I don’t often watch a drama when it just started airing, because it’s a waiting game and I can only binge-watch a few episodes at a time, but “Fireworks of My Heart” is one of the exceptions. I saw some trailers and was immediately intrigued, so I watched it when the first 6 episodes dropped. From the very first episode, I was already drawn into the story.

This drama is about a second chance romance that gradually builds up, such that I’m anticipating and excited for the character development and progress of the story. As I expected, there are some side stories related to Song Yan (ML) and Xu Qin’s (FL) professions, but the drama does not digress from the main story. Here are other thoughts that I have about the plot and story:
• Although this is slow burn, there are different turning points in the drama that tell us a new page in the story is about to be told and there will be progress in the character development and relationships (e.g., episodes 10, 16, 21, 24, etc.). When Song Yan and Xu Qin finally became a couple, things were not always smooth sailing for them, since both their professions were demanding to a certain degree, more so on Song Yan, since his job is high-risk. But the important thing is how they're facing these challenges together and became stronger as a result, both individually and as couple.
• I think it’s good that they showed the challenges, sacrifices, heartaches, victories and sense of fulfillment that the characters experienced as doctors and firefighters. Their rescue scenes were well planned and executed.
• There are many poignant, touching, heartwarming and swoon-worthy moments throughout the drama (I cried in some scenes). This is generally a serious drama, but they manage to inject humor in some scenes.
• I love the camaraderie, brotherhood, and banter among the firefighters. Even the developing friendships among the doctors and nurses are a joy to watch.
• The family dynamics: I like that they showed the contrast between Song Yan and Xu Qin’s family relationships – one is warm, relaxed and loving, while the other is colder, more reserved and tense.
• And of course, I love the chemistry, passion, and sweet/romantic moments between Song Yan and Xu Qin :)! Their scenes as a couple are so natural and believable.
• As shown in the BTS, there were some scenes from their high school days that did not make the final cut. Also, some scenes were deleted, and there is one kissing scene in particular that I was looking forward to because I’ve seen it in a trailer, but it was cut!

As for the cast of characters, I think the production team chose the right people to play the roles. My comments on some of them:
• Yang Yang as Song Yan – I think he fits the role of SY. Although their high school scenes are not many, I was able to see the carefree and mischievous side of SY in those scenes. Then after 10 years, I saw the more serious, somber and mature side of him. He was withholding many of his emotions, and Yang Yang showed it through his micro-expressions and subtle body movements. And in the more heart-breaking scenes, he was able to show his emotions. I think he gave a good performance.
• Wang Chu Ran as Xu Qin – Wang Chu Ran proves that she’s not just a pretty face. She was very good in the emotional scenes – she was able to convey the angst, frustrations, pain and even the joys of XQ. She was timid and fearful at first, but as her character grows, she eventually fought for her relationship and defied her parents (especially her controlling adoptive mother).
• On the OTP: Yang Yang and Wang Chu Ran make a great pair; their chemistry is amazing. Even small actions such as how they look at each other, their smile, an embrace, are enough for me to feel their chemistry.
• Yang Chao Yue as Zhai Miao – Love her character! She’s one of my favorites in this drama. I love how she’s loyal, brave, perceptive, and funny. And her brother-sister interactions with SY are so endearing and fun to watch.
• Vin Zhang as Suo Jun – I had just finished “Here We Meet Again” when I started watching FOMH, so when I saw him here, I can’t help but think of Xu Yan Shi (his character in HWMA) :D. Although he only had few scenes, Vin Zhang nailed his role as Suo Jun. His friendship with SY is one of the good things in this series.
• Wang Yan Ling as Jiang Yu – At first, I thought his character was on the gray side, but he turned out to be one of the best and most endearing characters in this drama. He became a real friend to both SY and XQ.

The other supporting actors also gave solid performances, which helped me to enjoy the drama more. So overall, I’m happy with the performance of the cast.

The OST is good! The songs fit the different moods of the drama. The opening theme is more upbeat, while the ending theme is more serious and a bit melancholy.

As a whole, I'm satisfied with how they concluded the drama. There are no loose ends; everything tied up nicely. I do have a wish or two, but it's Ok, they don't affect how much I liked and enjoyed this drama. So I highly recommend this!