Bright Eyes in the Dark Episode 38 Recap
> Bright Eyes in the Dark Recap
After successfully putting out the fire, the firefighters rested on the spot. Suddenly, Shao Yijiu was bitten by a snake. Shao Yijiu and Qin Shiquan both believed it was a poisonous snake, and Shiquan even tried to suck out the poison for Yijiu. Zhao Guo and others then told them it was just a non-venomous grass snake, which relieved Lin Luxiao and Qin Shiquan.
Someone commented humorously on Shiquan and Yijiu's brotherhood, while Captain Du joked about his own unwillingness to help in such a situation. The others also teased Yijiu about how long it had been since he last showered. A villager, Uncle Zhang, came to the station asking who had cleaned his yard. When Yijiu and Shiquan were identified, he expressed his gratitude, explaining that their action of clearing the yard had saved his old house from the fire.
He brought a chicken as a thank-you gift for the firefighters. Yijiu and Shiquan explained that they were simply following Lin Luxiao's teaching that forest fire prevention focuses on prevention, not rescue, always staying vigilant to eliminate safety hazards. This demonstration of their growth pleased Lin Luxiao. That evening, after enjoying the chicken dinner, Zhao Guo took Lin Luxiao, Yijiu, and Shiquan to a special place on Lushan mountain, which he called the Lushan honor room.
He explained that while city firehouses had physical honor rooms, their honor room was this spot in the mountain where every firefighter who had served there left a plaque with a sentence written on it. Over the decades, some firefighters had sacrificed their lives, some had retired, and others had been transferred, but everyone left their mark here. For those who sacrificed, their words became their epitaphs.
Zhao Guo mentioned that he had already thought about what he would write on his own plaque one day, sharing a metaphor about being a flower blooming in the mountain. Lin Luxiao noticed a particular plaque and asked Zhao Guo about the person who wrote it. Zhao Guo revealed it belonged to Li Xuejun, a comrade who had transferred from the city years ago, just like Lin Luxiao.
Zhao Guo recounted how Li Xuejun was initially inexperienced and would often get lost in the forest, needing Zhao Guo to find him. Despite being seen as a "troublemaker" and "fool" by some, Li Xuejun was optimistic and persistent, constantly bothering Zhao Guo to be his master. Zhao Guo eventually agreed, influenced by Li Xuejun's detailed explanation of his ideas for a modified shovel. Li Xuejun then became a capable forest firefighter.
Zhao Guo recounted the tragic day when Li Xuejun was supposed to be on duty ensuring communication, but took Zhao Guo's place on the mountain because Zhao Guo had been injured. The fire grew rapidly, and the captain decided to use a backfire to protect the village. The wind suddenly shifted, trapping the firefighters. Zhao Guo could only follow their situation via walkie-talkie. Li Xuejun’s last words heard were, "The wind direction has changed, the village is safe.
I really want to go home." Lin Luxiao confirmed that Li Xuejun was indeed the person he thought he was, stating that his own father was Li Xuejun's former squad leader before he transferred to Lushan. Lin Luxiao then asked if Li Xuejun's modified shovel still existed. Zhao Guo led him to where it was kept.
Zhao Guo showed Lin Luxiao the shovel, explaining that it was designed specifically for forest fire fighting, removing unnecessary features and adding tools like a scissor. Lin Luxiao immediately recognized the value of the modified shovel, believing that mass production could significantly benefit many forest firefighters. Zhao Guo entrusted the shovel to Lin Luxiao, who promised to ensure its potential was fully realized.
During a meeting discussing how to manage highly flammable plants like ramie, which had recently been found by Yijiu and Shiquan, the firefighters acknowledged the plant's rapid spread and the difficulty in finding all areas affected with limited manpower. Someone suggested it would be helpful to have a map system like in games. This sparked an idea for Lin Luxiao, highlighting the importance of technological advancements and better equipment.
He called Lou Mingye, asking for help to find a manufacturer for mass-producing Li Xuejun's modified shovel and also requesting a drone. Lou Mingye agreed to assist and soon sent a drone to Lushan. The firefighters began using the drone to patrol the forest, search for flammable plants, and scout the terrain, which greatly reduced the need for extensive manual patrols.
Although Lin Luxiao and Nan Chu were physically distant, they stayed connected by following each other's activities and updates on social media. Later, Lin Luxiao, Yijiu, and Shiquan traveled to Yaxiang City for an exchange meeting. Upon arrival, Yijiu and Shiquan were enthralled by the sight of the snow-covered mountains, many seeing such extensive snow for the first time. They expressed excitement about potentially skiing, promising Lin Luxiao they would balance their work responsibilities with some leisure time.
During the exchange meeting, Lin Luxiao learned about an advanced forest fire alarm system that utilized infrared thermal imaging monitoring and all-weather intelligent detection. The system, which included monitoring lookout towers installed throughout the forest, could automatically detect even hidden or underground fires, prompting immediate alarms. Lin Luxiao showed great interest in this technology and arranged to learn more about its implementation after the meeting.
While attending the exchange meeting in Yaxiang City, Lin Luxiao received a devastating phone call from Yang Zhengang. Yang Zhengang informed him that Lei Dagang had passed away. After leaving the fire brigade, Dagang had become a deliveryman. During a fire, he rushed into the burning building without hesitation because he knew the optimal time for rescue. Although he managed to save several people, he did not survive.
Yang Zhengang told Lin Luxiao that Dagang had never forgotten his duty and was a true hero. Lin Luxiao was heartbroken by the news but also filled with pride for Dagang's bravery. Meanwhile, Nan Chu decided to return to China to work on a new film. Before leaving, she asked her mother to cook a farewell meal.
After reading her mother's diary, Nan Chu gained a deeper understanding of her father and realized that he was a hero, and that she was not a child without a father. She told her mother that she believed her mother had not loved the wrong person, having seen the beautiful memories, their genuine love and protection for each other, and her mother's strength in raising her alone, managing her career, and facing societal judgment.
Nan Chu expressed her understanding of her mother's silent suffering and encouraged her to share her joys and sorrows. She concluded by telling her mother that they were similar in one key way: once they made a choice, they would never regret it. Her mother acknowledged that Nan Chu had matured. Back at Lushan, Zhao Guo was preparing to cook for the team when he revealed a significant piece of news to Lin Luxiao.
He had received notification that he would be taking a back seat and retiring. He explained that he had served at Lushan for over twenty years, walking dozens of kilometers patrolling the mountain daily, and his body was no longer able to keep up. He admitted he had considered retiring earlier but had been worried about the team. However, with Lin Luxiao's arrival and evident talent, he felt confident leaving the Lushan Fire Station in his hands.
