Episode Summary
The naval escort fleet returns home. Lan Yangyang struggles with the devastating secret of her miscarriage and how to tell her husband, Zong Qing. When he finds out, he reacts with immediate love and concern for her well-being. Tang Xin receives a gift from Wu Si as their ship reaches home soil and later delivers her successful story to her director. Meanwhile, the true extent of Wang Chen's injuries is revealed, and other members of the fleet reunite with their families. The episode ends with Lan Yangyang and Zong Qing embracing, ready to face their loss together.
Spoiler Alert
"Rose and Gun" Episode 22 Spoilers: A Painful Homecoming
The long-awaited return of the naval escort fleet brings both tender reunions and heartbreaking revelations. While Tang Xin navigates her feelings for Wu Si amidst the backdrop of their heroic return, Lan Yangyang confronts the devastating loss of her child, a secret she must now share with her husband, Zong Qing.
The episode opens with Tang Xin on the warship, anxious to see Wu Si. She asks Dr. Qiu if Wu Si came to see her while she was unconscious, seeking some comfort, but the doctor remains evasive, honoring Wu Si's earlier request to keep his visits quiet.
Meanwhile, Lan Yangyang is in a state of despair at the hospital, finding a moment of solace only in the innocent comfort of Brigade Commander Wang's young child. After returning home alone, a concerned phone call from her mother causes her to break down completely. Later, at her parents' house, she puts on a brave face, but their cheerful talk about plans for their future grandchild becomes too much to bear. In a flood of tears, Lan Yangyang finally tells them the truth: she has lost the baby.
Back on the ship, Tang Xin finds Wu Si on deck. She's weighed down by guilt over Wang Chen's injury, which he sustained while rescuing her. Wu Si comforts her, explaining that Wang Chen is in a delicate recovery period where even he isn't allowed to visit. He gives her a small, thoughtful gift—an eggshell—a symbol of care. Just then, the ship's alarm blares, announcing their arrival in their home country's waters. The crew is finally home.
In a quiet conversation, Lan Yangyang asks her mother if she ever regretted the difficulties of a military marriage; her mother assures her she has not. Lan Yangyang confesses that the reality of it is much harder than she ever prepared for.
With the mission officially over, Zong Qing's first act on land is to call his wife, but Lan Yangyang, unable to face him, doesn't answer. Her father, Lan Weiguo, takes the call instead. As Zong Qing heads to their home, Lan Yangyang locks herself in her room, leaving her parents frantic about how to break the news. Zong Qing's arrival is tense; he immediately senses something is wrong. Cornered, Lan Weiguo tells him about the miscarriage. Zong Qing's first thought is not for himself, but for his wife. He goes to her locked door, speaking to her with gentle reassurance and unwavering support.
Elsewhere, other stories unfold. Wang Chen is hospitalized, but the severity of his injuries is initially hidden from Bai Zijian to spare her worry, though Qiu Xiao eventually tells her the truth. Tang Xin meets with Director Tian, who is thrilled with her explosive news story but warns her against taking such dangerous risks alone again. Brigade Commander Wang shares a tender reunion with his wife, Lin Lan.
The episode culminates in an emotional climax as Lan Yangyang finally opens her door. She and Zong Qing embrace, and she allows herself to be vulnerable, finding strength in his love.
