Bright Eyes in the Dark Episode 34 Recap
> Bright Eyes in the Dark Recap
Han Beiyao instructed Shen Guangzong to draft a termination agreement for Xu Zhiyi. He specified that she would not receive any compensation and they would not pursue her for other responsibilities related to brand endorsements, but demanded that she stop the excessive self-promotion, threatening legal action otherwise. Han Beiyao stated he was unwilling to invest further in an artist lacking artistic ethics, emphasizing that artists must first be decent people with morals.
He also instructed Shen Guangzong to contact all their friends and partners to lead a blacklisting campaign against Ran Dongyang, vowing to make "this clown" disappear from the entertainment industry at any cost. He also told Shen Guangzong to take good care of Nan Chu after handling these matters. Nan Chu’s friends brought her food from a popular store, trying to cheer her up.
Seeing her distress about the online comments, they told her not to mind those people who "take advantage of others' misfortunes." Nan Chu expressed self-blame, wondering if she had truly harmed the Heping Road Special Division Station. Her friends tried to reassure her. Lin Luxiao and Lou Mingye arrived at the brigade headquarters. Meng Guohong informed them that the online discourse was severe, causing netizens to question the station's professionalism, and that the superiors were highly concerned.
He instructed Lin Luxiao to carefully consider everything, from the reality show recording to his relationship with Nan Chu and Yu Qilei's sacrifice, before reporting to the leadership. Yang Zhengang, the former instructor, arrived, expressing frustration. He insisted that the station's work and capabilities were top-notch and questioned why they were being slandered. He fiercely defended Yu Qilei, stating he sacrificed himself to save others and did not make mistakes.
Yang Zhengang was angry that while they were asked to explain every minor issue, there was no one reporting on Yu's sacrifice or supporting Lei Dagang after his incident, despite Dagang's actions having a reason. He challenged whether Dagang could be protected. Lin Luxiao and Lou Mingye tried to calm Yang Zhengang and usher him away. Meng Guohong stated he would speak with the leaders himself.
Nan Chu's mother, Nan Yueru, came to visit her, having learned about Nan Chu's relationship and the resulting online controversy. She suggested Nan Chu pack her bags to go abroad with her temporarily, stating the company's Mr. Han would handle the domestic matters. Nan Chu accused her mother of always making decisions for her and only offering negativity, sarcasm, and blows. She told her mother she viewed her as a failure.
Nan Yueru admitted to being a failure and said that was precisely why she didn't want Nan Chu to follow her path. Nan Yueru then revealed that Nan Chu's father, Li Xuejun, was not a worker who died in a car crash, as she had told Nan Chu, but a firefighter who died in a forest fire the year Nan Chu was born.
She recounted the immense difficulty she faced as a grieving widow with a child, trying to pursue her career while hiding the truth, explaining it was an experience she never wanted to revisit. Hearing this history, Nan Chu was deeply affected and very sad. Amidst the online debate, Nan Chu recorded and posted a video statement.
She addressed the speculation, stating she didn't care about personal comments but felt she owed it to the Heping Road Special Division Station to speak up. She described the firefighters she knew as brave, fearless, and selfless heroes who go to dangerous places, bringing hope to the desperate. She highlighted that while they seem all-powerful, they are sometimes helpless when their own families need them, forced to prioritize saving others.
She mentioned they have families who support them, face everyday worries, and might complain or feel helpless, but the sound of the alarm always calls them to action without hesitation. She concluded that they are the bravest and most admirable and deserve the deepest respect and reverence. After returning from a mission, Lin Luxiao saw Nan Chu's video online and called her. When she told him she was at the Dream Dance Club, he went there to find her.
Upon meeting, Lin Luxiao apologized for failing to protect her. Nan Chu felt it was her fault, believing her identity as an actress had burdened the special division unit. Reflecting on her time leading the Dream Dance Club, Nan Chu admitted she thought she succeeded through sheer will, but now realized people like Han Beiyao and Shen Guangzong had been helping her behind the scenes without her knowing.
Lin Luxiao confirmed his dream of becoming the best firefighter had never changed. Nan Chu stated her dream of becoming a dancer also remained unchanged. They discussed what it means to be "the best," with Nan Chu suggesting it means always being better than one's previous self. Lin Luxiao expressed that he felt he had taught her all he could and encouraged her to explore a wider world.
Both wondered what the other would be like the next time they met, agreeing they would both be better versions of themselves. They shared a hug, choosing to part ways temporarily. Nan Yueru met with Han Beiyao to thank him for taking care of Nan Chu. They reminisced about their shared past, particularly when Nan Yueru was in the US and Han helped her find work. Nan Yueru brought up her favorite movie, "Notting Hill," noting it was about courage.
She admitted she lacked courage in the past and that her painful experiences left her unable to move on, making her determined to prevent Nan Chu from suffering similarly. Han Beiyao disagreed, believing Nan Chu possessed more courage than either of them. Lin Luxiao and Lou Mingye went to the police station to pick up Lei Dagang. They brought him back to the special division station where his colleagues were waiting.
As Lei Dagang packed his belongings, his teammates gathered, expressing their difficulty in seeing him go. He was visibly emotional, openly admitting he deserved the consequences. The team tried to comfort him, telling him he had worked hard and could finally rest, assuring him the station would always be his home even if he wasn't working there.
Fang Xiangqian offered to organize a gathering soon and treat everyone, while others encouraged him to visit anytime and spoke of finishing their unfinished games. Yang Zhengang apologized for not being able to help him more. Before Lei Dagang left, Lin Luxiao removed a badge from his uniform and gave it to him. As he received it, Lei Dagang declared, "Present!" As Lei Dagang walked away, the entire team stood in salute.
