Lie to Love Episode 18 Recap
> Lie to Love Recap
While buying drinks, Xiao Xiao politely greets Huo Jian. Afterwards, she joins Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi. Seeing his prosthetic limb, Li Zeliang explains to Xiao Xiao that he lost his leg two years prior due to a severe clostridial myonecrosis infection from a rusty pipe. He had been in deep despair, believing he could never rock climb again, a passion that was an inseparable part of his life and even led to him meeting Su Xieyi.
He recounts how watching a sunrise alone after his injury reminded him of his promise to watch one with Su Xieyi, which fueled his resolve to recover. When Xiao Xiao asks if he minds others' opinions, Li Zeliang states that only his loved one's view matters; if she sees him as normal, then he is. Xiao Xiao wishes her own mother was as understanding.
Su Xieyi reassures her that her mother's concern stems from love but encourages Xiao Xiao to be strong, as she must learn to protect herself. Li Zeliang then encourages her to pursue singing, promising they will support her. Meanwhile, one of Huo Jian's henchmen searches the area for Liu Ah Wei's house but finds no information. In the city, Oscar complains about Shi Chuchu's lateness.
When she appears, he reprimands her for her lack of professionalism in their ruse to deceive Huo Jian, warning that her showing up empty-handed would arouse suspicion. He demands she bring soup and grapes the next day. Later, Shi Chuchu confronts Oscar, revealing that Ji Yingsong told her Huo Jian was already aware of Li Zeliang's feigned injury.
Oscar admits the ruse is exposed but claims he genuinely twisted his ankle while trying to stop Huo Jian from discovering Li Zeliang's secret room. He also informs her that Huo Jian is now in Yun'an, causing her to worry about Li Zeliang, but Oscar reassures her that Ji Yingsong is also there. Xiao Xiao leaves a note for her mother, stating her decision to sing by the riverside where her father often took her.
With encouragement from Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi, she performs using a microphone rented from a honey vendor, who promises to gift it to her if she does well. As she sings, she draws a crowd, and her mother arrives, deeply touched. Her mother tearfully apologizes for discouraging her passion and promises her full support.
Grateful to Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi, she reveals that Liu Ah Wei left behind a USB drive before his death, promising to give it to them in the morning. Unbeknownst to them, Huo Jian’s henchman observes this and reports back to Huo Jian, who orders his men to tail them. That evening, Su Xieyi and Li Zeliang discuss the USB drive, believing it contains crucial evidence.
They share a tender moment, reflecting on how their initial plan to get information evolved into a genuine desire to help Xiao Xiao. Li Zeliang recalls a night under a similar starry sky two years ago, when he listened to music on a mountaintop with "a girl," teasingly confessing to Su Xieyi that he has spent his life waiting for her. Unseen by them, Xie Minghao watches from a distance, pained by their closeness.
Elsewhere, Huo Jian's henchman confirms Liu Ah Wei's death, which Huo Jian considers good news, deciding to wait before acting. Later, Li Zeliang spots Huo Jian at a hotel and rushes back to warn Su Xieyi. Deducing that Huo Jian has just arrived, he concludes they are safe for the night but must retrieve the USB drive early the next morning.
The next morning, Li Zeliang and Su Xieyi arrive at Xiao Xiao's house, surprised to find Xie Minghao already there, posing as Li Zeliang's concerned uncle. As Madam Xia serves them breakfast, Huo Jian enters, having been tipped off by Xie Minghao. As Madam Xia goes to retrieve the USB drive, Su Xieyi whispers to Xiao Xiao, who then fruitlessly tries to convince her mother not to hand it over.
When questioned by Huo Jian, Su Xieyi cryptically tells the story of Little Red Riding Hood, implying he is the wolf. As Madam Xia brings out the USB drive, one of Huo Jian’s men snatches it and throws it into a fire. Li Zeliang calmly states that the culprit won't escape, having anticipated this and stationed Ji Yingsong outside. Moments later, both Li Zeliang and Huo Jian receive calls confirming the evidence has been destroyed.
Huo Jian smugly declares victory, but Li Zeliang retorts that their story is far from over. After Huo Jian leaves, Ji Yingsong helps an injured Xie Minghao back. Madam Xia explains that Xie Minghao sprained his elbow while trying to protect Xiao Xiao during the scuffle and offers to make him soup. Later, Li Zeliang privately questions Ji Yingsong, who denies having informed Xie Minghao of their location, deepening Li Zeliang’s suspicions.
Su Xieyi brings the soup to Xie Minghao, comforting him over the lost USB drive, and they confirm that Liu Ah Wei left no other clues. Li Zeliang then requests a private conversation with Xie Minghao. Meanwhile, Yi Fei presses Huo Jian about their marriage, believing that with the evidence destroyed, he is secure enough to fulfill his promise. Huo Jian dismisses her, stating that weaknesses, like Su Xieyi is to Li Zeliang, lead to ruin.
He accuses her of being greedy, but she reminds him of the promise he made when she aborted their child, clarifying she only wants a legitimate title. Huo Jian insists the time is not yet right and he will marry her only when he is truly free of all risks.
