Episode Summary
The medical team is kidnapped by opposition forces who want to trade them for their captured leader. After a tense diplomatic effort, Ling Zhengrong's security team goes on a dangerous, unsupported mission into enemy territory. They successfully rescue the doctors using a clever bluff.
Spoiler Alert
Things Go Sideways, Fast
The episode kicks off with some tension. Qiu Tian’s team picks up a lot of strange radio signals. This is unusual. The problem is, local people also use these radios. So it's hard to know who is who. Old Ji suggests using a drone the next day to get a better look.
Ling Zhengrong and Qiu Tian go to update Old Song. He gives them the real story. The government army just captured a major target. He's the number two leader of the opposition forces, a guy called Great White Shark. This has made the opposition fighters very active. To keep the Chinese medical team safe, they have to shorten the time between check-ins. They will now make contact every hour instead of every two.
Just as they put this plan in place, it all falls apart. Dr. Cao and his team are out looking for Patient Zero. Armed forces grab them. Qiu Tian’s group completely loses contact. Ling Zhengrong runs to tell Old Song immediately. Old Song gets on the phone with the local government. He demands they send a search and rescue team for the three missing Chinese doctors.
The Plan to Get Them Back
We learn who is behind the kidnapping. It's a man named Cazorla. His goal is simple. He wants the government to release Great White Shark. He's using the Chinese doctors as leverage. His mercenary partner, a man named Jack, thinks this is a bad idea. He believes it will only make the conflict worse.
Once Old Song confirms Cazorla is the kidnapper, he makes a move. He schedules a meeting with the local Council of Elders. The elders have a lot of respect in the area. They can put pressure on the opposition. There's a big risk, though. To get to the meeting, Old Song has to travel through a neighborhood controlled by the opposition. It's extremely dangerous. Ling Zhengrong suggests they invite the elders to their location instead. Old Song shuts that down. He says they are the ones asking for a favor. Going there shows sincerity.
The meeting itself goes well. On the drive back, their convoy gets attacked, but it's brief. No one is hurt. Old Song is very grateful for the protection. He also gets to see just how good Ling Zhengrong's team is in a fight.
The Hostage Exchange
The opposition keeps pushing. They officially demand a trade. They want Great White Shark back in exchange for the medical team. Then, Old Song gets a call. The Eriniya government has agreed to release Great White Shark. Cazorla has agreed to negotiate.
Here's the deal. Cazorla will release the Chinese doctors. But the exchange has to happen at his main base. The Eriniya government makes one thing very clear. They will not provide any military support. Ling Zhengrong and his team are on their own. This is serious. Ling has to think carefully about who goes and who stays. He decides Lei Peng and Zheng Yunxiao will remain at the compound to protect Old Song. Everyone else is going with him on the exchange mission.
Before a big mission, they have a tradition. They record last will and testament audio messages. Qiu Tian organizes it for the team going on the mission. Chen Hansheng and three other soldiers write the same exact line on their official mission request forms. "I regret that I can only sacrifice my life for my country once." The Chief of Staff tells Qiu Tian about this, and she is deeply moved.
The Confrontation
Ling Zhengrong’s team arrives at Cazorla's stronghold. They are told they cannot bring weapons inside. Ling makes a call. He sends Zhang Lan, Yan Su, and Chen Hansheng in. He gives them a clear order. Do not start a conflict.
Cazorla releases the hostages. But he keeps Dr. Cao's bag. That bag contains all the vital samples they collected. It's critical. Chen Hansheng and Zhang Lan try to get it back. One of Cazorla's men raises his gun at them.
This is where Ling proves how smart he is. He brought a laser pointer with him. From a high vantage point, he aims the red dot directly onto the gunman's chest. The opposition fighters see it and get scared. They think a sniper has a lock on them. They immediately hand over Dr. Cao's bag and all his things.
The mission is a success. Dr. Cao and his team are safe. Every member of the security team makes it back without a scratch.
In the final scene, Dr. Shen makes a big decision. He's canceling his trip back home. He wants to contribute. He decides to join the medical team to help them develop a drug for the Alpha Virus.
