Operation: Special Warfare Episode 28 Recap
> Operation: Special Warfare 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.
