Rose and Gun Episode 18 Recap
> Rose and Gun Recap
Zong Qing was noticeably distracted during training, consumed by worry because Lan Yangyang wasn't answering his calls. Wu Si, observing his state, attempted to offer comfort and guidance. Zong Qing expressed his deep desire for the child but shared his anxieties about being frequently absent due to his military duties.
Wu Si spoke candidly about the significant challenges military life poses for families, especially during pregnancy and raising children, emphasizing that Zong Qing needed to understand Lan Yangyang's perspective and potential fears about facing these challenges alone. Zong Qing admitted his own emotional struggle, imagining his partner facing pregnancy difficulties without him present. Wu Si reiterated the heavy responsibility involved but urged Zong Qing to face it head-on.
To help Lan Yangyang cope with her situation, Tang Xin arranged for her to meet Lin Lan, the wife of Brigadier Wang, who was heavily pregnant with her second child. Lin Lan shared her personal experience of her first pregnancy with their son, Wang Zhaoyang. She recounted how her husband, Wang Lang, was often away on duty and even missed Wang Zhaoyang's birth due to an urgent recall while he was on leave.
Lin Lan spoke honestly about the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy and childbirth, describing moments of fear and loneliness, but also the overwhelming love and sense of fulfillment she felt upon holding her baby. She stressed to Lan Yangyang that choosing to have a child is a deeply personal decision, not an obligation.
Lin Lan encouraged Lan Yangyang by describing the joy she found in watching Wang Lang's clumsy attempts at caring for their newborn son, which made all the hardships feel worthwhile. She allowed Lan Yangyang to touch her pregnant belly, letting her feel the baby move.
Lan Yangyang confessed her own fears and lack of excitement, wondering if she was fit to be a mother, but Lin Lan reassured her that her feelings were normal and that the bond with the child would grow. Meanwhile, Tang Xin received information about a company named "Atocha" registered in the Roman Islands, suggested to be connected to the stolen relic case. She was given only the company's name and address.
Recognizing the limited information, she initiated a search but found only basic registration details, noting that companies in the Roman Islands often have their information kept private, which attracts businesses involved in illegal activities. Tang Xin discussed this lead with Wu Si. Wu Si speculated that the informant might be cautious after past events but could hold further clues.
He suggested that traveling to the Roman Islands could either be a test from the informant or might lead to progress that prompts the informant to reveal more. Tang Xin saw the potential value in pursuing the lead in the Roman Islands, but Wu Si emphasized the importance of safety abroad and insisted she should not go alone and must report her intentions to the relevant authorities.
Shortly after discussing the Roman Islands lead, Tang Xin was summoned to a meeting with Mr. Tian. During the discussion, Tang Xin received a call from Bai Zijian. Bai Zijian informed her that the porcelain shards she had provided had been examined and confirmed to be valuable relics from a sunken ship. He also relayed that the Cultural Relics Bureau, based on her findings, was now preparing to launch an official underwater archaeological expedition at Dayan Reef.
Tang Xin used this significant development to argue to Mr. Tian that her planned investigation in the Roman Islands was crucial to connect the underwater relics to the potential theft and recovery efforts. Hearing the confirmation of the relics' origin and the upcoming archaeological work, Mr. Tian reluctantly approved her trip, reiterating his concern for her safety. Concurrently, the Navy was preparing for a new escort mission.
Brigadier Wang (Wang Lang) announced that the mission's special operations team would be selected from Wu Si's unit following an intensive training period. The special ops candidates underwent rigorous physical drills, including running, carrying heavy objects, boat drills, and overcoming obstacles. The demanding nature of the training was evident, with some soldiers needing medical attention for injuries. During a sea drill, one soldier, Yi Nanwang, visibly struggled with seasickness.
Brigadier Wang later announced the selection list for the escort mission, which included Wu Si, Zong Qing, Cheng Yuan, Yi Nanwang, and several others. He addressed the assembled team, highlighting the critical importance of the mission through potentially unfamiliar waters and expressing his confidence in their ability to lead and perform. Immediately after the selection list was announced, Cheng Yuan sought out Ke'er, a fellow member of the Marine Corps.
He informed her that he had been chosen for the overseas escort mission, which would keep him away for at least two months and likely result in him missing her planned discharge from the military in September. Ke'er expressed her hurt and frustration, upset that he waited until the list was official to tell her and interpreting his delay as an attempt to avoid being present for her departure from the service.
Cheng Yuan apologized, explaining that participating in the mission was his duty. Ke'er acknowledged his military obligation but resented the lack of prior communication and the familiar apologies, stating she was used to hearing him say he was sorry and that she needed to take care of herself. She told him she didn't need him to care for her and that she could manage on her own, concluding by wishing him safety at sea before leaving.
Zong Qing managed to return home for a brief period before his deployment. Lan Yangyang greeted him warmly, expressing her joy at his return. She eagerly showed him baby clothes she had bought in neutral colors, revealing her decision to embrace the pregnancy and her hopes of being "the coolest parents." She shared that she was feeling less scared than before, although she still worried about the physical changes pregnancy would bring.
She began making plans for his limited time home, hoping he could join her for birthing classes and help decorate the baby's room weekly. Zong Qing, clearly moved by her acceptance and enthusiasm, then had to deliver difficult news: he had been selected for the overseas escort mission departing the very next day and would be gone for a minimum of two months. He apologized for having to leave her alone again so soon.
Lan Yangyang, despite her disappointment, bravely reassured him that she and the baby would be fine with her mother's support and that they would wait patiently for his safe return. Brigadier Wang (Wang Lang) also prepared for his departure on the same escort mission. Knowing he would likely miss the birth of his second child, he spoke tenderly to his unborn daughter, promising to hold her and her mother when he returned.
His wife, Lin Lan, bid him goodbye, urging him to complete his mission and return safely and soundly. Later that night, he spoke with their young son, Wang Zhaoyang, who was still awake. Wang Lang asked Wang Zhaoyang if he would be scared if his father wasn't present when his sister was born. Wang Zhaoyang maturely stated he wouldn't be scared and that he knew how to take care of his mother.
Brigadier Wang then gave his son detailed instructions on what to do if his mother needed help, including whom to call and where to find the maternity bag, listing its essential contents such as toiletries, baby items, cash, identity documents, health records, and medical records. He formally entrusted Wang Zhaoyang with the responsibility of looking after his mother and new sister while he was away. Lin Lan was later seen shedding tears after her husband's departure.
The following morning, Lan Yangyang awoke to find Zong Qing gone. She discovered a heartfelt letter he had left behind. In the letter, Zong Qing explained he had left without waking her and described the numerous detailed preparations he had made for her and the baby's arrival.
He listed thoughtful actions such as setting up a new, simple-to-use soy milk maker with notes, ensuring her fridge was stocked with healthy food while removing sodas, scheduling daily deliveries of fruit and milk, organizing the baby items she had purchased, and even taking books to study at sea. He also highlighted safety measures, strongly advising her to wear non-slip slippers in the bathroom and arranging for a cleaning service, forbidding her from doing chores.
He mentioned recording a video tutorial for the baby heart monitor and acknowledged his inexperience in some domestic tasks, hoping she would understand. Zong Qing promised to send daily messages despite communication challenges at sea and stated that her only job was to remain healthy and happy while waiting for him with the baby. He ended the letter by expressing his love for them both.
Upon reaching the designated sea zone for the mission's next phase, the team was ordered to assemble immediately due to an urgent situation. During this assembly, Yi Nanwang was observed suffering from severe seasickness and vomiting.
