Operation: Special Warfare Episode 20 Recap
> Operation: Special Warfare 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.
