Episode 23 recap: Sha Kai returned to Chongqing and encountered bandits. The First Squadron held a celebration party.
It was said that Sha Kai was bitten by a snake. Luo Xiang Qian hurriedly ran to the infirmary. Dr. Yu repeatedly assured that Sha Kai's injury was not serious, but Luo Xiang Qian noticed that Sha Kai kept his eyes closed. Dr. Yu speculated that he was probably scared. Luo Xiang Qian and Zhang Biao suggested taking Sha Kai back to the office and having him thoroughly examined at a regular hospital. Zhang Biao believed it was unnecessary since Dr. Yu had already stated that there was no life-threatening danger. However, Luo Xiang Qian insisted, saying that Sha Kai was different from them, as he was tough and resilient.
Ye Lan came to bid them farewell, saying that since Sha Kai was not in any life-threatening danger, they needed to continue with their survey work as time was of the essence. Luo Xiang Qian asked them to rest a bit longer, but Ye Lan was reluctant to wait any longer and left in a hurry. Luo Xiang Qian went to the infirmary to visit Sha Kai. When Sha Kai, who was already sitting up, heard him and Dr. Yu talking, he quickly lay back down on the bed.
After Luo Xiang Qian and Dr. Yu entered, Sha Kai expressed dizziness, blurred vision, and a sense of panic. He insisted on going to a major hospital in Chongqing for a comprehensive examination and treatment. Dr. Yu repeatedly assured him that he was fine, but Sha Kai persisted. After completing the survey, Ye Lan returned with the survey team to the First Squadron, where Luo Xiang Qian warmly welcomed them.
Ye Lan went to see Sha Kai and learned that he wanted to return to Chongqing. Ye Lan was displeased because it was a critical time for construction, and Sha Kai's decision was inappropriate. However, Sha Kai stated that he didn't want to stay in the deep mountains and forests and waste his life. He also suggested to Ye Lan that when he returned to Chongqing, he would ask his doctor friend to provide a certificate for tuberculosis, so that Ye Lan could stay behind and take care of him.
Only then did Ye Lan realize that Sha Kai had no intention of coming back. Sha Kai couldn't understand what was wrong with Ye Lan. He imagined marrying Ye Lan and having beautiful children together, and loving them deeply. Ye Lan was greatly disappointed and told Sha Kai in a deliberate tone that she had still held a glimmer of hope for him, but now it seemed that they were completely at odds.
Seeing Ye Lan's disappointed expression, Luo Xiang Qian knew that Ye Lan and Sha Kai had not reached an agreement.
Sha Kai followed and forced Luo Xiang Qian to approve his sick leave. With no other choice, Luo Xiang Qian granted him a week off. Sha Kai left with his luggage, but Zhang Biao stopped him and advised him to return as soon as possible because the construction couldn't proceed without him. However, Sha Kai replied that he might not come back at all. He acknowledged Zhang Biao's kindness and bid him farewell. On the way, Sha Kai was robbed by a group of unidentified people who took his clothes and luggage. In a desperate state, Sha Kai saw Chen Yuanlong passing by and quickly called out to him.
Chen Yuanlong brought Sha Kai back and treated him with food and drink. Sha Kai raised his glass to thank Chen Yuanlong. At that moment, Sui Li arrived with the bandits who had robbed Sha Kai, along with his clothes and luggage. Chen Yuanlong sternly reprimanded the bandits. Chen Yuanlong introduced Sui Li to Sha Kai, and they all sat down to have drinks. Someone delivered a note to Sha Kai, which said that he couldn't leave the First Squadron, or else his and Uncle Sha Menghai's lives would be in danger.
Sha Kai quickly returned to the First Squadron and greeted Luo Xiang Qian. Luo Xiang Qian was surprised, and Sha Kai, with great determination, said that he knew the construction site lacked technical personnel. Therefore, he hurriedly checked his health. Although the snake venom hadn't been completely eliminated from his body, he still rushed back.
Luo Xiang Qian expressed his welcome, but Ye Lan believed that Sha Kai's actions weren't as he claimed. She knew Sha Kai as a selfish person. With the approaching Lunar New Year and the critical stage of the project, Luo Xiang Qian proposed that everyone should not go home for the holidays and stay on the construction site to meet the deadlines. Everyone felt conflicted because it was the first Spring Festival after liberation, and they all wanted to go home and enjoy the fruits of victory with their families.
Luo Xiang Qian asked the captains of each squadron to go back and persuade their team members. The squadron captains expressed their willingness to stay on the construction site. Luo Xiang Qian was deeply moved and determined to make everyone have a warm and lively Spring Festival on the site. The First Squadron held a lively New Year's celebration party, with each squadron presenting their prepared programs. Ye Lan also sang a song called "North Wind Blows," which won enthusiastic applause from everyone at the party.
Sha Kai volunteered to recite a poem called "Seagull" by Gorky. At that moment, Luo Xiang Qian received a call from the battalion commander informing him that Comrade Wu Qiang had sacrificed his life on the Korean battlefield. Luo Xiang Qian was stunned. It was his turn to perform the Shandong fast-paced storytelling "Wusong Fights the Tiger." With a heavy heart, Luo Xiang Qian walked onto the stage and, with complicated emotions, began his storytelling performance.
Comments(Episode 23)