desert and lost contact with their superiors.
She was moved by Qin Guan’s willingness to sacrifice himself rather than give up his comrades;
Liu Zhenzhen, who also had a crush on Qin Guan, died heroically to cover her.
Ning Meng, who had been deeply devastated, vowed to take revenge for his comrades.
A battle of revenge with a mission and responsibility opened the curtain in the plateau of no man’s land.
Two years later, the terrorist activities active in a border area were effectively curbed, and the mature Ning Meng was determined to pursue a lifetime career in the military, while Chen Xuan returned to her alma mater to make up for her studies.
Operation: Special Warfare Recap
Episode 1 Recap
On June 18th, a vicious terrorist incident at Yanzhou People's Hospital profoundly changed the life of armed police soldier Ning Meng. As people panicked and fled, Ning Meng, after ensuring her mother was safe, bravely moved against the chaos. Armed police units quickly arrived, finding Qin Guan and Ning Meng already engaged with the assailants.
When the terrorists scattered, Qin Guan pursued one into a bathhouse but was prevented from entering the women's bathroom by staff, allowing a female terrorist to escape. Ning Meng's blind mother, after reaching safety, frantically searched for her daughter, overcome with relief upon finding her. Meanwhile, a terrorist took a pregnant woman hostage, dousing her with alcohol and threatening to ignite it with a lighter. With the area saturated in alcohol, firearms were too risky.
Qin Guan stepped forward to negotiate, attempting to calm the terrorist and appeal to her maternal instincts, buying time for the assault and sniper teams to get into position. The terrorist, feeling she had no way back after her actions, moved to drop the lighter, aiming for a catastrophic explosion. In a split second, a sniper shot the terrorist's hand, and Qin Guan skillfully caught the falling lighter, averting a disaster.
The female terrorist who had escaped earlier was later picked up by Wu Jie, codenamed Grey Wolf, the second-in-command of the S Group terrorist organization. He offered her help and ensured her escape was untraceable by disabling nearby surveillance cameras. The hospital incident highlighted to the special operations detachment leader the critical need for female special operations team members.
With the Global Energy Conference scheduled in Yanzhou in three months and the S Group's Grey Wolf already in the city to disrupt it, a stringent security plan, "Operation Lightning," was crucial. Qin Guan proposed forming a mixed-gender special operations commando, explaining that the female terrorist's escape through the women's bathroom underscored the necessity of female operators. This new team would comprise eight seconded female soldiers and six male soldiers, totaling fourteen members, and be codenamed the "Blue Lightning Commando."
Recognizing the lack of precedent for female special operators in their detachment, Qin Guan recommended Wen Jing as the Blue Lightning Commando's instructor, specifically for managing the female soldiers. Wen Jing accepted the role. The proposal was swiftly approved by the detachment leader and commissar. From a large pool of candidates, fifty individuals were initially selected.
Qin Guan expressed reservations about Ning Meng, viewing her as unsuited for the role, but the detachment leader saw her potential and insisted she be considered. Qin Guan, designated as the future captain of the Blue Lightning Commando, addressed the fifty assembled candidates. He dramatically tore up their resumes, declaring their past accolades irrelevant. He stressed that the Blue Lightning was forged for heroes, and only those with heroic aspirations deserved to stay.
He warned them that this stern introduction was the "kindest" they would experience, as they were about to undergo brutal training. He pointed to a wall with their names, stating that from that moment, they were "zeroes" and any eliminated soldier would have their name publicly removed. The selection process would involve three rounds, with only fourteen remaining at the end. The first round featured individual skill demonstrations.
Yang Shu, a national shooting team member and World Military Sniper Competition winner, showcased her precision. Xu Dongdong, an Asian mixed martial arts lightweight champion, demonstrated her explosive power. Tong Mengyao, the Armed Police Force's programming champion, expertly performed a mock hostage rescue, disarming electronic devices while fending off attacks. Guo Xiaowei, a reconnaissance expert, swiftly profiled a terrorist from minimal information. Li Sisi, proficient in multiple languages and lip-reading, accurately translated a multi-lingual terrorist conversation and identified the leader.
Du Xinyu, known as "Chariot of Fire" for her exceptional driving skills, navigated a challenging battlefield simulation. When it was Ning Meng's turn, Qin Guan tried to dismiss her without a test, claiming she didn't meet the standards. Ning Meng, angered, protested, reminding him of her actions at the hospital where she had subdued three thugs bare-handed, asserting her capabilities were on par with anyone present.
She defiantly declared her mind was superior to theirs, which provoked a strong backlash from the other female candidates. The detachment leader intervened, granting Ning Meng a chance to prove herself. Ning Meng chose a "quick identification test," where she had to identify a hidden "terrorist" among a group by observing subtle behavioral cues. Utilizing her understanding of micro-expressions and body language, she successfully identified the target, even replaying the footage to explain her reasoning.
Despite Qin Guan's obvious displeasure, he acknowledged her success, and Ning Meng passed. However, her earlier arrogant remark left a sour taste, with Xu Dongdong publicly stating that Ning Meng would not join the Blue Lightning as long as she was there. The arduous selection continued with rigorous physical tests. Batch after batch of soldiers were eliminated, forced to leave the Blue Lightning selection process with remorse and regret.
Qin Guan reiterated that all candidates were equal before the selection criteria, regardless of their past achievements. He warned them that the terrorists they would face in the future would be a hundred times more brutal than any training, urging them to redouble their efforts if they wished to remain.
Episode 2 Recap
S Group leaders discussed their plan to monopolize the global new energy market, which would be thwarted if experts at the Global Energy Conference collaborated on new energy technologies. They resolved to prevent the conference and intensify their search for Doctor James's research data to secure immense wealth. Meanwhile, an operative reported to their boss that they had hacked into James's partner's computer. While the primary data wasn't there, they discovered the partner was investigating James's bodyguard.
They theorized James might have backed up his data with the bodyguard and were instructed to relay this information to Wu Jie immediately. The "queen of the dark net," the female operative who had previously escaped capture, informed Wu Jie that she had located James's bodyguard by hacking his phone, noting that he frequently changed his address and name after the doctor's death.
Wu Jie ordered her to investigate the address and promised to provide assistance, cautioning her against repeating past mistakes. Under Qin Guan's command, the Blue Lightning recruits endured grueling night training. Exhausted, they heard murmurs about Qin Guan's military codename, "Thanos." Qin Guan then introduced a new challenge: escape the woods and reach him within three minutes, or face elimination.
During this exercise, Ning Meng was intentionally targeted as per Qin Guan's instructions, taking a blow to the head that rendered her unconscious. She later regained consciousness while being dragged away but fought back, eventually completing the task as the last person to reach the finish line, albeit injured. Despite their exhaustion, Qin Guan immediately ordered a five-kilometer night cross-country run.
Ning Meng, experiencing severe stomach pain, was told she could go back to the army if she couldn't handle it, but she refused. A teammate observed Ning Meng's physical symptoms—stomach cramps, sweating, frequent bathroom trips—as signs of psychological stress and suggested she talk to an instructor with a psychology background. Ning Meng dismissed the idea, stating her sole focus was to train hard and secure her place in Blue Lightning.
Qin Guan introduced another test, separating the recruits into two groups: the top fourteen would eat, while the rest would watch. As the top performers ate, Ning Meng secretly offered steamed buns to a hungry Li Sisi, but Qin Guan quickly intervened. He reprimanded her for misplaced sympathy, declaring it worthless on the battlefield. He then commanded the non-eating recruits to carry their fed counterparts for five laps. Li Sisi carried Ning Meng, who was in agony and vomited.
Li Sisi faltered and fell, contemplating giving up. Ning Meng, despite her pain and bleeding head wound, vehemently refused to let her. She urged Li Sisi to remember her initial purpose for joining Blue Lightning and asserted that they would crawl to the finish line if necessary, emphasizing her own hatred of being looked down upon. Inspired by Ning Meng’s resolve, Li Sisi rose and carried Ning Meng to the finish line, successfully passing the test.
Afterwards, Li Sisi expressed gratitude, believing she would have been eliminated without Ning Meng's encouragement. She then asked Ning Meng about her fierce determination to join Blue Lightning. Ning Meng replied that it was for "the most important person" in her life. This prompted a flashback to a terrorist incident two years prior. The incident involved the S Group targeting French physicist Doctor James and his advanced new energy technology.
Grass Wolf, identified as the international terrorist organization S Group's No. 4, was leading the operation. The military's objectives were to rescue Doctor James and prevent the terrorists from acquiring his data. Meanwhile, Ning Meng was on a bus home, talking to her mother. Her mother mentioned that Ning Lei, Ning Meng's brother, was supposed to pick her up, but she hadn't been able to reach him.
Ning Meng reassured her mother, who was on her way to sweep their father’s tomb. Suddenly, the bus lost signal, and terrorists hijacked it. They ordered all passengers to close the curtains and surrender their mobile phones, but Ning Meng managed to conceal hers. The bus was then driven to the building where the military operation was underway, and the driver was shot and killed when he attempted to escape.
Ning Lei, the squadron leader, attempted to negotiate with Grass Wolf, who revealed that Doctor James was already dead and they possessed the data. Grass Wolf demanded to leave with the bus. Ning Lei, noticing the bus was low on fuel, proposed an exchange: he would refuel the bus if Grass Wolf released the elderly and children. Grass Wolf insisted that Ning Lei's forces withdraw from the building first.
Ning Lei complied, ordering his men to evacuate the building while requesting air support for a roadblock to intercept the terrorists' escape route. He then reiterated his offer to refuel the bus in exchange for three hostages. Ning Meng was among the three hostages released. Seeing his sister, Ning Lei’s composure wavered. Ning Meng discreetly signaled to him, indicating she had a mobile phone, and Ning Lei subtly gestured for her to return to the bus.
Ning Meng then attempted to exchange herself for a little girl, but Grass Wolf refused, releasing only one other woman. After the signal shielding on the bus was finally cracked, the military detected Ning Meng's phone number. Ning Lei, recognizing it as his sister's, immediately messaged her for details about the situation inside the bus. Ning Meng responded, reporting eight armed gangsters and twelve hostages, including elderly individuals and children, and noting that the skylight was open.
She suggested that the hostages lie down, allowing the armed police to fire above the window line, and indicated she would signal by pulling down the curtains. Ning Lei swiftly deployed his team according to her plan. Inside the bus, Ning Meng discreetly instructed fellow passengers to get down, while an old man's request to use the bathroom was met with a terrorist's death threat.
As per the agreed signal, Ning Meng pulled down the bus curtains, and the armed police immediately opened fire, eliminating all the terrorists. Ning Meng rushed to a device, observing data transmission at 98%, and successfully cut it off, preventing the data from reaching S Group's number one figure, Wu Mei. A soldier then reported an activated electronic device, indicating a bomb on the bus. Ning Lei, realizing the danger, shouted for everyone to evacuate.
He rushed in, saving Ning Meng and shielding her with his body as the bomb detonated. Ning Meng survived, but Ning Lei died in her arms, his last words, "Brother is proud of you. We made meritorious service," echoing in her ears amidst the ringing from the explosion. Ning Meng explained to Li Sisi that this traumatic event and her mother losing her eyesight from shock were why she was so determined to stay in Blue Lightning.
Li Sisi apologized for touching on such a painful memory. The two recruits shared a moment of understanding and vowed to face all future challenges together. Immediately after, Qin Guan gathered the recruits again for new orders. They were each given a wrist monitor to enter their fingerprints, which would provide different coordinates. They had until 2 AM to reach their assigned coordinates and find their badges, or face elimination. Simultaneously, Wu Jie met with the female terrorist.
He disparaged the previous group he hired, calling their methods garbage, but praised her. He offered her more money if she followed him, giving her no choice. He then assigned her a mission: go to a specific location and kill everyone there, leaving no survivors.
Episode 3 Recap
During a rigorous night training exercise in a dense forest, an explosion startled the trainees, and Ning Meng immediately recognized the presence of explosives. Subsequent blasts caused several soldiers to cry out in pain, clutching their injured legs and prompting calls for medics. Despite the fear, Qin Guan announced that anyone failing to find their badge within 30 minutes would be eliminated. Ning Meng, Xu Dongdong, and Tong Mengyao were resolute in their determination to complete the task.
As the difficult assessment continued, a soldier disappeared after a splash and a scream. The individual coordinates forced everyone to split up. After navigating the dangerous terrain, Ning Meng successfully secured her badge and remained in the program. However, other trainees whose heart rates exceeded 160 or who showed timidity were eliminated, even if they found their badges.
Ning Meng questioned Qin Guan about the two soldiers whose hands and legs appeared to have been blown off during the training, asking if such severe injuries were permissible. She stated that while they could bleed and sacrifice, this was not a battlefield. In response, Qin Guan sentenced her to 500 push-ups, to be completed within half an hour.
He then introduced two special operations veterans, Li Bing and Wang Jun, revealing that their limbs were not lost during the current training but three years prior in an anti-terrorism operation. The veterans explained the stark difference between real combat and training, expressing pride in still being able to contribute to the military despite their injuries.
Ning Meng understood Qin Guan's deeper intention, feeling ashamed of her earlier doubt and strengthening her resolve to stay in Blue Lightning, just as fearless as her hero brother. Meanwhile, Wu Jie's team located James's bodyguard, but their attempts to extract the desired data proved futile. One of Wu Jie's female operatives interrogated the man, who claimed that everyone around James had died since the professor's death.
Unconvinced, the operative brutally tortured him, but they still found no trace of the data, greatly angering Wu Jie. Back at the barracks, Xu Dongdong, Tong Mengyao, and other female soldiers loudly debated which male soldier was the most handsome, distracting Ning Meng who was trying to rest. Xu Dongdong praised Lin Yi, while Tong Mengyao admired Captain Qin Guan for his looks and hidden care. Ning Meng eventually chided them to keep their voices down.
Xu Dongdong retorted that recipients of military medals were "just different." Another soldier defused the situation by turning off the lights, reminding everyone that it was past lights out. The next day, Qin Guan announced a 15-kilometer armed swimming exercise, requiring them to eat while moving. Li Sisi appeared pale, having started her period, but was too afraid to report it. Ning Meng attempted to speak to Qin Guan privately, but he insisted she report publicly.
Ning Meng vaguely explained that Li Sisi was having her period, which Qin Guan misinterpreted, causing the other female soldiers to giggle as Ning Meng struggled to clarify. Qin Guan, though seemingly oblivious, later had Wen Jing prepare brown sugar water for Li Sisi, demonstrating his underlying concern.
Ning Meng continued to challenge Qin Guan's methods, suggesting that increasing training intensity during a soldier's physiological period could cause long-term health issues and that a more scientific approach would yield better results. Qin Guan rebuffed her, stating that terrorists wouldn't care about their physiological cycles. He accused Ning Meng of challenging his authority and harboring prejudice against him. Ning Meng retorted that she had every right to question his methods if she believed them to be wrong.
Qin Guan then offered a challenge: a shooting contest. If Ning Meng lost, she would be eliminated, and the team would continue training under his methods. Ning Meng, though acknowledging Qin Guan's reputation as an ace shooter, accepted without hesitation. During the competition, Ning Meng shot quickly, scoring 86 rings. Qin Guan was ready to dismiss her, but Ning Meng insisted on a target inspection.
The inspection revealed that two of her bullets had passed through a single hole, raising her actual score to 96 rings. Qin Guan then took his turn, scoring 97 rings and securing his victory. Wen Jing argued that Ning Meng was a talented soldier who deserved another chance, hinting that Qin Guan, usually a 99-ring shooter, had deliberately scored 97 to save Ning Meng's pride and create an opening for her to stay.
Qin Guan, however, maintained that he had no place for a soldier who constantly challenged her superiors and lacked fundamental obedience. Feeling crestfallen, Ning Meng wondered if she had been too headstrong. Li Sisi encouraged her to fight for her place, reminding her of her earlier commitment to stay in Blue Lightning. Ning Meng reluctantly went to Qin Guan, apologizing for her impulsiveness and pleading for another chance, promising to redouble her efforts.
Qin Guan remained unyielding, reminding her of a soldier's duty to obey orders and questioning her commitment to Blue Lightning given her earlier negative remarks about its harshness. He told her that her family didn't own the army and that if she was truly gold, she would shine anywhere, not just in Blue Lightning. Ning Meng persisted, emphasizing how important staying was to her, but Qin Guan again refused and ordered her to leave.
As Ning Meng packed her belongings, her teammates expressed their sadness and regret, some questioning her decision to challenge the captain. Li Sisi walked her to the gate, bidding her farewell. Wen Jing, meanwhile, informed the detachment leader about the situation. Qin Guan, still indignant, declared that Blue Lightning could not have both him and Ning Meng. However, the detachment leader sternly reprimanded Qin Guan, issuing a direct order that Ning Meng was to stay, regardless of Qin Guan's wishes.
He asserted that no one could expel her without his express command and instructed Qin Guan to bring her back immediately. Qin Guan caught up with Ning Meng at the gate and told her to return to the dorm. Ning Meng, surprised, reminded him of their agreement, but Qin Guan declared the competition results invalid. Observing her smile, he made a sarcastic remark about her white teeth.
He then warned her that the detachment leader's backing did not grant her license to act as she pleased, emphasizing that her future days in Blue Lightning would require strict adherence to discipline. Qin Guan then ordered her to run back to the dorm.
Later, while discussing the incident with Wen Jing, Qin Guan maintained a facade of indifference, but Wen Jing pointed out that he had indeed ordered brown sugar water for Li Sisi, subtly revealing his care for his soldiers. Qin Guan, trying to save face, told her not to send it, adding, "including you," implying his care extended to Wen Jing as well.
Episode 4 Recap
As the Global Energy Conference loomed, Wu Mei pressed Wu Jie to quickly locate James's new energy technology data, warning that their plan to monopolize new energy would be ruined if the data became public. Wu Mei also instructed Wu Jie to accelerate the development of a super bomb to destroy the conference and eliminate the experts, thereby securing their profits. Meanwhile, terrorists grew bolder; James's former partner and his wife were brutally murdered.
The detachment leader confirmed the killings were the work of the S Group, a terrorist organization that had been relentlessly pursuing James's new energy data for two years, aiming to monopolize the market and create a terrifying super bomb. With Operation Lightning drawing near, the Blue Lightning Commando needed to complete its reorganization and achieve combat effectiveness quickly, a heavy responsibility falling on Qin Guan.
The detachment leader warned Qin Guan that failure to do so would result in the unit's disbandment. During a training run, Qin Guan and his soldiers encountered a car fleeing a police check after hitting a civilian. Qin Guan immediately pursued the vehicle, clinging to its hood, but was eventually thrown off and injured as the car sped away. The car was found to be carrying dangerous chemical contraband. Li Sisi, Xu Dongdong, and others tended to the injured civilian.
Li Sisi mistakenly attempted artificial respiration, but Zhuang Qian intervened, identifying the patient as an asthma sufferer. Tong Mengyao and Xu Dongdong openly mocked Li Sisi's lack of medical knowledge and near-fatal mistake. Despite his abdominal injury, Qin Guan continued to chase the fugitive with police assistance. Ning Meng also joined the pursuit. The remaining fugitive took a man hostage, threatening to kill him.
Qin Guan attempted to negotiate, pretending to be an ordinary citizen to diffuse the situation, while subtly sending Ning Meng away. Ning Meng understood his unspoken instruction, cleverly circling behind the suspect. With Qin Guan diverting the suspect's attention, Ning Meng successfully subdued the man and rescued the hostage. Observing Qin Guan's severe abdominal wound, Ning Meng expressed concern, but he downplayed it. When the captured fugitive cursed at them, Ning Meng impulsively punched him.
Ning Meng's actions led to a reprimand from the detachment leader and commissar. The commissar criticized Ning Meng for assaulting a suspect without resistance, emphasizing that special forces personnel must control their emotions. Qin Guan, however, defended Ning Meng, asserting that her decisive action had prevented unimaginable consequences. Despite his defense, he acknowledged her emotional lapse, leading both the commissar and detachment leader to demand serious punishment for her misconduct. Ning Meng was placed under administrative supervision.
Qin Guan visited her, instructing her to write a profound self-reflection, implying it was crucial for her to satisfy the commissar. Ning Meng inquired if completing the self-reflection would secure her release, and Qin Guan vaguely replied it depended on its depth. She then requested to read "Outbreak," a book on big data analytics, but Qin Guan dismissed her, telling her to focus on her self-reflection.
Later, Wen Jing confronted Qin Guan, sensing his underlying concern for Ning Meng despite his outward sternness. Wen Jing pointed out that Ning Meng's excellent performance during the emergency proved her to be a capable soldier and reminded Qin Guan that Ning Meng's confinement was partly due to his previous actions. Qin Guan, however, maintained his stance on not showing favoritism.
He submitted Ning Meng's self-reflection to the detachment leader, who, while finding it profound, reiterated the importance of fairness in treatment and warned Qin Guan against making similar mistakes.
Qin Guan then tried to use the need for enhanced battlefield medical training, led by Zhuang Qian, as a pretext to get Ning Meng released early, but the detachment leader saw through his thinly veiled attempt to protect her and refused, reminding him that the Party Committee's decision on her administrative supervision was final. Meanwhile, Li Sisi tried to visit Ning Meng in confinement but was turned away by the guard. Chen Haozhe arrived, also wanting to see Ning Meng.
He claimed to admire her exceptional military skills, deeming her a role model. Li Sisi proposed a tactical maneuver: Chen Haozhe would distract the guard while she delivered fruit and the requested book, "Outbreak," to Ning Meng through a window. The plan worked flawlessly, much to Ning Meng's delight. It was later revealed that Chen Haozhe was acting on Qin Guan's subtle instructions.
In the criminal underworld, Wu Jie's subordinate reported that their shipment of contraband had been confiscated by the armed police, indicating increasing risks. Wu Jie continued his desperate search for James's data, having already exhausted all known contacts in James's network. Despite interrogating James's former bodyguard, he found no new leads, leaving him convinced that James must have had a backup copy hidden somewhere.
Later, the hostage rescued by Ning Meng visited Qin Guan, bringing a banner and expressing profound gratitude, specifically asking to meet Ning Meng, his "savior." Qin Guan initially stated Ning Meng was on a mission, but the man insisted on waiting. Qin Guan then approached the detachment leader, subtly arguing that Ning Meng's confinement would reflect poorly on the unit if the grateful civilian discovered it.
The detachment leader, though still firm on Ning Meng's punishment, eventually agreed to her brief release, instructing Qin Guan to ensure she was presentable before meeting the civilian. Ning Meng met the civilian, who profusely thanked her, stating that her actions had saved his livelihood and family. Ning Meng, in turn, thanked him, implying his visit had secured her release. Qin Guan, overhearing, sarcastically remarked that she intentionally got confined to study.
As Ning Meng enjoyed her newfound freedom, Qin Guan maintained his tough demeanor, claiming he wished she had stayed confined longer. However, Ning Meng revealed that Li Sisi had told her Qin Guan had personally interceded with the detachment leader and commissar on her behalf, confirming his underlying care. Ning Meng then directly asked Qin Guan if he didn't want her to return to her original unit, to which he, still feigning indifference, abruptly told her to "disappear immediately."
Back in training, Qin Guan announced that the Team commander would soon visit and inspect the detachment, urging everyone to show their utmost spirit. During Zhuang Qian's battlefield medical training, Tong Mengyao, still holding a grudge, loudly refused to be grouped with Li Sisi, reiterating that Li Sisi knew nothing and had almost caused a fatality during the earlier incident. Xu Dongdong joined in, suggesting Li Sisi was unfit for Blue Lightning and a hindrance to the team.
Ning Meng, witnessing Li Sisi's humiliation, defended her comrade and challenged Tong Mengyao and Xu Dongdong to a one-on-two obstacle course race. Ning Meng confidently won the race. Accepting their defeat, Tong Mengyao and Xu Dongdong offered to apologize publicly, but Ning Meng declined, merely asking them to stop harassing Li Sisi. Qin Guan, who had been observing, later heard the detachment leader praise Ning Meng's victory and Qin Guan's training skills.
Despite their loss, Xu Dongdong and Tong Mengyao remained convinced that Ning Meng would not be allowed to stay in Blue Lightning, believing Qin Guan's actions reflected this. Li Sisi felt dejected, but Ning Meng reassured and encouraged her, reminding her to be brave and confident in her unique strengths, pointing out that many had left the Blue Lightning selection, yet Li Sisi had persevered. Ning Meng concluded by telling Li Sisi not to underestimate herself, for often "the most unknown person in a group is the best," akin to "a pig eating a tiger."
Episode 5 Recap
In the showers, Captain Zhao playfully teased Qin Guan about leading a team of female soldiers, even asking to borrow Qin Guan's lavender-scented shampoo. In retaliation, Qin Guan continuously squeezed shampoo onto Captain Zhao’s head. This act nearly escalated into a brawl between the soldiers from both teams, who fiercely defended their respective captains. Qin Guan quickly intervened, ordering his men, including Guo Xiaowei, to take a shower, while Captain Zhao also sent his soldiers away.
Captain Zhao then feigned an apology to Qin Guan, remarking that Qin Guan's soldiers were strong. Later, the male soldiers informally compared their captains' past glories, displaying their scars as badges of honor. Captain Zhao's soldiers boasted about his bravery in single-handedly disarming three gunmen to save an old man, and another time clearing out an armed robbery at a downtown mall, earning him the title "God of War."
Qin Guan's soldiers countered by recounting his mission where he killed eight terrorists alone, earning him a second-class medal of merit. Qin Guan, however, dismissed the importance of scars, suggesting that more injuries indicated less skill. He pointed out that while he had been on more missions than Captain Zhao, he had fewer injuries, implying superior skill, before coolly dismissing Captain Zhao. Elsewhere, other male soldiers also discussed the arrival of the female soldiers.
Chen Haozhe showed particular interest in Ning Meng, though he justified it as merely observing an excellent soldier. Meanwhile, Wu Jie received an update that Dr. James had a close confidant, Shen Bo, who left the country shortly after James's incident. It was believed that the crucial data they sought was in Shen Bo’s possession. Ning Meng found Wen Jing, the political instructor, gazing at a photo of Ning Lei.
Wen Jing, who had been Ning Lei's girlfriend, still deeply missed him. Believing that psychology could play a vital role in counter-terrorism, Ning Meng sought Wen Jing's professional guidance. Wen Jing, happy to help and noting Ning Meng's resemblance to her brother, eagerly shared insights into lie detection, such as how people tend to look to the upper right when fabricating stories or display restlessness and subtle shifts in body weight, ready to flee.
As Operation Lightning approached, Qin Guan briefed the Blue Lightning team on an upcoming knockout round where 7 of the 21 participants would be eliminated. The task involved rescuing a hostage guarded by three elite veteran soldiers within a specified time by unlocking an electronic bracelet. A soldier remarked on the task's extreme difficulty, an "almost impossible" challenge.
Qin Guan explained to an aide that he intentionally designed such a challenging scenario because while each soldier possessed unique talents, they all shared a common trait of excessive individualism. He aimed to teach them the principle that while one might walk fast alone, a group can walk further together. During the mission, Tong Mengyao and Xu Dongdong decided to team up with Lin Yi, believing their combined strength would give them a better chance in a three-on-three scenario.
Lin Yi initially seemed indifferent but ultimately joined them. Ning Meng meticulously planned her approach to a hostage situation, detailing how she would use a flare to create a ten-second blind spot and then eliminate the three terrorists. However, just as she prepared to act, Yang Shu, who had already advanced, snatched the hostage away, explaining she was merely practicing. Elsewhere, Chen Haozhe encountered the squad leader, who advised him to take the mission more seriously.
From the command center, an aide noticed Qin Guan was particularly focused on Lin Yi's performance. Qin Guan admitted he had high expectations for Lin Yi. Meanwhile, Tong Mengyao secretly hacked Drone One, taking control of its surveillance feed. When the command center reported Drone One's failure, Qin Guan ordered Drone Two to take over. Qin Guan also observed Ning Meng's stationary position, correctly deducing she was formulating a tactical plan.
He predicted she would choose Zone One, which had fewer hostages but also fewer competitors than Zone Two. Using the hacked drone, Tong Mengyao directed Xu Dongdong and Lin Yi. She guided them to a hostage but warned of heavy resistance from other converging teams. Realizing the chaos, they switched targets, pursuing a terrorist who was escaping with a hostage in a jeep. Just then, Drone Two located Lin Yi.
Tong Mengyao quickly identified a commanding height 124 meters ahead as Lin Yi's last viable sniper position. Reaching the vantage point, Lin Yi found the gap too wide to cross. Xu Dongdong, without hesitation, used a wooden board as a makeshift ramp for him to jump across. Despite Lin Yi's concern about her ability to support his weight, Xu Dongdong insisted as time ran out.
Lin Yi made the jump and eliminated the terrorist just as the target was about to escape. Qin Guan watched, ecstatic, praising Lin Yi's excellent marksmanship. Lin Yi then allowed Xu Dongdong to free the hostage, securing her advancement, and she promised to help him in return. More team members, including Tong Mengyao, Chen Haozhe, Du Xinyu, Lin Yi, Li Sisi, and Guo Xiaowei, successfully advanced.
With only one hostage remaining, Guo Xiaowei, grateful for Ning Meng's earlier help, offered to assist her. Lin Yi decided to study the other teams' tactics, with Xu Dongdong accompanying him. Tong Mengyao, having already advanced, decided to help Liang Weili, aiming to secure her advancement and simultaneously eliminate Ning Meng. Back in the field, Lin Yi noticed Xu Dongdong's hand was injured from helping him jump.
Despite her dismissing it as minor, Lin Yi insisted they treat it immediately to prevent it from affecting her assessment. Tong Mengyao contacted Liang Weili, reassuring her that she would guide the last hostage to her. She then faked an intercom malfunction to record Qin Guan's voice and used the recording to order the terrorists to move the hostage toward Liang Weili's position. The command center confirmed Drone One was out of control due to a system breach.
Informed of the unauthorized hostage transfer, Qin Guan instructed his team not to alert Tong Mengyao, wanting to see her plan unfold. Ning Meng, observing the terrorist's suspicious movements, deduced someone was guiding him from above. She promptly shot down the hovering drone, blinding the "cheater." Though Tong Mengyao lost visual, she remained confident, as the hostage was still heading towards Liang Weili. Ning Meng proceeded to shoot down more drones. Qin Guan arrived and confronted Tong Mengyao.
He acknowledged her hacking skill was expected, as he had provided the computer to test her, but he reprimanded her for helping Liang Weili cheat. As punishment, Qin Guan ordered Tong Mengyao to run back to camp, threatening to send her back to her original unit if she refused. He then directed his team to move the last hostage to Workshop 3. Hampered by her injured foot, Ning Meng was walking slowly. Guo Xiaowei went ahead to scout.
Along the way, Ning Meng encountered the squad leader. Out of loyalty to his late friend Ning Lei, he tried to persuade Ning Meng to give up for her own safety. Ning Meng remained resolute, believing her brother would have supported her. Seeing her determination, the squad leader decided to help her secure the last spot to repay a debt he felt he owed Ning Lei. Guo Xiaowei returned, having located the hostage. The squad leader and Guo Xiaowei then planned to lure the terrorists out of the workshop, leaving Ning Meng outside to make the final shot.
Episode 6 Recap
As the drill for the final hostage rescue neared its end with only five minutes remaining, Ning Meng, Liang Weili, and Yang Shu converged on the target location. Qin Guan, observing from a drone, commanded everyone to rush in and secure the hostage, a move seemingly intended to ensure Ning Meng's elimination.
Yang Shu, determined to claim the hostage, was challenged by another participant who suggested she leave the opportunity for her teammates, as Yang Shu had already secured her own spot. Liang Weili also announced her intention to get the last hostage, planning to use flashbangs. Qin Guan, however, had previously intervened when another soldier attempted to use a flashbang, remarking dryly about the need for sunglasses. Inside, soldiers confronted the "terrorist" holding the hostage.
Ning Meng quickly devised a strategy: she would draw the "terrorist's" attention, allowing Guo Xiaowei to flank from behind and disarm him. However, upon noticing Guo Xiaowei's bare-handed climb and flanking maneuver, Qin Guan immediately ordered the "terrorist" to execute "Plan B." The hostage unexpectedly dodged, causing Ning Meng to fall from a significant height along with him. Witnessing her fall, Qin Guan instinctively rushed forward to break her fall, disregarding his own safety, and immediately ordered for an ambulance.
Qin Guan, having cushioned Ning Meng's fall with his own body, suffered an injury. Despite his pain, he urged Ning Meng to check herself, emphasizing that a soldier's duty is to protect comrades, even at the cost of their own life. Ning Meng confirmed she was unharmed, but Qin Guan sternly rebuked her for her impulsive actions in a drill, reminding her that while the hostage had protective gear, she did not, and she could have died.
Ning Meng defended herself, stating that a teammate had been holding her and reiterating her trust in her comrades. She recalled Qin Guan's own teachings about prioritizing the mission and being fearless in battle. Qin Guan countered that battlefield sacrifices must be strategically sound, emphasizing tactics over reckless bravery.
Ning Meng, however, confidently stated that she had still completed the mission by firing non-lethal shots and securing the hostage, whom she believed was suffering from Stockholm syndrome, proudly declaring, "and I won." Ning Meng was then taken away in an ambulance, anticipating disciplinary action. Back at headquarters, Qin Guan expressed his profound dissatisfaction with the overall performance, specifically highlighting instances of "internal strife, malicious competition, and accidentally injuring a comrade-in-arms."
Guo Xiaowei confronted Liang Weili, still angry about being "shot" by her. Liang Weili explained it was an accident, as Guo Xiaowei appeared suddenly and she hadn't expected the hostage to fire. Qin Guan dismissed her excuse, stressing the critical difference in a real combat situation. He then announced the eliminations, including Liang Weili and Monitor Yan Damin.
Tong Mengyao was also disciplined for misusing her computer skills to assist others, receiving a directive to write a comprehensive self-criticism report, with failure to do so resulting in immediate expulsion. Guo Xiaowei was distraught to learn that Monitor Yan Damin, who had earlier hinted at a promotion, was also eliminated. Liang Weili made a heartfelt plea to Qin Guan and Wen Jing, explaining that her squadron, based in a remote mountainous region, held great hope for her.
Wen Jing, touched by Liang Weili's sincerity, asked Qin Guan to reconsider. However, Qin Guan remained unyielding, asserting that "rules are rules" and could not be bent. With a heavy heart, Liang Weili removed her name from the wall. Qin Guan then addressed the remaining recruits, emphasizing the importance of remembering their initial intentions, viewing their commitment as a more potent weapon than their firearms. The new Blue Lightning Commando members then chanted their motto.
Later, Guo Xiaowei, feeling remorseful for his earlier words to Liang Weili, ordered takeout for her and enlisted Ning Meng and Li Sisi to help retrieve it from a secluded spot in the camp. They were intercepted by a Picket patrol, but Ning Meng's quick thinking and fabricated story about practicing "actual combat tactics of escaping" saved them from immediate punishment. Guo Xiaowei then climbed over a fence to collect the food.
Meanwhile, Staff Officer Zhang discussed Ning Meng's act of shooting down six drones with Qin Guan. Qin Guan defended Ning Meng, asserting that training competent soldiers justified the cost of equipment and that destroying enemy drones was a valid tactic. Just then, Staff Officer Zhang spotted Guo Xiaowei on a surveillance monitor retrieving the takeout.
Qin Guan, seeing Guo Xiaowei, quickly covered for him by suggesting the takeout was a thank-you gift for Staff Officer Zhang's assistance, then went to retrieve the food himself. When Guo Xiaowei, Ning Meng, and Li Sisi delivered the takeout to Liang Weili, Tong Mengyao criticized them for their perceived hypocrisy, questioning Li Sisi's skills and implying Ning Meng's success was due to Guo Xiaowei. During the heated exchange, Tong Mengyao angrily rejected the food, knocking it to the ground.
Liang Weili intervened, calming the argument, and graciously accepted her elimination, attributing it to her own shortcomings. For their unauthorized takeout escapade, Qin Guan summoned Guo Xiaowei, Ning Meng, and Li Sisi, ordering them to write self-criticism reports and run ten laps. Separately, the detachment leader reviewed the assessment, praising the recruits' overall performance but expressing regret over Monitor Yan Damin's elimination. Qin Guan suggested the transfer was a well-considered decision on Yan Damin's part.
The detachment leader then instructed Qin Guan to investigate any personal difficulties Yan Damin's family might be facing and offer assistance. Guo Xiaowei, Lin Yi, and Chen Haozhe confronted Qin Guan, questioning why he hadn't prevented Monitor Yan Damin from leaving. Qin Guan explained that Yan Damin had voluntarily applied for a transfer, a thoughtful decision given that his long service was nearing its end. Qin Guan emphasized that as comrades, they should respect his choice.
He then relayed Yan Damin's parting message, urging them to work hard, carry on the spirit of Blue Lightning, and remember that only heroes deserve to be part of the team. The three soldiers were heartbroken. Qin Guan himself was deeply saddened, but Yan Damin, driving away, bore the heaviest sorrow, weeping silently. Concerned for Monitor Yan Damin's future, Qin Guan contacted his father, a long-time friend of Mr. Cao, who owned a security company.
After some playful banter about his son's demanding nature, Qin Guan's father agreed to help secure a job for the veteran. Qin Guan then visited Yan Damin at his new post in the duty team, where Yan Damin explained his decision to retire at year-end, driven by his father's need for long-term medical care and the need to secure his child's household registration.
Qin Guan then offered him a position as an escort captain at Mr. Cao's company, a role for which Yan Damin was deeply grateful. Qin Guan took Monitor Yan Damin to meet Mr. Cao, who had also invited a client, Ms. Ding from Yade Auction House. Ms. Ding's demeanor shifted slightly upon learning Qin Guan was a special operations commander. Mr. Cao readily confirmed Yan Damin's new position and generously offered to resolve his daughter's household registration issue.
However, Ms. Ding insisted on celebrating with wine, despite Mr. Cao's attempts to remind her of the military's strict no-alcohol policy. She remained adamant, putting everyone in an uncomfortable position. Qin Guan explained that Monitor Yan Damin had a severe alcohol allergy and offered to call his detachment leader for permission to drink on his behalf. Yan Damin, however, intervened, willing to sacrifice the job rather than see Qin Guan break regulations.
Qin Guan firmly stopped him, reminding him of his family's struggles and the importance of this opportunity. After securing permission from his detachment leader via phone, Qin Guan faced Ms. Ding. She persisted, implicitly threatening to withdraw her company's contract with Mr. Cao's firm. To protect Mr. Cao's business and ensure Yan Damin's future, Qin Guan accepted her challenge, consuming several glasses of alcohol despite Yan Damin's protests and securing the job for his comrade.
Episode 7 Recap
To secure the squad leader's job, Qin Guan drank numerous glasses of liquor offered by Ms. Ding, his first alcoholic beverage in over a decade. The squad leader, who suffers from a severe alcohol allergy, tried to stop Qin Guan, stating he would rather give up the job. However, Qin Guan insisted he could not let the squad leader return to his hometown with his family after so many years of military service.
Ms. Ding remained insistent, even threatening Mr. Cao, who had arranged the meeting, with business orders. Qin Guan continued to drink, his eyes red from the alcohol and emotion. Mr. Cao, recognizing Qin Guan’s distress and refusing to let him be further humiliated, warned Ms. Ding not to go too far. Qin Guan, hearing Ms. Ding’s full name, Ding Zongkun, remembered a drug dealer arrested the previous year named Ding Zongshu, who he realized was Ms. Ding's brother.
His posture stiffened, and he asserted that anyone who breaks the law must face consequences, recalling his role in assisting the police to arrest her brother for drug dealing and resisting arrest. Mr. Cao then immediately terminated his partnership with Ms. Ding, stating that character is paramount in business and he would not collaborate with someone of poor character. He then expressed his admiration for the camaraderie between Qin Guan and the squad leader, concluding their business over tea.
Ning Meng, still recovering from a foot injury, had been taking painkillers to keep up with training, which made her constantly drowsy. During a training exercise, Qin Guan instructed Ning Meng to guide Yang Shu in a shooting drill. Ning Meng, in a drowsy state, began to drift into a dream. In her dream, an alarm sounded, and they were deployed to capture a killer hiding in the woods.
She found the killer, only for her brother, Ning Lei, to step in front of a knife attack, shielding her. Ning Meng jolted awake, realizing it was just a dream and her actual training with Yang Shu was underway. Yang Shu, blindfolded, noted Ning Meng's unusual silence. Ning Meng forced herself to concentrate, giving commands. However, a misdirection from Ning Meng caused Yang Shu to lose trust. Consequently, Yang Shu stopped following Ning Meng's instructions, triggering an alarm.
Qin Guan admonished Yang Shu, explaining that the exercise was a trust training. He also noticed Ning Meng’s unusual state and kept her back after dismissal. Ning Meng reported a sudden stomachache and admitted the day’s performance was her fault. Seeing her discomfort, Qin Guan did not press further. Wen Jing later informed Ning Meng that Dr. Liu had diagnosed her stomach cramps as being caused by excessive psychological stress and gave her medication.
Later, Yang Shu angrily confronted Ning Meng, questioning her performance. Yang Shu, proud of her marksmanship and Ning Meng's data analysis skills, believed they should have been the strongest pair, yet they finished last. Ning Meng apologized, explaining she felt unwell. Yang Shu, however, accused her of making excuses and unfavorably compared her to her brother, Ning Lei, who she said would sacrifice himself without hesitation. Ning Meng clenched her fists at the mention of her brother.
Wen Jing intervened, reminding them that comrades should support and care for each other, not blame and criticize. Meanwhile, everyone was speculating about the Commander's visit. Tong Mengyao, however, confidently stated he wouldn't come. She secretly showed Xu Dongdong her hidden phone, revealing she had tracked the WeChat steps of the Commander's full-time driver, noting he had been walking a lot, indicating he hadn't driven anywhere.
Qin Guan soon discovered the hidden phone in Xu Dongdong's possession, confiscated it, and ordered her to run fifteen laps. As Qin Guan was reprimanding Tong Mengyao in his office for leaking the Commander's whereabouts, the Commander himself unexpectedly arrived. Amused by Tong Mengyao’s clever deduction based on WeChat steps, the Commander praised her sharp reconnaissance awareness. He then asked everyone else to wait in the conference room, keeping Tong Mengyao behind.
In the conference room, Qin Guan was being criticized by the detachment leader and commissar for Tong Mengyao's actions. With a pleasant demeanor, the Commander asked Tong Mengyao about her other abilities. She explained her skills in technology and electronic fields, confessing that she could hack into any electronic device and even impersonate senior officers to issue commands. The Commander's expression grew serious, acknowledging her demonstration as a "vivid warning lesson."
He then invited Tong Mengyao to sit beside him and elaborate on modern high-tech cyber warfare to everyone. Tong Mengyao spoke on several points for remaining invincible in the face of such warfare. The Commander praised the Blue Lightning Commando, a compliment Qin Guan had not anticipated. He concluded by encouraging everyone to abandon conventional thinking and embrace information-based, intelligent, and unmanned warfare to triumph in modern anti-terrorism operations. Later, Qin Guan invited Ning Meng to eat hot pot.
Ning Meng was apprehensive, questioning why he invited her when Tong Mengyao was the one who had brought honor to Blue Lightning. Qin Guan, with a gentle expression, simply stated it was a farewell meal. He informed her that she would be sent back to her original unit, citing her unauthorized downing of six drones as a disregard for discipline, and her reckless handling of a crisis that almost cost her life as contempt for life.
He concluded that Blue Lightning had no need for a soldier like her. Ning Meng vehemently rejected these reasons, arguing that the drones were shot down because the exercise was rigged, and she jumped from the building because the "hostage" had turned into a terrorist and was firing at her. She asserted that Qin Guan had been trying to get rid of her since her first day in Blue Lightning and demanded a proper explanation.
When he didn't reply, she declared defiantly that she couldn't live without Blue Lightning. Meanwhile, James’s close confidant, Shen Bo, had covertly returned to Yanzhou with the data backup of James's new energy technology, intending to sell it to Yida Technology, a rival of Wu Jie's company. Wu Jie’s side, having learned of the transaction through Li Li's hacking, prepared to ambush Shen Bo and retrieve the data, believing it couldn't be a police trap since Shen Bo was desperate.
Just then, the detachment leader received an urgent call on the red phone. It was revealed that the police had set up a trap for the terrorists, and the Blue Lightning Commando was to cooperate in the operation. Using Tong Mengyao's "trigger dynamic simulation system" with multi-layer encryption, they successfully deceived Wu Jie's team, making them believe Shen Bo was still in the meeting room. Upon realizing they had been tricked, Wu Jie’s team scrambled to break the encryption.
As soon as the surveillance feed was restored, they saw the corridors of Yida Technology were swarming with special forces. Li Li, quickly formulating an escape plan, instructed Ma Ming and Dali to move from room 303 to 306, where a ventilation shaft led to the underground parking lot. She then hacked into the surveillance system to cover their escape. Tong Mengyao swiftly pinpointed the hacker's location within a nearby residential community, and Qin Guan immediately ordered Ning Meng, Li Sisi, and Xu Dongdong to proceed with the apprehension.
Episode 8 Recap
Following the successful neutralization of some targets, Chen Haozhe blew open a door, but Ma Ming escaped through the building's ventilation channels. Qin Guan immediately ordered his team to pursue, while Tong Mengyao tried to locate Ma Ming using the office building's structural plans, noting that the extensive ventilation system made it impossible to predict his exit point.
Ning Meng, delighted to finally participate in an important mission, heard a teammate comment that Qin Guan was protecting her due to her unhealed foot injury, but she dismissed it and urged everyone to follow her lead. Inside the ventilation system, Guo Xiaowei and Chen Haozhe discovered Ma Ming's bag, a trick intended to mislead them, and wisely retreated. Outside, armed police arrived, causing Wu Jie and Li Li to flee.
Ma Liang, however, stayed behind, determined to save his brother Ma Ming. Ma Ming, now in the underground parking lot, contacted Ma Liang, who provided detailed directions over the phone: 50 meters left, then a right turn at the second pillar, then another 60 meters left to a manhole cover leading into a flood discharge channel.
Ma Ming expressed anger that "Li" (Li Li) had abandoned him, and Ma Liang confirmed they were now on their own, prompting Ma Ming to vow revenge on "her." Meanwhile, Ning Meng, Li Sisi, and Xu Dongdong tracked Ma Liang to a residential building. They raided the location, but Ma Liang managed to escape on a motorcycle, speeding northeast. Qin Guan instructed Ning Meng to secure the scene while Li Sisi and Xu Dongdong pursued Ma Liang.
Chen Haozhe lost Ma Ming's trail in the parking lot, and Tong Mengyao was unable to track him due to destroyed surveillance cameras. Fortunately, Ning Meng discovered a computer left behind by the terrorists. Although its screen was broken, a red dot indicated Ma Ming's initial escape route through the underground parking.
Unable to see the final destination on the damaged screen, Ning Meng relayed the precise directions for the parking lot to Qin Guan, who ordered Chen Haozhe to follow them and instructed Ning Meng to bring the computer to the command vehicle. After Ning Meng delivered the computer, Tong Mengyao successfully recovered the data, confirming that a suburban botanical garden was Ma Ming's planned exit.
Tong Mengyao also reported that the botanical garden was under renovation and closed to the public, though staff might still be present. Qin Guan immediately ordered their evacuation. He then dispatched other teams to the botanical garden but ordered Ning Meng to remain at the command vehicle, citing her foot injury, much to her disappointment. Ma Ming, having emerged from a sewer, called Ma Liang to reassure him, promising to save him once he shook off his pursuers.
At the botanical garden, Lin Yi and other team members surrounded Ma Ming, but the dense foliage made it impossible to find a suitable sniper position. Realizing his chances of escape were slim, Ma Ming called Ma Liang, urging him to run and not look back, stating he would not surrender and intended to take others with him before he died. He asked Ma Liang to burn money for him in the future.
Xu Dongdong and Li Sisi cornered Ma Liang at a chemical plant on Lin'an National Highway. Ma Liang, wielding a bomb remote, threatened to detonate more than a dozen bombs he had planted throughout the factory within 30 minutes if his brother, Ma Ming, was not safely brought to him. Believing he was bluffing, Xu Dongdong suggested rushing in, but Ma Liang detonated an initial bomb, destroying the power distribution room and plunging the entire factory into darkness.
Li Sisi immediately reported the dire situation to Qin Guan. Tong Mengyao ran a simulation, confirming that a chemical plant explosion would cause widespread pollution and massive casualties. Qin Guan instructed Li Sisi to stabilize Ma Liang and keep him calm by promising Ma Ming's imminent arrival. He then ordered Chen Haozhe to coordinate the immediate evacuation of nearby civilians by the local public security department and to request support from anti-chemical forces.
Qin Guan then headed towards the botanical garden. Ning Meng, still confined to the command vehicle, pleaded to join him but was refused. Undeterred, she secretly followed. Upon reaching the botanical garden, Qin Guan prepared to enter the dense woods to confront Ma Ming. Lin Yi cautioned against a direct approach due to the heavy cover and Ma Ming's weapon, offering to go instead. Qin Guan, however, insisted on leading.
Ning Meng, having arrived covertly, disguised herself as a crying, injured gardener with a sprained ankle. Ma Ming, hearing her cries, approached, intending to take her hostage. Ning Meng, however, seized the opportunity and skillfully subdued him. Qin Guan arrived on the scene, expressing his frustration at Ning Meng's unauthorized departure. Ning Meng defended her actions, asserting that she was demonstrating her value to Blue Lightning and was not acting out of personal heroism.
Cutting her off, Qin Guan immediately ordered Ma Ming to be transported to the chemical plant. During the journey, Tong Mengyao suggested using a drone for reconnaissance at the chemical plant, but Ning Meng and Qin Guan both agreed that the drone's noise could provoke the already unstable Ma Liang.
At the chemical plant, Qin Guan received a report from Chen Tao, the Yanzhou CID captain, confirming that the surrounding roads were sealed and all necessary support—anti-chemical forces, firefighters, and medical personnel—were in place. Qin Guan then assigned Li Guo'an, Xu Dongdong, Wang Yu, and Du Xinyu to search for and defuse bombs, while Lin Yi and Yang Shu were tasked with finding sniper positions, with strict orders to prevent Ma Liang from pressing the detonator.
Zhuang Qian reported that Ma Ming's wound had been treated, and he had been sedated and would remain unconscious for three hours. Guo Xiaowei and Chen Haozhe were positioned for flanking maneuvers, ready to storm the control room. Qin Guan, facing Ma Liang at the control room door, announced that Ma Ming had been brought. Ma Liang, however, demanded to see his brother alive. Snipers reported they were in position but could not get a clear shot.
Qin Guan then had Ma Ming brought forward, making him gasp for air to prove he was alive, hoping to create an opportunity for the snipers while talking to Ma Liang. But the snipers remained unable to fire due to an unclear line of sight. Ma Liang then demanded a getaway car and, to treat his brother's gunshot wound, insisted on "the best female doctors and nurses," warning them against any tricks.
Ning Meng proposed a psychological approach, leveraging Ma Liang's deep affection for his brother. She suggested that she and Zhuang Qian disguise themselves as medical staff to infiltrate the control room. Qin Guan agreed but insisted that Tong Mengyao join them due to her superior first-aid knowledge. He then informed Ma Liang that Ma Ming's injury was severe, necessitating immediate medical attention. Ning Meng, Zhuang Qian, and Tong Mengyao, dressed as medical personnel, approached the control room.
Ma Liang, still cautious, demanded they remove their masks and prove their identities. Zhuang Qian presented a bag containing various medical tools, including blood bags of all types, an arterial needle, a periosteal stripper, and an anesthetic mouth opener. Convinced, Ma Liang allowed them inside, and the door closed behind them. Inside the chemical plant, Li Guo'an's team successfully located and defused a homemade bomb found under a tank.
Shortly after, another bomb was discovered precariously tilted at a transport pipe connection, its wires loosely attached, likely due to the earlier explosion's vibration. This bomb was also successfully disarmed. Meanwhile, inside the control room, Ma Liang grew suspicious when Tong Mengyao reacted nervously to a distant sound of gunfire. He questioned her sensitivity, accusing her of being a police officer. Ning Meng quickly stepped in front of Tong Mengyao, shielding her and apologizing profusely.
She tearfully claimed Tong Mengyao was her timid younger sister, easily frightened by such chaotic scenes, and begged Ma Liang not to harm her, offering herself instead. She emphasized that her sister's medical skills were superior and crucial to saving Ma Ming. Ma Liang again warned them that if they failed to save his brother, all three of them, and everyone else in the plant, would die. In a swift move, Ning Meng seized an opportunity to subdue Ma Liang.
In the ensuing confrontation, both Ma Liang and Ma Ming were killed. After the intense ordeal, Tong Mengyao, shaken from her first direct involvement in such a deadly encounter, hugged Ning Meng, who found the embrace a bit awkward but offered reassurance.
Episode 9 Recap
After the intense incident at Chentian Chemical Plant, a visibly shaken Tong Mengyao embraced Ning Meng, who calmly comforted her. Following the death of Ma Liang, who had detonated one bomb, the remaining seven explosives were successfully disarmed by the public security department. Investigators discovered that these bombs were originally set to detonate on October 23rd, coinciding with the Global Energy Organization President's visit to the city.
Had the explosions occurred, China’s eligibility to host the Global Energy Conference would have been jeopardized, severely damaging the nation's international image and energy security. Qin Guan observed that such a complex operation could not have been orchestrated by the Ma brothers alone, suggesting a powerful, unseen force was at play and likely plotting an even larger scheme.
In response, the local party committees, government, and public security departments convened an emergency meeting to intensify their efforts in uncovering hidden threats throughout the city. Meanwhile, Wu Jie was furious over the failed operation, reprimanding his subordinates. Li Li suggested that they had likely fallen into a carefully laid police trap, with a "bait" phone leading them astray.
After investigating, Wu Jie learned that Qin Guan's father, Qin Zhiwei, is the chairman of Qin Group and the contractor for the Yanzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the upcoming energy conference. Noting that Qin Zhiwei had been single since his wife's passing five years prior, Wu Jie approached Liu Yuxi, a businesswoman in the decoration industry, suggesting she bid for the lighting project at the Convention Center.
Wu Jie offered financial backing and arranged to secure some projects for himself, particularly "lamp installation and material transportation," leveraging her company's Grade A qualifications. Liu Yuxi enthusiastically agreed to the partnership. She later met Qin Zhiwei, who was impressed by her reputation as a "charity star" and her detailed project proposals. Liu Yuxi charmingly presented her plans, engaging Qin Zhiwei's interest.
Despite her success with Qin Zhiwei, Liu Yuxi questioned Wu Jie why his prominent company, Guangde Energy, wasn't bidding on its own. Wu Jie provided a convincing explanation: his company specialized in energy, not lighting, and a direct bid from a large corporation like his would attract unwanted scrutiny from rivals. In reality, Liu Yuxi was an unwitting pawn, serving as a cover for Wu Jie to secretly transport bombs into the Convention Center.
Wu Mei, Wu Jie's boss, was satisfied with this progress and instructed him to halt further investigation into James's new energy data. She revealed that the data, the only backup James had, was now in the possession of the Global Energy Conference President. Wu Mei declared that the President must be eliminated before the data could be published, and the only opportunity would be during the heavily guarded opening ceremony of the conference.
She ordered Wu Jie to focus solely on the rapid development of new bombs and ensuring secure entry points for them, entrusting the assassination to another team. Back at the military base, the detachment leader summoned Qin Guan, demanding an explanation for his persistent refusal to allow Ning Meng to join Blue Lightning, especially with the badge awarding ceremony imminent. Qin Guan, under direct order, reluctantly confessed the painful truth: Ning Meng's brother, Ning Lei, was his closest comrade-in-arms.
Two years prior, during a mission to capture a notorious criminal known as "Grass Wolf," it was a mission Qin Guan was supposed to lead, but Ning Lei was tragically killed in action, a sacrifice Qin Guan believes was made for him. Qin Guan explained that Ning Meng was the sole remaining hope for her family, and he couldn't bear to put her in harm's way, especially after Ning Lei's death had caused their mother to cry herself blind.
Unbeknownst to them, Ning Meng had been listening outside the office. She burst in, vehemently rejecting Qin Guan's reasons. She asserted that her brother died saving her from terrorists, not due to Qin Guan directly, and believed their mother would be proud of her joining Blue Lightning as a hero. Ning Meng firmly stated that if Ning Lei were alive, he would support her decision to fulfill his unfinished mission.
However, Qin Guan remained steadfast, harshly telling her she was "not as good as her brother," and enumerating Ning Lei's superior achievements in shooting, reconnaissance, armed cross-country, and endurance, questioning if Ning Meng could ever match them. Infuriated, Ning Meng stormed out to the training ground and began running laps with her full pack, determined to prove her capabilities. Her teammates, worried but understanding, watched. Tong Mengyao immediately went to Qin Guan's office, passionately advocating for Ning Meng.
She explained Ning Meng's unwavering dedication to stay, highlighting her dream of becoming a hero like her brother, and how Qin Guan's dismissal was crushing her spirit. Tong Mengyao believed Qin Guan must be touched by Ning Meng's efforts. Soon after, Li Sisi joined Ning Meng on the track, declaring her solidarity and stating that Ning Meng was her reason for perseverance.
Zhuang Qian, Tong Mengyao, Yang Shu, and the rest of the female soldiers quickly followed suit, joining Ning Meng in her grueling run. Inspired by their unity, the male soldiers also joined in, running alongside them and chanting slogans. Qin Guan, observing from a distance, remained silent but visibly moved. The detachment leader then approached Qin Guan, praising the newfound cohesion within Blue Lightning, attributing it to Qin Guan, and reminding him of his duty to cherish every soldier.
Finally, Qin Guan stood at the finish line as the exhausted soldiers completed their run. He declared, "Welcome to Blue Lightning," signaling his decision to keep Ning Meng. The entire team erupted in cheers, their spirits soaring. Ning Meng, overcome with joy, exuberantly skipped and bounced her way across the compound, accidentally bumping into the commissar.
Though initially startled by her uncontrolled enthusiasm, the commissar, upon learning of her good news, simply advised her to be more mindful of her demeanor and moved on, noting her "quite energetic" spirit. Later, Xu Dongdong was confronted by a debt collector who had tracked her down regarding her brother's unpaid high-interest loan.
Her brother had already repaid the principal and initial interest, but the collector demanded an additional 30,000, calling Xu Dongdong's brother a "cheating master" and threatening to expose her situation to the entire camp. Lin Yi, who was nearby to pick up a package, witnessed the escalating argument and saw the man physically accost Xu Dongdong. He immediately intervened, protecting her and getting into a physical altercation with the debt collector.
The incident at the camp gate quickly drew the attention of the commissar, who severely reprimanded Qin Guan and Wen Jing for the lapse in discipline. Qin Guan took primary responsibility, attempting to explain that Lin Yi acted because the other party initiated the physical contact. However, the commissar cut him off, emphasizing the negative impact such an incident would have on the troops' reputation and demanding serious disciplinary action, including punishment for Lin Yi.
Later, Qin Guan advised Lin Yi, after reviewing the surveillance, that while his impulse to defend was understandable, as a soldier in uniform, he represented more than just himself and needed to exercise better judgment regarding the time and place of his actions. He conceded that the punishment was irrevocable.
Wanting to protect Lin Yi, Xu Dongdong pleaded with Wen Jing, offering to take Lin Yi’s punishment herself, but Wen Jing sternly refused, stating that punishments were not interchangeable gifts and warned Xu Dongdong to keep her personal affairs from affecting her military service. As Xu Dongdong apologized to Lin Yi, she overheard him on a phone call, being angrily berated by his father for disgracing the family and not living up to his own military legacy.
Episode 10 Recap
Lin Yi found himself in a difficult situation after receiving a punishment that his father, who comes from a prestigious military family, viewed as a great disgrace. Lin Yi, who had always striven to meet his family's high expectations, felt immense pressure to succeed and avoid bringing shame upon them.
His father had angrily reprimanded him, questioning if he still looked like a soldier and lamenting that if Lin Yi were his own soldier, he wouldn't have been let off so easily. Xu Dongdong, feeling responsible, tried to comfort Lin Yi, telling him that the current setback was just a hurdle and a form of training.
She encouraged him to regain his resolve, assuring him that with his strong sniper skills and renewed effort, his father would eventually approve of him again. Ning Meng sought out Qin Guan, hoping to discuss Lin Yi and Xu Dongdong's situation. However, Qin Guan was resolute, stating that their fight was a fact, and disciplinary action was unavoidable.
He teasingly offered to consider revoking the punishment if Ning Meng was willing to take it herself, but quickly dismissed the topic, instructing her to focus on preparing for the upcoming Blue Lightning Commando badge awarding ceremony. The Blue Lightning Commando's badge awarding ceremony commenced with the commander emphasizing the importance of building a loyal, capable, and disciplined army and highlighting their crucial role in cracking down on terrorism and ensuring the success of the Global Energy Conference.
As the badges were presented, Qin Guan quietly told Ning Meng to "hold back your tears" and "not embarrass your brother." The team then solemnly swore an oath, pledging to obey the Party, serve the people, uphold discipline, and defend the country. After the oath, they posed for their first official group photo.
During the photo, Qin Guan, in a moment of reflection, expressed his commitment to Ning Lei, Ning Meng's late brother, acknowledging her aggressive spirit and promising to train her into the best soldier. Having overheard this, Ning Meng playfully warned Qin Guan to uphold his promise, or her brother would "have a meeting with him tonight."
Showing a softer side, Qin Guan then inquired about Ning Meng's foot injury, though he quickly clarified his concern was for "Blue Lightning's soldiers," not just her personally. Ning Meng assured him her foot was fully healed and wouldn't hinder her training. Later that evening, the Blue Lightning Commando members gathered for a celebration dinner. Qin Guan surprised them by serving a specially brewed herbal concoction, not wine, explaining it was a potent supplement.
Wen Jing, leading the female soldiers, playfully challenged the male soldiers, suggesting they might be too intimidated to drink it. The female soldiers eagerly accepted the challenge, declaring they feared nothing. Qin Guan explained that his strictness was to prevent them from suffering more severe injuries on future battlefields. Wen Jing then initiated a competition, challenging the male soldiers to sing. Chen Haozhe and Guo Xiaowei performed a powerful military song, but Ning Meng dismissed it as mere shouting.
Ning Meng then urged the female soldiers to showcase their talent with a dance, encouraging a reluctant Li Sisi to perform "The Girl from Dabancheng." After the female soldiers' lively performance, Wen Jing dared Qin Guan to sing. Despite his initial protests of being tone-deaf, Ning Meng and the others persuaded him, and he eventually sang a heartfelt song about soldiers, with everyone joining in. That night, everyone was abruptly awoken by an emergency assembly call.
Confused and cold, the soldiers boarded a vehicle, unaware of their destination. Some wondered if it was a terrorist attack, but Chen Haozhe reasoned they'd be in an explosion-proof car if that were the case. During the long, cold journey, Xu Dongdong covertly tried to give Lin Yi a chocolate bar, but a sudden jolt caused it to fall into another soldier's hands, who, thinking it was for her, quickly ate it.
Xu Dongdong could only offer Lin Yi a bitter smile. Upon arrival, the male soldiers immediately recognized their location as "The Furnace," a notorious comprehensive special warfare training base where they had trained before. They explained it was like the Grand Elder's pill furnace; those who could endure would emerge stronger. Qin Guan announced that from this moment, they would be reshaped into true Blue Lightning Commando members, and their first lesson was anti-strike training.
He demanded that each soldier endure sudden blows from ten bricks and twenty boards in twenty minutes, without making a sound. He paired them up, but the male soldiers hesitated, unwilling to strike the female soldiers. Qin Guan, enraged, yelled at them, calling them "fragile" and "cowardly" and threatening to dismiss anyone who showed weakness. Ning Meng, amidst the relentless blows, began to feel dizzy, triggering flashbacks to a past accident.
Overwhelmed by stomach cramps, she knelt down and requested to use the toilet. Qin Guan granted permission but urged her to return quickly, as only fifteen minutes were left. Wen Jing brought Ning Meng some stomach medicine and water. Ning Meng, though clearly unwell, insisted she could continue training. Back on the training ground, Chen Haozhe expressed concern over Ning Meng's pale face, but Qin Guan sternly forbade any pauses. Soon, many female soldiers were bruised and bleeding.
Xu Dongdong, with only three bricks left to complete, was visibly struggling. Yet, with unwavering determination, she handed a brick to Guo Xiaowei, signaling him to continue. Her fellow female soldiers cheered her on, but before Guo Xiaowei could strike, Xu Dongdong fainted. Witnessing this, Qin Guan denounced them as "paper tigers," "fragile" and unfit for special warfare, asserting they wouldn't last twenty-four hours in "The Furnace."
Wen Jing attempted to intercede, but Qin Guan cut her off, stating they would continue training the next day. Later, Wen Jing confronted Qin Guan, arguing that his methods were too extreme and that male and female soldiers had significant psychological and physiological differences. Qin Guan countered that the enemy would not distinguish between them and would be far more brutal; in his eyes, they were all simply members of the Blue Lightning Commando.
Wen Jing acknowledged his reasoning but felt the training, which included outdated techniques, was overly harsh and challenged whether he could endure it himself. Angered, Qin Guan decided to prove his point. He summoned Guo Xiaowei and, in front of the entire team, had him rapidly strike him with bricks and boards. Qin Guan unflinchingly endured every blow.
He then addressed the team, declaring that as the last line of defense, they had no right to retreat or lose, and his "kindness" would be the cruelest thing to them. Wen Jing, feeling a complex mix of emotions, later sought out Qin Guan to apologize. Qin Guan clarified that his demonstration was not aimed at her and then revealed his underlying care for the soldiers.
He had discreetly obtained a secret traditional Chinese medicine, a special liniment for traumatic injuries, by enduring ridicule and making a humble phone call to Commander Zhao. Commander Zhao had teased Qin Guan for asking for the medicine after treating his female soldiers so harshly but eventually agreed, surprised that Qin Guan would ask for their sake. Qin Guan then handed the medicine to Wen Jing to distribute among the injured.
Episode 11 Recap
Captain Qin Guan, adhering to his stern public image, had Instructor Wen Jing deliver the medicine he had obtained from Captain Zhao to the female soldiers, instructing her not to reveal it was from him. In the female dormitory, the soldiers were applying ointment to their wounds, wincing in pain. Wen Jing offered comfort and, hearing their complaints about Qin Guan, defended him by explaining he was tough on the outside but soft-hearted.
Later, in the mess hall, the soldiers were pleasantly surprised by the good food, and the vice squad leader of the cooking class urged them to eat their fill to endure the rigorous training. While the male soldiers reassured their female counterparts that Blue Lightning soldiers were different and could overcome challenges, Guo Xiaowei was overheard telling Lin Yi that Tong Mengyao's poor performance was a burden to the team.
Tong Mengyao confronted Guo Xiaowei, leading to a heated argument filled with mutual taunts, until Xu Dongdong intervened and led Tong Mengyao away. Meanwhile, Liu Yu Xi and Qin Zhiwei's relationship continued to grow. Qin Zhiwei showed concern for Liu Yu Xi, who was tirelessly managing the procurement of lamps for a project. She affirmed her dedication to their shared goals.
Liu Yu Xi then informed Wu Jie about the project's progress, and Wu Jie, in turn, reported to his boss, Wu Mei, that everything was proceeding smoothly with the Convention and Exhibition Center project. He confirmed their plan to use the lamp installation as a cover to smuggle bombs into the venue once the contraband, GHR3, was in place. He assured Wu Mei that once successful, they would monopolize the international energy market.
Three days later, Qin Guan announced an inspection of their training progress, warning that failure would result in double the training. Xu Dongdong was the first to complete the anti-hitting training successfully, followed by Yang Shu, Li Sisi, and other female soldiers. When it was Ning Meng's turn, the repeated blows triggered her past trauma, causing her severe stomach pain and bringing her to her knees. Wen Jing quickly took Ning Meng to rest.
Ning Meng expressed her frustration, wanting to meet the standards but feeling overwhelmed and at her physical limit. Wen Jing gently explained that Ning Meng's real challenge was psychological, and she needed to conquer her inner fears. That evening, as rain poured down, Ning Meng was outside, using her hand to shield a small flower from the downpour. Qin Guan appeared and placed a glass bottle over the flower to protect it.
He revealed he knew about her psychological burden, implying Wen Jing had informed him. He sternly told Ning Meng that she must overcome her weakness herself, as Blue Lightning had no place for weak individuals. He questioned Ning Lei's judgment that Ning Meng was special forces material, suggesting he might have been wrong this time. Determined to prove Ning Lei right, Ning Meng chose to stay and repeatedly hit herself with a brick, chanting, "I can do it!"
Qin Guan watched, his hands clenched in silent support. Ning Meng eventually passed the assessment. However, Qin Guan quickly tempered their joy by revealing an intensive special forces training schedule, emphasizing that anti-hitting was merely the first step. The next day's training involved rope descent through unusually small windows. Qin Guan explained this was to prepare them for urban counter-terrorism scenarios with varied window sizes.
Both Ning Meng and Xu Dongdong volunteered to go first, but Qin Guan selected Xu Dongdong. During her descent, Xu Dongdong misjudged her angle and force, cutting her leg and failing. Despite her injury, she demanded another attempt but failed again. Ning Meng, however, successfully completed the descent. Yang Shu's sarcastic remarks about Xu Dongdong's failure added to her disappointment, but Ning Meng offered words of encouragement.
Since only Xu Dongdong failed the exercise, Qin Guan punished all the female soldiers with a run in the rain. Later that night in the dorm, Ning Meng was telling the others about an embarrassing incident involving a male soldier, Chen Haozhe. Their laughter ceased abruptly when Xu Dongdong entered. Yang Shu seized the opportunity to blame Xu Dongdong for their collective punishment and urged her to go back and train.
Enraged, Xu Dongdong reminded them of her success in the previous subject and accused them of hypocrisy for criticizing her now after she had led the way before. In a fit of anger, she stormed off to Qin Guan's office, declaring her intent to leave Blue Lightning. Qin Guan summoned all the female soldiers and confronted them, asserting that the reason for Xu Dongdong's desire to quit stemmed from within the team.
He questioned if they truly understood the meaning of "comrade-in-arms," suggesting that in a real combat situation, they might abandon an injured comrade for fear of being slowed down. He then imposed a three-hour squat punishment as a "farewell ceremony" for Xu Dongdong, stating she could finalize her resignation after it was over.
After Qin Guan's departure, Wen Jing expressed her disappointment, emphasizing that Blue Lightning was a collective and that they had failed to grasp the principle that "unity is strength." Once both Qin Guan and Wen Jing left, the male soldiers were puzzled by the situation. The female soldiers, feeling guilty, apologized to Xu Dongdong and offered to intercede for her.
Xu Dongdong initially believed Ning Meng had been leading the others in mocking her, but Ning Meng clarified that she was recounting Chen Haozhe's embarrassing story, not talking about Xu Dongdong. Realizing her misunderstanding and impulsiveness, Xu Dongdong decided not to quit. As laughter filled the training ground once more, Qin Guan, who had been listening from a distance, quietly left, reassured. Driven by a strong desire not to fall behind, Xu Dongdong skipped dinner for extra training.
Ning Meng approached her, suggesting that practicing against a wall was useless and she should try a real combat simulation. With the encouragement and help of Ning Meng and her teammates, Xu Dongdong successfully completed a practice run and then passed the official assessment. During the test, she noticed the window frame was even smaller than before. Afterward, her teammates revealed they had secretly enlarged the frame during her practice to help her build confidence.
Deeply moved, Xu Dongdong thanked them, finally resolving their misunderstandings and truly grasping the power of teamwork. Reflecting on her actions, Xu Dongdong brought some fruit to Qin Guan's office to apologize. Qin Guan, though maintaining his stern demeanor, scolded her for violating regulations by bringing gifts but then, in a subtle display of his caring nature, told her to take the fruit and share it with everyone.
Episode 12 Recap
The female soldiers embarked on their next training project: spinning in place while answering questions from Qin Guan. As they spun, Qin Guan peppered them with multiplication and subtraction questions. Many struggled to answer correctly, providing wrong numbers or getting flustered. Qin Guan then challenged their perceived ease, declaring this was just the beginning and harder tasks were ahead. He began calling out groups, ordering each soldier to complete 120 laps in three minutes within the spinning cage.
Ning Meng and Yang Shu were in the final group. True to Qin Guan's warning, many soldiers became dizzy and vomited. While most managed to complete the task, Yang Shu failed to finish, disappointing Qin Guan. He expressed his displeasure, announcing that everyone would have to double their training the next day to catch up. Back in the dormitory, the female soldiers were in agony, dizzy and exhausted.
Li Sisi lay on Ning Meng's bed, complaining of severe dizziness, while Ning Meng herself struggled to stand. Despite the intense additional training, most soldiers eventually passed this phase, but Yang Shu continued to struggle. Qin Guan then ordered Yang Shu to continue spinning while the others were forced to flip heavy tires, emphasizing that no one would rest until Yang Shu completed her 120 laps. Yang Shu practiced alone during breaks, but repeatedly failed, collapsing and vomiting.
Ning Meng approached her, pointing to a small yellow flower nearby and sharing how that same flower had given her courage during a previous anti-strike training when she was on the verge of giving up. Ning Meng told Yang Shu she thought she was an incredibly cool person. Yang Shu thanked her but firmly stated she didn't need any psychological counseling. Zhuang Qian noticed a change in Yang Shu, observing that she had lost her former domineering spirit.
She and Ning Meng sought advice from Wen Jing. Wen Jing explained that inability to pass such training stemmed either from psychological reasons or a vestibular system issue. Given Yang Shu's refusal of psychological counseling, Wen Jing concluded it was likely a vestibular problem. She gave Ning Meng two glow sticks, advising that focusing on a fixed point while spinning could alleviate dizziness. Ning Meng took the glow sticks to help Yang Shu in her extra training.
Qin Guan silently appeared during their session, instructing Ning Meng not to make a sound. He explained that Yang Shu excelled in all other aspects, but her anti-vertigo capabilities were weak, and being a loner, she needed Ning Meng's help. Ning Meng, delighted by Qin Guan's words, realized he had been quietly observing and fostering their growth all along. Later, in the dorm, Li Sisi teased Ning Meng about her contented giggles, trying to uncover the cause of her happiness.
Yang Shu later requested more time from Qin Guan to train, but he refused, emphasizing that "rules are rules" and applied equally to everyone. He reminded her of her impressive past achievements, like being a national shooting champion, a taekwondo expert with no rivals, and a record holder in cross-country, before asking if she still needed time. He stated that failing to pass within the stipulated time would result in her quitting Blue Lightning.
That evening, Yang Shu asked Ning Meng to tie her to the spinning apparatus, instructing her not to untie her no matter how much she cried out, stating she wanted to be spun until she couldn't take it anymore. Ning Meng tied her up, urging her to focus on the cross mark. After a while, seeing Yang Shu falter, Ning Meng untied her, concerned she might have passed out.
Yang Shu, however, quickly recovered and begged Ning Meng to tie her back, determined to pass. Ning Meng, instead, gently encouraged her to smile more, telling her she looked beautiful when she smiled. Two days later, the final assessment arrived, presenting Yang Shu with her last opportunity. This time, she successfully passed the spinning test. Afterward, Yang Shu reverted to her usual "ice-faced" demeanor, a sight Ning Meng had grown accustomed to.
Qin Guan commended all the female soldiers for passing this assessment but quickly added that the harder challenges were yet to come. For the next training, Qin Guan presented the female soldiers with new equipment and ordered them to put it on, giving them ten minutes to gather. The women speculated about the contents, wondering if it was special disguise gear or advanced technology.
Meanwhile, the male soldiers also pondered what new training awaited, jokingly hoping for beach volleyball or imagining the female soldiers in high heels and cheongsams for disguise training. To their surprise, the new equipment turned out to be heavy sandbags to be worn all over their bodies. Struggling to move under the weight, the female soldiers looked like "Ninja Turtles."
Qin Guan announced the next course: female soldiers, weighed down by sandbags, would fight male soldiers, and only winning would count as passing. Ning Meng questioned how they could possibly fight under such conditions. Qin Guan clarified that the purpose was to enhance their strength and endurance in combat, preparing them to be "invincible against strong bandits." He then immediately ordered a five-kilometer cross-country run.
The female soldiers understood that this seemingly unfair training was designed to push them to their limits, enabling them to become as strong, or even stronger, than the male soldiers, ensuring they could hold their own in real counter-terrorism operations. After a day of running with the heavy sandbags, their bodies were covered in bruises and wounds, with clothes painfully stuck to their skin. Ning Meng, despite her own discomfort, gently applied hot compresses to Li Sisi's injuries.
Later, as they nursed their wounds, the female soldiers expressed worries about tomorrow's combat and whether their injuries would leave scars, potentially affecting their future romantic prospects. The conversation quickly devolved into lighthearted gossip about Xu Dongdong and Lin Yi. Ning Meng then suggested they must quickly adapt to wearing the sandbags. Yang Shu, regaining her resolve, declared that to achieve a breakthrough, they must challenge their limits.
She proposed that starting the next day, they would organize their own 400 m steeplechase training, aiming to significantly improve their results. The group rallied behind the motto: "The harder it is, the more forward it is!" Late that night, Li Sisi, unable to sleep due to anxiety, crept into Ning Meng's bed. She confided in Ning Meng that she worried about dragging the team down during tomorrow's training, fearing she wouldn't be able to keep up.
Ning Meng patiently reassured her, urging her to believe in herself and reminding her that they would all help her. She encouraged Li Sisi not to put so much pressure on herself, to get a good night's sleep, and to remember that "there's nothing you can't do." The next morning, the female soldiers, united in their determination, began their self-organized 400 m steeplechase training.
However, Li Sisi again hesitated, finding it daunting to complete the course even in regular uniform, let alone with the heavy sandbags to meet the high standards. Yang Shu firmly reminded everyone that Blue Lightning was different from any other unit they had served in, constantly pushing them to challenge their limits every single day.
Episode 13 Recap
The female soldiers of Blue Lightning, recognizing their unit's unconventional and challenging nature, encouraged each other not to give up on the 400 m steeplechase. They affirmed their ability to conquer it, rallying around the idea that with resolve, solutions always outweigh difficulties. As they pushed through the obstacle course under the scorching sun, wearing heavy sandbags, the male soldiers watched. Some male soldiers wondered if they were being too harsh and considered going easy on the women.
However, they decided against it, fearing Qin Guan's strict oversight. Qin Guan, observing the female soldiers' determined efforts, was pleased, remarking to Wen Jing that this was exactly the situation he wanted to see, even as Wen Jing expressed her concern over his demeanor. Qin Guan then received a phone call from the detachment leader, who inquired about the Blue Lightning unit.
Qin Guan reported that while the training intensity had significantly increased, the female soldiers were initially unprepared, experiencing issues ranging from a lack of confidence to overconfidence, and were still far from reaching the qualification standards. The detachment leader advised Qin Guan to be patient and employ suitable methods, reminding him that the entire Team was closely watching Blue Lightning as the Global Energy Conference approached, leaving them with limited time.
Qin Guan reaffirmed the necessity of high standards, stating that without becoming "refined into steel," they wouldn't be able to carry out Operation Lightning. The detachment leader supported Qin Guan's training plan, reiterating the importance of intense training to minimize casualties in actual combat. The detachment leader then shared critical intelligence: the police had seized a batch of GHR3, a highly sensitive new material secretly hoarded by the S Group terrorist organization.
This material, while suitable for advanced batteries, also possessed extreme destructive potential, capable of synthesizing super bombs. In a different location, Wu Jie, infuriated by the seizure, confronted his subordinate Nan Qi, who explained that the police had acted too swiftly, preventing the transfer of the GHR3. Wu Jie then executed the female lab director for her failure.
He proceeded to threaten a male Doctor at gunpoint, ordering him to create the new energy and super bomb, even without the GHR3, before the Global Energy Conference. Wu Jie declared that failure was not an option in his world and that the next threat would be with real bullets. The detachment leader emphasized to Qin Guan that national security experts identified S Group as a terrorist organization aiming to control the new energy market.
He stressed that the success of thwarting S Group's plans and completing Operation Lightning now depended on Qin Guan and Blue Lightning's performance. As the intensive training continued day and night, Li Sisi began to fall behind, overwhelmed by the demanding tasks. Ning Meng noticed Li Sisi's absence and organized a search.
Recalling Li Sisi’s fondness for food, Ning Meng checked the mess hall, where the cook reported that Li Sisi had cried and eaten all his cucumbers, feeling deeply distressed. Ning Meng found Li Sisi sobbing while devouring food, expressing her immense pressure and fear of being the last one and dragging the team down. Initially, Ning Meng, trying a tough-love approach, urged Li Sisi to stop eating and consider quitting, even offering to accompany her to Qin Guan's office.
She chastised Li Sisi for choosing to escape and deal with problems "like a weak person," asking what good it did to hide and cry. Li Sisi, deeply emotional, responded that she only feared dragging the others down. Seeing her distress, Ning Meng softened her tone. The rest of the female soldiers arrived, gathering around Li Sisi to offer comfort and encouragement.
They reminded her that no one is born strong and that they can all become stronger by working together. They emphasized that her concern for the team demonstrated responsibility, something they admired. They then put their hands together, vowing to face the 400 m steeplechase together the next day and moving forward with the motto: "the harder it is, the further we go!" The following day, after completing the 400 m steeplechase, the female soldiers were left with numerous injuries.
To everyone's surprise, Qin Guan personally brought a first-aid kit and began applying medicine to their wounds. Though in pain, the soldiers, including Ning Meng, endured without complaint, touched by this rare display of warmth from their captain. Ning Meng was particularly struck by this unexpected side of Qin Guan, pledging to persevere until the end to live up to his unspoken expectations.
Qin Guan, however, reminded them that their training was for their own growth, not for him, and that understanding their purpose for being there was more crucial than simply training hard. Despite their severe injuries, the female soldiers eagerly returned to training, celebrating each improvement in their performance. Meanwhile, the male soldiers, initially dismissive and sympathetic, continued to observe from the sidelines.
Some mused that the female soldiers’ efforts were futile due to their sandbags and weaker physical attributes, even discussing going easy on them, a suggestion Chen Haozhe quickly refuted as counterproductive. One male soldier recalled his previous clashes with Tong Mengyao during anti-hit training, vowing to prove he was "not to be trifled with." Qin Guan, noticing their idleness and comments, promptly ordered the male soldiers to join the rigorous training alongside the female soldiers.
The Blue Lightning members then gathered to discuss strategy for the upcoming male-female soldier confrontation assessment. Ning Meng, demonstrating her tactical acumen, outlined a plan to systematically defeat the male soldiers. She identified Chen Haozhe and "Iron Fist" as the strongest and proposed a decentralized tactic to lure them away individually. Tong Mengyao was assigned to engage Guo Xiaowei, the fastest runner, while Li Sisi was tasked with drawing "Iron Fist" as far away as possible.
Ning Meng, Dongdong, and Yang Shu would then jointly tackle Chen Haozhe, followed by a combined effort against "Iron Fist." Unaware of the female soldiers' detailed strategy, the male soldiers, except for Chen Haozhe who warned against underestimation, remained overconfident. They declared they would "overwhelm them with momentum," with one male soldier eagerly anticipating a personal victory over Tong Mengyao, and another confidently planning to defeat Zhuang Qian. During the assessment, the female soldiers executed their plan flawlessly.
Tong Mengyao successfully lured Guo Xiaowei away and defeated him, setting the stage for subsequent victories. Observing the display of tactical prowess, Wen Jing noted how quickly the female soldiers had improved and learned to use strategy, to which Qin Guan correctly attributed the mastermind as Ning Meng. The female soldiers ultimately emerged victorious, celebrating their hard-won success with shouts of joy.
Amidst the jubilation, Yang Shu made a somewhat cold and contentious remark, claiming that their victory was only possible because she had trained them. Although her words momentarily dampened the mood, the other female soldiers, familiar with her temperament, acknowledged her contribution and continued their celebration. Qin Guan led the Blue Lightning unit in a formal subject demonstration for the detachment leader and commissar.
Both male and female soldiers displayed their skills, proving that their intensive training had yielded significant results. The detachment leader expressed his satisfaction, particularly praising the eight female soldiers for overcoming physical and psychological barriers, surpassing their physical limits, and achieving excellent assessment scores on par with the male soldiers. He acknowledged Qin Guan's success in forging the female soldiers into a unit as capable as their male counterparts.
However, the detachment leader then shifted the conversation to a new, urgent mission. He revealed that the S Group terrorist organization remained relentless in its pursuit of GHR3, a dangerous material, with recent attempts to smuggle it into the country despite increased police surveillance. He emphasized that S Group's actions were clearly aimed at disrupting the upcoming Global Energy Conference, and it was imperative not to let them succeed.
The detachment leader declared that Blue Lightning, now a sharpened blade, was ready to be deployed. He then tasked Qin Guan with selecting an assault team leader, a crucial role. Qin Guan indicated he had several candidates and needed more time for observation and comprehensive evaluation. Among the male soldiers, Chen Haozhe was widely considered the obvious choice for the team leader position.
As the time for their departure from the "Furnace" training facility approached, the female soldiers reflected on their transformation. They recalled their initial struggles and how, despite the grueling experience, the place they once dreaded to stay in had now become one they were reluctant to leave, having forged deep bonds and grown immensely. Finally, Qin Guan gave the order for the entire Blue Lightning unit to run back to camp, marking the end of their arduous training period at the Furnace.
Episode 14 Recap
Instead of being transported by truck as they were upon arrival, Qin Guan ordered the entire team to run back to camp. Exhausted, the female soldiers finally returned to their dormitory, collapsing onto their beds. While Li Sisi was ready to sleep, Ning Meng pulled out a book on big data analysis, explaining how decisions in the modern age increasingly rely on such analysis and emphasized that every special warfare team member should enhance their operational decision-making and command capabilities.
Overhearing this, Yang Shu, who had just returned from the run, declared she was going for another run, her determination to secure the position of assault team leader unwavering. She later approached Qin Guan and Wen Jing, confidently volunteering for the role and stating her intention to prove her capabilities through strength. Qin Guan acknowledged that competitiveness was a positive trait and assured her of fair treatment.
Wen Jing and Qin Guan discussed the candidates, agreeing that Chen Haozhe was a strong male candidate, while Ning Meng and Yang Shu both possessed unique qualities and potential among the female soldiers. During the next day's training, Ning Meng and Yang Shu spontaneously engaged in a grueling pull-up competition. While their teammates finished dinner and returned to watch, Qin Guan remained on the sidelines, observing.
Half an hour later, both women were still hanging on, panting with exhaustion but refusing to give up. After a brief rest, they resumed their efforts, spurred on by the cheers of their fellow soldiers and attracting attention from other teams. The detachment leader and commissar also observed the intense standoff, speculating that Qin Guan might be reconsidering his initial choices for the assault team leader.
Ning Meng and Yang Shu persisted, driven by their individual reasons for joining the Blue Lightning team. As they neared their breaking point, Qin Guan instructed the Blue Lightning members to provide safety support, after which both women simultaneously let go and dropped. Later, the male soldiers discussed the competition, assuming it was for the assault team leader position. They generally believed Chen Haozhe would be chosen, preferring not to be commanded by a female soldier.
Chen Haozhe, however, expressed a desire to compete directly with Ning Meng and Yang Shu. Qin Guan discussed the situation with Wen Jing, explaining that he was using their rivalry to push them to break their limits and motivate each other; the ultimate winner would be the most suitable candidate, while the others would also benefit from the intense challenge. The following morning, Ning Meng and Yang Shu awoke sore but still playfully competitive.
Qin Guan summoned them to his office, remarking on their newfound fame throughout the detachment. He ironically called them "two heroes" and "iron ladies" but questioned their overly aggressive competitive spirit, reminding them of the meaning of comradeship. He also challenged their assumption that the assault team leader would be chosen from between them. Before dismissing them, he cryptically promised them a "hard dish." Soon after, Qin Guan gathered the entire team to announce the upcoming Devil's Week training.
He emphasized that the rival Special Training Team was determined to take the championship trophy, something Blue Lightning could not allow, rallying his team to crush their ambition. Prior to Devil's Week, Qin Guan and the Special Training Team's leader, Zhao Brigade, exchanged playful jabs. Zhao Brigade remarked on Blue Lightning's "legendary female players," referring to Ning Meng and Yang Shu's famous pull-up competition.
Qin Guan feigned modesty, claiming his "ordinary female soldiers" had "carelessly" broken the Special Training Team's record and chided them for being too impulsive. He then humorously suggested Zhao Brigade take the trophy this year to relieve Blue Lightning of their "idol burden." Zhao Brigade retorted that his team relied on strength, unlike some teams that were assembled for their "face value."
The detachment leader then officially opened the Devil's Week Extreme Confrontation Training, explaining it was designed to temper the soldiers' will and test their physical strength, skills, tactics, and psychology. The Chief of Staff detailed the rules: it would be a two-unit confrontation, with the Special Training Team competing against Blue Lightning. Additionally, the Storm Commando, world champions who had recently defeated special forces from various countries, would also participate to heighten the challenge.
A deduction system would be used, with the highest-scoring team winning the championship and the "supreme honor." For the first day's mission, no food would be provided; all supplies had to be obtained during the mission. The objective was a seven-hour, 30-kilometer armed assault to outpace the Storm Commando and reach the designated camp. Qin Guan called upon Ning Meng, Yang Shu, and Chen Haozhe to analyze the available routes.
Chen Haozhe advocated for Route A, the shortest, for a quick victory. Yang Shu chose Route B, citing its dense vegetation for stealth. Ning Meng, however, chose the farthest, Route C, explaining that by swimming across an estuary and climbing a mountain, they could avoid most confrontations, paradoxically making it the fastest route. Qin Guan approved Ning Meng's strategy and appointed her as the temporary commander.
As Blue Lightning navigated thorny terrain under Ning Meng's command, a referee suggested she could switch to an easier path, but she insisted on continuing. Later, Yang Shu's recklessness caused her to accidentally scratch Tong Mengyao with a branch, leading to an argument. Yang Shu vehemently declared her intent to win and told Tong Mengyao to control her temper. Ning Meng intervened as they heard the Storm Commando, having already eliminated another team, closing in.
Realizing the Storm Commando was using dogs, Ning Meng ordered everyone into the river to mask their scent. After the immediate threat passed, Yang Shu impatiently urged the team to confront the Storm Commando head-on. Ning Meng countered that facing such a powerful enemy directly was unwise and advocated for strategy over brute force. Defiantly, Yang Shu stepped out of the water, challenging others to follow, but her teammates remained in the river, adhering to Ning Meng's command.
Episode 15 Recap
Impatient with Ning Meng's leadership, Yang Shu suggested taking a shortcut to be the first to reach the camp, asking if anyone would follow her. However, a teammate immediately intervened, reminding Yang Shu that the situation was still unclear and it was not the time for reckless heroics, as blindly rushing ahead would only lead to disaster. He reiterated Qin Guan's explicit order for everyone to follow Ning Meng's command. Though inwardly frustrated, Yang Shu reluctantly fell back in line.
Ning Meng then addressed her team, acknowledging the steep mountain ahead and the seven hours they had already marched, leaving her uncertain of what challenges lay beyond. Despite her concerns, her teammates expressed unwavering confidence, declaring their readiness and refusal to be underestimated. Observing their struggles and trust, Ning Meng privately pondered the correctness of her leadership, hoping to live up to their faith. As their arduous march continued, Yang Shu suddenly collapsed.
Her teammates quickly gathered, and Zhuang Qian, examining her, diagnosed a fever of 38. 6 degrees Celsius caused by tonsil inflammation. Zhuang Qian admonished Yang Shu for not revealing her serious condition earlier, especially after enduring the freezing water. Ning Meng offered to carry Yang Shu, but a male teammate cautioned against it, noting that the mountainous terrain would quickly deplete Ning Meng's energy. Other male soldiers promptly volunteered to construct a stretcher and carry Yang Shu.
Lin Yi, despite his own exhaustion, insisted on continuing to carry her. Yang Shu, feeling like a burden, tried to insist on walking, but Ning Meng and her teammates stopped her, stressing the need for rest due to her high fever. Ning Meng reassured Yang Shu that Blue Lightning would never abandon a comrade, emphasizing that their only chance of victory lay in collective effort.
Motivated, Ning Meng rallied the team, highlighting their proximity to the camp—less than a kilometer away—and their current lead over the Special Training Team. Meanwhile, observing the competition, the detachment leader and other officials discussed the teams' strategies. While the Special Training Team impressed with its direct, aggressive assaults, the detachment leader commended Blue Lightning for its flexible, evasive tactics that minimized casualties.
Zhao Brigade, however, openly favored the Special Training Team's confrontational style and mocked Blue Lightning's more cautious approach, to which Qin Guan retorted sharply. As the two teams converged near the camp, the detachment leader announced a sudden rule change: from that moment on, they could engage and attack each other, with victory going to the team that first crossed the red line. A chaotic brawl immediately erupted as both teams sprinted for the finish.
During the melee, Yang Shu was knocked from her stretcher. Despite her condition, she began crawling toward the finish line before collapsing again from exhaustion. As the fight raged, her teammates rushed to her side. In the end, Ning Meng broke through the fray and was the first to cross the line, securing a hard-fought victory for Blue Lightning. In the aftermath, a gloating Qin Guan celebrated his team's win.
Zhao Brigade, irritated, shot back that he shouldn't be so smug, pointing out that Blue Lightning had already lost one of its snipers due to injury. He warned Qin Guan that the next sniper competition would be tough, as Qu Bo, the top sniper from the anti-hijack team, was on his team. Unfazed, Qin Guan expressed his complete confidence in Lin Yi. Upon regaining consciousness in the medical tent, Yang Shu’s first concern was whether the team had won.
Learning that her evacuation would result in penalty points, she adamantly refused to leave. She tore out her IV, declared she was no deserter, and reported for duty, insisting on continuing with the team. The next module tasked the teams with a 10-kilometer covert march through a foul-smelling, zero-degree water ditch filled with decaying waste, aiming to attack an enemy command post and find a target. Soldiers were ordered to smear the putrid mud on their faces for camouflage.
This segment was a direct confrontation between Blue Lightning and the Special Training Team, with the prize being a much-needed steamed bun. The key challenge involved a sniping duel between Blue Lightning's Lin Yi and Qu Bo, a renowned sniper from the anti-hijack team now with the Special Training Team and Lin Yi's childhood friend. Ning Meng noticed Lin Yi's troubled demeanor.
Plagued by Qu Bo's recent taunts about his father's anger over a previous demerit, and his warning that another loss would be a "stain on his father's life," Lin Yi's focus wavered. At the makeshift shooting range, where three assault team members and one sniper from each team would compete, Lin Yi's internal turmoil caused him to miss his target.
Despite the other Blue Lightning members hitting their targets, Lin Yi's critical miss with the sniper rifle led to the Special Training Team winning the round in 45 seconds, besting Blue Lightning's 53 seconds. Zhao Brigade smugly celebrated their victory, provoking an annoyed Qin Guan to remind him about the dangers of arrogance. Following their loss, the Special Training Team received their steamed buns and ostentatiously celebrated in front of Blue Lightning, who were penalized ten minutes for their defeat.
Xu Dongdong and other teammates rallied around Lin Yi, assuring him that no one blamed him and urging him to let go of his disappointment to focus on future challenges. Lin Yi apologized for costing them time, and Ning Meng reassured him that they would make up for it by pushing harder. The journey through the putrid ditch continued, with subsequent supplies being minuscule. At a meager resupply point, Chen Haozhe found a small bread roll.
A heartfelt exchange of selflessness ensued, with every male soldier insisting the female soldiers take it, and the female soldiers, in turn, deferring to one another. Ultimately, everyone agreed that Yang Shu, still recovering from her illness, needed the sustenance most, and she gratefully ate it. This act of sharing their scarce food deeply strengthened the team's camaraderie.
As they progressed, a simulated bomb blast provided Blue Lightning an opportunity to gain ground on the Special Training Team, which was soon penalized five minutes for a soldier's equipment loss—a critical error in a combat scenario. Qu Bo, however, arrogantly dismissed it as an "accident," claiming it would make their eventual victory even more convincing.
Ning Meng seized the moment to emphasize vigilance, instructing her team to meticulously check their gear, a display of foresight that earned her praise from the detachment leader for her clear judgment and commanding presence. In the final sprint to the endpoint, Blue Lightning and the Special Training Team once again converged. In a thrilling dash, Blue Lightning secured victory, completing the 10-kilometer cross-country in 6 hours, 20 minutes, and 39 seconds, a mere two seconds ahead of their rivals.
Qin Guan reveled in his team's triumph, much to Zhao Brigade's visible fury. Zhao Brigade then warned Qin Guan of the challenges ahead, stating that the next confrontation would be with "real knives and real guns," and not to expect mercy. The next task led them to a supply point promising instant noodles in two separate houses, one for male and one for female soldiers. However, the catch was a heavy deployment of tear gas within the rooms.
Donning gas masks, the female soldiers immediately struggled, many rushing out to vomit, while the male soldiers valiantly pressed on. Ning Meng, witnessing her female teammates' distress but observing that the male soldiers were still inside, sternly rallied them, refusing to let them surrender and urging them to continue the search. After a renewed effort, they successfully located the instant noodles.
Episode 16 Recap
Upon emerging from the tear gas-filled room with their supplies, Qin Guan questioned who allowed the soldiers to come out and if everyone had retrieved their provisions. Ning Meng worried about Du Xinyu, who was still inside. Yang Shu bravely re-entered to save Du Xinyu, who had been trapped. After Du Xinyu thanked her, Yang Shu, in a tough manner, stated she acted to preserve their ranking and warned Du Xinyu not to be "such a loser" again.
The male soldiers also appeared with their instant noodles. Guo Xiaowei, tears streaming, claimed he was simply moved by the food. As the soldiers ravenously consumed their meager instant noodles, Qin Guan immediately announced the start of a 10-kilometer cross-country march. Li Sisi lamented their lack of sleep, hunger, and not having a sip of water since the previous night, remarking that the intensity of Devil's Week made "life feel like a year."
Despite their exhaustion, Blue Lightning completed the march. At the finish line, a famished Li Sisi pleaded with Qin Guan for food, even noting Yang Shu was without sustenance. Qin Guan, however, told them they needed to find food themselves but hinted at potential supplies the next day, depending on their performance.
The second day concluded with everyone hungry and tired, and Qin Guan sternly reminded them it was "just the beginning" of Devil's Week, which was designed to push their potential. The following day brought a raw beef eating challenge against the Special Training Team. The female soldiers were appalled, with Li Sisi exclaiming she wouldn't even eat raw salmon.
Members of the Special Training Team openly mocked them, calling them "fancy boys and girls" who were too delicate, confident they would easily win. When male soldiers offered to take on more beef to protect their female counterparts, Ning Meng firmly refused, saying, "You don't have to treat us like female soldiers. We're all soldiers." The team then passionately chanted their motto: "The harder it is, the more forward we go!
Use me for the first battle, use me to win!" Under the starting command, both teams struggled to swallow the raw beef, but Blue Lightning ultimately secured another victory. Afterward, the thought of the raw beef still sickened Li Sisi, who felt nauseous. Qin Guan appeared again, ironically asking if they enjoyed their "big meal," even listing various delicious beef dishes to rub it in.
When Ning Meng pointed out that Li Sisi and a pale Yang Shu were physically exhausted, Qin Guan coldly stated that enduring such hardships was their duty during Devil's Week. Ning Meng attempted to soften him by mentioning it was Lin Yi's father's birthday, but Qin Guan dismissed it as irrelevant. He warned them that the remaining four days would be even more brutal, and they had no choice but to mentally prepare.
That night, as the camp slept, smoke bombs were deployed, followed by an attack from a group of assailants. Lin Yi was captured, prompting Chen Haozhe, Ning Meng, and Li Sisi to give chase. They confronted the Storm Team captain, who stated their mission was only to capture one person and offered the three a chance to retreat. Chen Haozhe challenged the captain, asking if there was a rule against rescuing a comrade.
Ning Meng declared that no Blue Lightning soldier was a "wimp" and vowed to fight to the death if the Storm Team wouldn't release their comrade. Unaware of the capture, the rest of Blue Lightning searched frantically for the four missing members. They worried about the upcoming two-person sniper competition, knowing that without Lin Yi, their chances of winning were slim. Meanwhile, Lin Yi, Ning Meng, Chen Haozhe, and Li Sisi were confined in a cold water dungeon.
Lin Yi apologized for burdening his comrades, but Chen Haozhe quickly reassured him. Li Sisi was visibly unwell from the cold, and Chen Haozhe encouraged her to hold on so they could escape. The Storm Team captain announced a new challenge: find a hacksaw blade within the water dungeon and escape within six minutes, or their team would lose all points.
Simultaneously, Yang Shu and Tong Mengyao prepared for the sniper competition, with Guo Xiaowei volunteering, stating he had practiced with Lin Yi. However, other teammates expressed concern, noting that their opponent, Qu Bo, was as skilled as Lin Yi. Lin Yi managed to untie their ropes by using his teeth underwater, which concerned Chen Haozhe. The water level continued to rise, making it difficult to find the hacksaw blade in the murky water.
The Storm Team captain added pressure by announcing a four-minute countdown, threatening disqualification from future events if they failed. Ning Meng, recalling how the Storm Team captain threw the hacksaw into the water, deduced it must be directly beneath the iron fence. Lin Yi quickly located it and began sawing the lock.
The Storm Team tried to interfere, but Chen Haozhe, Ning Meng, and Li Sisi protected Lin Yi's hands, urging him to keep them safe for the upcoming shooting competition. With seconds to spare, Lin Yi successfully sawed through the lock, and they escaped. Just as the two-person sniper competition was about to begin, Ning Meng, Chen Haozhe, Lin Yi, and Li Sisi returned to the firing range.
Lin Yi, taking his position, was immediately overwhelmed by the memory of his father's harsh criticisms and expectations, causing sweat to bead on his forehead. Qu Bo, observing Lin Yi's troubled state, confidently predicted he would miss the target again. However, Lin Yi's teammates rallied, encouraging him to "believe in himself" and "go for it." Their support bolstered his confidence.
Lin Yi adjusted his stance and, with a precise shot, hit the additional target with a perfect ten rings, securing victory for Blue Lightning. A defeated Qu Bo acknowledged Lin Yi's skill with a thumbs-up. Qin Guan praised Blue Lightning's performance and offered them one wish as a reward. The team's immediate desire was for supplies, which Qin Guan had prepared as bread.
However, Ning Meng, observing Lin Yi, proposed using their collective wish for Lin Yi to call his father, whose birthday it was, as Lin Yi had earned this opportunity. All teammates enthusiastically agreed, returning their bread and urging Lin Yi to use the call to reconcile with his father. Even Li Sisi, who "takes food as her life," readily gave up her bread, earning a playful jab from Chen Haozhe.
However, Lin Yi declined the offer, stating his belief in earning his father's approval through his own merits and wishing for everyone to enjoy the food and get through Devil's Week together. This episode, though a small diversion, deepened the camaraderie and shared memories within the Blue Lightning team. Qin Guan then joined the team, informing them that these days represented the peak of their physical endurance and the remaining time would test their willpower.
He affirmed he would be with them until the end of Devil's Week, urging them to surpass the Special Training Team and be the first to complete the tasks. Meanwhile, Wu Mei discussed with Wu Jie that new, prohibited materials couldn't be imported due to stringent border and customs checks. She revealed her plan to transport them through an unnoticed "no-man's land" route, cautioning Wu Jie that "wealth comes from danger" when he expressed concerns about the risk.
That evening, as the soldiers fantasized about hot pot, Qin Guan abruptly brought them back to reality. He announced their next confrontation would again be against the Special Training Team. The mission was two-fold: protect Qin Guan's badge and capture the Special Training Team's badge. He explained that their wrist monitors had alarm devices, signifying elimination if triggered, and warned of indiscriminate interference from Storm Team members.
Qin Guan then laid out a map, asking Ning Meng, Yang Shu, and Chen Haozhe for their tactical input. Chen Haozhe suggested they leave a few members behind, given the Special Training Team's camp was less than ten kilometers away.
Episode 17 Recap
Qin Guan asked Ning Meng, Chen Haozhe, and Yang Shu for their opinions on the next course of action. Chen Haozhe proposed keeping some personnel at their camp to guard the badge while the rest launched an overnight attack on the special training team's camp. Yang Shu suggested dividing into male and female teams, with the male soldiers raiding from behind and the female soldiers attacking from the front.
Ning Meng, however, agreed with part of Chen Haozhe’s strategy regarding dividing into groups but asserted that the ambush should take place at their own camp, carried out by the female soldiers. She explained that this approach would achieve surprise, turn a passive situation into an active one, and allow them to set traps for maximum effectiveness. Qin Guan approved Ning Meng's strategy, ordering the men and women to split into two teams.
Chen Haozhe was tasked with leading the male soldiers to track the special training team, while the female soldiers remained at their camp. Li Sisi confided in Ning Meng, believing that Ning Meng would be chosen as the assault team leader after this Devil's Week. Ning Meng, however, was not concerned with such thoughts, emphasizing that the success of their mission primarily depended on Chen Haozhe's team, and their role was to cooperate effectively.
Meanwhile, the special training team, anticipating a sneak attack from Blue Lightning, had been on alert, believing Qin Guan would not miss this opportunity. Their captain instructed his team to remain vigilant and eliminate Blue Lightning's soldiers once they entered the ambush zone. As Chen Haozhe and the male soldiers advanced, they sensed they were being followed. Guo Xiaowei confirmed their suspicions, but they couldn't identify who it was.
In the command center, the detachment leader and commissar observed Blue Lightning's movements, expressing admiration for their ability to detect the pursuing Storm Team. To increase the challenge, they decided to deploy a second Storm Team, creating a pincer movement to catch Blue Lightning off guard, believing a "good knife needs more polishing." The special training team, witnessing Blue Lightning's male soldiers being intercepted by the Storm Team, deduced that the badge couldn't be on the male soldiers.
They realized that only Qin Guan and a few female soldiers were left at Blue Lightning's camp. Their Captain Zhao decided to seize this opportunity to launch a surprise attack, aiming to capture the badge and teach Blue Lightning a lesson. Before moving out, he instructed Qu Bo to hide their badge securely. Trapped by the Storm Teams, Chen Haozhe's male soldiers acknowledged their precarious situation.
Realizing that Captain Zhao had likely discovered their position, they decided someone had to break through and warn Qin Guan. Guo Xiaowei bravely volunteered for this dangerous task. Captain Zhao led his special training team to attack Blue Lightning's camp, only to be met by Qin Guan's own ambush. Qin Guan's team successfully eliminated four of Captain Zhao's soldiers.
Unfazed, Captain Zhao informed Qin Guan that her male soldiers had been intercepted by the Storm Team and would not be returning, leaving her with just a "Lady Army." This news caused distress among Ning Meng and the other female soldiers, but Qin Guan remained confident. She deduced that the badge was on Qu Bo, reasoning that Captain Zhao, who highly valued honor, would entrust such a critical item to his most capable soldier.
Ning Meng further solidified this theory by observing Captain Zhao's subtle facial expressions and body language, confirming he was hiding something. Captain Zhao dropped the pretense, asserting that even if Qin Guan had guessed correctly, his team still outnumbered hers. He proposed a direct confrontation. Qin Guan accepted, and a fierce battle ensued. Despite Captain Zhao and Qu Bo teaming up against her, Qin Guan skillfully managed to take the badge from Qu Bo.
Following this, Qin Guan declared that she wanted Captain Zhao to concede defeat wholeheartedly, throwing the badge aside and challenging him to a one-on-one fight. Meanwhile, Ning Meng and the female soldiers ingeniously used traps they had set to systematically eliminate several more special training team members. The confrontation between Qin Guan and Captain Zhao concluded with both falling into the water.
Qin Guan, utilizing her agility, successfully defeated Captain Zhao and, afterwards, extended a gesture of sportsmanship by offering him a towel. Humbled, Captain Zhao conceded defeat and offered the badge to Qin Guan, vowing to win it back with a trophy at the end of Devil's Week. Qin Guan, however, refused to take it. She dismissed the idea of a trophy, suggesting that with three days left, there would be plenty of opportunities to compete.
Just then, Guo Xiaowei returned, exhausted, only to find the battle already over. He reported that the male soldiers had been ambushed but were finding a way to escape and realized that the badge his team had protected was now useless. In the command center, the detachment leader once again praised Qin Guan and her female soldiers for their strategic victory, achieved with fewer numbers and remarkable skill, even without male soldier support.
Separately, Wu Jie dispatched Sasha to meet her former associates, the "Treasure Gathering Group," urging them to join her new organization, the S Group. Sasha pitched the S Group, highlighting its advanced technology, global resources, and immense financial power, promising "Big Sister" Hunian boundless wealth if they cooperated. Meanwhile, on a plane, Qin Guan encouraged her team to eat their fill, as food would be scarce after landing.
With only two days left in Devil's Week, each team was assigned to march through different challenging environments. The special training team was sent to Qilian Mountain to face extreme cold, while Blue Lightning, to Tong Mengyao's dismay, was assigned to cross a desert no-man's land, where they would contend with sandstorms and the even more dangerous quicksand with limited supplies. Li Sisi, feeling nervous, tried relaxing by blowing on her thumb, claiming it connected to brain nerves.
Qin Guan dismissed her nervousness, reminding her that she was not alone. After a brief rest, Qin Guan roused the sleeping male soldiers and asked Chen Haozhe to lead a song to boost morale. The soldiers sang "Unity is Strength" as they began their trek into the vast desert. As they navigated the harsh terrain, Qin Guan stressed the importance of maintaining a maximum distance of five meters between team members, explaining that quicksand was the most perilous threat.
They soon encountered a large sand dune whose features differed from their map due to shifting sands. Qin Guan instructed Guo Xiaowei to lead the male soldiers up first and then drop climbing ropes for the female soldiers. During their ascent, Xu Dongdong, blinded by wind-blown sand, tumbled down the dune and into quicksand. Ning Meng and Lin Yi rushed to her aid. Qin Guan ordered Xu Dongdong to discard her heavy backpack, and the team pulled her out.
However, Xu Dongdong's arm was dislocated. Zhuang Qian came down to reset it. To distract Xu Dongdong from the pain, Ning Meng fabricated a story about Lin Yi being bitten by a snake. After her arm was reset, Xu Dongdong worried about her lost communication equipment, but Qin Guan sternly reminded her to prioritize her life, promising to retrieve the equipment later. Later, Sasha met with Hunian again, handing over a substantial sum of money.
She reassured Hunian that S Group's partnership guaranteed endless wealth, reiterating their ambition to dominate the international new energy market. Back in the desert, Blue Lightning continued their arduous march. Tong Mengyao, who had suffered from diarrhea, was severely dehydrated and had run out of water. Zhuang Qian observed her symptoms, realizing she was experiencing mild heatstroke. Ning Meng offered her own water, but Tong Mengyao refused, insisting she was fine and determined to push through to win the trophy for the team.
Episode 18 Recap
Despite suffering from a high fever due to heatstroke that began the previous night, Tong Mengyao bravely pushed herself to continue, insisting she must persist for the team to win the cup. Qin Guan, observing her unusual determination, noted that she seemed to have truly changed from her usual playful self. Recognizing her deteriorating condition, Qin Guan devised a method to cool her down.
The team quickly set up a tent, laid Tong Mengyao inside, and covered her with wet sand, a technique that slowly brought her temperature down. During this brief respite, the team shared some lighthearted moments, with one soldier jokingly comparing Tong Mengyao to a "popsicle covered with quilts." As they were resting, a camel team appeared in the distance. Ning Meng expressed her confusion, wondering about the presence of a camel team in such a remote no-man's land.
Qin Guan approached the camel team's leader, an old man, to gather information. The old man explained that he was a local who had been traveling this path for over ten years, collecting goods once a year to cover his annual expenses. However, when Qin Guan pressed him about who hired him to transport the goods, the old man fell silent.
Ning Meng had been discreetly observing the camel team and shared her suspicions with Qin Guan: their behavior was deliberate and aggressive, suggesting they were armed, though not professionally trained. She also found it strange that there were eight people but only four camels, and that they weren't carrying more goods for such a difficult journey. Publicly, Qin Guan dismissed her concerns, saying she was "thinking too much," but this was a tactic.
The old man offered camel milk, claiming it was for their heat-stricken soldier. Qin Guan instructed Ning Meng to distribute it, subtly signaling his own suspicion. Ning Meng understood the hint and deliberately spilled the milk, later explaining to Chen Haozhe that she believed both the camel team and the milk itself were problematic.
Determined to uncover the nature of the cargo, Ning Meng pretended to be fascinated by the camels, claiming it was her first time seeing one and asking if she could touch it. As she approached, she tried to inspect the cargo, tapping on what appeared to be lead cans. This action agitated one of the camel team members, who reacted angrily. Qin Guan quickly intervened, scolding Ning Meng for her "lack of discipline" and apologizing profusely to the old man.
The old man chuckled, saying there was "nothing to lose," but his eyes darted to the camels and cargo, confirming his nervousness. Soon after, the camel team departed. Ning Meng concluded that the cargo in the lead cans must be dangerous chemical items, given lead's radiation-shielding properties. Qin Guan immediately dispatched Guo Xiaowei, Li Sisi, and Jing Ke to covertly follow the camel team, instructing them to maintain cover and provide updates.
The camel team, proving their cautiousness, stopped and removed their camel bells, burying them in the sand to move silently. During this time, the camel team leader received a phone call. Using binoculars, Li Sisi expertly lip-read the conversation, discovering that they were members of the "Treasure Gathering Group," working for the "S Group," a notorious international terrorist organization.
Their mission was to deliver goods that would enable the S Group to disrupt the upcoming New Energy Conference and monopolize global new energy resources. After the call, the leader concealed his gun. Li Sisi quickly returned to report her findings to Qin Guan, while Guo Xiaowei and Jing Ke continued their pursuit. She warned Qin Guan that the terrorists were armed with AK47s, whereas Blue Lightning only had two blank rounds per soldier.
In an urgent provisional party group meeting, Qin Guan confirmed that the camel team was indeed a disguised terrorist cell transporting dangerous goods for the S Group. With their communication equipment lost and unable to contact the command center, Qin Guan proposed a critical change: their "Devil's Week" training would be immediately re-tasked into a real mission to pursue and eliminate these terrorists, preventing them from carrying out their destructive plans.
All the team members unanimously agreed to this urgent mission. Qin Guan then instructed Lin Yi to run northwest for twenty kilometers to Luolong Town, a location outside the no-man's land where friendly troops were stationed. Lin Yi's vital task was to report the situation, request immediate support, and act as their sole hope for reinforcements. Qin Guan and Chen Haozhe gave Lin Yi all their remaining water to aid him on his arduous journey.
Lin Yi, burdened by the immense responsibility, set off towards Luolong Town. Xu Dongdong silently offered a prayer for his safe return. Meanwhile, at the command center, the detachment leader was growing increasingly worried about the lack of contact from Blue Lightning. He knew their training area had been meticulously planned, leaving no room for unexpected variables.
Despite dispatching helicopters to search their designated march route, no trace of Blue Lightning could be found, prompting the detachment leader to order an expansion of the search area. Qin Guan's team pressed on, following the markers left by Guo Xiaowei. Guo Xiaowei and Jing Ke, parched and weary, could only watch enviously as the camel team refreshed themselves with food and water.
Lin Yi, despite being stung by a scorpion, continued his desperate run, battling extreme exhaustion and dwindling water supplies, knowing he had to reach Luolong Town. Guo Xiaowei's latest marker was a stark warning: it indicated a strong enemy with heavy firepower and urged Qin Guan's team to accelerate their pace to intercept them before the goods were delivered. Tragically, Tong Mengyao, still suffering from severe dehydration, collapsed.
Qin Guan immediately took her onto his back and continued the urgent march. As their water reserves completely ran out, Tong Mengyao's life hung precariously in the balance. Qin Guan instructed Jing Ke to find a water source immediately. Li Sisi, through further lip-reading, discovered that the camel team's destination was Yanggu'gou, a water source and a likely meeting point for more terrorists. She desperately hoped Lin Yi would return with reinforcements before the terrorists reached their rendezvous.
Lin Yi, battered and exhausted, stumbled and fell down a sand dune, sustaining injuries, but he relentlessly pushed forward. Concurrently, the camel team leader went to fetch water and inadvertently stumbled upon Jing Ke's hidden position. Despite Jing Ke's attempts to remain concealed, a small sound betrayed his presence. Realizing they were discovered, Qin Guan ordered his team to prepare for battle, intending to use their blank ammunition to draw the terrorists' attention.
Episode 19 Recap
Jing Ke, while attempting to retrieve water, was nearly discovered by the terrorist camel team after they heard a noise and began to search the vicinity. He managed to evade detection by hiding underwater, much to the relief of the Blue Lightning Commando members. The terrorist leader, convinced that armed police were tracking them, quickly ordered his team to pack up and depart early, defiantly declaring, "Who's afraid of who?" in the desolate no-man's land.
After Jing Ke returned with the water, Qin Guan immediately gave it to Tong Mengyao, who, despite her lingering weakness, felt significantly better. Qin Guan, realizing that Jing Ke's close call had alerted the enemy and made a direct engagement more challenging, instructed Xu Dongdong to stay behind with Tong Mengyao while he led the rest of the team.
Tong Mengyao, though unwell, pleaded for Xu Dongdong to join the operation, but Qin Guan firmly reiterated his orders, stressing the critical importance of their assigned task. He commanded Xu Dongdong and Tong Mengyao to light a fire and signal Lin Yi's reinforcements to head for Yanggu Ditch once the main team had advanced further.
Qin Guan emphasized that if the terrorists successfully linked up with their contacts at Yanggu Ditch, the Blue Lightning Commando would lose their chance to intervene. Xu Dongdong blamed herself for the loss of their communication equipment, believing it was the cause of their current plight. She embraced Tong Mengyao for warmth, gathered more fuel, and waited until the camel team was completely out of sight before lighting a substantial fire.
To keep Tong Mengyao awake and engaged, Xu Dongdong initiated a conversation. Tong Mengyao confessed her deep admiration for Captain Qin Guan, describing his broad, reassuring shoulders and wishing he were her brother, noting that his strict exterior masked his genuine care for everyone. Xu Dongdong concurred, feeling fortunate to have such an exemplary captain, much like the good fortune of having Lin Yi in Blue Lightning.
Xu Dongdong then voiced her concern for Lin Yi, expressing hope that he was safe and suggesting they make the smoke from their fire even larger so he could spot them. She reminisced about Lin Yi's unwavering support, recalling how he once took punishment for her without a word of blame, instead offering encouragement. Tong Mengyao affectionately called Xu Dongdong her "best friend." Seeing her friend still ill, Xu Dongdong wished her a swift recovery.
Meanwhile, Lin Yi, after being poisoned by scorpions, finally reached a military outpost but collapsed upon arrival. He regained consciousness during an IV drip and urgently requested to speak with the squadron leader, to whom he conveyed the general location of the Blue Lightning Commando. In the desert, Tong Mengyao and Xu Dongdong spotted a drone. They frantically waved and shouted for help, but it initially flew away. Their persistence paid off as the drone soon returned.
Realizing it lacked a voice receiver when it shook its head, Xu Dongdong suggested they write their message in the sand. Together, they inscribed "Yanggugou," hoping to guide the incoming reinforcements. The drone appeared to acknowledge their message with a nod before departing. Xu Dongdong voiced her fervent hope that Lin Yi would successfully bring aid to Yanggu Ditch. As the Blue Lightning Commando trailed the camel team, they realized they were approaching Yanggu Ditch.
The terrorist leader, Hunian, contacted Ms. Li, informing her that armed police were on their tail but likely only had training ammunition. He instructed Ms. Li to dispatch reinforcements to Yanggu Ditch to "kill them all" in the desolate area. Ms. Li agreed to send additional personnel and meet him in advance, stressing the critical importance of their mission.
Qin Guan, aware that the terrorists had detected them and that his own reinforcements had not yet arrived, understood their increasingly precarious position. He determined they had to eliminate the terrorists before they could link up with their backup at Yanggu Ditch and gave the order to proceed. Hunian, meanwhile, urged his men to hasten their pace, assuring them that their rendezvous at Yanggu Ditch would provide the necessary support to deal with the soldiers.
He ordered his men to load real bullets and shoot the armed police on sight, intending to use them as targets. The Blue Lightning Commando ambushed the terrorist camel team from a hillside. Qin Guan directed Ning Meng to outflank the enemy and seize their weapons, while he focused on neutralizing the main "criminal." The battle quickly escalated with gunfire and close-quarters combat. However, the terrorists' reinforcements soon arrived, armed with rocket launchers.
As a rocket was launched, Qin Guan bravely shielded Ning Meng from the blast. After a moment of ringing in his ears, he quickly rose, fired two decisive shots, and the full-scale firefight intensified. The Blue Lightning team, running low on ammunition, valiantly switched to knives, engaging in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Just as their situation grew desperate, Lin Yi's reinforcements arrived, bringing much-needed ammunition. Qin Guan, rallying his team, urged them to demonstrate their full strength.
He then called for "Eagle One," an armed helicopter, to provide air support, instructing it to deliver a "warm meal" to a terrorist wielding a bazooka. With the combined efforts of the Blue Lightning Commando, the ground reinforcements, and the aerial support, the terrorist forces were successfully neutralized. Following the intense confrontation, Ning Meng reflected on the fear and despair she had experienced, yet also on the deep impact Qin Guan's bravery in saving her had made.
She thanked him and, noting the familiar setting, invited him to hotpot, this time as her treat. Qin Guan questioned her about her fear at Yanggu Ditch and if she had considered her mother's well-being should she have died.
He admitted that his previous attempts to discourage her from joining the Blue Lightning Commando stemmed from his apprehension about such dangers, acknowledging that he couldn't always protect her on an unpredictable battlefield where even he might eventually meet an "honorable" end. Ning Meng firmly dismissed his words, reaffirming her understanding of her mission and echoing his own adage: "Soldiers who don't want to be heroes are not good soldiers."
Qin Guan, in turn, affirmed that she and all of them were indeed excellent soldiers. Later, at a commendation ceremony, it was announced that the Blue Lightning Commando had achieved first place in the "Devil's Week Extreme Confrontation Training" and successfully eliminated terrorists in the desert. The team members discussed potential promotions, agreeing that whoever received one would bring honor to the entire Blue Lightning team and treat everyone to dinner.
Qin Guan, entering the venue to applause, humbly redirected praise for his leadership to Instructor Wen, who then lauded Qin Guan's command and modesty. The Chief of Staff then announced the official results: Blue Lightning Commando secured first place in the training, with the Special Training Team taking second. The commander presented awards, recognizing the Blue Lightning Commando with a collective second-class merit and the Special Training Team with a collective third-class merit.
Ning Meng, Chen Haozhe, and Yang Shu were each awarded individual second-class merits, while Qin Guan, Zhuang Qian, Guo Xiaowei, Tong Mengyao, Xu Dongdong, and Lin Yi received commendations. Finally, the Director of the Political Work Department announced that three members of the Blue Lightning Commando—Sergeant Chen Haozhe, Sergeant Yang Shu, and Corporal Ning Meng—were specially approved for promotion to the rank of second lieutenant.
They would be sent to the Armed Police Command Academy for further study and training upon completing their current mission. Ning Meng's face lit up with a genuine smile, overjoyed by the news.
Episode 20 Recap
With Operation Lightning drawing near, the Armed Police Force Party Committee approved the early promotions of Ning Meng, Chen Haozhe, and Yang Shu to officer ranks. This honor came with the promise of further studies at the Command Academy after the mission. The Blue Lightning Commando, recognized for its outstanding contributions to national security and public safety, was also equipped with the world's most advanced high-tech intelligent gear, the first team in the entire force to receive it.
Qin Guan, the captain, introduced the costly equipment, stressing the need for careful handling and mastery, especially by the male soldiers. The equipment manuals, however, were entirely in English, leaving most soldiers baffled. Luckily, Li Sisi, Ning Meng, and Tong Mengyao could read them. Yang Shu struggled with a specialized sniper rifle, and Ning Meng stepped in to demonstrate its sensor-implanted body and holographic sight, explaining its four operational steps.
Yang Shu thanked Ning Meng, acknowledging a debt but also asserting that their competition remained unaffected. Ning Meng expressed honor in having such a formidable rival. Qin Guan then unveiled a tiny "rice headset," an upgraded communication device that was small, powerful, and ideal for covert, timely communication in counter-terrorism missions, eliminating the need for bulky ear tags. Ning Meng also explained a new electron wave penetration imager that could detect hidden objects through non-metallic media with high resolution.
Ning Meng and Tong Mengyao collaborated to translate the complex English manuals into an easy-to-understand Chinese version. Though Ning Meng found it challenging, she proved her capability, even adding her own analysis and suggestions. Tong Mengyao initially boasted about her expertise in high-tech equipment, but Ning Meng confidently presented her detailed annotations. They playfully decided to engage in a "new equipment battle," competing to see who could master the gear fastest, with Qin Guan as the judge.
Tong Mengyao agreed but warned Ning Meng against getting upset if she lost, emphasizing that friendship came first. The simplified manuals were distributed to the entire team, and Yang Shu genuinely thanked them for their effort. Meanwhile, Wu Mei, angered by the loss of contraband to the armed police, instructed Wu Jie to investigate Yuanhang Group's new energy company.
This company had attracted the attention of an energy conference and its president, hinting at top expert involvement and a potential connection to James's data. Wu Mei ordered Wu Jie to either bring the company under their control or eliminate it, warning him not to fail again. Qin Guan gathered the team, emphasizing the importance of mastering the new equipment and strengthening overall combat effectiveness before Operation Lightning.
He then announced the decision to select an assault team leader from Ning Meng, Yang Shu, and Chen Haozhe, tasking them with intensified training in preparation for an upcoming evaluation. Guo Xiaowei expressed his discontent, lamenting that Chen Haozhe had been promoted while he, despite their shared experiences risking their lives with Captain Qin, remained a soldier without even the qualification for promotion. Lin Yi light-heartedly commented on Guo Xiaowei's "sour" mood.
Chen Haozhe tried to encourage Guo Xiaowei, using an analogy of apple trees that, with patient nurturing, would bear fruit regardless of when they germinated, assuring him that hard training would bring future opportunities. Lin Yi reinforced that their "Iron Triangle" bond would remain strong no matter who received a promotion. Guo Xiaowei then laughed, revealing he was just trying to lighten the atmosphere and wasn't truly petty.
He still admitted, however, that he was genuinely unhappy, particularly for Lin Yi, who had saved everyone in Yanggu Ditch but wasn't promoted due to a past disciplinary action. Lin Yi, visibly upset, tried to downplay his role. Chen Haozhe followed Lin Yi to comfort him, acknowledging Guo Xiaowei's good intentions but tactless remarks. Lin Yi admitted he was angry at himself for his past punishment affecting his promotion and had been reluctant to face it.
Chen Haozhe reassured him that with continued hard work, more promotion opportunities would arise. Later, some male soldiers gossiped about Chen Haozhe, who firmly reiterated his sole focus on his duties and denied any romantic interests. Ning Meng stood alone, contemplating a yellow flower, her thoughts drifting to Qin Guan saving her. She then actively sought out Qin Guan, proudly showing him her new officer insignia.
She repeatedly pressed him to answer a question she had previously asked: how he truly viewed her. Qin Guan initially appeared evasive and flustered, remarking on her new officer status and suggesting she focus on the new equipment. After her persistence, he briefly replied, "That's good. It's good." Satisfied, Ning Meng happily promised to remember his words and to use a more respectful address with him in the future, as befitting her new rank.
Later, Xu Dongdong found Lin Yi and offered comfort, praising his strength and recalling his head scar from protecting Chen Haozhe during a mission. She noted that he hadn't flinched when a bandit slashed him, emphasizing that a comrade's life was paramount. As Xu Dongdong reached to touch his scar, Yang Shu unexpectedly rappelled down from above during her training, surprising them.
Xu Dongdong immediately worried about Yang Shu misunderstanding their interaction, though Lin Yi didn't grasp her concern about "complicated women." The incident troubled Xu Dongdong, making her sleepless. The next day, she confided in Tong Mengyao, who suggested trying to appease Yang Shu. Xu Dongdong attempted to curry favor by offering Yang Shu water, shoulder massages, and a towel, but Yang Shu remained unresponsive.
Just then, Qin Guan approached and asked Yang Shu about a sniper button symbol she didn't understand. He told her to ask Ning Meng for help, as he had already instructed Ning Meng to teach her. Noticing Xu Dongdong loitering, Qin Guan sent her back to her training position. Ning Meng was then called to an office by Qin Guan, who, unaware of the reason, joked if she had caused trouble.
Inside, a superior officer, Director Zhang, informed Ning Meng that an anonymous letter had accused Professor Johnson from Prinsto University of being a foreign intelligence spy and Ning Meng of leaking confidential data to him during her college visit, with photos included as evidence. Ning Meng vehemently denied the accusations, explaining her professional interactions with Professor Johnson, who had once offered her a scholarship to work in his lab, which she declined.
She insisted that a photo showing them "shoulder to shoulder" was a composite and a "frame-up," stating she had never been to a hotel with him. She asserted her innocence, vowing responsibility for her words, and requested a thorough investigation to clear her name. Director Zhang assured her they would investigate the matter fully and to not be burdened by the accusation, promising to update her on any progress.
Qin Guan, hearing about the accusation, passionately declared his disbelief that Ning Meng could be a spy, though he might believe she made a minor mistake. A senior officer admonished Qin Guan for his attitude, before Director Zhang explained the seriousness of the anonymous letter and the superior leaders' decision to establish a special investigation team, which he was leading.
He assured Qin Guan they wouldn't lightly suspect their comrades but noted the letter's detailed information and accompanying photos necessitated a thorough inquiry. He instructed Wen Jing to provide psychological support to Ning Meng to ensure her training remained unaffected. Director Zhang then informed Qin Guan that while Ning Meng was a candidate for assault team leader, if her situation wasn't clarified quickly, they would have to select someone else.
Qin Guan started to protest, but Director Zhang cut him off, ordering him to execute the command. In the dorm, Ning Meng appeared unusually calm, while Xu Dongdong, Tong Mengyao, and Li Sisi worried about her, wondering how to help. Ning Meng, overhearing their hushed anxieties, told them to stop chattering so loudly.
Episode 21 Recap
Ning Meng faced accusations of being a spy. While she maintained an outwardly calm demeanor, stating that her innocence meant she would simply await the investigation's findings, her friends, Tong Mengyao, Xu Dongdong, and Li Sisi, were deeply concerned. Whispers circulated throughout the unit, highlighting the severe repercussions of the alleged leak, with many fearing demotion or even broader implications for Blue Lightning.
Though confident in her integrity, Ning Meng found herself disheartened by the pervasive gossip, recognizing the power of public opinion. Qin Guan tried to console her, assuring her that in the military, the organization's trust was paramount, and she shouldn't let the rumors trouble her. However, Ning Meng worried about her eligibility for the assault team leader position, and Qin Guan's initial hesitation made her doubt her chances. He eventually affirmed his trust in her.
Meanwhile, the male soldiers also found the accusation against Ning Meng unbelievable, suspecting that she had been deliberately framed by someone she had unknowingly offended. Chen Haozhe, eager to intervene, was stopped by Guo Xiaowei, who insisted that awaiting the official investigation was their only recourse, especially since Captain Qin Guan was likely already under immense pressure. Later, Instructor Wen Jing called a meeting for all other female soldiers in her office, conspicuously excluding Ning Meng and Li Sisi.
This oversight deepened Ning Meng's sense of isolation and concern for her candidacy. Li Sisi, her loyal best friend, offered comfort and snacks, reassuring Ning Meng of her unwavering belief in her. Ning Meng, still grappling with who could have orchestrated the frame-up, realized the profound impact the accusation was having, especially after being excluded from Wen Jing's meeting. Soon after, Li Sisi was also called out, leaving Ning Meng alone.
That night, Li Sisi led a confused Ning Meng to the darkened mess hall. To Ning Meng's surprise, the lights suddenly illuminated, revealing Qin Guan and the entire Blue Lightning team, who joyously shouted, "Happy Birthday!" Ning Meng learned that Qin Guan had thoughtfully organized the surprise, even arranging for the team to search the city for an open cake shop and for the quartermaster to unlock the mess hall late at night.
Despite a mix-up that resulted in a tangerine-flavored cake instead of lemon, Ning Meng was deeply touched. She made three wishes: first, for Blue Lightning to be invincible and successfully execute Operation Lightning; second, for the team to always stay united; and her third, a personal wish. After blowing out the candles, she cut the cake. Qin Guan declared that for this special occasion, all ranks were suspended, and they were simply ordinary soldiers free to celebrate and have fun.
Ning Meng wasted no time in playfully smearing cake on Qin Guan's face, initiating a lively cake fight among everyone. Unbeknownst to them, the anonymous report against Ning Meng was the handiwork of Li Li, a subordinate of Wu Jie. Li Li presented Wu Jie with a photo of Ning Meng, identifying her as the armed police soldier who thwarted their "Desert Plan" and as the sister of Ning Lei, who killed "Grass Wolf," creating a "blood debt."
Li Li proudly admitted to sending the anonymous letter to "fix" Ning Meng, expecting praise. Instead, Wu Jie was furious, chastising her for acting without his authorization. He stated that her move was ineffective and would only "alert the enemy," potentially jeopardizing his entire plan. Later, Qin Guan informed Ning Meng that the official investigation had cleared her name; she was not involved in leaking secrets, and the photos were digitally altered.
This meant she was now eligible to compete for the assault team leader position. Qin Guan also revealed that while the immediate issue of the anonymous letter was resolved, it confirmed that an adversary was targeting her. He saw this as an opportunity to "follow the lead" and dismantle the enemy's network, vowing to make them pay. Ning Meng affirmed her familiarity with their new, advanced equipment.
She then inquired about the start date for the assault team leader selection and asked if Qin Guan would support her, to which he responded with a knowing smile. Meanwhile, Qu Bo from the special training team approached Yang Shu during her training session, praising her exceptional marksmanship and quick adaptation to the new equipment, dubbing her "Blue Lightning's sharpshooter." He confidently predicted she would be the next assault team leader, citing her outstanding performance in the recent desert operation.
Yang Shu, visibly discomfited, questioned how he knew about their team's internal selection. Qu Bo explained that Blue Lightning's reputation as the benchmark for the entire force, with its elite personnel and cutting-edge gear, meant that such news was widely known. When pressed for his true intentions, Qu Bo claimed he was merely bored and wanted to chat. Yang Shu retorted, asking who was truly bored, before abruptly walking away.
Following this, Yang Shu formally reported to Qin Guan, who presented her with forty training bullets that he had secured from the branch office. Yang Shu then asked Qin Guan who, between her and Ning Meng, he believed was more suitable to be the assault team leader. Qin Guan maintained his impartiality, stating that he would base his judgment solely on the competition results, emphasizing that "strength speaks for itself."
Soon after, Yang Shu challenged Ning Meng to a private spar in the equipment room. Ning Meng initially saw little point in a private match before the official competition, but Yang Shu upped the ante, proposing that the loser would withdraw from the assault team leader selection. Ning Meng accepted the challenge. They agreed to each select two pieces of suitable equipment and use twenty bullets, with Yang Shu confirming she had already secured Qin Guan's approval.
Yang Shu instructed Ning Meng to meet her at the Multi-function training field once she had made her selections. Unbeknownst to them, Guo Xiaowei overheard their conversation and excitedly informed the other male soldiers that "Blue Lightning's two goddesses" were about to face off, stirring up a desire to covertly watch. However, Chen Haozhe intervened, preventing them from leaving their dormitory. He reminded them of the upcoming official competition and warned them against causing trouble.
Despite their attempts to justify their curiosity as "scouting," Chen Haozhe stood firm, then announced he was heading to the weapons and equipment room to familiarize himself with the new gear, prompting some of the male soldiers to join him. At the Multi-function training field, Ning Meng and Yang Shu commenced their match. Yang Shu's TS1 thermal radar failed to locate Ning Meng, leading Yang Shu to believe the device was malfunctioning.
Ning Meng then proposed they switch to a gun-only contest, which Yang Shu readily accepted. During the intense gunfight, a heavy wooden board began to fall directly towards Yang Shu. Ning Meng, reacting swiftly, shoved Yang Shu out of the way, but in doing so, she sustained a cut on her arm from the falling board. Witnessing Ning Meng's selfless act, Yang Shu immediately conceded defeat, declaring herself thoroughly convinced and announcing her withdrawal from the assault team leader selection.
Ning Meng explained that proving individual superiority was inconsequential to her. She articulated that their selection for Blue Lightning was not based on individual strength but on their capacity for mutual complementarity. She believed that by overcoming personal weaknesses and maximizing collective strengths, Blue Lightning would be invincible. Yang Shu agreed, acknowledging that her previous focus on individual prowess had overshadowed the importance of teamwork. She then asked Ning Meng to identify her weaknesses.
Ning Meng candidly stated that while Yang Shu's confidence was a strength, her "overconfidence" and a distinct lack of trust in her comrades were her drawbacks. She elaborated that Yang Shu had isolated herself, becoming unreceptive to others' strengths and new ideas. Ning Meng then revealed the secret behind the thermal radar's failure: she had used a Thermal radar jammer. This device, equipped with a cutting-edge chip, could emit continuous interference signals, disrupting radar sensitivity and even generating decoy targets.
Yang Shu, surprised by this unknown technology, correctly guessed that it was Tong Mengyao's latest invention, designed as a countermeasure against the potent TS1 thermal radar, which could otherwise penetrate walls and detect any heat source, a vulnerability if acquired by terrorists.
A flashback showed Tong Mengyao initially struggling to borrow the necessary equipment for her invention, until Qin Guan personally intervened, signing a guarantee to allow her to take both the experimental jammer and the TS1 thermal radar, emphasizing that failure was not an option.
In that flashback, Guo Xiaowei, openly skeptical of Tong Mengyao's claims that a modified phone chip could jam the radar, had challenged her, betting that if she succeeded, he would treat all the female soldiers to ice cream, a wager Tong Mengyao eagerly accepted. Returning to the present, Ning Meng explained to Yang Shu that her habit of "fighting alone" and reluctance to communicate had kept her oblivious to Tong Mengyao's groundbreaking device.
Had Yang Shu engaged more with her teammates, she might have known about the jammer and chosen different equipment, potentially altering their match's outcome. Yang Shu admitted that her long-standing solitary habits made it challenging for her to interact with others. Ning Meng, speaking plainly, elaborated that Yang Shu's early achievements and top rank in the shooting team had inadvertently fostered a sense of superiority, leading her to avoid interacting with others.
Yang Shu conceded the truth of this observation and expressed a genuine desire to change but felt lost on how to begin. Ning Meng advised her to overcome her reservations, leverage her strengths to find common ground with teammates, and actively communicate. She reassured Yang Shu that if she was willing to change, everyone would embrace her.
Ning Meng also highlighted Yang Shu's exceptional combat skills, suggesting that by understanding each team member's strengths and fostering teamwork, she could become an outstanding commander. Ning Meng extended an open invitation for Yang Shu to talk with her anytime to discuss their experiences. Yang Shu, now fully understanding, affirmed her acceptance of Ning Meng's critique and her defeat.
Noticing Ning Meng's arm injury from saving her, Yang Shu insisted on accompanying her to the infirmary and promised to wash Ning Meng's clothes until her injury healed, to which Ning Meng jokingly replied that her recovery might take a very long time. Yang Shu later formally reported to Qin Guan, requesting to withdraw from the assault team leader selection.
She explained that she believed Ning Meng was superior and a more fitting candidate, possessing all the necessary abilities and qualities of an exceptional commander. Qin Guan confirmed her decision and accepted her withdrawal. Subsequently, Qin Guan summoned Ning Meng to his office and inquired about her interaction with Yang Shu. Ning Meng, with a hint of pride, explained that Yang Shu had proposed a preliminary match, a "simple spar," which Ning Meng had won.
Qin Guan, however, was quick to temper her enthusiasm, reminding her that Chen Haozhe remained a formidable rival, excelling in both individual military disciplines and practical command experience. He urged Ning Meng to cease her boasting and dedicate herself to rigorous preparation. When Ning Meng playfully asked who he wished to see win between her and Chen Haozhe, Qin Guan sidestepped the question, dismissing her with a remark about needing to focus on his own studies.
Before leaving, Ning Meng admired a small potted flower by the windowsill, noting how vibrantly Qin Guan had nurtured it. When he suggested she take it back, Ning Meng declined, offering the excuse that she needed to channel all her energy into preparing for the assault team leader selection. She promised to retrieve the flower after she had defeated Chen Haozhe.
As Ning Meng exited, she secretly glanced back to see Qin Guan immediately move to water the flower, a sight that brought a wide, contented smile to her face. In the dormitory, several female soldiers were discussing Ning Meng's victory over Yang Shu, deeming it a deserved outcome. They referred to Yang Shu as "lone wolf," characterizing her as aloof and unapproachable, and speculating that a win would only have amplified her arrogance.
Yang Shu, overhearing their comments, confronted them about the nickname. One soldier explained that it stemmed from Yang Shu's constant solitude and her refusal to engage with anyone. Yang Shu acknowledged the truth of their observations. She confessed that her life of continuous missions had accustomed her to a solitary existence, making her forget how to interact with others and that she had habitually applied a "battlefield mindset" to her personal relationships.
Episode 22 Recap
Yang Shu, overhearing discussions about her "lone wolf" nickname, approached her teammates and acknowledged her usual aloofness. She explained that she had become accustomed to applying a battlefield mindset to personal interactions, which often made her seem distant. However, she expressed a genuine desire to be friends and admitted she didn’t know how to approach others.
Declaring her intention to change and integrate into the group starting that day, Yang Shu offered a basket of oranges as a new beginning gift, asking everyone to accept them if they were willing to embrace a more sociable Yang Shu. Tong Mengyao was the first to accept, finding the orange sweet. The female soldiers were pleasantly surprised and happy, with Ning Meng affirming their readiness to welcome Yang Shu's change.
Meanwhile, the male soldiers were suspicious of Yang Shu's sudden shift, speculating about a "big conspiracy" possibly tied to the upcoming assault team leader selection. They pressured Chen Haozhe, the sole hope for the male soldiers, to be uncompromising towards Ning Meng, to which Chen Haozhe promised to fight with all his might. Wen Jing then discussed the assault team leader election with Qin Guan.
While Qin Guan maintained he was optimistic about both Ning Meng and Chen Haozhe, Wen Jing believed he favored Ning Meng. She argued that Chen Haozhe, as a veteran, possessed crucial practical experience, remaining calm under pressure and coordinating well with the male soldiers. In contrast, Ning Meng, despite her potential, lacked experience and needed more training. Qin Guan conceded Wen Jing's points but insisted the competition results would be the ultimate deciding factor.
The selection process was divided into three rounds, starting with unrestricted combat. Both Ning Meng and Chen Haozhe were instructed to constantly observe their surroundings. Ning Meng internally strategized, recognizing Chen Haozhe's superior strength and physical endurance, and her own advantage in movement and tactics. Given Chen Haozhe’s significant weight advantage, she decided to conserve her energy through agile movement, aiming to endure until the tactical portion of the competition where she believed she had a better chance.
During the intense combat, male soldiers vocally supported Chen Haozhe, while female soldiers rallied behind Ning Meng. Despite Ning Meng's skilled defense, Chen Haozhe's raw power eventually overwhelmed her, leading to his victory in the first round. Both competitors showed respect for each other afterward, with Chen Haozhe apologizing for a hard kick and Ning Meng acknowledging his strength. The second round, a tactical analysis, commenced immediately.
Qin Guan inquired if the candidates had noticed a training video played during the fight, which was linked to his earlier instruction to observe their surroundings. Many soldiers had missed the video, preoccupied with the boxing match. Qin Guan revealed the video depicted a failed mission and tasked Ning Meng and Chen Haozhe with identifying errors and outlining their tactical approaches as a commander.
Chen Haozhe identified two critical errors: misaligned timing in breaching and deploying a flashbang, and failure to thoroughly search the room after neutralizing initial threats, which resulted in a missed insurgent killing a hostage. Ning Meng, however, identified four errors, including Chen Haozhe's two, along with two additional crucial details.
She pointed out that despite knowing the number of occupants, the team missed the detail of five pairs of chopsticks on a table, highlighting the importance of a commander noticing every anomaly. Her second additional point was that a team member donned goggles after the flashbang exploded, costing precious time and endangering others.
Following this, Ning Meng presented a meticulous four-step tactical plan, incorporating drone reconnaissance, silent entry with thermal imaging and an endoscope, a rappelling sniper to neutralize the primary threat, and a coordinated assault for hostage rescue and area clearance. Qin Guan highly praised Ning Meng's strategy as "reasonable, tight, clear, and methodical." Chen Haozhe then conceded the round without presenting his own plan, admitting he was too fixated on winning the first physical round and had overlooked the video.
Qin Guan elaborated that while Chen Haozhe focused on overpowering Ning Meng, she had diligently observed and memorized every detail even while taking hits, a strategy of "retreat as advance" that left many astounded. Concurrently, a special investigation team reported their findings regarding the anonymous letter that falsely accused Ning Meng. They confirmed the accusations were "completely false and maliciously fabricated."
The team traced the letter's stamp to a post office, but municipal surveillance footage from that area showed a 15-minute blank period where all cameras malfunctioned simultaneously. However, a camera from a nearby supermarket, pointed at the post office, captured a new red sports car stopping and a person depositing the letter during that exact time.
Investigations revealed only one such car had been sold in the past six months, and the buyer was identified as a woman named Li Li, who paid a substantial down payment using a bank card. The detachment leader ordered further investigation to unmask the mastermind. The final round for the assault team leader position was a campaign speech.
Chen Haozhe delivered a powerful address titled "Hot Blood on the Frontier, Iron Blood Forging Military Soul," discussing modern counter-terrorism, quality military building, and the sacred duties of armed police. He emphasized the necessity of unwavering confidence, sharp tactical thinking, strong command capabilities, and seamless team coordination to protect the nation. Ning Meng then gave her speech, reflecting on her military journey from a free-spirited student to a disciplined soldier in Blue Lightning.
She spoke of her initial struggles and doubts, which persisted until executing a mission where she and her comrades entrusted their lives to each other, revealing the immense "power of trust." She recounted facing despair and near-death during "Devil's Week," experiences that made her understand the true meaning of "comrades," which became her reason for persevering.
Ning Meng concluded by expressing her aspiration to stand with her Blue Lightning comrades, using "loyalty to interpret the two words at the pinnacle of Chinese soldiers' faith: 'Heroes'." Her heartfelt speech deeply moved the audience, with Lin Yi noting Qin Guan's emotional reaction. The female soldiers enthusiastically praised Ning Meng, declaring their full support and envisioning her as the new assault team leader.
Ning Meng promised to treat everyone to a celebratory meal once they had an outing, sparking excited requests for various dishes. Following the speeches, Guo Xiaowei continued to praise Chen Haozhe, but Chen Haozhe admitted to being moved by Ning Meng’s speech. Lin Yi also remarked on Qin Guan’s visibly emotional response to Ning Meng's speech, suggesting her victory was likely.
Wen Jing probed both candidates about their feelings should the other win, and both professionally affirmed they would "gladly accept" the outcome. The final decision was announced: Ning Meng was appointed as the new assault team leader. Chen Haozhe immediately offered his congratulations. Qin Guan then spoke privately with Chen Haozhe, assuring him that in his eyes, and in the eyes of all the soldiers, there was no stronger or weaker among them; they were all exceptional.
He acknowledged Ning Meng's outstanding performance in crisis management during the competition, emphasizing the unit's need to adapt to fighting in adversity and desperation. Chen Haozhe accepted the decision with dignity, stating he had "no regrets" losing to Ning Meng. Later, Chen Haozhe received a phone call from home, after which his demeanor noticeably changed. He was seen running on the playground, appearing preoccupied and not noticing Ning Meng calling out to him.
Concerned, Qin Guan approached him, observing his troubled state. Chen Haozhe dismissed Qin Guan’s questions, claiming nothing was wrong and he just wanted to be left alone. Qin Guan urged him to adjust his emotions and ensure it didn’t affect training. Despite this, Chen Haozhe later officially requested to leave special forces after Operation Lightning, citing fatigue. Qin Guan vehemently rejected his application, calling his reason "bullshit."
He reminded Chen Haozhe of their shared history of overcoming extreme challenges, winning international competitions despite injuries, and heroic acts in disaster relief. Qin Guan asserted that Chen Haozhe's decision was a denial of their bond as brothers and his identity within Blue Lightning, firmly stating, "As long as Blue Lightning is here, and I am here, we will carry it together. I will not approve your decision."
Qin Guan then instructed Guo Xiaowei and Lin Yi to keep a close eye on Chen Haozhe, suspecting something serious was amiss. When Chen Haozhe returned to the barracks, his teammates tried to cheer him up, assuming his low spirits were due to the election results. Chen Haozhe curtly dismissed their concerns, either reiterating his tiredness or admitting to being a "sore loser." However, Lin Yi felt it was a more profound issue.
Ning Meng also observed Chen Haozhe's unusual behavior, including his loss of appetite, but she remained unaware of the underlying cause. Qin Guan made another attempt to get Chen Haozhe to open up, stressing their deep camaraderie and dismissing Chen Haozhe's attempts to frame his desire to leave as solely "his problem." Qin Guan implored Chen Haozhe to respect himself and his military uniform, recounting their shared sacrifices, but Chen Haozhe remained tight-lipped. Qin Guan's ultimate stance remained unchanged: he would not approve Chen Haozhe's departure.
Episode 23 Recap
Qin Guan refused to approve Chen Haozhe's decision to leave the special forces. He expressed that outside the military, they are all ordinary people, and that problems can be understood and overcome together. After initially dismissing the topic by asking about a new training plan, Qin Guan inquired about Chen Haozhe's family. Chen Haozhe's expression changed, but he simply stated that everything was fine at home.
Sensing something was amiss, Qin Guan left to request leave from the detachment leader to help Chen Haozhe. Meanwhile, Lin Yi, with keen emotional sensitivity, noticed Chen Haozhe's heavy heart and encouraged him to open up. Chen Haozhe confided that he previously envisioned spending his entire career in the special forces. However, after his recent contest with Ning Meng, he received a devastating call from a neighbor.
His stepfather had a history of domestic violence, which had escalated to the point where his mother jumped from the second floor of their house to escape an attack, breaking her leg and falling into a three-day coma. His mother, despite wanting him by her side and constantly worrying about his safety, always told him that the country needed him more. Chen Haozhe felt that in his dedication to defending the nation, he had inadvertently neglected his own mother.
Qin Guan's words about the ancient dilemma of loyalty and filial piety resonated with him, reinforcing his belief that by serving as a soldier and protecting the country, he was also protecting his mother and countless others. He concluded that since someone must endure hardships to safeguard peace, it might as well be him, vowing to recover quickly and adjust his state of mind. Concerned, Qin Guan visited Chen Haozhe's mother at her home.
She was surprised to learn of Chen Haozhe's desire to leave the special forces, emphasizing that the brigade was his home and his comrades his family, and that he should not leave because of her. Qin Guan urged her to share her family's story so he could help put Chen Haozhe's mind at ease.
She revealed that Chen Haozhe's biological father died many years ago, and her current husband would become violent when drunk, a secret she had kept out of shame. This recent incident finally made her decide to live alone. Qin Guan reassured her, affirming her right to resist as a victim and stressing that there was no shame in her situation. He promised to report the matter to his superiors, ensuring the military would provide a proper solution.
Following this, Qin Guan contacted the detachment leader and offered his newly allocated apartment in Yanzhou for Chen Haozhe's mother to live in, making it easier for Chen Haozhe to care for her. Upon his return, Qin Guan informed Chen Haozhe that his mother was recovering well and shared a video message she had recorded for him. In the video, Chen's mother, filled with pride, commended Chen Haozhe's performance and urged him to live up to his uniform and responsibilities.
She also mentioned that Qin Guan had reported their family situation to his leaders, who promised to arrange for her to live with him in Yanzhou after his mission. Overwhelmed with emotion, Chen Haozhe wept, affirming his commitment to overcome his difficulties and shoulder his responsibilities for the safety of all mothers. Relieved by Chen Haozhe's renewed resolve, his teammates, including Guo Xiaowei, welcomed him back with cheerful banter, and Qin Guan invited them all to dinner.
Meanwhile, a shadowy operation was underway. Wu Mei, expressing dissatisfaction with Wu Jie's slow progress, announced she had dispatched someone she referred to as "Third Brother" to handle the matter of Professor Wu. A reporter named Chen Zihan, introducing herself as the editor-in-chief for "Focus on the Times," was sent to approach him. Professor Wu, a leading figure in new energy development, was in Yanzhou for a crucial project with Yuanhang Group.
During her interview, Chen Zihan tried to entice him with promises of maximizing the financial benefits of his research. Professor Wu rejected this, stating that new energy product revenues are open and transparent, unless one intends to use them for illegal purposes. She then explicitly offered him a 50 million bank card to join a different company's development plan, but Professor Wu firmly declined, unwilling to betray Yuanhang Group or the local government.
Separately, Ning Meng found herself constantly thinking about Qin Guan. She mysteriously sought Li Sisi's help in selecting a movie, withholding the identity of her companion. Li Sisi eventually deduced her excitement was for Qin Guan. Ning Meng, holding two tickets for an emotional film, hesitantly invited Qin Guan to the cinema. Qin Guan initially refused, stating he only watched war movies. Undeterred, Ning Meng's spirits immediately lifted, and she excitedly went to re-book tickets for a war film.
During their movie date, Ning Meng curiously asked if Qin Guan had ever seen a movie with a girl before. After first telling her to focus on the film, Qin Guan eventually admitted he had never seen a movie with anyone, delighting Ning Meng. As the intense war film reached its climax, Qin Guan tensed up, and when Ning Meng teared up, he quietly handed her a tissue.
After the movie, Ning Meng suggested another date, but Qin Guan playfully warned her to prioritize her training, or he would not be lenient. Back in the covert operation, Chen Zihan met with Wu Jie. He mistakenly assumed she was the "Third Brother" Wu Mei had mentioned, but Chen Zihan denied it, stating her contact with their boss was one-way.
After another failed attempt to bribe Professor Wu, this time with a ten percent stake in Guangde Energy, Chen Zihan reported her failure to Wu Jie, implying it was now up to him to use other methods. Simultaneously, military intelligence, following up on the anonymous letter incident involving Ning Meng, confirmed that a woman named Li Li was a hacker and a member of the S Group terrorist organization.
Public security forces, while tracking Li Li, discovered her involvement in the kidnapping of Professor Wu. Blue Lightning was immediately deployed for a rescue mission. Qin Guan assigned Ning Meng, Yang Shu, and Lin Yi to accompany him to a sand field to rescue Professor Wu. Chen Haozhe was tasked with leading a separate team to the Guangde Energy Building, where Li Li was located, with instructions to secure the complex and apprehend her. The dual operations commenced.
At the sand field, Professor Wu was subjected to torture but steadfastly refused to cooperate, asserting that he had made the right choice not to collude with "bandits." At the Guangde Energy Building, Tong Mengyao successfully accessed the building's monitoring center and blocked all signals, preventing Wu Jie from contacting Wu Mei. However, Li Li had already destroyed the surveillance cameras in her area and was actively seeking an escape route.
Realizing the authorities were closing in, Wu Jie fled the building by rappelling down from the 30th floor to an adjacent structure, escaping just before Chen Haozhe's team could reach him.
Episode 24 Recap
As Wu Jie made his escape using a zip line from the 30th floor to a low building opposite, Chen Haozhe realized the complexity of the situation, noting that the building itself was far from simple. He called for all teams to be on alert for Li Li's accomplice, providing a description and requesting immediate arrest and police support as the armed strength of the suspects was unknown.
Meanwhile, Tong Mengyao detected a satellite signal transmission device within the building, indicating a hacker was at work. She quickly identified the hacker as Li Li and began tracking her approximate location. Li Li, in turn, frantically tried to call Wu Jie, who ignored her calls, prioritizing his own escape. Tong Mengyao managed to narrow Li Li's location to the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors and developed a reverse tracking method to counter Li Li's advanced super Trojan horse virus.
At the sand quarry, Qin Guan and Ning Meng arrived, leaving Lin Yi and Yang Shu to keep watch. They used a probe to assess the situation inside. Simultaneously, Wu Jie also drove to the sand quarry. Upon seeing armed police outside, he quickly called his subordinate inside, instructing her to hold Professor Wu hostage and warn the police not to enter. Lin Yi and Yang Shu spotted Wu Jie and immediately gave chase.
Tong Mengyao pinpointed two suspicious locations for Li Li on the fifth floor: rooms 503 and 505. Before Chen Haozhe's team could close in, Li Li, realizing she was cornered, sent a message to Wu Jie, ordering him to activate the building's bombs and threatening that if she were caught, no one would fare well.
As Chen Haozhe pursued Li Li, who had escaped into a storage room, Tong Mengyao alerted him that multiple bomb devices had been activated across the building. Chen Haozhe quickly assigned team members to dismantle bombs on various floors, from the 4th to the 23rd, while Li Li seized the opportunity to escape the building. Inside the sand quarry, a terrorist used Professor Wu as a human shield.
Qin Guan and Ning Meng worked in perfect coordination, shooting the terrorist near Professor Wu, then cautiously advancing. Moments later, nearby oil drums exploded. Qin Guan instinctively shielded Ning Meng, protecting her from the blast. Meanwhile, Lin Yi and Yang Shu continued their pursuit of Wu Jie, who managed to escape through a complex network of underground pipes, forcing them to abandon the chase. After the explosion, Qin Guan briefly lost consciousness.
Ning Meng saw the blood on his face and was overwhelmed by vivid memories of her brother, Ning Lei. The terrorist, wounded in the leg, tried to reach for a gun. Ning Meng drew her weapon, but the terrorist's face blurred into Ning Lei's, rendering her unable to fire. Qin Guan, regaining consciousness just in time, quickly took Ning Meng's gun and neutralized the terrorist, averting further danger. The next day, Qin Guan asked Ning Meng about the previous night.
Ning Meng confessed that she had spent the entire night thinking about it. She explained that Qin Guan’s actions protecting her mirrored how Ning Lei used to protect her, triggering a powerful hallucination where the terrorist appeared as her brother. The experience felt incredibly real, making her question her sanity. To help her regain confidence, Qin Guan arranged a simulated training session. However, every time Ning Meng raised her gun, she saw Ning Lei’s face, paralyzing her.
Even with Guo Xiaowei acting as a "hostage" and urging her to shoot, Ning Meng’s hand trembled uncontrollably. Qin Guan gently helped her hold the gun, reassuring her that nothing could defeat her and encouraging her to believe in herself. Despite her repeated affirmations, the hallucination persisted, leaving her on the verge of a breakdown.
The detachment leader expressed deep concern over Ning Meng's psychological state, and Wen Jing admitted it was uncertain if she would fully recover, warning that some with weak willpower might never heal. News spread quickly amongst the team, with Guo Xiaowei gossiping in the cafeteria about Ning Meng's lack of appetite and worsening condition. Her female comrades, anxious for her well-being, gathered around her, singing to offer comfort and support.
Ning Meng's eyes welled up with tears, touched by their heartfelt gesture. Meanwhile, Wu Jie and Chen Editor rented a warehouse at Zhu Factory Director's slaughterhouse, establishing it as their new hideout. The police were conducting a comprehensive search for Wu Jie, recognizing Li Li as a crucial link. Professor Wu was placed under government protection, infuriating Wu Mei. She berated Wu Jie for his failures, ordering him to eliminate Li Li, stating she could not be left alive.
Wu Mei also revealed she had acquired a new batch of light-sensitive remote-controlled bombs and instructed Wu Jie to ensure they were transported into the venue before the Global Energy Conference commenced. Qin Guan spoke with Ning Meng about her persistent struggles. He noted that Ning Lei had been sacrificed two years prior, and Ning Meng had suppressed her grief for just as long.
Qin Guan emphasized that her brother's sacrifice had nothing to do with her, asserting that as a soldier, it was an act of supreme honor. Ning Meng broke down, confessing the difficulty of forgetting Ning Lei, especially when hallucinations made it impossible to distinguish fantasy from reality. Qin Guan reminded her that she carried Ning Lei's responsibility and mission, and thus, she had to overcome this hurdle.
Given her current state, Ning Meng could no longer serve as the assault team leader, a role Qin Guan assigned to Chen Haozhe. Upon his return, the commissar was greatly angered by Ning Meng's situation. The detachment leader specifically advised Qin Guan and Wen Jing to provide a thorough report to him. With Operation Lightning imminent, the commissar expressed grave concern that Ning Meng might suffer another hallucination during a critical moment, highlighting the urgency of the issue. As a gloomy rain fell, Ning Meng stood beneath the dark sky, reflecting on the day she first joined the Blue Lightning special forces team.
Episode 25 Recap
In the midst of a heavy downpour, Ning Meng stood on the training ground, tears streaming down her face as she looked at the parallel bars where she once competed with Yang Shu. Her Blue Lightning comrades silently stood by her side. Drenched from the rain, Ning Meng approached the detachment leader and commissar, formally requesting to transfer from Blue Lightning back to her original unit.
She explained that she had lost her basic combat capability and felt like a burden, no longer suitable to remain with the team. Qin Guan attempted to intervene, and the detachment leader initially dismissed her request as evasion. However, Ning Meng insisted her decision was for the good of Blue Lightning. The commissar granted her request, but just as she was about to leave, all the male and female soldiers of the Blue Lightning team rushed in.
They pleaded for Ning Meng to be given another chance, suggesting she could take on other roles if combat was an issue. Wen Jing then proposed that Ning Meng stay for a few more days, offering to personally help her through her struggles. Moved by the team's solidarity and Wen Jing's earnest plea, the commissar ultimately agreed to let Ning Meng stay.
Meanwhile, Wu Jie contacted Li Li, feigning concern and offering compensation for her past contributions, suggesting they meet to part ways amicably. Li Li agreed to the meeting but took a precaution: she uploaded all of Wu Jie's criminal evidence to a triple-password cloud drive, programmed to automatically send to the Public Security Bureau's email if she didn't interact with it within two hours. Upon arriving at the meeting, Li Li was surrounded by Wu Jie’s men.
He revealed his true intentions, stating that her continued existence now threatened their organization. Li Li then tried to leverage her cloud evidence, but Wu Jie confidently dismissed her "little trick," boasting that his associate, a hacking champion, had already cracked it. Li Li desperately pleaded for another chance, but her pleas were ignored, and she was subsequently eliminated by Wu Jie's men. Ning Meng woke from a nightmare, visibly shaken.
Wen Jing immediately went to her side, offering comfort and to make her noodles for breakfast, revealing she had learned the recipe from Ning Lei himself. A flashback showed Ning Lei lovingly preparing longevity noodles for Ning Meng on her birthday, playfully calling himself her exclusive correspondent and telling her to eat every last bit. Back in the present, Ning Meng confided in Wen Jing that she experienced only negative emotions whenever she thought of her brother.
Wen Jing, sharing her own past struggles, advised Ning Meng to focus on Ning Lei's beautiful memories to overcome her negative feelings, urging her to take her time. Ning Meng, touched by the counsel, thanked Wen Jing and promised to try. Wen Jing later spoke with Qin Guan, admitting Ning Meng's prognosis was uncertain and that she could offer no guarantees about her recovery. Soon after, Li Sisi attempted to visit Ning Meng, bringing her some food.
However, Qin Guan intercepted her, reminding her that such visits were not beneficial for Ning Meng's healing process and that anyone who truly cared should refrain from seeing her for the time being. Disappointed, Li Sisi returned to the dorm and explained the situation to her teammates. They expressed deep concern for Ning Meng, feeling her absence profoundly, especially when looking at her empty bed.
As they looked through old team photos, they reminisced about Ning Meng's bright smile and her consistent wisdom in helping them, admitting how much they missed her presence. To expedite preparations for Operation Lightning, headquarters deployed a guidance group of eight instructors, including Qin Guan's former classmate, Instructor Li, to train Blue Lightning on new weapon systems.
Qin Guan attempted to ease the tension with some friendly banter, but Instructor Li immediately set a stern tone, declaring that all past achievements were irrelevant; everyone in Blue Lightning was now a trainee, and strict standards would be enforced from that day forward. Qin Guan affirmed their commitment to strictly follow the guidance.
During a training session on the new, highly sensitive all-in-one attack drone, Xu Dongdong brought steamed buns to Lin Yi, who was practicing with a sniper rifle. Qin Guan caught them, reprimanding them for eating in a sniper training area and emphasizing the importance of weapon cleanliness and professionalism. Both Lin Yi and Xu Dongdong tried to take the blame, with Lin Yi asserting his rifle's paramount importance.
Qin Guan acknowledged their care for comrades but stressed the need to distinguish appropriate times and places for such actions. He dismissed Xu Dongdong and instructed Lin Yi to finish his food before resuming training. As a week passed with Ning Meng's fate at Blue Lightning still undecided, Wen Jing continued to support her, encouraging her to focus on positive thoughts to alleviate her pain.
During a walk, a new electronic armed police explosion-proof vehicle, equipped with an advanced "Tiger Wall system," drove by carrying her teammates. They enthusiastically called out to Ning Meng, expressing how much they missed her, asking if she was feeling better, and urging her not to give up, to recover quickly and return. Ning Meng, deeply moved, reassured them she was fine and promised she would never quit.
She ran alongside the vehicle, joining her teammates in chanting the team slogan, "The harder it is, the further we go!" Wen Jing embraced Ning Meng, understanding that her greatest happiness lay in remaining with her comrades. During a subsequent training session, a teammate requested a few minutes to speak with Ning Meng. Instructor Li sternly rejected the request, reprimanding the team for their lack of discipline and subsequently punishing everyone, including Qin Guan, with five laps after training.
Qin Guan stepped forward, offering to take sole responsibility by running ten laps instead. Later, the team grumbled about Instructor Li's strictness, though some acknowledged that both he and Qin Guan showed restraint by not stopping their earlier cheers for Ning Meng. Qin Guan then returned home to a surprise: his father, Qin Zhiwei, had brought home a new, much younger girlfriend, Yu Xi, who was moving in.
Qin Guan voiced his strong disapproval, finding the situation unreliable due to Yu Xi's age. Qin Zhiwei defended his decision, lamenting Qin Guan's infrequent visits and lack of concern for his father's health since his mother's passing. He asserted his right to choose who lives in his house, escalating the argument until Qin Guan angrily left, only for Qin Zhiwei to disown him in a fit of rage.
In an attempt to help Ning Meng overcome her psychological block, Qin Guan set up a target with Ning Lei's photo on it. He instructed her to imagine her brother was held hostage by a terrorist and to shoot the terrorist to save him. However, Ning Meng was paralyzed by the sight of Ning Lei's smiling face and was unable to pull the trigger.
Frustrated and desperate, Qin Guan called her "useless" and declared her unworthy of staying in Blue Lightning, ordering her to quit. Shortly after, Zhao Yun approached Qin Guan, making a sarcastic remark about his foul mood. Qin Guan, already at his breaking point, angrily warned Zhao Yun not to provoke him, then punched him when Zhao Yun criticized Ning Meng for her performance. Wen Jing intervened, scolding Qin Guan for assaulting a comrade.
Qin Guan defended his actions, stating that Zhao Yun had insulted Ning Meng, and he would not tolerate anyone insulting his soldiers. Wen Jing acknowledged Qin Guan's fierce protectiveness but pointed out his increasingly stubborn temper, attributing it to his deep worry for Ning Meng. She demanded he apologize to Zhao Yun. Qin Guan reluctantly sought out Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun playfully teased Qin Guan for his rare display of humility but then admitted he didn't hold a grudge.
He praised Qin Guan's exemplary devotion to his soldiers, something he felt inferior to, while also confessing his earlier harsh words were born from his inability to watch Qin Guan treat Ning Meng so cruelly. The two reconciled over a meal. Later, Wen Jing reminded Qin Guan to make time for his father. Qin Guan then called his father, Qin Zhiwei, who eagerly invited him home to talk.
However, upon hearing Yu Xi's voice in the background, Qin Guan quickly hung up, suggesting they speak in person another time. Sometime later, Qin Guan visited Qin Zhiwei, bringing him health supplements. He explained that after days of reflection, he understood his father genuinely needed a companion since his mother's passing and Qin Guan's own frequent absence. He told Qin Zhiwei he would no longer interfere in his relationship with Yu Xi.
Overjoyed by his son's acceptance, Qin Zhiwei enthusiastically invited Qin Guan to tour a magnificent club building, proudly describing it as his "masterpiece" and a premier architectural achievement in their city.
Episode 26 Recap
Wu Mei instructed Wu Jie to recruit reliable individuals to retrieve a light-sensitive remote-controlled bomb from a freezer truck. The bomb was to be transported from the border crossing to the woods in the western suburbs of Yanzhou. From there, it would be transferred to a vehicle disguised as carrying lighting materials to enter the convention center, as the freezer truck itself could not gain access.
Chen Zihan was assigned to stay by Wu Jie's side, with Wu Mei explicitly stating her intolerance for any mistakes, especially at such a critical juncture, and reminding Wu Jie of his past close calls. Wu Jie then contacted Wang Shasha to secure the necessary personnel. Wang Shasha expressed hesitation, citing rumors of Guangde Energy being shut down and the inherent risks of the job.
She rejected Wu Jie's initial offers and leveraged these concerns to demand a much higher payment, including a substantial deposit to recruit her team. Wu Jie, though annoyed, agreed and issued a stern warning, holding her accountable for the safe delivery of the goods and threatening severe repercussions if anything went awry. Meanwhile, Qin Zhiwei introduced his son, Qin Guan, to his colleagues at the company, including a staff member referred to as Uncle Li.
Qin Zhiwei proudly highlighted the extensive effort that went into the convention center's lighting project, which he considered a significant achievement. He then departed to welcome city leaders for a surprise inspection. Uncle Li later discreetly informed Qin Guan that Liu Yuxi, his father's new girlfriend, was the one who undertook the entire lighting project.
This revelation sparked concern in Qin Guan, who confronted his father, suggesting that Liu Yuxi's motives might be financial, driven by the project's benefits rather than genuine affection. Qin Zhiwei vehemently defended Liu Yuxi, asserting her company's qualifications and the project's adherence to legal procedures. He expressed disappointment in Qin Guan's lack of understanding and support. Their argument quickly escalated, with Qin Zhiwei becoming agitated and pushing Qin Guan away, nearly suffering a medical incident.
A colleague intervened, urging Qin Zhiwei to calm down and leave, while also instructing Qin Guan to return home. Wen Jing later approached Qin Guan, observing his worry. She informed him that Ning Meng's condition was dire and "not optimistic" despite continuous treatment. Her doctor concluded that short-term recovery was "almost impossible," leaving the only option to prepare Ning Meng for transfer back to her original unit. Concurrently, Zhuang Qian was performing cupping therapy on Ning Meng.
Ning Meng reported feeling some physical relief, but Zhuang Qian noted her lack of cheerfulness, playfully threatening to use acupuncture to make her smile. This lighthearted jest eventually made Ning Meng laugh, but she soon broke into tears, admitting she missed everyone and longed to return to the dorm. Zhuang Qian offered comfort, assuring her that her condition would improve.
Later, Qin Guan took Ning Meng to a multimedia room and played footage from the bus incident two years prior, the source of her trauma. Ning Meng instinctively tried to stop the video, but Qin Guan gently prevented her, explaining that "if you don't face the pain directly, you'll never get rid of it." As the video showed images of her brother, Ning Lei, covered in blood, Ning Meng experienced stomach cramps and rapid breathing.
Overwhelmed, she asked if she could watch the rest of the video alone. Qin Guan refused, insisting, "I want to be with you and watch this video together because Ning Lei also wants me to accompany you and finish watching this video." He added that Ning Lei was metaphorically present, urging them to face the past together, believing "only by overcoming sorrow, there will be tomorrow." Ning Meng continued to weep silently.
Wang Shasha gathered her team, reiterating the critical importance of safely delivering the goods. She distributed an advance of 200,000, promising another 500,000 upon successful completion. Her subordinates complained about their "pigsty" living conditions and requested firearms, but Wang Shasha refused, stating the operation required discretion and that she would carry her own weapon. She assured them that their living conditions would improve once they received their payment.
Meanwhile, the Blue Lightning team, having prepared gifts for Ning Meng, were disheartened when Wen Jing informed them that Ning Meng had already departed. Li Sisi, visibly upset, questioned why they weren't informed. Wen Jing explained that Ning Meng had chosen to leave early to avoid a painful farewell, as she wanted to believe she would always remain a part of Blue Lightning.
Li Sisi wept inconsolably, expressing her deep sorrow, and other team members also struggled to contain their emotions. After a montage of Ning Meng's joyful moments within Blue Lightning, Qin Guan accompanied Ning Meng back to her dorm, instructing her to pack her bags for her final departure as he knew seeing her teammates would be too difficult for them.
While driving Ning Meng to her new destination, Qin Guan presented her with a handmade necklace featuring the Blue Lightning emblem as a souvenir. Ning Meng, moved, began to cry. Qin Guan gently urged her to compose herself, reminding her that as a Blue Lightning soldier, she shouldn't shed tears easily. He shared his own experience of over a decade in the Special Forces, witnessing "parting, retirement, and sacrifice," admitting that each instance still caused him pain.
However, he emphasized the importance of personal growth and using reason, not tears, to heal emotional wounds. He informed her that he had made arrangements with her original unit and would first take her to see her mother before returning her to duty. Ning Meng expressed her gratitude.
Qin Guan then feigned forgetting "Xiao Hua," a plant, and Ning Meng asked him to care for it in her absence, requesting regular photos, which he agreed to provide when not on duty. Suddenly, Qin Guan spotted a passing car and recognized the female driver as Wang Shasha, the terrorist who had escaped from the hospital. Following her to a remote cave, they covertly observed Wang Shasha and her subordinates discussing the escort of a mysterious cargo.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Qin Guan instructed Ning Meng to call the police and report to the command center for backup. However, they were discovered. One of Wang Shasha's men recognized Qin Guan as an armed police officer, prompting Wang Shasha to immediately order his elimination. Ning Meng bravely stepped forward to shield Qin Guan and was shot in the chest by Wang Shasha. Qin Guan was then knocked unconscious by another terrorist wielding a wooden stick.
In a moment of sheer determination, Ning Meng seized a dropped gun, and despite momentarily seeing a hallucination of her deceased brother, she fired, eliminating the terrorist who was about to attack Qin Guan. Wang Shasha and the remaining terrorists fled the scene. Returning to Ning Meng, Qin Guan's heart sank as he initially believed she had died, overwhelmed by the broken promises he made to Ning Lei and his mother to protect her.
However, he quickly discovered she was still breathing and immediately began performing CPR, repeatedly calling her name. Ning Meng eventually regained consciousness, much to Qin Guan's profound relief. She asked about the terrorists, and Qin Guan confirmed they had fled and that he had reported the incident to the command center. He revealed that the necklace he had given her, crafted from tungsten steel with a carbon fiber exterior, had miraculously blocked the bullet, saving her life.
At the hospital, a doctor confirmed Ning Meng sustained only a superficial wound and would be discharged in two days. Her teammates, who had come to visit, expressed their immense relief and playfully admonished her for leaving without a proper goodbye, asserting that her injury could have been avoided if they had been present. Ning Meng apologized, promising not to disappear again.
The mood lightened as they jokingly suggested changing the farewell party to a celebration, with Li Sisi offering to buy more food to replace what she had consumed out of grief earlier. A team member inquired if Ning Meng's heroic act of saving Qin Guan and overcoming her fear of shooting terrorists meant she could stay in Blue Lightning. Ning Meng acknowledged it was still uncertain and awaited a decision from higher command.
The detachment leader confirmed that the police were actively investigating the terrorists' cargo and had sealed off key transportation points, expecting a swift resolution. He praised Ning Meng and Qin Guan's combat experience, noting that the consequences would have been unimaginable otherwise. Qin Guan, seizing the opportunity, advocated for Ning Meng's reinstatement, emphasizing that her actions proved she had "completely overcome the psychological barrier" and was fit to return. Other officers, including the commissar and Wen Jing, echoed his sentiments.
Wen Jing provided a psychological assessment, confirming Ning Meng's autonomous overcoming of her trauma. The detachment leader and commissar approved her return to the team immediately. Back with Blue Lightning, Ning Meng quickly re-integrated into training, expressing her joy at firing live rounds and participating. Qin Guan urged her to catch up on missed sessions, and Ning Meng enthusiastically embraced the new equipment courses, viewing it as a "new revolution" and a "rebirth" for herself and the unit.
Later, Old Li, Qin Guan's former classmate, praised Ning Meng's "leaps and bounds" progress, which Qin Guan proudly attributed to her being his soldier. However, Old Li then shifted his concern from Ning Meng to Qin Guan, teasing him about his initial reluctance to accept Ning Meng into the team.
Episode 27 Recap
Instructor Li expressed concern to Qin Guan that his record as a team leader might be surpassed by the female soldiers. Qin Guan, however, remained unfazed, stating that even if they excelled, it would only prove they were his capable soldiers, surpassing their mentor. The Blue Lightning sniper team required a lead sniper. Qin Guan acknowledged that both Lin Yi and Yang Shu were exceptional.
To ensure fairness, he decided they would compete, and the results of a match the following afternoon would determine who would be the main sniper and who would be the observer. Lin Yi and Yang Shu appeared to share a harmonious competitive spirit. Meanwhile, Xu Dongdong frequently visited the training ground to observe Lin Yi. She had immense confidence in his abilities but felt that the new sniper rifle and limited training time introduced too many variables.
Witnessing Lin Yi’s meticulous dedication, even enduring mosquito bites without distraction, Xu Dongdong resolved to help him. She approached Dr. Liu at the infirmary to obtain mosquito repellent and, feigning constipation, also requested laxatives. Dr. Liu cautioned her not to take too many, warning of potential diarrhea. Xu Dongdong then sought out Yang Shu, who was preparing for the afternoon competition. Xu Dongdong attempted to persuade Yang Shu not to contend for the sniper position.
Yang Shu firmly rejected any form of manipulation, asserting that to be a sniper, one must earn it through genuine skill. She believed that any attempts to influence the outcome would undermine Lin Yi. Shortly after Yang Shu left, Lin Yi arrived. Xu Dongdong, still holding Yang Shu's water bottle, gave Lin Yi the mosquito repellent but accidentally revealed the laxatives, which she quickly hid.
Later, at lunch, Xu Dongdong returned the water bottle to Yang Shu and asked her not to mention their earlier conversation to Lin Yi, preferring to act as if nothing had happened. During the competition, Yang Shu suddenly experienced stomach discomfort, which affected her performance. Lin Yi won. Observing Yang Shu rushing to the restroom after the match, Lin Yi felt uneasy.
He requested to nullify the results and arrange a re-match, but Qin Guan refused, emphasizing that on the battlefield, one must complete the mission regardless of physical condition. The female soldiers discussed Yang Shu’s peculiar illness, noting she had been fine at noon and had eaten a lot of shrimp. Suspecting foul play, Lin Yi discreetly pulled Xu Dongdong aside. He linked her visit to the infirmary for laxatives with her handling of Yang Shu's water bottle.
Xu Dongdong vehemently denied his accusations, insisting she would never harm a comrade. Lin Yi, regretting his hasty suspicion and fearing Xu Dongdong might act recklessly for him, quickly apologized. They pledged to be honest with each other moving forward. Xu Dongdong then confessed that she had indeed spoken to Yang Shu earlier, attempting to convince her to concede the sniper role to Lin Yi. Upon hearing this, Lin Yi grew angry.
He questioned if she believed he couldn't win on his own merits and if she thought he needed a female soldier to "let him win." He felt deeply disrespected, emphasizing his capability to achieve victory through genuine skill and that her actions disrespected both him and Yang Shu. He walked away in frustration. Back in the dorm, Xu Dongdong was upset, cracking walnuts to vent. Yang Shu returned after receiving an IV drip at the hospital.
She explained that she had unknowingly consumed a large amount of shrimp followed by Vitamin C effervescent tablets, a combination that can produce arsenic, leading to her food poisoning. Yang Shu assured everyone that it wasn't anyone's fault and that she wasn't bothered by the competition results, as they were all comrades. Meanwhile, Ning Meng relentlessly sought advice from Instructor Li from morning till night, leaving him visibly exhausted.
Instructor Li reported her persistence to Qin Guan, who, despite the inconvenience to his instructor, was secretly pleased by Ning Meng's dedication, seeing the entire team's hard work as a positive sign. The detachment leader tasked Qin Guan with leading a tactical exchange debate with the guidance team, specifically on counter-terrorism strategies. Only officers at or above the company level were allowed to attend.
Ning Meng, determined to participate, pestered Qin Guan, highlighting her expertise in drone technology and new equipment, and her desire to contribute as a Second Lieutenant and assault team leader. Qin Guan, in turn, successfully pleaded with the Chief of Staff, using Ning Meng's potential for innovative ideas, particularly in big data analysis, to secure her a spot. At the exchange session, Ning Meng's insightful presentation earned widespread praise.
Citing the "September 15 subway bombing" as an example, she elaborated on how big data analysis, combining intelligence from various sources, could profile suspects and predict terrorist attacks, thereby becoming a crucial tool in modern counter-terrorism. During a break, Captain Zhao attempted to rile Qin Guan, remarking that his female soldier knew more than him, implying Qin Guan had lost face. Ning Meng quickly retorted that under a strong leader, there are no weak soldiers.
Xu Dongdong remained in low spirits, barely speaking to Lin Yi. Tong Mengyao and Yang Shu tried to cheer her up. Xu Dongdong confided in them, explaining that Lin Yi had discovered her attempt to persuade Yang Shu, which he interpreted as a blow to his self-esteem, despite her good intentions to help him reconcile with his family. Later, Blue Lightning made an exception, adopting a mixed-gender double sniper tactic.
Yang Shu spoke to Lin Yi, clarifying that Xu Dongdong's actions were driven by concern for him, not disdain for his abilities. Yang Shu, demonstrating remarkable growth, acknowledged Lin Yi's superior skill and accepted her role as an observer, emphasizing her commitment to becoming an excellent one. She also reiterated that Xu Dongdong did not give her laxatives; her illness was due to her own food choices. Lin Yi, understanding the full truth, expressed regret for his earlier accusations.
Episode 28 Recap
Lin Yi sincerely apologized to Xu Dongdong for mistakenly accusing her of tampering with Yang Shu's food and for losing his temper. Xu Dongdong, amused by his overly formal demeanor, accepted his apology, acknowledging that "criticism and self-criticism" were military traditions. Lin Yi then presented her with a small, handcrafted five-pointed star made from a bullet casing as a precious birthday gift that also symbolized his apology. Xu Dongdong was touched by the unique gift, and they fully reconciled.
Later, during the final academic exchange session, the Chief of Staff initiated a discussion on the lessons learned from the large-scale hostage crisis in Wasilon City. On the key question of whether to use a "strong attack," Qin Guan and Ning Meng took opposing sides, while Wen Jing abstained.
Qin Guan argued that a strong attack was the only correct choice given the extreme conditions—high temperatures, desperate hostages, and terrorists threatening mass killings—to save lives, even if it meant significant special forces casualties. Ning Meng strongly disagreed, suggesting a more cautious approach, arguing that the terrorists might have been bluffing and intelligence was insufficient, advocating for alternative tactics or delaying the action until evening. The debate between them grew intense, with both firmly defending their stances.
Qin Guan emphasized the harsh realities of on-the-ground anti-terrorism operations, while Ning Meng critiqued his reliance on past experience and highlighted the proven flaws in the previous strong attack. Qin Guan accused Ning Meng of being "self-righteous," a label she promptly retorted. Unable to reach a consensus, the Chief of Staff ended the discussion, noting that the debate on this topic was a global one.
Soon after, Qin Guan confiscated Xu Dongdong's bullet casing "Little Star," reminding her that using bullet casings for personal items was a serious breach of military discipline. A distraught Xu Dongdong later tried to appeal to him in his office, but Qin Guan sternly refused, reiterating that it was contraband and she was lucky to avoid harsher punishment.
Meanwhile, Ning Meng, still wanting to clear her name, entered Qin Guan's office without knocking, prompting him to send her out to re-enter properly. She then declared that she was not "self-righteous." Qin Guan, preoccupied with work, dismissed her quickly. As Ning Meng left, she noticed a wilting potted flower on his windowsill. Qin Guan admitted he had no time to care for it and told her to take it. Ning Meng left, feeling disheartened.
Later, Qin Guan received a call from Uncle Li, his father Qin Zhiwei’s secretary, who informed him that Qin Zhiwei's blood pressure and sugar levels were high, and he had almost fainted. Uncle Li mentioned that Liu Yu Xi had taken Qin Zhiwei to the hospital and urged Qin Guan to visit his father, despite their strained relationship. Qin Guan, however, cited his busy training schedule and promised to visit in a few days.
In the dormitory, both Ning Meng and Xu Dongdong were visibly upset, sitting in silence. Xu Dongdong, still fuming over the confiscated "Little Star," tried to go for a run, but Tong Mengyao intervened. Xu Dongdong then attempted to persuade a reluctant Tong Mengyao to retrieve the "Little Star" from Qin Guan, emphasizing its importance and recalling how she supported Tong Mengyao in the past.
Tong Mengyao, still fearful of Qin Guan, advised Xu Dongdong to prove her worth through strong performance in the upcoming "Lightning Action," suggesting that Qin Guan, despite his stern exterior, had a kind heart and might then return the item. Simultaneously, Li Sisi spoke with Ning Meng, pointing out that her "stubbornness" and tendency to "overly express herself" had alienated others.
She reminded Ning Meng that as the youngest at the expert-filled conference, her outspokenness had even led to Captain Zhao mocking Qin Guan, and that Qin Guan had worked hard to secure her place at the prestigious event. Ning Meng acknowledged the feedback but affirmed her commitment to her convictions. The next day, Ning Meng and Qin Guan’s debate reignited. Ning Meng interrupted Qin Guan, leading the Chief of Staff to remind her of proper decorum.
Ning Meng then boldly proposed a live "simulation exercise" to settle their theoretical dispute, prompting a sharp rebuke from Qin Guan for presuming to advise the Chief of Staff. Despite this, the Chief of Staff, while upholding military etiquette, praised Ning Meng’s initiative and promised to consider her proposal with senior leadership. Later, during a training break, Qin Guan brought mung bean soup for everyone. Ning Meng, still sullen, hesitated to approach, so Chen Haozhe brought her a bowl.
Her spirits sank further when she saw Tong Mengyao cheerfully engaging with Qin Guan while offering him more soup. Concerned about Ning Meng's persistent low mood, Instructor Wen discreetly questioned Qin Guan. Qin Guan, deflecting, asked Wen Jing to help him find a special tea to lower blood pressure and lipids for his father, Qin Zhiwei, whose health had deteriorated after their recent argument. Wen Jing agreed to place an order. Qin Guan then visited his father at his company.
He observed Qin Zhiwei smiling and relaxed in Liu Yu Xi's company as she capably managed a major project—a sight Qin Guan hadn't seen since his mother was alive. Despite Qin Zhiwei’s initial coolness, Qin Guan expressed that he no longer opposed his father's happiness or his relationship with Liu Yu Xi. This brought immense relief and joy to Qin Zhiwei, who toasted his son, embracing his understanding.
When Instructor Wen arrived with the tea she ordered for Qin Guan's father, Qin Guan realized there were already two boxes of the same tea in his office, not supplied by Wen Jing. Wen Jing surmised that Ning Meng, having overheard Qin Guan's request and feeling awkward after their arguments, must have secretly left it.
Wen Jing advised Qin Guan not to confront Ning Meng directly, but instead to buy her some snacks and fruits, presenting them as a gesture of care from a superior to a subordinate. Qin Guan purchased two large bags of treats. On his way to Ning Meng, he encountered Tong Mengyao, who admitted she was the one who bought the tea after hearing Wen Jing inquire about it.
Qin Guan, surprised, gave the bags of snacks and fruits to Tong Mengyao as a thank you. Ning Meng, observing this exchange from her window, misunderstood the situation and grew even more disheartened. Back in the dorm, Tong Mengyao shared the snacks. In an attempt to toss an apple to Ning Meng, she accidentally knocked over and broke Ning Meng's potted flower. Ning Meng was visibly upset, but simply said "Never mind," while Tong Mengyao profusely apologized.
Later, the Chief of Staff summoned Qin Guan and Ning Meng, noting their lingering tension. He revealed that after carefully evaluating their distinct counter-terrorism strategies—Qin Guan's practical experience and Ning Meng's innovative data analysis—the leadership believed that combining their approaches would significantly enhance operational success. He encouraged them to foster greater communication and cooperation to unify their tactical thinking. Ning Meng's mood immediately brightened.
She sincerely apologized to Qin Guan for her past "narrow-mindedness" and "stubbornness," thanking him for his "patience, guidance, and encouragement." She presented him with a new belt as an apology gift, observing that his old one was worn. Qin Guan initially declined, stating his preference for military belts, but accepted after seeing her dejected expression.
He then showed her a book he had found, "On the Strategy of High-tech Counter-Terrorism in the New Era," which he believed contained valuable methods, urging her to read it for future discussions. Nearby, Qu Bo and another comrade jokingly commented on Qin Guan's apparent appeal to female soldiers. Captain Zhao overheard and angrily reprimanded them, asserting that his own teasing of Qin Guan was always "fair and square" and face-to-face, not behind his back.
Back in the dormitory, Ning Meng discovered that her flower had been confiscated by the Picket during an internal affairs inspection. Despite her pleas and explanation, the Picket leader firmly stated that "discipline is discipline" and that all confiscated items would be returned to their unit leaders for appropriate handling.
Later, Qin Guan, now possessing the flower, sternly lectured Ning Meng on maintaining basic internal hygiene, ordering her to "reflect on herself" for violating regulations, regardless of the flower's personal significance.
Episode 29 Recap
Captain Qin Guan retrieves Ning Meng's withered flower from the confiscated items. Seeing the flower has wilted, he feels responsible for not caring for it properly. He returns the flower to the dejected Ning Meng, but specifies that she cannot keep it in the dorm. Ning Meng's spirits immediately lift, and she promises to find a suitable place for it, ensuring it won't be confiscated again. She reflects on Captain Qin Guan's quiet acts of care for her.
Captain Zhao observes the growing bond between Qin Guan and Ning Meng, prompting him to caution Qin Guan about maintaining proper distance from his female soldiers. He highlights Qin Guan's age and superior rank, and with the important Operation Lightning mission looming, deems his constant interactions with female soldiers inappropriate. Captain Zhao reveals that people are gossiping about Qin Guan, warning him that "gossip is a fearful thing" and urging him to be mindful of his influence.
Qin Guan ponders these words. Feeling unsettled by Captain Zhao's warning, Qin Guan seeks advice from the commissar regarding a personal matter. The commissar, along with the detachment leader, expresses relief that Qin Guan is finally addressing his personal life and eagerly offers their full support. However, the commissar mistakenly assumes Qin Guan is interested in Wen Jing, praising her as a perfect match due to their similar age, positions, and strong working relationship.
He even notes her care for Qin Guan's father and offers to speak to Wen Jing on Qin Guan's behalf. Alarmed, Qin Guan stammers that he needs more time to consider, using his heavy workload as an excuse. The commissar reluctantly lets him go, still encouraging him to consider Wen Jing. At the final tactical exchange meeting, Tong Mengyao requests to participate, a request granted by the Chief of Staff. During the discussion, Ning Meng presents her new tactic.
Tong Mengyao raises a strong dissenting opinion, criticizing Ning Meng's tactics as outdated and meaningless, arguing they are based on an old case and would be useless against modern high-tech equipment. Ning Meng counters, asserting that human initiative, not advanced technology, is the decisive factor in counter-terrorism. The two engage in a heated debate. To resolve their disagreement, the Chief of Staff proposes a mock confrontation based on a past hostage incident.
Tong Mengyao is assigned to the guidance team, representing the terrorists with high-tech equipment, while Qin Guan leads the Blue Lightning team with low-level equipment to rescue the hostages. The exercise aims to determine whether human capabilities or advanced technology is the ultimate deciding factor. For the mock confrontation, Qin Guan instructs Ning Meng and Chen Haozhe to lead teams to the school's front and back entrances, respectively.
Their task is to activate signal shields to create a diversion and confuse the "terrorists" about their main attack direction. Meanwhile, Qin Guan, without high-tech equipment, will covertly infiltrate the school and use gunfire as a signal for a synchronized attack. During the exercise, Tong Mengyao quickly detects and takes control of a reconnaissance drone from Blue Lightning. However, Du Xinyu activates a signal shield, temporarily obscuring Tong Mengyao's view.
As Tong Mengyao works to decrypt the signal, she notes to Instructor Li that Qin Guan is missing from their monitors. Suddenly, Qin Guan, having successfully infiltrated, opens fire, catching the guidance team by surprise. Concurrently, Qu Bo, a soldier from another unit, complains to his teammates about their lack of advanced equipment compared to Blue Lightning.
Captain Zhao overhears his remarks and punishes Qu Bo and his comrades by ordering them to push a training plane, reminding them that Blue Lightning members possess specialized skills that transcend equipment. Blue Lightning ultimately wins the mock confrontation. The Chief of Staff announces the successful completion of the new equipment installation mission and the productive tactical exchange meeting. On behalf of the detachment party committee, he thanks all the instructors for their hard work.
One instructor jokingly remarks that they were "tortured" by the Blue Lightning team and suggests they should "torture" Commander Qin Guan next time. At the military base, a young woman named Pan Xiaorou attempts to gain entry by claiming to be Chen Haozhe's fiancée. Chen Haozhe arrives and clarifies that Xiaorou is his childhood neighbor, whom he has always treated like a sister.
Xiaorou, who has recently moved to Yanzhou for work, came to see him, bringing gifts from his mother and a suit she bought for him. Chen Haozhe initially tries to refuse the suit, but eventually accepts all the gifts after she insists. Meanwhile, Guo Xiaowei and Lin Yi observe from their dorm, excitedly gossiping about Chen Haozhe's "fiancée." Later, they confront him, playfully teasing him that his "neighbor sister" is actually his childhood sweetheart.
Qin Guan is informed that the female terrorist he captured during the June 18 incident has requested to see him. She expresses deep repentance, thanking Qin Guan for giving her a second chance at life and the possibility of seeing her child again. As atonement, she reveals the location of the Treasure Gathering Group's lair. Following this intelligence, the public security department successfully annihilates the group, and Qin Guan is credited for his role.
However, the detachment leader informs Qin Guan that six terrorists, led by Wang Shasha, escaped before the raid. These terrorists have since joined the S Group and are secretly escorting a batch of goods. Concurrently, Wu Mei, a high-ranking member of the S Group, dispatches three elite operatives—"Flying Tiger," a Sanda champion; "Water Rhino," a mercenary sniper; and "Cheetah," a close-quarters combatant—to her brother, Wu Jie.
She warns Wu Jie that his men must follow her operatives' orders, sternly reminding him that his past failures would have led to severe repercussions if he weren't her brother. The Blue Lightning team is deployed to intercept Wang Shasha's armed terrorist group in a western suburban forest. As Blue Lightning approaches, Wang Shasha's group spots them and initiates an ambush with powerful weapons.
Wang Shasha orders some of her men to create a diversion while she and others split up to escape. Qin Guan orders his teams to suppress the enemy and advance into the forest. Qin Guan, Ning Meng, and Chen Haozhe each lead a separate team to pursue the scattered terrorists. Soon, Chen Haozhe's team is pinned down by a professional sniper, and he requests support.
Qin Guan assures him the sniper will be taken care of, but emphasizes that Chen Haozhe's team must not let Wang Shasha escape. Seeing Wang Shasha flee, Xu Dongdong immediately gives chase, with Lin Yi close behind. Chen Haozhe later reports that the terrain is too complex for drones to track the sniper, but he has transmitted the sniper's location image.
Episode 30 Recap
Yang Shu quickly pinpointed the most likely sniper position based on wind speed, direction, air humidity, and the availability of cover and clear lines of sight. Qin Guan acknowledged her assessment, emphasizing the critical need to eliminate the sniper to ensure the safety of Lin Yi and Xu Dongdong. Together, they moved out. As they approached the area, Yang Shu confirmed the sniper's general location but found it challenging to pinpoint the exact spot due to numerous obstructions.
Qin Guan created a diversion, allowing Yang Shu to find a better vantage point. She quickly located the target and fired, but the professional sniper managed to escape by throwing a bomb and utilizing a pre-planned escape route. Qin Guan and Yang Shu discovered a small "nasal passage" device left behind by the sniper, which they suspected contained stimulants. Meanwhile, Lin Yi and Xu Dongdong were in pursuit of the female terrorist, Sasha, determined not to let her get away.
Lin Yi managed to shoot Sasha, but as Xu Dongdong approached, she saw that Sasha had explosives strapped to her. Sasha screamed that she would blow them up. Xu Dongdong immediately yelled for Lin Yi to lie down, but instead, Lin Yi pushed Xu Dongdong to safety, using his own body to shield her from the explosion. The blast instantly killed Sasha, leaving Lin Yi gravely wounded and covered in blood.
Xu Dongdong, horrified and panicked, cried out for medical support, pleading for Lin Yi to hold on. Lin Yi, with a weakening voice, tried to reassure her not to be afraid. Xu Dongdong insisted he would be fine and begged him to keep talking to her. She confessed that no boy had ever fought for her, and only he treated her like a cherished little girl. She pleaded with him to live, promising to repay his kindness.
Lin Yi, however, was fading, whispering that he was sorry and asking Xu Dongdong to take care of herself, and to convey his apologies to everyone and his parents, assuring them he hadn't disgraced them. Feeling increasingly cold, Lin Yi was embraced by Xu Dongdong, his last words being, "I miss you." Despite Xu Dongdong's desperate pleas and calls for help, Lin Yi closed his eyes forever in her arms, his life tragically cut short.
Xu Dongdong herself sustained minor injuries in the explosion, but the emotional wound of Lin Yi's death was far deeper. She lamented that she had never had the chance to tell him she liked him, a confession military rules had prevented her from making. She had dreamed of telling him after Operation Lightning ended and the Blue Lightning Commando disbanded.
At the martyrs' cemetery, Lin Yi was honored with a first-class merit and posthumously named a martyr for his heroic actions as a sniper in the Blue Lightning Commando. His parents stood heartbroken before his memorial, his father remarking that Lin Yi had indeed proven himself, as he always said he would. As they were escorted away, Guo Xiaowei, unable to contain his grief, broke down crying.
Chen Haozhe, however, sternly reminded him not to show their sadness in front of Lin Yi's parents, as it would only amplify their pain. Chen Haozhe assured the parents that all the Blue Lightning members would now be their sons and could be relied upon. After the parents left, Guo Xiaowei and Chen Haozhe finally allowed themselves to mourn openly. Xu Dongdong remained at the cemetery, refusing to leave.
Concerned, Wen Jing instructed Ning Meng to stay nearby, out of sight, and bring her back once her initial grief subsided. Xu Dongdong tearfully vowed to treat Lin Yi's parents as her own. Qin Guan approached her, returning a necklace that Lin Yi had intended as a birthday gift for her. He spoke of the heavy burden soldiers carry and the inevitability of sacrifice, acknowledging Lin Yi as a true hero and the best warrior.
Overwhelmed again, Xu Dongdong collapsed in tears before Lin Yi's photo. Back at the barracks, the entire Blue Lightning team was visibly affected. Guo Xiaowei, who had been part of a close-knit trio with Lin Yi and Chen Haozhe, found himself crying at mealtimes, swallowing his tears along with his food. Chen Haozhe silently bore his grief. Qin Guan, too, was seen reflecting on photos of the Blue Lightning team, recalling Lin Yi's solemn oath to the armed police force.
Ning Meng, noticing Qin Guan's subdued mood, spoke to him about the team's struggles, particularly Xu Dongdong, who suffered from nightmares and pushed herself to the point of exhaustion with intense nighttime training. Qin Guan instructed the female soldiers to watch over Xu Dongdong and help her overcome her sorrow. Despite the efforts of her female teammates, who struggled to keep up with her, Xu Dongdong continued her relentless training, seemingly oblivious to fatigue.
Her teammates worried that she would harm herself. In the male dorm, Lin Yi's bed was adorned with offerings of fruit. Guo Xiaowei, overwhelmed by emotion, spoke to Lin Yi's empty bed, regretting that their pact to live and die together had been broken by Lin Yi's departure. He ran out, once again overcome by tears. Chen Haozhe, after everyone else had left, finally allowed his own stoic facade to crumble, weeping uncontrollably.
Outside, Guo Xiaowei accidentally collided with Tong Mengyao, scattering the fruits she had bought for Xu Dongdong, who had refused to eat. Tong Mengyao twisted her ankle in the collision. As Guo Xiaowei helped her, she noticed his tear-stained face. He expressed his profound grief, wishing he had died instead of Lin Yi, as the memories played like a film in his mind.
Tong Mengyao interrupted him, firmly stating that no more members of Blue Lightning would be lost, and that they would all return safely from their missions. Guo Xiaowei carried Tong Mengyao back, recognizing the deep bond they shared as comrades and family, a connection stronger than any other. In the criminal underworld, Wu Mei asserted her authority, forbidding Wu Jie from interfering with her plans for future operations.
Wu Jie, feeling unfairly blamed for the previous failure where Blue Lightning almost intercepted their cargo, vehemently protested, but Wu Mei violently subdued him, reminding him that her rules were absolute. Back at the military base, the commander informed Qin Guan and Wen Jing about new intelligence. The public security department's investigation suggested that the terrorist group was transporting a substantial amount of heavy cargo in two vehicles.
The contents remained a mystery, but their extreme care indicated its immense importance to the terrorists. The presence of a highly professional sniper further highlighted the seriousness of the situation. Given Lin Yi's recent sacrifice, the commander stressed the urgent need to boost the Blue Lightning team's morale and combat effectiveness. Qin Guan confirmed that he and Wen Jing planned to intensify training and conduct thorough ideological work to re-energize the soldiers.
Qin Guan then introduced a rigorous three-person reverse tug-of-war exercise, where participants had to retrieve a pistol and magazine from a petrol tank to win. Ning Meng emerged victorious in her round against Xu Dongdong and Yang Shu. Noticing Xu Dongdong's lingering emotional struggles, Qin Guan later approached her and challenged her to a boxing match. He used a combination of physical and verbal provocation, pushing her limits and even mentioning Lin Yi when she faltered.
Qin Guan explained that her overwhelming desire for revenge was clouding her judgment, making her impatient and causing her to lose her composure, trapping her in a vicious cycle. He stressed the importance of calmness in confronting cunning terrorists and urged her to overcome this emotional hurdle to achieve Lin Yi's unfulfilled goals. Through this intense session, Xu Dongdong understood Qin Guan's message and regained her fierce determination, once again embodying her nickname, "small land tank." She thanked Qin Guan for helping her.
Episode 31 Recap
After Qin Guan's encouragement, Xu Dongdong finally began to come to terms with her grief, and Ning Meng subtly gave Qin Guan a thumbs-up in acknowledgment. With the chairman of the Global Energy Conference and his delegation soon to visit, security was paramount. Blue Lightning's double sniper tactic was a crucial part of the security plan, and with Lin Yi's death, it needed to be reinforced.
Qin Guan concluded that training another main sniper within Blue Lightning in such a short time was impossible. The only viable option was a temporary secondment. He identified Qu Bo from the Special Training Team as the only sniper whose skill level was comparable to the late Lin Yi. The detachment leader acknowledged that securing Qu Bo would be challenging, as he was Captain Zhao's prized sniper.
Qin Guan submitted an official report, and the detachment leader agreed to handle the matter. Meanwhile, Wu Jie was being closely monitored by a subordinate sent by Wu Mei. Frustrated by the constant surveillance, Wu Jie offered her a card with 500,000 yuan in it, telling her to take a couple of days off. However, the subordinate pointed out that if Wu Mei were to make a video call, Wu Jie would be in trouble, so she insisted on staying.
She then began to sow discord between Wu Jie and Wu Mei, noting that as his sister, Wu Mei was still too hard on him. Wu Jie tried to charm her, suggesting he could offer her even more money and become her new boss, but she cleverly deflected, urging him to focus on making plans for his future instead. Qu Bo was also in a poor state, deeply affected by Lin Yi's sacrifice.
They had grown up together, constantly bickering and competing, but their bond was incredibly strong. He had always imagined their friendly rivalry would last a lifetime. Captain Zhao offered words of comfort, acknowledging Lin Yi's admirable sacrifice. During this conversation, Captain Zhao received a call from the detachment leader, summoning him to his office. Before leaving, Captain Zhao encouraged Qu Bo to maintain his spirits, reminding him not to let anyone look down on their team.
In the detachment leader's office, Captain Zhao was informed of the decision to second Qu Bo to Blue Lightning. He vehemently disagreed, stressing that Qu Bo was their best sniper and integral to the Special Training Team's missions. He suspected Qin Guan was behind the request, feeling that Blue Lightning already received preferential treatment with equipment and now wanted their personnel too.
The detachment leader clarified it was his decision and an order that Captain Zhao had to obey, urging him to consider the bigger picture. Furious, Captain Zhao immediately confronted Qin Guan, accusing him of being underhanded and asking why he had to poach "his" soldier. Qin Guan explained that it was a mission requirement, emphasizing that Qu Bo was a member of the detachment, not solely Captain Zhao's.
He stated that given the urgency of the task, Qu Bo was the only one in the entire detachment who met Blue Lightning's basic requirements. This comment further enraged Captain Zhao, who perceived it as an insult to his team's capabilities. He accused Qin Guan of trying to humiliate him and stormed off, threatening to have the application withdrawn.
When Qu Bo received the transfer notice, Captain Zhao tried to convince him to take sick leave to avoid it, but Qu Bo firmly declared his desire to join Blue Lightning. This defiance infuriated Captain Zhao, who had dedicated eight years to training him. Despite Captain Zhao's emotional ultimatum—either go to Blue Lightning and cease to be his soldier, or take sick leave and stay—Qu Bo chose Blue Lightning.
As he left with Qin Guan and Wen Jing, his disappointed Special Training Team comrades labeled him a "traitor." Wen Jing assured Qu Bo that his former teammates would eventually understand his decision. Upon arriving at Blue Lightning's male dormitory, Qu Bo saw the only empty bed laden with fruits and assumed it was a welcome gesture. However, Guo Xiaowei angrily threw Qu Bo's belongings off, proclaiming it was "Lin Yi's bed!"
Realizing his mistake, Qu Bo felt awkward and offered to sleep on the floor. Chen Haozhe then gave Qu Bo his own bed to use. Chen Haozhe tried to unite the team, clarifying that it wasn't that Qu Bo wanted to join, but that Blue Lightning needed him. Despite this, Guo Xiaowei continued to be hostile and isolate Qu Bo. Later, Qu Bo approached Yang Shu, offering to be her observer so he could blend in quickly.
Yang Shu bluntly rejected him, stating he didn't deserve to be her observer. Qin Guan gathered the team and, presenting Lin Yi's sniper rifle, officially welcomed Qu Bo as Blue Lightning's new sniper. This was a difficult moment for everyone, especially Xu Dongdong, who struggled to accept someone taking Lin Yi's place. Elsewhere, Chen Haozhe visited Xiao Rou in the hospital, upset that she hadn't told him about her appendicitis surgery.
Xiao Rou admitted she didn't want to trouble him, but Chen Haozhe insisted she should rely on him. During their conversation, Xiao Rou expressed her long-standing affection for him, questioning how long she would have to wait. Chen Haozhe explained his reluctance to commit; as an armed police special forces member, he faced dangerous missions and was always prepared for injury or even sacrifice.
He didn't want to burden her or ruin her life if something were to happen to him. Xiao Rou, understanding his intentions came from a place of care, interpreted his reluctance as a form of love and expressed her willingness to wait. Qin Guan later confronted Chen Haozhe about his relationship with Xiao Rou. Chen Haozhe admitted he liked her but feared dragging her down due to the dangers of his military life.
Wen Jing advised him not to carry such a burden and to consider his own feelings. Chen Haozhe promised to give Xiao Rou a clear answer after the current mission. Meanwhile, Qu Bo felt dejected, struggling to integrate into Blue Lightning. He spoke with Qin Guan, expressing doubt about his suitability for the team. Qin Guan clarified that by offering Yang Shu the sniper position, Qu Bo was not helping but insulting her.
He emphasized that in Blue Lightning, everything had to be earned through fair competition. Qin Guan announced that he would arrange a simulated competition between Qu Bo and Yang Shu, with the winner becoming the sniper. This helped Qu Bo understand that Blue Lightning valued merit and direct challenge, which was the true way to respect both Yang Shu and the team.
Motivated, Qu Bo immediately challenged Yang Shu to a fair competition for the sniper position, reigniting her competitive spirit. Later, in the dormitory, Guo Xiaowei accidentally called Qu Bo "Lin Yi" while offering him fruit, creating an awkward silence. During a training session, Blue Lightning encountered the Special Training Team. Zheng Zhong from the Special Training Team made sarcastic remarks about Qu Bo, provoking a heated argument. Both sides pressured Qu Bo to choose a side.
Qu Bo tried to de-escalate by telling his former teammates to leave, but this only intensified the conflict. Qin Guan and Captain Zhao quickly intervened, ordering both sides to shake hands and apologize, which Guo Xiaowei and Zheng Zhong reluctantly did.
Episode 32 Recap
Qin Guan reiterated the importance of unity within Blue Lightning, declaring that Qu Bo was an indispensable member of the team. He sternly warned that any further talk or actions causing disunity would result in immediate dismissal. Meanwhile, the detachment leader, observing the ongoing rivalry between Qin Guan and Captain Zhao, decided to arrange a competition between Blue Lightning and the Special Training Team, proposing that the winner would have exclusive rights to the training equipment.
Zheng Zhong, a member of the Special Training Team and Qu Bo's former comrade, approached Qu Bo, expressing his concern about Qu Bo's struggles in Blue Lightning. Despite Qu Bo's attempts to appear fine, Zheng Zhong knew he was not and reminded him that he was still the best soldier he knew. Zheng Zhong then declared that he would represent the Special Training Team in the upcoming competition.
Later, Qin Guan found a tearful Qu Bo and offered comfort, acknowledging the pressure he was under but emphasizing that this challenge was one Qu Bo had to overcome himself. Qin Guan expressed confidence in Qu Bo's ability to succeed and offered to treat him to the canteen. Back at the Blue Lightning barracks, the male soldiers were discussing who should represent their team. Qu Bo volunteered, stating his confidence in winning the event.
Guo Xiaowei, however, expressed doubt, fearing Qu Bo might intentionally lose against his former team and cause Blue Lightning embarrassment. Qu Bo vehemently denied this, vowing that he would leave Blue Lightning if he lost. Chen Haozhe cautioned Qu Bo to honor his word. Chen Haozhe then pulled Qu Bo aside, concerned about the difficult position Qu Bo would be in, facing his old comrade Zheng Zhong.
He pointed out that winning against Zheng Zhong might make it impossible for Qu Bo to return to the Special Training Team, while losing would force him out of Blue Lightning as per his promise. Qu Bo recalled a past conversation with Lin Yi, who had rigorously trained beyond what was expected.
Lin Yi had explained that he wasn't training to prove anything to anyone, but rather because, as a soldier, he represented Blue Lightning and had a duty to his comrades, especially with the crucial Global Energy Conference approaching. He insisted that a single fatal mistake could endanger the entire team, and for his comrades, he had no reason to stop training. Qu Bo echoed Lin Yi's sentiment to Chen Haozhe, stating he was simply doing what a soldier should do.
The next morning, Chen Haozhe gathered the Blue Lightning members, reminding them that Qu Bo was their comrade-in-arms and that his volunteering to compete showed his commitment to the team. He urged everyone to cheer loudly and show their unwavering support. Yang Shu and Ning Meng readily agreed, promising their full encouragement. Guo Xiaowei initially grumbled that it was useless but retracted his comment when reprimanded. During the competition, both teams cheered fiercely for their respective representatives.
Guo Xiaowei, however, remained silent, refusing to cheer for Qu Bo and even calling him a "traitor," for which he was immediately silenced. The competition was intense, but eventually, an exhausted Zheng Zhong fell. With the unified shouts of encouragement from Blue Lightning, Qu Bo pushed through and won, securing victory for their team. After the win, Zheng Zhong, though defeated, gave Qu Bo a thumbs up in a gesture of respect.
Captain Zhao also approached Qin Guan, expressing his gratitude for having trained Qu Bo so well. Back at the barracks, Qu Bo was surrounded by his teammates, who offered him water and checked on him. Qu Bo took the opportunity to share his story, revealing that he and Lin Yi were childhood friends who often bickered but had a deep bond.
He explained that Lin Yi had always dreamt of being a sniper in Blue Lightning and helping his team succeed. After Lin Yi's death, Qu Bo joined Blue Lightning to fulfill his friend's unfinished mission, stating that Lin Yi truly loved being part of the team. Chen Haozhe then appealed to the team to accept Qu Bo. Guo Xiaowei, realizing his error, sincerely apologized to Qu Bo.
Qu Bo brushed it off, recalling Lin Yi's remark that Guo Xiaowei's biggest flaw was his excessive loyalty. As a gesture of acceptance, Guo Xiaowei prepared Lin Yi's empty bunk for Qu Bo, officially welcoming him to Blue Lightning, a sentiment echoed by the entire team. Ning Meng praised Yang Shu for her passionate cheering, noting how much she had changed.
Yang Shu credited Ning Meng for her transformation and explained that she cheered for Qu Bo in return for his support during her own difficult competition. Qin Guan explained to a colleague the comprehensive nature of Blue Lightning's latest assessment, designed to evaluate their skills, psychology, endurance, judgment, sniping ability, teamwork, and strategy—essentially, their overall combat readiness.
The mission was to rescue a hostage within 40 minutes, safely traverse a mud area, and then transport the hostage to the roof of an opposite building. Qu Bo and Yang Shu were tasked with neutralizing enemy snipers in three designated areas, each within three seconds, or their own personnel would be eliminated.
During the mission, Xu Dongdong's unexpected performance landed her in the top five, greatly impressing Qin Guan, who noted how difficult it was to overcome sorrow, yet she had succeeded. When facing a narrow passage, the team devised a "baton pass" strategy to safely move the hostage. Ultimately, Yang Shu won the sniper portion of the challenge, hitting one more target than Qu Bo, who congratulated her warmly.
Meanwhile, Wu Mei, speaking with someone on the phone, expressed concern about Wu Jie's ability to execute their plan. She revealed her fallback strategy: a long-standing "dark line" named Third Brother, who had a series of plans to ensure Global Energy Conference Chairman Ozzie's death, even having a "last bomb" to use if he survived the initial attempts. She instructed the person on the phone to continue collecting materials, as Ozzie's every move was being monitored.
Later, in a meeting with her subordinates, Wu Mei confirmed that a light-controlled bomb had been installed and scheduled to detonate at the opening ceremony. She informed them that the hotel where Ozzie was staying had banned all electronic devices. Wu Jie tried to present his own plan, but Wu Mei cut him off, announcing that Third Brother was now in charge of the assassination of Ozzie and the convention center bombing.
Wu Jie questioned Third Brother's identity, complaining that he had never shown up. Wu Mei revealed that Third Brother had been with them all along, pointing to Zhu, the butcher. Wu Jie, shocked, instinctively drew his gun, but Wu Mei commanded him to stand down and ordered him and everyone else to obey Third Brother unconditionally. The armed police department prepared for the Global Energy Conference, emphasizing its significance for national image and economic development.
They confirmed that S Group was indeed planning to assassinate Chairman Ozzie and that Wu Mei, a world-renowned free-fighting champion, was likely involved. Qin Guan presented a detailed security plan developed in cooperation with various departments, covering hotel assistance, evacuation routes, and overall security. Blue Lightning members, including Qin Guan and Ning Meng, would infiltrate the hotel under fictitious identities, posing as organizing committee members and hotel staff in key areas, while plainclothes police provided additional security.
The plan also involved comprehensive electronic surveillance, inspection vehicles, combat drones for high-angle support, and strict control over all hotel entrances, exits, and communications. Chairman Ozzie and his wife arrived at the hotel and were formally greeted. Inside, Wu Mei's operatives, disguised as hotel staff, attempted to move through the building but were quickly intercepted by the vigilant armed police, who had established strict floor-by-floor control.
The terrorists exchanged information, confirming the police and armed police deployment was very tight, with constant changes in personnel and posts. They also noted the wired headsets they were using, disguised as ordinary hotel earpieces, were actually special warfare communication devices, ensuring their internal communication remained secure. Meanwhile, in the security command center, it was reported that all guests had checked in, security was in place on all floors, and everything appeared normal.
Episode 33 Recap
Qin Guan and Ning Meng posed as a married couple, sharing a hotel room with only one bed, which led to some awkwardness. Qin Guan offered Ning Meng the bed, while Ning Meng worried about what to wear to sleep, finding hotel pajamas uncomfortable. Qin Guan simply stated that living in the wild had tougher conditions, but Ning Meng explained this was her first time sharing a room with a male non-relative, apart from her brother.
Qin Guan reassured her he would sleep on the sofa and urged her to go to bed early. Meanwhile, Zhu Laoban, disguised as a meat supplier, successfully entered the hotel after a brief inspection of his goods by an armed police officer. He then received a report that Ozzie had moved into Room 2901, and the entire 29th floor was heavily guarded by armed police, making it impossible to get close.
Zhu Laoban instructed his team to find a hidden corner, destroy a camera, and then have his men, disguised as repairmen, plant bombs. The ensuing explosion would mobilize the guards on Ozzie's floor, allowing them to sneak into his room and kill him. He stressed that they had been preparing for this moment. The next morning, Tong Mengyao reported a camera malfunction at position 2 and was instructed to guide Jing Ke to investigate and notify the public security department.
Qin Guan also called the public security department. Jing Ke later confirmed with a police comrade that the cause of the camera's failure was unknown, and no other anomalies had been found yet. Around the same time, a hotel security guard was on the phone with a maintenance company about another camera, requesting repairs. Terrorists had already replaced the real repairmen's information with their own.
Wu Jie intercepted Chen Zhubian, an S Group operative, attempting to speak with her privately before her mission. He expressed his frustration that S Group was co-founded by him and his sister, Wu Mei, but she had given control to a "butcher." He tried to convince Chen Zhubian to listen to him, claiming that everything could be theirs.
However, he was quickly interrupted and violently beaten by Zhu Laoban's men, who reminded him that S Group only recognized one boss and threatened him with severe consequences if he didn't behave. The S Group members, including Chen Zhubian, disguised as repairmen, arrived at the hotel's underground garage for inspection. They carried a bomb inside a new camera, knowing it wouldn't be detected unless powered on.
After a brief conversation with a security guard about camera storage, they were allowed to proceed. Tong Mengyao later reported to Jing Ke that of the three repairmen who entered the garage, one disappeared from camera view after reaching the hotel elevator. When Jing Ke questioned the remaining two repairmen about their missing colleague, they claimed he had gone to repair a circuit in the basement. They finished their work and left.
The hidden terrorist successfully installed the bomb, confirming it would detonate in ten minutes. He then planned with an accomplice to wait on the 28th floor and use the chaos from the explosion to storm Room 2901 to kill Ozzie, using ceramic shards as a weapon. Despite the calm appearance of the hotel, Guo Xiaowei discovered the time bomb at the basement switchboard, reporting to Qin Guan that less than ten minutes remained until detonation.
Qin Guan immediately ordered Guo Xiaowei to disarm the bomb and informed Wang Yu to assist with explosive ordnance disposal. Qin Guan realized that a bomb of this power wouldn't kill Ozzie and was hidden in the building's switchboard to cause confusion by shutting down power and surveillance. He deduced that the terrorists intended to use this chaos to attack Ozzie and must be hiding in the surveillance blind spot closest to Ozzie's room.
He instructed Chen Haozhe to guard Ozzie's room with a team, while he and Ning Meng went to search for the terrorists. With only one minute left until the bomb exploded, Ning Meng and Qin Guan confronted a male and female terrorist in a stairwell near Ozzie's room. During the struggle, the male terrorist accidentally stabbed and killed his female accomplice. Qin Guan continued to fight the male terrorist, who died instantly after hitting his head on the stairs.
Simultaneously, Guo Xiaowei and Wang Yu successfully defused the bomb just in time. Following the incident, Qin Guan met with the police, learning that the two terrorists, a security guard named Sun Feihu and a waiter named Zheng Pingping, had infiltrated the hotel three months prior. This indicated careful preparation by S Group.
He was informed that Ozzie's itinerary for the next day, including an inspection of the Convention and Exhibition Center and a groundbreaking ceremony for a new energy research base, was critical. The police department would use multiple cars and disrupt the travel order to ensure Ozzie's safety. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Ozzie delivered a speech, acknowledging China's strength and stability and its leading role in new energy development. Blue Lightning members were subtly positioned around the event to provide security.
Tong Mengyao intercepted a phone call containing sensitive words like "gun" and "kill target," suspecting a sniper was targeting Ozzie. However, she couldn't pinpoint the location due to the short call duration. Qin Guan ordered her to deploy a drone to search for suspicious individuals.
The drone quickly located a small white plastic container on a forest edge, similar to nasal passages found in a previous sniper incident, leading Tong Mengyao to conclude that a female sniper was present and Ozzie was likely in danger. Qin Guan directed Ning Meng to take a team to the southwest to investigate, as two hills in that direction offered wide, unobstructed views and good hiding spots for a sniper.
Qin Guan tried to approach Ozzie to convey important information but was blocked by his bodyguards. He placed his hope in Yang Shu and Qu Bo, who were also in position to locate the sniper. Qu Bo soon spotted the sniper, but the sniper also noticed them, forcing them to change positions. After finding the sniper again, Yang Shu took the shot, successfully eliminating the target and avenging Lin Yi.
Qin Guan noted that while one terrorist had been eliminated, more might be hidden, urging continued vigilance. Later, Ozzie and his wife expressed a desire to explore Yen Province on their own. Qin Guan attempted to dissuade them, but Ozzie whispered something to Ning Meng, making a request. Ning Meng and Qin Guan then accompanied the Ozzie couple, experiencing the local culture and customs.
Ozzie commented on their apparent compatibility, playfully suggesting Qin Guan wasn't affectionate enough towards Ning Meng, and wished them "a baby soon and a harmonious union lasting a hundred years," causing both Qin Guan and Ning Meng some embarrassment amidst their teammates' teasing. Qin Guan tried to explain his conservative nature. The following day, Wu Mei arrived in Yen Province to personally oversee her plan.
She informed her subordinates that Ozzie's motorcade would soon pass a specific road, and she intended to use a rocket launcher to kill him, demanding accuracy. She also revealed a secondary plan: to not only kill Ozzie but also blow up the entire convention center to ensure S Group's monopoly on new energy technology. She stressed that this was the final step of their long-planned operation and warned against any mistakes.
As Ozzie prepared for the opening ceremony in a few hours, Qin Guan and Ning Meng continued their mission. Meanwhile, Wu Mei's guard reported that two armed police officers had arrived to secure the rooftop's commanding heights, acknowledging the police's astute defensive measures.
Episode 34 Recap
Wu Mei arrived in Yanzhou, personally overseeing her plan to assassinate Ou Qi and bomb the new energy convention center, just hours before Ou Qi was scheduled to attend the opening ceremony. Meanwhile, Yang Shu and Qu Bo went to a slaughterhouse to scout for the highest vantage point. Qu Bo detected the smell of gun oil and, under the guise of needing a restroom, attempted to draw his weapon.
However, they were quickly surrounded by terrorists led by Zhu Laoban, who then cut off all their communication lines. When Chief Editor Chen ordered Yang Shu and Qu Bo to report via a computer, Yang Shu cleverly reported their observer as Lin Yi instead of Qu Bo, alerting Qin Guan and Ning Meng that something was seriously wrong at the slaughterhouse. Qin Guan immediately requested a change in mission strategy.
The slaughterhouse was on Ou Qi's only route to the convention center, and he would be leaving soon. Qin Guan, upon receiving authorization for on-the-spot action, immediately mobilized his team. He dispatched Guo Xiaowei, Wang Yu, Li Guo'an, and Du Xinyu to escort Ou Qi to the Convention Center. The rest of the team was to follow Qin Guan to the Yong'an Road Slaughterhouse. Terrorists at the slaughterhouse had already placed bombs at the entrance.
Tong Mengyao deployed a miniature unmanned reconnaissance drone to gather intelligence, but a hacker working for Wu Mei, Chen Zihan, detected it and swiftly cut off its signal, causing the drone to crash. With Yang Shu and Qu Bo held hostage, a strong frontal assault was not an option. Qin Guan decided on a stealth approach, reminiscent of the "ghost-style sneak-in" from a past incident.
He planned to infiltrate the slaughterhouse via an underground pipe from a nearby river to rescue Yang Shu and Qu Bo. Ning Meng, along with Xu Dongdong, Zhuang Qian, and Iron Fist, was tasked with moving to the front door near the office building. Chen Haozhe, accompanied by Li Sisi and Jing Ke, was to approach the back door, planning to enter through the cold storage area.
Both teams were instructed to activate their signal shields upon reaching their designated positions to interfere with the terrorists' communications. Qin Guan's single gunshot would be the signal for a full-scale attack once the hostages were safe. At the slaughterhouse, Wu Mei learned that armed police were nearby and instructed Zhu Laoban to keep Yang Shu and Qu Bo alive as bargaining chips.
Wu Jie, Wu Mei's brother, was furious that Zhu Laoban was given such an important task and repeatedly accused him of being unreliable and leaking information, citing past failed assassination attempts on Ou Qi. He passionately argued that he was the only one loyal to Wu Mei and should be entrusted with the mission to kill Ou Qi.
Wu Mei eventually relented, giving Wu Jie the mission to assassinate Ou Qi from the rooftop, while assigning Zhu Laoban to patrol the slaughter workshop corridors to check for other infiltration routes. Wu Jie, still suspicious of Zhu Laoban, immediately ordered his men to lock the rooftop door, fearing Zhu Laoban might try to steal his credit. Inside, Yang Shu and Qu Bo were brutally tortured and hung up like meat but refused to divulge any information.
Qin Guan successfully infiltrated the slaughterhouse through the underground pipe and quickly located and rescued them. Following Qin Guan's pre-arranged signal (a gunshot), Ning Meng and Chen Haozhe's teams launched their attack, breaching the slaughterhouse from the front and back doors. However, Chen Zihan, Wu Mei's hacker, swiftly activated wireless interference, cutting off all communication devices for Qin Guan's team.
During the intense firefight, Chen Haozhe was shot while protecting Li Sisi, but he urged her to continue her mission and keep trying to contact Qin Guan. Wu Mei then ordered her subordinate, Centipede, to locate and eliminate Tong Mengyao, the armed police's hacker. Tong Mengyao, realizing she had lost contact with Qin Guan, grabbed her computer and went out to find a signal, where she was attacked by Wu Mei's terrorists.
She was shot but managed to fight back, killing her attackers, and then, despite her injuries, used her computer to break the interference before losing consciousness. As Ou Qi's convoy rapidly approached the slaughterhouse, Qin Guan observed that the rooftop was the commanding height and the most likely sniper spot. With less than ten minutes before Ou Qi's car passed, Qin Guan knew they had to storm the rooftop to thwart the assassination.
Realizing the main staircase was blocked, Qin Guan devised a dangerous plan: he and Qu Bo would split up and climb to the rooftop from two different directions. He gave his bulletproof vest and all submachine guns to the injured Yang Shu, tasking her with holding off the terrorists outside and buying them time. Before embarking on their perilous mission, Qin Guan asked for last words.
Qu Bo expressed that dying alongside his comrade Lin Yi would be a form of happiness, and wished long life to Lin Yi's parents and his own. Yang Shu simply said she had no last words; if she died, it would be like going home, and if her mother asked, she should be told that her daughter was with comrades. Their final wish was for the living to live better lives.
Qu Bo then emotionally told Yang Shu, "I just want to be your observer. To be alive." Qin Guan and Qu Bo began their climb. Wu Jie, on the rooftop, was taking aim at Ou Qi's approaching car, declaring, “You are dead then.” Just in time, Qin Guan and Qu Bo reached the rooftop and engaged him, preventing him from firing. Wu Mei was informed that the interference had been cracked and her forces on the lower floors were overwhelmed.
During the ongoing fight on the rooftop, Qin Guan contacted Ning Meng and ordered her to support Yang Shu. Enraged by Wu Jie's failure, Wu Mei cursed him as an “idiot” and “trash,” lamenting that she should have let Zhu Laoban handle the mission. Wu Jie tried to blame Zhu Laoban for letting the armed police infiltrate, but Wu Mei told him to “Go to hell!” and ordered her subordinate Scorpion to deal with the armed police outside.
After a brief loss of consciousness, Tong Mengyao recovered and continued working on her computer. Qin Guan and Qu Bo, using a flanking maneuver, successfully eliminated Wu Jie. Tong Mengyao then intercepted an urgent phone call Wu Mei was making. Qin Guan immediately recognized the name "Liu Yuxi," realizing she was his father's girlfriend.
Wu Mei was heard threatening Liu Yuxi, revealing that she had kidnapped Liu Yuxi's parents to coerce her into connecting the lighting at the convention center to power a bomb. Liu Yuxi desperately pleaded to speak with her parents, but Wu Mei refused, warning her to follow instructions if she wanted her family to live.
Qin Guan immediately contacted Guo Xiaowei, relaying the critical information about Liu Yuxi and ordering him to control her, cut off all lights and power at the Convention and Exhibition Center, and inform the police and national security department about the bomb threat. Meanwhile, Chen Haozhe's team was still engaged in fierce fighting, with Chen Haozhe still battling despite his injury. Yang Shu, severely wounded in her solo fight against the terrorists, endured a powerful explosion. Ning Meng arrived just in time to rescue her, preventing Zhu Laoban from escaping.
Episode 35 (Ending) Recap
During the intense struggle, Guo Xiaowei's team reported successful bomb defusals, but time was running out before the conference guests were scheduled to enter. Qin Guan managed to deliver a what seemed to be a fatal blow to Wu Mei, but Ning Meng, weakened from her wounds, collapsed from blood loss. A pale Qin Guan urged Guo Xiaowei over the comms to continue the bomb disposal. However, Wu Mei was not dead.
She regained consciousness and lunged for the detonator again. Lying on the floor, Qin Guan and Ning Meng desperately clasped hands. As Ning Meng felt her strength fading, she told Qin Guan she couldn't go on. He pointed to the national flag on their shoulders, reminding her of their oath. Drawing strength from each other, they recited their motto—"Loyal, loyal, loyal. Always prepared for war. . . Use me for the first battle. Use me to win!"
—and struggled back to their feet. They engaged Wu Mei in a final, brutal fight, sustaining more injuries before finally killing her. With her last bit of strength, Ning Meng smashed the detonator. Exhausted and bleeding heavily, Qin Guan held Ning Meng's hand as they both collapsed, vowing to protect her for the rest of his life. They finally found peace only when a report confirmed that all bombs had been successfully defused and the venue was safe.
Ning Meng eventually woke up in a hospital bed, surrounded by her Blue Lightning teammates. Qin Guan, in a wheelchair, soon joined them, exchanging jokes but still showing protective concern for Ning Meng. The teammates playfully teased them, revealing that Ning Meng had called out Qin Guan's name while unconscious, and Qin Guan had constantly ordered her not to die during her coma. Qin Guan, feigning annoyance, quickly ushered everyone out of the room, leaving just him and Ning Meng.
Wen Jing, understanding, discreetly pushed Qin Guan's wheelchair closer to Ning Meng's bed before leaving. Ning Meng mentioned her legs felt numb, and Qin Guan, using his only functional arm, gently massaged them. They continued to playfully argue, with Qin Guan suggesting Ning Meng become his superior, only for Ning Meng to feign illness, creating a lighthearted atmosphere between them. Meanwhile, Pan Xiaorou had taken leave to care for Chen Haozhe.
He had lost four fingers in the battle, and, burdened by his injury, he sternly told her they were unsuitable, believing he would be a burden and didn't want to be pitied as a "useless person." Xiaorou, however, was unwavering. She declared that she had made up her mind and would follow him no matter what, emphasizing that his sacrifice for many lives was a source of pride, and that as long as he was alive, nothing else mattered.
Witnessing her courage and resolve, Chen Haozhe realized his own selfishness in trying to push her away. He confessed his feelings, acknowledging Xiaorou's bravery in their relationship. They embraced, vowing to marry each other, sealing their commitment with a pinky swear. Six months later, Operation Lightning was officially declared complete, and every member of Blue Lightning received a military medal.
Before the team disbanded, they visited Lin Yi's memorial, sharing with him that they had successfully dismantled the S Group and completed the operation. Qin Guan expressed that Lin Yi would always be the pride of Blue Lightning, and half of their military medals would forever belong to him. The team grew emotional about their impending disbandment, with Wen Jing acknowledging the profound significance Blue Lightning held for each of them. Chen Haozhe also returned to bid his comrades farewell.
As Ning Meng and Qin Guan walked through the military camp, reflecting on how quickly their paths had crossed and now diverged, Qin Guan jokingly mused that perhaps the detachment leader would order Blue Lightning not to disband, sending them on more missions. Just then, Qin Guan received a call—a new mission. His jest had come true; Blue Lightning was called into action once more, ready to deploy to a new battlefield and fulfill their ongoing mission.
