Truth or Dare Episode 18 Recap
> Truth or Dare Recap
Mei Shiqing kissed Xiao Wanzi, then departed with a smile. Xiao Wanzi, startled, pushed him away and asked why he had kissed her again, reminding him he had said there wouldn't be a next time. Mei Shiqing simply stated that he liked her, repeating his affection. When he asked if she was reluctant to accept his feelings, Xiao Wanzi confessed she didn't know what to do.
Mei Shiqing, seeing her distress, told her she didn't need to answer him immediately and to take time to think before he left. Meanwhile, He Yizhi met with Lu Yingyao, revealing he had found a clue about the map. Based on his observations, He Yizhi was certain the map was hidden within Nan Batian's crutch. He explained that Nan Batian, a seasoned veteran, trusted no one and kept his crutch with him at all times.
Lu Yingyao eagerly volunteered for the task, noting that Nan Batian would return to the stockade in a day or two, and He Yizhi cautioned her to be careful. Lu Yingyao then found Nan Xiang, who was frustrated that Bao preferred Lu Yingyao over her. Lu Yingyao, despite Nan Xiang's initial hostility, skillfully persuaded her that to win Bao's affection, she should not appear too eager.
She suggested that Nan Xiang personally cook a dinner to welcome Nan Batian back to the stockade, showcasing her womanly charm and creating a sense of urgency for Bao. Nan Xiang, though outwardly fierce, was secretly pleased with the suggestion. Following this, Lu Yingyao visited Brother Liu at the pharmacy, falsely claiming that Bao suffered from constipation to acquire a potent laxative.
Brother Liu warned her to be careful with the dosage, assuring her it was strong enough to cause tremendous runs. Upon Nan Batian’s return, Nan Xiang proudly presented him with a table full of dishes she had prepared. Nan Batian feigned delight, complimenting her cooking and discreetly spitting out the food when Nan Xiang wasn't looking.
He then inquired about Bao’s progress in capturing Lord Nocturnal-elf and, noticing Lu Yingyao’s improved appearance (her facial blemishes had cleared), expressed his intention to marry her soon. As Lu Yingyao poured wine for Nan Batian, her nervousness caused her to overfill the cup. When she offered to get him another, she secretly added the laxative to the new bowl. Nan Batian, captivated, drank it without suspicion.
Shortly after, the laxative took effect, causing Nan Batian to emit loud gas that disrupted the meal. He quickly excused himself to the pit latrine, leaving his crutch outside. Lu Yingyao seized the moment to grab the crutch and began to examine it. However, Bao suddenly appeared, questioning her presence and why she held Nan Batian’s crutch. Lu Yingyao claimed she had mistakenly come to the wrong place. Just then, Nan Batian emerged and saw Bao with his crutch.
Bao quickly fabricated a story, claiming he had noticed Nan Batian's uncomfortable walking and was examining the crutch for defects. Nan Batian retrieved his crutch, sternly warning Bao not to touch things he shouldn't. Later, Bao privately confronted Lu Yingyao about her actions, cautioning her that Nan Batian, despite his declining health, remained ruthless. Lu Yingyao acknowledged his warning. That night, Lu Yingyao informed He Yizhi that she found no mechanisms or map inside the crutch.
He Yizhi was deeply disheartened, lamenting that he might never see his daughter, Lady Yingyao, again. Xiao Wanzi was in turmoil, constantly reflecting on her relationship with Mei Shiqing and his identity as Lord Nocturnal-elf. She pondered why he was a junior general while she was merely a "rock-breaking busker," feeling she was not good enough. She worried that if Lady Yingyao were to return, everything she currently possessed, including Mei Shiqing, would have to be relinquished.
She reminded herself of her promise to return him to Lady Yingyao, yet she admitted she couldn't get him off her mind. The next day, Xiao Wanzi's somber mood caught the attention of Autumn Hua and Qiaoyun. They inquired about her relationship with Mei Shiqing, noting the unusual quietness between them. Xiao Wanzi, visibly flustered, vaguely stated they were "doing all right" and "getting along harmoniously," respecting each other like guests and not crossing the line.
Autumn Hua and Qiaoyun then expressed their growing concern for He Yizhi and Lady Yingyao, especially given He Yizhi's timid and gambling-addicted nature. Xiao Wanzi promised to inquire about them when she had the chance. Qiaoyun then reassured Xiao Wanzi, telling her that good people are blessed and that fate would not be unkind to her.
In another part of the mansion, Mei Shiqing, who was seemingly lost in thought about Xiao Wanzi, was informed by Siheng about developments in the salt smuggling case. Mei Shiqing subtly hinted to Siheng, who then loudly mentioned that the roasted goose Mei Shiqing had ordered for "Lady Yingyao" from Felicity Tavern was ready. Xiao Wanzi's ears perked up, her interest visibly piqued. Mei Shiqing invited her to join them, but she declined.
Mei Shiqing then, under the pretense of leaving for the tavern with Siheng, instructed guards to ensure Xiao Wanzi did not leave her room. After they had seemingly departed, Xiao Wanzi, believing she needed to contribute to solving the salt smuggling case and help those involved, cautiously opened her door. However, Mei Shiqing and Siheng were waiting just outside, "hunting for mice."
Mei Shiqing sent Siheng to escort Xiao Wanzi back to her room, though she insisted she could return herself. After they genuinely left, Xiao Wanzi once again quietly opened her door, determined to act. Rou reported to Mei Shiqing that Wang Biao had visited Dragon Stockade with a lavish gift, coinciding with the appearance of the fake Lord Nocturnal-elf. Mei Shiqing deduced that the fake Lord Nocturnal-elf was none other than Bao from Dragon Stockade, recognizing his fighting style.
Rou also revealed that the funding sources of Paradise Casino suggested a deeper connection than just Dragon Stockade, possibly linking it to the Salter Cartel. Xiao Wanzi, who had been secretly listening, realized the connection between Paradise Casino and Dragon Stockade, understanding that this implied a vast network of individuals involved in smuggling. Mei Shiqing sensed her presence and called her in.
He playfully teased her about her heavy footsteps from eating too much, while Siheng jokingly warned her that anyone else might have attacked her for eavesdropping. Mei Shiqing then criticized her for refusing his invitation to the tavern but sneaking out later. Xiao Wanzi defiantly asserted that she enjoyed it. Mei Shiqing, exasperated, decided to go out for fresh air.
Xiao Wanzi, determined to put an end to her ambiguous relationship with Mei Shiqing and wanting Lady Yingyao to return, resolved to use Paradise Casino to gather intelligence on Dragon Stockade, hoping to find her father and Lady Yingyao. Mei Shiqing, noticing her thoughtful expression, asked what "bad idea" she was contemplating. Xiao Wanzi quickly deflected, assuring him she had learned her lesson from her previous dangerous encounter and that she now prioritized using her mouth for "delicious food."
Mei Shiqing, seemingly convinced, believed her. Xiao Wanzi then suggested they try stinky tofu. Mei Shiqing initially found the smell repulsive, but after Xiao Wanzi made him try a piece, he admitted it was "not bad" and ordered two more portions. Later, Xiao Wanzi shared her findings about Paradise Casino being a Dragon Stockade property with Autumn Hua, confirming it as a promising lead for her father and Lady Yingyao.
Autumn Hua expressed concern about the casino manager, Chifeng, who was known to be troublesome. Xiao Wanzi reassured her that she had a plan and only needed Autumn Hua to wait for her outside. Despite Autumn Hua’s renewed offer to go in her stead, Xiao Wanzi insisted on her own method and made Autumn Hua promise not to tell Mei Shiqing. Autumn Hua reluctantly agreed.
Xiao Wanzi, disguised as Lord Nocturnal-elf, infiltrated Paradise Casino and demanded to speak with the manager, Chifeng. Intimidated by her presence, Chifeng cautiously responded to her questions about Dragon Stockade. After some pressure, he admitted to knowing He Yizhi, stating that he was living comfortably in Dragon Stockade, treated as Nan Batian's father-in-law.
When Xiao Wanzi inquired about Lady Yingyao's well-being, Chifeng revealed that Nan Batian had taken a fancy to her, though he also claimed she had developed a mysterious skin disease with abscesses, making others avoid her. He specified seeing her on the first day of the current month, which led Xiao Wanzi to deduce that casino personnel visited Dragon Stockade on that particular day. As Xiao Wanzi processed this information, other casino patrons moved to attack her.
Fortunately, the real Lord Nocturnal-elf (Mei Shiqing) arrived just in time, rescuing her from danger. Back at Mei Mansion, Mei Shiqing, still in his Lord Nocturnal-elf guise, reprimanded Xiao Wanzi for breaking her promise and recklessly going to the casino. Xiao Wanzi fiercely defended her actions, arguing that she had successfully intimidated the casino staff and could have gathered more intelligence if he hadn't intervened, asserting that "nothing venture, nothing have."
Mei Shiqing retorted that she had almost lost her life and called her "naive and silly." Xiao Wanzi, frustrated by his constant underestimation, insisted she had obtained valuable information and, despite lacking martial arts skills, possessed enough strength to protect herself. Mei Shiqing threatened to reclaim the cape and bracelet he had given her for protection if she continued to endanger herself. Enraged, Xiao Wanzi threw the items back at him, declaring she wanted no further connection with him.
Mei Shiqing watched her storm off, his emotions complex, muttering "You, stinky pork pellet." Xiao Wanzi later confronted Autumn Hua, who admitted to telling Mei Shiqing about her casino trip out of concern. Xiao Wanzi, acknowledging her worry, forgave her but warned her not to repeat it.
She then shared the information she had gathered: her father and Lady Yingyao were safe in Dragon Stockade, but Nan Batian had taken an interest in Lady Yingyao, implying a dire situation if they delayed. Xiao Wanzi immediately declared her intention to rescue them, but Autumn Hua cautioned her against acting alone, given Dragon Stockade's formidable forces.
Xiao Wanzi, however, insisted she had a new plan that required Autumn Hua and Qiaoyun's help, making Autumn Hua promise once again to keep it secret from Mei Shiqing. Returning to her room, Mei Shiqing and Siheng attempted to entice Xiao Wanzi with news of new dishes at Felicity Tavern, noting her unusual quietness. But Xiao Wanzi remained unresponsive. Realizing she was genuinely upset, Mei Shiqing dismissed Siheng, put on his Lord Nocturnal-elf mask, and sat before Xiao Wanzi.
