Episode Summary
In this episode, Zong Qing and Lan Yangyang commit to having their baby, but their joy is cut short by his deployment to the Gulf of Aden. Tang Xin gains approval to pursue a lead on the artifact thieves in the Roman Islands. The selection for the naval escort mission creates personal conflicts for Cheng Yuan and his girlfriend. The episode concludes with the fleet facing an emergency at sea, and a team member falling ill.
Spoiler Alert
"Rose and Gun" Episode 17: A Mission of the Heart and the Homeland
With Lan Yangyang giving him the silent treatment, a disheartened Zong Qing struggles to focus on his military training. His friend and comrade, Wu Si, notices his distress and offers comfort, trying to lift his spirits. Meanwhile, in an effort to help Lan Yangyang, Tang Xin arranges a visit from Lin Lan, the pregnant wife of Brigade Commander Wang. Lin Lan shares her own experiences from her first pregnancy, offering gentle guidance and support to the troubled Lan Yangyang.
Tang Xin's investigation into the stolen cultural artifacts takes a new turn. An informant reveals that the thieves have established a company in the Roman Islands. Initially skeptical about what a company's public records could reveal, Tang Xin decides it's a lead worth pursuing. After an initial search yields only superficial information, she discusses the situation with Wu Si. He speculates that the informant might be testing her; if she can uncover something substantial from this lead, they might be willing to provide more crucial evidence. This theory ignites Tang Xin's determination to travel to the Roman Islands.
At the same time, the navy prepares to dispatch a new escort fleet to the Gulf of Aden. Brigade Commander Wang plans to select personnel from Wu Si's elite special forces team, mandating that all members undergo intensive training to qualify. The soldiers are all highly motivated, eager for the chance to serve on the escort mission. Tang Xin formally requests permission from Director Tian to travel abroad for her investigation. He is hesitant, concerned about the dangers and the low probability of success. However, a timely phone call from Bai Zijian changes his mind. Bai Zijian confirms that the artifacts Tang Xin previously recovered have been authenticated, and based on her intelligence, a search for more artifacts is being launched in the Dayanjiao sea area. Faced with this progress, Director Tian grants his approval.
The final list for the escort mission is announced. After the official orders are given, Cheng Yuan finds his girlfriend, Ke'er, who also serves in the Marine Corps. Ke'er is upset, feeling that Cheng Yuan deliberately hid his selection for the mission from her.
Taking advantage of a holiday, Zong Qing returns home. Lan Yangyang is overjoyed to see him and excitedly shows him baby supplies she bought, a clear sign to Zong Qing that she has decided to keep their child. Their happiness is quickly complicated by another difficult reality: Zong Qing has been selected for the Gulf of Aden mission. He confesses with a heavy heart that he won't be able to accompany her to prenatal appointments or be by her side. Though saddened, Lan Yangyang puts on a brave face, offering her full support to avoid adding to his pressure. Brigade Commander Wang faces a similar situation, as he will likely miss the birth of his second child. While his family is understanding, his wife Lin Lan can't help but shed silent tears as he departs. The next morning, Lan Yangyang wakes up to an empty house but finds a heartfelt letter from Zong Qing, who had thoughtfully prepared everything for her before he left.
The episode ends on a tense note. As the escort fleet reaches its designated waters, an emergency situation arises, and all special forces members are ordered to assemble. In the midst of the crisis, Yi Nanwang suddenly doubles over and vomits.
