Lie to Love Episode 16 Recap
> Lie to Love Recap
Office staff engage in lively discussions, speculating about Li Zeliang's potential partners. They overwhelmingly believe Shi Chuchu is the better match, considering her family background, appearance, and past successes in projects. Many cast their votes for her, and a colleague informs Shi Chuchu of the popular sentiment. Though she feigns indifference, she is clearly pleased, then calls a hotel to arrange for their finest red wine to be decanted for table 28 that evening.
Meanwhile, Su Xieyi visits Xie Minghao at his law firm to apologize for a previous abrupt departure. She then seeks his legal advice on the definition of murder, revealing that Li Zeliang, whom she refers to as "A Yan," suspects foul play in his father's death, with Huo Jian being the prime suspect. Xie Minghao explains the need for clear intent and critical evidence.
He offers his assistance and proposes a dinner gathering at Su Xieyi's home the following day, as her sister Su Xieqing is recovering well. Su Xieyi agrees, touched by his and her sister's constant companionship, which makes her feel that her family remains intact. Xie Minghao reciprocates, stating that their presence brings him happiness. Later that evening, Shi Chuchu meets Li Zeliang at the hotel, which she had initially booked under her father's name.
When Li Zeliang inquires about her father, she reveals he won't be joining, admitting that she wanted to create an opportunity for herself. She confesses her long-held feelings for him, explaining how she meticulously prepares for everything and never fights a losing battle, yet confessing to him is the one exception.
She describes her deep admiration, recalling how she transferred to his high school, studied hotel management, and joined the music club all for him, only for him to unexpectedly join the mountaineering club. She admits she believed her silent presence would eventually convey her feelings, but Su Xieyi's arrival made her realize she might be wrong. Despite this, she declares her love for him, needing to give closure to her years of affection.
Back at home, Su Xieyi reflects on Li Zeliang and Shi Chuchu, wondering when Li Zeliang will return. At that moment, Ji Yingsong arrives at Li Zeliang's door, but finding him absent, he leaves quickly, leaving Su Xieyi puzzled by his strange behavior. Li Zeliang gently rejects Shi Chuchu, explaining that he never believed in love at first sight until he met Su Xieyi while climbing a mountain.
He realized then that such seemingly abstract notions of love held true meaning. He acknowledges Shi Chuchu's strong will, suggesting her singular focus might have caused her to miss other "sceneries" and her own destined "mountain top" where her true match awaits. Shi Chuchu understands this as a clear refusal but remains resolute, declaring she will not retract her confession and will continue to like him, asserting that no one can predict the final outcome.
They agree to remain friends and colleagues. Oscar secretly meets with Li Zeliang, revealing he has located "Spider," also known as Liu Ah Wei, who is hiding in the city from creditors. Oscar confirms Liu Ah Wei's identity and provides his contact number. Li Zeliang calls Liu Ah Wei, who demands 50,000 in cash, handed over in person, and insists Li Zeliang come alone within an hour to a specific location, threatening to cut contact if he plays any tricks.
Li Zeliang agrees and sets off alone, despite Oscar's apprehension. At a desolate parking lot, Oscar, concerned for his safety, follows him. He witnesses men, led by a man named "Chai Huo," ambushing Li Zeliang. Oscar shouts a warning, but Li Zeliang is struck by an iron rod.
Shortly after, Yi Fei contacts Huo Jian, confirming their plan was successful and Li Zeliang's leg is now severely injured, expecting him to be bedridden for at least a year and a half. Huo Jian then confirms with Chai Huo, who assures him the task is complete before going into hiding in his hometown. Su Xieyi and Shi Chuchu both receive calls informing them that Li Zeliang is recuperating at home from his injuries.
Yi Fei also relays this news to Huo Jian. Everyone rushes to Li Zeliang's residence. Huo Jian arrives, feigning deep concern and questioning why Li Zeliang was not taken to a hospital. Ji Yingsong explains that Li Zeliang suffered a targeted attack, and since the assailant has not been caught and there are no surveillance cameras, it was safer to have a trusted private doctor, Dr. Wu, treat him at home.
Dr. Wu briefly updates them on Li Zeliang's condition, stating his injuries are under control but he remains in a coma. Still suspicious, Huo Jian, under the guise of concern for Li Zeliang’s appearance, briefly lifts the bandages from his face to confirm the injury. Upon seeing a genuine wound, he leaves for company matters. Shi Chuchu chases after Huo Jian, directly accusing him of involvement, noting his sudden resignation announcement followed by Li Zeliang's injury.
Huo Jian denies any connection, suggesting the attack might be related to the auction where Li Zeliang made enemies. He promises to exact revenge on whoever is responsible. Separately, Yi Fei confirms to an associate that Li Zeliang appears genuinely injured and advises continued monitoring. After Huo Jian departs, Su Xieyi expresses her deep worry for Li Zeliang, reminding his unconscious form of their shared plan to confront Huo Jian.
Ji Yingsong enters, confirming Huo Jian's departure but noting Yi Fei remains outside. Li Zeliang then abruptly sits up and unwraps his bandages, revealing he is completely unharmed, shocking both Su Xieyi and Shi Chuchu. He explains he knew the "Liu Ah Wei" who contacted him was an imposter because Ji Yingsong had previously informed him that the real Liu Ah Wei was in poor health and did not have a son—a fact the imposter failed to recognize.
Li Zeliang used this knowledge to play along with the trap, turning it into a counter-plan against Huo Jian with the help of Dr. Wu. He tasks Oscar with remaining bandaged to impersonate the injured Li Zeliang and deceive Huo Jian, buying time to find the real Liu Ah Wei. Su Xieyi insists on accompanying him, reminding him of their promise to face everything together.
Li Zeliang agrees, and they devise a plan: Li Zeliang will disguise himself as Oscar, and Su Xieyi will pretend to be Shi Chuchu, allowing them to openly leave past Yi Fei's watchful eye. Su Xieyi calls Xie Minghao to cancel their dinner plans, explaining that she and Li Zeliang have an urgent business trip to gather crucial evidence against Huo Jian.
Xie Minghao expresses anger, especially after just bringing Su Xieqing home from the hospital, and warns Su Xieyi of the danger. He demands to speak to Li Zeliang and tells him not to involve Su Xieyi further, claiming she is only participating out of guilt for her father, since Li Zeliang's leg was injured saving him. He questions whether her actions are truly for Li Zeliang.
Li Zeliang defends Su Xieyi’s free will but promises Xie Minghao that he will bring her back safely. As they depart, Li Zeliang checks a map, noting the real Liu Ah Wei's location is about 400 kilometers away. Su Xieyi appears troubled but denies it when asked. Li Zeliang observes her quietly, reflecting while talking to a small doll that while its spirit might want to "fly away," he will ensure she remains by his side.
