The Flaming Heart Episode 17 Recap
> The Flaming Heart Recap
During a conversation with Huo Yan, Mrs. Chen pointed out that Yan Lan seemed to have poor cardiopulmonary function, frequently gasping for breath after short runs. Huo Yan confirmed Yan Lan's low stamina but was unsure about her lung condition. Mrs. Chen then drew a connection to an old classmate's daughter who developed similar issues after inhaling thick smoke during a childhood house fire, subtly hinting that Yan Lan might have had a similar experience.
She advised Huo Yan to clarify Yan Lan's health before marriage. Sister Xian added to the conversation, noting that Yan Lan's family moved away in 2000, the same year Huo Yan's father died while on duty, suggesting a deeper link. Huo Yan, however, missed the underlying meaning of their words and decided he would ask Yan Lan directly when the opportunity arose.
Mrs. Chen and Sister Xian then reflected on how much Huo Yan's father, Huo Qing Song, had always wanted a daughter, and how he would have adored Yan Lan, treating her like his own flesh and blood. Huo Yan mused that he couldn't imagine his stern father being a "daughter's slave" because his dad used to be so strict with him. Sister Xian almost revealed the truth to Huo Yan, but hesitated and changed the subject.
Later, Sister Xian confided in Mrs. Chen, expressing her struggle with telling Huo Yan the truth. She explained that seeing Yan Lan constantly reminded her of Huo Yan’s father, making it difficult for her to face the young woman. Mrs. Chen reassured her, saying that each generation has its own life to live and they should look forward, not dwell on the past.
Meanwhile, at Dongshan Station, Yan Lan was diligently practicing cooking in the kitchen, preparing for Sister Xian's upcoming birthday celebration. Li Yanliang observed her efforts, noting her less-than-stellar culinary skills and playfully remarking on her "dark cuisine." He offered to step in and handle the cooking himself to save the meal, which Yan Lan appreciated. Huo Yan brought Sister Xian to the station for a surprise birthday party. He presented her with a super cute dress from Yan Lan's mother.
Sister Xian was overjoyed with the gift, but upon learning it was from her future in-law, she became visibly emotional, tearing up. She quickly attributed her tears to being "too happy" to control herself. The firefighters and Yan Lan gathered, singing "Happy Birthday" to Sister Xian. Yan Lan then presented her with a special collection of mystery boxes. Overwhelmed with emotion, Sister Xian abruptly excused herself, apologizing profusely as she hurried out of the room.
Confused and concerned, Yan Lan followed Sister Xian. She led her to a claw machine arcade, where they spent some time playing, successfully grabbing a few mystery boxes. As they sat down, Yan Lan pressed Sister Xian to explain why she had been crying and acting so strangely.
Sister Xian, unable to hold back any longer, finally revealed the painful truth: Huo Yan's father, Huo Qing Song, was the firefighter who had saved Yan Lan from the fire when she was a child, and he had died in the line of duty because of it.
Sister Xian explained that seeing Yan Lan grow into such a kind and accomplished doctor filled her with bittersweet emotion, knowing that Huo Qing Song’s sacrifice was not in vain, but also causing her immense grief. She admitted she had been avoiding Yan Lan, fearing that her emotional reactions would make Yan Lan think she was crazy and jeopardize her relationship with Huo Yan. Yan Lan was stunned by the revelation, feeling a wave of guilt and remorse.
She vowed to take good care of Sister Xian and Huo Yan, strengthening their bond instantly. Back at home, Yan Lan and Sister Xian discussed how to break the news to Huo Yan. Yan Lan suggested that Huo Yan's past struggles with balancing his firefighting career and family life were a clear indication of how deeply his father's death affected him, despite his calm exterior. They agreed that the truth needed to be shared, but with great care.
Just then, Huo Yan returned home, puzzled by his mother's frequent crying and the sudden closeness between Yan Lan and Sister Xian. Yan Lan quickly covered for Sister Xian, playfully telling Huo Yan that his mother was simply overjoyed to have another daughter. Separately, Mrs. Chen visited Chen Ping Geng at his station, bringing him a meal. He revealed his transfer orders, much to her surprise and delight.
She exclaimed that "the impossible is finally happening," thrilled at the prospect of him spending more time at home. Later, Yan Lan met Huo Yan at a park, intending to tell him the full story of his father's sacrifice. To her astonishment, Huo Yan calmly stated that he already knew. He explained that on Yan Lan's first day at Dongshan Station, he had looked into her background and realized she was the little girl his father had saved.
He had kept this knowledge to himself because he didn't want Yan Lan to be with him out of a sense of obligation or gratitude. Both felt immense relief now that the truth was out, and their relationship grew even stronger. That evening, Huo Yan helped his mother wind yarn, as Sister Xian planned to knit a sweater for Yan Lan.
Sister Xian playfully accused Huo Yan of being as "scheming" as his father, having known the truth all along and seeing through her and Mrs. Chen's subtle attempts to reveal it at dinner. Huo Yan simply chuckled, admitting he inherited his father's cleverness. The following day, a medal ceremony was held at Dongshan Station, where Huo Yan was formally promoted to Station Chief. Yan Lan and Sister Xian were among the attendees.
The Fire Department Minister commenced the ceremony, honoring Huo Qing Song, who had died 20 years prior saving a child, highlighting his bravery and sacrifice. Chief Chen Ping Geng delivered a poignant eulogy, recalling the tragic day Huo Qing Song selflessly rushed into the fire, leaving behind his wife and young son.
He emphasized that Huo Qing Song's memory lived on in the dreams of his family and the child he saved, and that the fire station, his comrades, and the people would never forget his unwavering dedication. Chen Ping Geng affirmed that generations of firefighters would continue to uphold their duty, fearlessly facing danger, and ensuring Huo Qing Song's legacy of heroism endured.
He concluded by telling Huo Qing Song to rest in peace, as they would continue to protect the beautiful world he died to save. Finally, the Minister announced that Huo Qing Song’s police number and firefighting badge, which had remained unused since his death, would now be passed on to his son, Huo Yan, the new Station Chief of Dongshan. Huo Yan stepped forward to receive the honor, symbolizing the continuation of his father's spirit and mission.
