Operation: Special Warfare Episode 3 Recap
> Operation: Special Warfare 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.
