The Flaming Heart Episode 15 Recap
> The Flaming Heart Recap
Wang Dayin resolved to apply for the Fire and Rescue Academy, but considering his abysmal academic record from high school and the many years he had been away from studying, he tried to lower Jiang Tong’s expectations. However, Jiang Tong immediately reassured him, expressing her full support and belief in his abilities, and offered to tutor him if he was willing to put in the effort. Despite his continued hesitation, he agreed to her offer.
Later, Wang Dayin apologized to Jiang Tong for his previous overthinking, stating that from the moment he saved a man, he realized his biggest regret would be not trying and not working hard. He boldly declared that even if the world were to end tomorrow, he, Wang Dayin, would not take a single step back as long as Jiang Tong was by his side.
He then presented her with a plastic diamond ring (a diamond candy ring), jokingly asking if she would accept this "fool" to prevent him from "harming others." Jiang Tong playfully agreed to "reluctantly accept him and observe him," telling him to quickly put the ring on her finger. She expressed her happiness, although she wished the ring were real, to which Wang Dayin promised to buy her an even bigger, real one when they got married.
The two shared a joyful kiss in the basketball court. Meanwhile, Bai Xiaolin was on a blind date. She explained to the man that since it was their first meeting and they didn't know each other well, she preferred to start as friends, then date, and only consider marriage if their relationship felt right. The man, however, was explicitly seeking marriage and believed compatibility was sufficient, suggesting love could be nurtured after marriage.
Bai Xiaolin firmly disagreed, asserting that love is the essential foundation for marriage, not just suitability. Although he eventually conceded to dating before marriage, he insisted on setting a time limit of six months to a year, leaving Bai Xiaolin pondering his proposal. As Bai Xiaolin waited for a ride home after the date, Ma Qianli, having heard from the hospital that she was on a blind date, rushed to find her.
Seeing her alone, he deduced that she didn’t like her date. He explained that a racing heartbeat indicates true affection and asked if her heart was pounding in his presence. Bai Xiaolin admitted that it was, realizing her feelings for him. Ma Qianli then asked her to be his girlfriend, and she agreed to "try it." Yan Lan, still reeling from Professor Ye Qiu Ran’s death, struggled with depression. Huo Yan continuously stayed by her side, comforting her.
During her doctoral graduation speech, Yan Lan, a clinical medicine graduate, expressed her gratitude and pride in having Professor Ye Qiu Ran as her mentor, whom she affectionately called "Father Ye." She acknowledged the sadness of his absence at her graduation, then reflected on his most frequent teaching: "doctors do not treat themselves."
While she didn’t want to simply repeat it as a motto, she shared her personal struggle after his death, blaming herself for not being able to save him. She admitted to thinking she would never recover from the trauma but found the courage to stand there, inspired by Professor Ye. She redefined his teaching, stating, "doctors do not treat themselves, but saving others is like saving themselves," concluding her heartfelt address as Huo Yan watched proudly.
Back at home, Xian Jie was in a frantic state after the crabs she bought for Yan Lan escaped, scattering throughout the house. Huo Yan arrived and immediately helped his mother round them up. Xian Jie explained that she was trying to impress Yan Lan because Huo Yan wasn't adept at expressing sweet sentiments, and she was worried about securing Yan Lan as her daughter-in-law.
Huo Yan tried to reassure her that Yan Lan wouldn't "get away," but Xian Jie countered that if crabs could escape, so could people, expressing her deepest fear. Later that evening, Xian Jie secretly listened to Huo Yan’s phone call with Yan Lan, delighted to hear them both confessing how much they missed each other. Huo Yan even mentioned wanting to marry Yan Lan soon so they could be together every day.
The next morning, Xian Jie woke Huo Yan at 7 AM, excitedly urging him to prepare for Yan Lan's arrival later that day, as she had also invited Chief Chen and his wife to "inspect" her future daughter-in-law. Huo Yan complained about the impromptu gathering, but Xian Jie insisted it was all part of the preparations for their wedding banquet.
Before going to Huo Yan's house, Yan Lan sought advice from Bai Xiaolin on how to make a good first impression on Xian Jie. Bai Xiaolin, in exchange for Huo Yan granting Ma Qianli a day off, gave Yan Lan four words of wisdom: "cater to her pleasure." She clarified that this meant discussing topics Xian Jie liked and gifting her something she would appreciate.
Yan Lan initially thought of bringing health products for the middle-aged and elderly, but Bai Xiaolin quickly warned against it, explaining it would make Xian Jie feel old. She then suggested an alternative, more suitable skincare product. Upon arriving at Huo Yan's house, Yan Lan was introduced to Chief Chen and his wife, whom she addressed as Auntie.
Yan Lan presented Xian Jie with the hospital's newly developed skincare products, suitable for women of all ages, praising Xian Jie's youthful appearance and guessing her age to be around thirty, not fifty. Xian Jie was immensely pleased, accepting the gift with delight and confessing that she "psychologically" felt thirty.
During dinner, Xian Jie jokingly declared Yan Lan as part of the family, free to come and go as she pleased, while Huo Yan was now the "outsider" who had to obey Yan Lan. Chief Chen's wife, however, interjected to defend Huo Yan, pointing out the dangerous nature of a firefighter's job and acknowledging that it takes a courageous woman to marry one. As Huo Yan went to serve soup, Xian Jie inquired about Yan Lan's childhood.
Yan Lan recounted a traumatic experience from her youth: as a child, she had playfully wandered into a chemical plant, which subsequently exploded. A firefighter had bravely rescued her, but she suffered severe smoke inhalation, leading to persistent heart and lung issues and recurring nightmares. Her parents then moved her to another city for a change of environment.
She revealed that she later learned the heroic firefighter who saved her had tragically died in that incident, and she vowed to live a full life to honor his sacrifice. Xian Jie, upon hearing Yan Lan's story, asked for the specific year and location, confirming it was the chemical plant fire in Nanjing in 2000. Realizing with horror that the details matched the circumstances of her husband, Huo Qingshan's, death, Xian Jie's mood instantly plummeted, and she began to cry.
Huo Yan returned with the soup, oblivious to the emotional revelation he had just missed. Chief Chen's wife quickly covered for Xian Jie, claiming she was simply overjoyed that Huo Yan had found such a wonderful girlfriend. Huo Yan, seeing his mother's tears, was puzzled. After dinner, Chief Chen quickly departed with his wife. Once they were alone, Chief Chen's wife pressed him about his visible distress.
He revealed the painful truth: Huo Qingshan, Huo Yan’s father, died in the chemical plant fire in 2000 while saving the very child who was now Huo Yan’s girlfriend, Yan Lan. Later, Xian Jie stood alone at Huo Qingshan's gravesite, distraught by the cruel twist of fate. She never imagined that the girl her son brought home would be the one whose life cost her husband his own.
