Bright Eyes in the Dark Episode 23 Recap
> Bright Eyes in the Dark Recap
Standing before a suggestion box, Instructor Yang was advised to review the feedback inside before saying goodbye to the station. The box contained various comments, including humorous critiques about his poor cooking, but also heartfelt messages praising his dedication, his readiness to help others, and concern for his well-being, urging him to also rely on the team when he faced difficulties. Later, some of the younger firefighters discussed the competitive system implemented by Director Lou Mingye.
Qin Shiquan stated that he believed the system was an opportunity that could help improve everyone's capabilities. He revealed his ambitious goals: not only joining Combat Unit 1 but becoming its leader and eventually the director of the special division unit. Qi Huo agreed, emphasizing his desire to prove himself without relying on his father, stating he became a firefighter purely out of childhood passion.
When asked about his different surname, Qi Huo explained he uses his mother's surname to avoid suspicion because his father is Captain Meng Guohong. Meanwhile, Fang seemed dejected, still bothered by something that happened the previous night. Lei Dagang advised him not to dwell on it, suggesting that driving the truck is the same no matter where he is assigned. Fang disagreed, feeling that Lou Mingye found an excuse to transfer him instead of being direct.
Lei Dagang gently told him he was impulsive the day before and should focus on their work rather than dwelling on other matters. Shortly after, Fang approached Lei Dagang to borrow money, explaining that his kitchen had leaked and flooded the downstairs neighbor's newly renovated apartment, requiring him to pay for repairs. Fang initially asked for a large sum, surprising Lei Dagang, who explained his tight financial situation, needing his wife's permission for even small amounts.
Lei Dagang eventually offered to try to get 5,000 yuan from his wife and asked Fang to provide an IOU. Meng Guohong met with Lou Mingye to discuss personnel assignments, specifically regarding Fang and Qi Huo. Meng Guohong explained that only Instructor Yang Zhengang knew about his relationship with Qi Huo, and he hadn't disclosed it to avoid the very situation they were in.
He felt Fang's punishment was too severe for what wasn't a major error and suggested transferring Fang back to the main truck driver position, noting that while Qi Huo was good with maps, he lacked experience. Meng Guohong admitted his request was selfish but felt it necessary to avoid gossip within the station, despite Lou Mingye's stance on adhering to established rules and principles. Qi Huo, having overheard the conversation, confronted his father.
He questioned if his extensive efforts to learn the area map were in vain simply because he was Meng Guohong's son, making any achievement seem like favoritism. Qi Huo demanded a logical reason for potentially being moved from the main truck, asking if Meng Guohong was acting as a leader or a father. Later, Meng Guohong sought advice from Lin Luxiao's old class monitor, who agreed that Meng Guohong's handling of Qi Huo's situation was inappropriate.
The old class monitor praised Qi Huo's dedication, comparing him to a younger Meng Guohong who also tirelessly studied maps. He urged Meng Guohong to talk to his son properly and encourage his passion for being a firefighter rather than extinguishing it. Meng Guohong admitted he struggled to communicate with his children without getting angry, feeling trapped by a "dad" image. Qi Huo then went to Lou Mingye and directly asked if he was being transferred from the main truck.
Lou Mingye questioned if the rumors were about his identity or his ability. Qi Huo confessed that he felt his identity as Meng Guohong's son was a heavy burden, requiring him to work harder than others to achieve the same recognition. Lou Mingye acknowledged that identity couldn't be changed but reiterated that the competitive system was fair. He told Qi Huo to raise his head and not be bothered by gossip, citing his own experience of constantly being talked about.
Lou Mingye affirmed that Qi Huo had earned his position and the station's decision was valid; he would remain the driver of Truck 1 until someone demonstrably more capable emerged. Lou Mingye introduced training on thermal imaging drones, highlighting their use in international firefighting for search and rescue, forest fires, and urban incidents, providing remote command and clear real-time images.
He stated that mastering this technology would become part of daily training assessments and warned that anyone unable to adapt or meet the requirements, regardless of their position, would be moved from the front line to the logistics department. Meanwhile, Jiang Ge informed Nan Chu that his father had connected her with Director Deng Yi of the Beixun Theater. Jiang Ge sent her the contact information, noting that getting the performance slot would depend on their own ability.
Nan Chu was excited by the opportunity. Later, Jiang Ge discussed finding safe housing for Nan Chu and Xi Gu. His father called, asked about the housing search, and then inquired about Nan Chu. Jiang Ge explained she was rehearsing with Dream Dance Club and hoped to promote the club through the theater opportunity, clarifying that she would not perform herself due to her contract.
Back at the station, Yijiu expressed worry about failing the drone assessment and being moved from the front line. Liu Ruyi dismissed the new technology, likening it to a "paper tiger," and insisting that human effort remained paramount in rescue work. Another colleague interrupted, telling Liu Ruyi that such comments were inappropriate for his position as assistant and were causing trouble, reminding everyone of the ongoing issues at the station. Liu Ruyi then took Yijiu to practice with the drones.
Separately, Qin Shiquan sought out Lou Mingye, who was practicing with a drone in the garage. Qin Shiquan expressed his admiration for Lou Mingye's expertise in both drones and canyoning, stating that the new technologies introduced had given him a new perspective on fire rescue. He asked Lou Mingye to be his teacher, accepting that the requirements would be strict. At the dance studio, Nan Chu watched her dancers practice.
The dancers expressed disappointment about not performing at the Beixun Theater and urged Nan Chu to try and join them on stage, calling it a rare opportunity. Nan Chu explained she couldn't due to her company contract but promised to join them next time, seeing this performance as a first step for the club. After the dancers left, Lin Luxiao arrived. Nan Chu admitted her disappointment but emphasized the importance of adhering to her contract and expressing gratitude.
She found an upside to not performing: she could objectively see the club's weaknesses, realizing they lacked emotional expression rather than technical skill. Struggling to find a theme for their next dance, Lin Luxiao reminded her of her passion for dancing and feeling like she was "shining" on stage, suggesting "persistence" as a theme, drawing on their own experiences. Nan Chu found this idea inspiring. The next day, Lei Dagang confided in Yu Qilei about his anxieties.
He explained his background, having joined the army and then become a firefighter after high school with limited formal education. He felt he couldn't compete with the younger firefighters in new skills like simulations and drones, unlike his proficiency in traditional skills like ladder climbing. He worried about the financial impact on his family if he were transferred to logistics, as his wife was a regular office worker and his parents and child had health and education costs.
He expressed his strong desire to stay on the front line. He asked Yu Qilei to speak to Lou Mingye on his behalf and even suggested transferring others like Zheng Yang and An Weiren who had previously expressed interest in logistics. Yu Qilei reassured him not to be overly anxious, promising to talk to the director about his situation.
Shortly after, Zheng Yang confronted Lei Dagang, accusing him of speaking to a leader about transferring people to logistics, having overheard parts of the conversation or previous remarks. An Weiren joined in, calling Lei Dagang a "tattletale" and a "backstabber." A heated argument ensued until Yu Qilei intervened, breaking up the fight and reminding them about the assessment scheduled for the following day, urging them to focus on training.
The next day, Meng Guohong was present as the team lined up for the assessment. He gave the command to begin, and the firefighters commenced a drill involving fire hoses and equipment. Meng Guohong observed, noting that the young firefighters seemed nervous but eager to perform well.
