Ordinary Greatness Episode 20 Recap
> Ordinary Greatness Recap
Chief Cheng invited Cao Jianjun, Zhang Zhijie, and Chen Xincheng to dinner, making sure to order their favorite dishes. During the meal, he emphasized that all of them shared a common identity as masters. Cao Jianjun spoke nostalgically about a time early in his career when he and his master were on a stakeout to catch a drug dealer, and the delicious spiced beef his master bought him afterwards.
Zhang Zhijie praised Zhao Jiwei's recent progress, noting that both, coming from the countryside, were cautious and determined to succeed. Cao Jianjun also spoke of Yang Shu, acknowledging their initial clashes but highlighting Yang Shu's kind heart and their eventual bond. Chen Xincheng remained quiet until prompted, admitting he felt touched that everyone shared such deep feelings for their apprentices, not just him and Li Dawei.
He then revealed his weariness after being a police officer for half his life and suggested he might quit, but his colleagues urged him to reconsider, reminding him of his daughter, Jia. Meanwhile, Li Dawei, Xia Jie, Yang Shu, and Zhao Jiwei gathered to discuss how to handle Old Yu's accusation. Zhao Jiwei asserted that they didn't initiate the fight, as Li Dawei had already been restrained when they arrived.
He wondered if surveillance cameras could prove they acted in self-defense. Yang Shu, however, believed that even with proof, it wouldn't matter much. He argued that Old Yu's "the villain who complained first" tactic, coupled with a potentially edited video, would sway public opinion. He lamented that by resorting to fists instead of legal channels, they had already lost their principles as police officers.
Li Dawei countered that Old Yu's actions wouldn't warrant a severe legal punishment, and their primary concern was Jia's psychological well-being. He insisted that sometimes ordinary men had to act decisively, and they had no choice but to intervene. Xia Jie expressed concern about how this incident would affect their chances of becoming regular employees. Li Dawei volunteered to take full responsibility to protect the others. Later, Wang Shouyi visited his doctor for back physiotherapy.
The doctor advised him to rest more, but Wang Shouyi, ever busy, promised to treat him to a meal, specifically a "pig face" dish. Back at the station, Wang Shouyi was informed that Old Yu had returned. Wang Shouyi changed into his uniform and went to his office. He then surprised Old Yu by showing him a video of him sexually harassing Jia. Wang Shouyi explained that Jia herself had provided the video, emboldened by the interns' bravery.
He warned Old Yu about the legal implications of sexual harassment, especially against his stepdaughter, and revealed that Jia was prepared to sue him if he continued his antics. Faced with this evidence, Old Yu, stunned, immediately withdrew his complaint against Li Dawei. When Li Dawei, Yang Shu, Zhao Jiwei, and Xia Jie learned from Gao Chao that Old Yu had dropped the charges, they were greatly relieved.
Wang Shouyi called a meeting and sternly reprimanded the four interns for their reckless actions. He chastised them for resorting to violence instead of upholding their roles as "symbol of the country's law," questioning their commitment to being police officers. When Chen Xincheng tried to intervene, Wang Shouyi turned his criticism on him, an experienced officer, for setting a poor example and influencing Li Dawei to act impulsively.
The interns apologized profusely and promised it wouldn't happen again, offering to write extensive self-criticism. Wang Shouyi warned that any future similar infractions would result in their immediate dismissal. He then dismissed the interns, asking only the masters to remain. Wang Shouyi continued to address the masters, criticizing them for letting emotions override their principles and discipline. He emphasized that their "master-apprentice relationship," while seemingly deep, had led them to prioritize personal feelings over their duties.
He stressed that teaching young officers required setting an example, making them understand the immense responsibility, meaning, and honor of being a police officer. Ye Wei, the instructor, reinforced Wang Shouyi's message, reminding them that as veterans, their mission was to maintain social order and protect the people, requiring them to put the interests of society, the nation, and the people first.
She stated that police officers, unlike ordinary citizens, could not be swayed by their own emotions and must embody the spirit of self-sacrifice for the greater good. Li Dawei accompanied Chen Xincheng to pick up Jia from her mother’s home. Jia and her mother shared a tearful farewell. Back at Chen Xincheng's apartment, he excitedly showed Jia her newly decorated room, complete with blue bedsheets, and promised to indulge her wishes, even getting her fried chestnuts with sugar.
Jia was visibly delighted. Later, Li Dawei received an urgent call from his crying mother and asked Chen Xincheng for leave, who instructed him to change out of his uniform at the station before going home. Rushing home, Li Dawei learned his father, Li Yisheng, had been diagnosed with an incurable brain glioma. Initially, Li Dawei was furious, accusing his father of only returning to "extort" them for care after years of neglect.
He wanted to confront Li Yisheng, but his mother stopped him, confessing that she had called Li Yisheng back herself, knowing he was ill. She revealed her lifelong, unwavering love for Li Yisheng despite his flaws, saying he had given Li Dawei his carefree and sunny disposition. She pleaded with Li Dawei to provide for his father, as she didn't want him to die alone.
When Li Yisheng returned home with mutton soup for his wife, Li Dawei urged him to pursue active treatment. However, Li Yisheng refused, explaining that he had consulted experts abroad who advised him to simply enjoy his remaining life. He stated that the tumor was already large and further treatment would only cause more suffering for everyone.
Li Dawei's mother supported this decision, adding that they planned to use their savings to travel and fulfill their youthful dreams, which Li Yisheng had once promised but never delivered. Reluctantly, Li Dawei agreed. Li Dawei then drove his parents to a cruise ship. Onboard, Li Yisheng lightheartedly joked about a "sea burial" if he were to die at sea, but his wife playfully scolded him, insisting he return with her.
Li Dawei took photos of his parents, then tearfully said goodbye, urging them to travel safely and promising to wait for their return. His mother affectionately told him he was grown up and that she and his father would now enjoy their time together.
