Operation: Special Warfare Episode 14 Recap
> Operation: Special Warfare 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.
