Operation: Special Warfare Episode 22 Recap
> Operation: Special Warfare 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.
