Episode Summary
Evidence emerges showing Xie Zhihua's disturbing behavior towards Cui Jiayi. During questioning, Cui Jiayi accuses Xie Zhihua of assault but has no memory of the specifics, leading to suspicions she was drugged. Xie Zhihua denies the accusations when detained by police. Lin Zhitao helps Cui Jiayi mend her strained relationship with her sister by sharing a personal story. Just as Xie Zhihua seems to be the clear culprit, a shocking alibi surfaces: he was arrested for soliciting prostitutes in another city on the day of the assault. With the investigation back to square one and forensic evidence hitting a dead end due to a limited DNA database, the true attacker remains unknown, and Cui Jiayi is plagued by nightmares.
Spoiler Alert
"Endless Protection" Episode 18 Recap & Spoilers: Secrets, Lies, and Nightmares
Well, folks, Episode 18 of Endless Protection just cranked up the tension to “sleep-with-the-lights-on” levels. Let’s unpack the emotional grenades and twisted mysteries this week threw at us.
Cui Jiayi’s Living Hell
Lin Zhipao finally sees the chilling video on Cui Jiayi’s phone, exposing the girl’s suffocating home life. Turns out, her brother-in-law Xie Zhihua has been lurking around her bedroom like a creepypasta villain—staring at her motionless while she hides under her blankets. (Cue collective “NOPE” from the audience.)
The Interrogation Twist
During a closed-door hearing with female officers and social worker Ma Wenwen, Cui Jiayi tearfully accuses Xie Zhihua of violating her. But here’s the catch: She insists it’s him yet can’t recall specific details. Detectives suspect she might’ve been drugged, which explains the foggy memory. (Side-eye at Xie Zhihua intensifies.)
Xie Zhihua’s Slimy Defense
Police detain Xie, who pulls the “but she’s like a sister to me!” card. When grilled about buying lingerie for 13-year-old Cui Jiayi, he claims it was for her older sister, Cui Mingli. Meanwhile, the camera cuts to him literally smirking while fantasizing about the girl. (Someone fetch the hand sanitizer—this guy’s pure filth.)
Sisterhood vs. Trauma
Cui Jiayi’s relationship with Cui Mingli hits rock bottom until Lin Zhipao shares her own sibling story: She hadn’t spoken to her brother for years until he heroically saved her from a deadly fire. (Cue tissues.) The heart-to-heart helps Cui Jiayi realize Mingli only brought her to the city to secure her education—not abandon her.
The Truth About Late-Night Dance Practices
Cui Jiayi’s friends reveal she’s been staying late at the dance studio to avoid Xie Zhihua—not sneaking around with boys. Mingli is gutted, realizing her sister’s silent suffering. (Justice for Cui Jiayi, please.)
Plot Twist: Xie’s Alibi
Just as we’re ready to throw Xie into fictional jail, the cops hit a wall. Turns out, he was arrested for solicitation in another city during the alleged assault. (Wait, what?) With no DNA matches in the database, the case stalls, and Cui Jiayi spirals into terrifying nightmares.
The Burning Question
If Xie’s alibi checks out… who hurt Cui Jiayi? The show dangles this mystery like a cliffhanger while forensic expert Lu Wenzhao races against time.
