Episode Summary
Zong Qing and Lan Yangyang reconcile and decide to keep their baby just before he departs for a long escort mission in the Gulf of Aden, a mission that also includes Brigade Commander Wang and Cheng Yuan. Tang Xin receives approval for a risky investigation in the Roman Islands after her previous leads are validated. As the escort mission officially begins, it hits an immediate snag when team member Yi Nanwang falls ill during an emergency.
Spoiler Alert
"Rose and Gun" Episode 18: Departures and Discoveries
The weight of recent events hangs heavy on everyone. Zong Qing is visibly distracted during training, his mind clearly elsewhere as he worries about Lan Yangyang, who hasn't been answering his calls. His comrade, Wu Si, notices his distress and offers what comfort he can. In an effort to help Lan Yangyang, Tang Xin arranges a visit from a special guest: Lin Lan, Brigade Commander Wang's wife. Despite being heavily pregnant herself, Lin Lan shares her own experiences from her first pregnancy, hoping to guide and reassure a troubled Lan Yangyang.
Meanwhile, Tang Xin's investigation into the stolen cultural artifacts takes an unexpected turn. An informant reveals that the culprits have established a company in the Roman Islands. Initially skeptical about what a company's public records could reveal, Tang Xin decides to dig deeper but hits a wall, finding nothing beyond basic corporate information. She shares the new lead with Wu Si, who offers a sharp insight: perhaps the informant is testing her. If she can uncover a real lead from the company, the informant might be willing to provide more substantial evidence. This theory lights a fire under Tang Xin, who becomes determined to go to the Roman Islands herself. She presents her case to Director Tian, who is hesitant to approve a dangerous overseas investigation. However, a timely call from Bai Zijian changes everything. He confirms that the artifacts Tang Xin previously recovered are authentic and, based on her leads, they are now preparing to explore the Dayanjiao sea area. With this validation of her work, Director Tian gives his approval.
At the same time, the Navy is preparing to dispatch a new escort fleet to the Gulf of Aden. Brigade Commander Wang announces that members will be selected from Wu Si's special forces team after a rigorous training camp. The competition is fierce, as every soldier is eager for the honor of joining the escort mission.
The final roster is announced, and among the chosen is Cheng Yuan. When he tells his girlfriend Ke'er, who also serves in the marines, she is hurt and angry that he didn't tell her sooner, feeling that he was intentionally hiding it from her.
Zong Qing, also selected for the mission, uses his leave to go home. He is overjoyed when Lan Yangyang greets him happily, showing him baby supplies she has bought. Her actions speak louder than words, confirming her decision to keep their child. The relief is short-lived, however, as Zong Qing has to deliver the difficult news of his long-term deployment. He won't be there for her, or for the prenatal checkups. Though heartbroken, Lan Yangyang puts on a brave face, offering him her unwavering support. The next morning, she wakes to find him gone, having left only a heartfelt letter and a home carefully prepared for her comfort in his absence.
Brigade Commander Wang faces a similar sacrifice, leaving his wife Lin Lan on the verge of giving birth. Though his family is understanding, Lin Lan can't help but shed silent tears as he departs.
Far away, as the escort fleet reaches its destination, an emergency suddenly erupts. All special forces members are ordered to assemble, but as they rush to their posts, Yi Nanwang unexpectedly doubles over and vomits, leaving a question mark hanging over the start of their critical mission.
