Bright Eyes in the Dark Episode 40 (Ending) Recap
> Bright Eyes in the Dark Recap
Lin Luxiao and his team successfully located Old Zhang's family in the mountain forest. He addressed Old Zhang directly, urging him to quickly cover his mouth with a towel and helped him put on clothes before leading them out, reassuring them not to be afraid. As they moved, Lin Luxiao stayed in contact with Nan Chu via walkie-talkie. Nan Chu reported being close to their destination but feeling intense heat as the temperature rose around them.
Lin Luxiao warned her the fire was spreading rapidly and she needed to cross the firebreak quickly before it became too strong, reminding her to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. She asked about his situation, and he confirmed he had found the people and was heading out. Nan Chu made him promise to return safely, and he assured her he would, asking her to wait for him.
Meanwhile, as twenty-four fire stations were dispatched to the large-scale Lushan fire, Lin Qi was deeply worried about his brother Lin Luxiao's safety. He asked his father if he could call, but his father insisted they wait until the fire was extinguished before checking on him. During a break, Liu Ruyi, who was injured, asked a doctor to bandage his wounds. His wife, Xia Wan, also a doctor, arrived at the scene.
Seeing his injuries, she expressed concern and urged him to rest and prioritize his safety and well-being. Firefighters reported to the Frontline Command that the fire was too strong, and the second line of defense was about to fail. Commander Meng Guohong received news that they had lost another point and the second line of defense could not hold. He immediately ordered the activation of Plan 3.
Addressing the assembled firefighters, Meng Guohong explained that the first and second lines had been lost due to the severe conditions and changing winds, leaving them with the final line of defense. He emphasized that the wildfire was in front of them, while their homes, families, and the well-being of countless households were behind them.
He declared they had no retreat and must carve out a firebreak two kilometers long and sixty meters wide, stating that no one, not even the Heavenly King, would cross them that day. The firefighters responded with a resounding affirmation of their commitment before being directed to their assigned tasks. As the mountain fire continued to spread, Nan Chu lost contact with Lin Luxiao. Shen Guangzong carried Xi Gu, but his strength was giving out.
Xi Gu expressed her regret for being a burden, while Shen Guangzong told her to apologize after they were safe. Nan Chu refused Xi Gu's suggestion that she leave them and go find help, insisting they must all get out together. Lin Luxiao's group, including Old Zhang's family, raced against the encroaching flames. During their escape, a person named Zhao fell, and they struggled to help them up as the fire closed in.
Later, Old Zhang was accidentally struck and injured by a burning tree. Lin Luxiao and his team worked frantically to help him. With the path ahead blocked by fire, Lin Luxiao ordered his team members, including Wang Ben, to use fire shelters to protect the family members caught between the flames and the impassable path. Hearing of the severe mountain fire, countless volunteers arrived in Lushan to offer assistance.
Commander Meng Guohong thanked them for their support and organized them for rescue efforts. Nan Chu, Shen Guangzong, and Xi Gu were eventually found and rescued by volunteers from a horse ranch, who brought them out on horseback. After descending, they encountered Commander Meng Guohong and Captain Zhao Guo. Zhao Guo asked Meng Guohong if he had seen Lin Luxiao, learning he had gone back to rescue more people.
Nan Chu, present during this exchange, also asked about Lin Luxiao and was told he was still fighting on the front line. She then decided to stay and volunteer, stating she wanted to wait for Lin Luxiao to return. At the Heping Road Special Division Station, the team learned that Lin Luxiao, Yijiu, and Shiquan had lost contact and were deeply worried about their safety, discussing how they had called them with no reply and couldn't find them anywhere.
Meanwhile, Lin Luxiao, along with Wang Ben, Yijiu, and Shiquan, had gathered Old Zhang's family under fire shelters. Using his walkie-talkie, Lin Luxiao, identifying himself as the instructor of the Lushan Squadron, reported finding three missing people on the north side of Longxu Ravine, confirming they were all alive, and requested immediate backup. The Command Center acknowledged the report and urged them to hold on while reinforcements were sent.
Lin Luxiao instructed Yijiu and Shiquan to put on their fire shelters and surround the villagers before telling everyone to get down as the fire pressed in. Reports from other areas of the fire ground were heard over the radio. Later, news came through that seven trapped people from the north side of Longxu Ravine had been rescued and were being transferred. Nan Chu, who had stayed to volunteer, watched as the rescued individuals were brought down the mountain.
Spotting Lin Luxiao safe among them, her relief overwhelmed her, and she rushed forward to embrace him. As they reunited, she confessed her fear of never seeing him again. He reassured her, reminding her that he had kept his promise. She recalled the "command for love" he had taught her. He affirmed he remembered, and she recited it: "My life belongs to the country, but my heart belongs to you. You protect the world. I protect you." He responded, "Okay."
Their moment was cut short by the announcement that the final battle against the mountain fire was beginning and volunteers needed to evacuate. Lin Luxiao bid farewell to Nan Chu, telling her his comrades needed him and he would wait for her to come home. She responded, "Wait for me to come home." Later, Nan Chu's dance drama was staged, and she successfully performed on her dream stage.
Members of the Heping Road Special Division Station and others attended to watch. After the performance concluded to thunderous applause, Nan Chu looked towards the theater entrance during her curtain call, waiting for Lin Luxiao. She recalled telling him, "I don't need you to be everyone's hero. You protect the peace of the world, and I will protect you." She firmly believed that he would emerge safely from the fire.
The members of the Heping Road Special Division Station gathered, sharing a meal of dumplings and celebrating the new year together. As they shared the moment, text appeared on screen displaying the promises exchanged between Nan Chu and Lin Luxiao: "I don't need you to be everyone's hero. You protect the peace of the world, and I will protect you," and "My life belongs to the country, but my heart belongs to you."
