Episode Summary
In "Double Happiness" Episode 18, Qian Hao's suspicion of his wife, Hu Xiaojiao, reaches a breaking point when he discovers her discarding a lipstick she had just used on his mother, exposing her kindness as an act. This solidifies his distrust and creates a major rift in their marriage. Meanwhile, after further confrontations, Xu Kaixin decides to forgo traditional marriage plans, instead considering a one-year "family partnership" contract with Mei Chengyi. The episode is punctuated by subplots including Li Xiaoxiao's jealousy over her boyfriend and a strange late-night encounter where Hu Pei and Youyou discover a young boy crying in the bushes.
Spoiler Alert
Double Happiness Episode 18 Recap & Spoilers: The Lipstick and the Lie
Tensions simmer and secrets unravel in a dramatic episode that pushes relationships to the brink. While a family photo offers a rare moment of peace, Hu Xiaojiao's scheming backfires, leading to a major confrontation with Qian Hao. Meanwhile, Xu Kaixin rethinks her entire approach to romance, and a mysterious crying in the night leads to a shocking and bizarre discovery.
A Tug-of-War Over the Kids
The episode kicks off with Qian Hao bringing his children, Dami and Xiaomi, back to Xu Kaixin's home. His mother, Qin Sulan, clearly attached to her granddaughter, tries to insist that Xiaomi stay with them for a few more days. Xu Kaixin, however, stands firm and refuses. Not one to give up, Qin Sulan defiantly declares, "Let's see who can take Xiaomi," but the standoff is quickly and cleverly diffused by Dami, who tempts his little sister with the promise of "new toys at home." Xiaomi immediately stops her tears and happily agrees to go, leaving her grandmother's plan in tatters.
A Picture of Deception
Later, the Qian family gathers for a family portrait. Thanks to an earlier talk with his son, Qian Hao's father softens his typically harsh attitude towards Qin Sulan, making for a surprisingly harmonious atmosphere. But the peace is deceptive. Hu Xiaojiao, ever the schemer, makes a show of being a doting daughter-in-law by applying lipstick to Qin Sulan for the photo.
Elsewhere, Mei Chengyi is on a mission to win over Xu Kaixin. He asks her best friend, Li Xiaoxiao, for tips on what Xu Kaixin likes. A tipsy Xiaoxiao accidentally sends him a video of a boy band's high-energy dance routine. Mei Chengyi's stiff and awkward attempt to replicate the dance is interrupted by his kids, forcing him to play it off as just "stretching his muscles." His efforts fall flat when he shows Xu Kaixin, who is thoroughly unimpressed.
The Truth in the Trash
The turning point comes when Qian Hao is taking the kids downstairs. In the stairwell trash can, he discovers the very same lipstick Hu Xiaojiao had used on his mother just moments before. The "thoughtful" gift was just a prop, discarded as soon as it served its purpose. For Qian Hao, this is the final straw, confirming his long-held suspicion that all of Hu Xiaojiao's "kindness" towards his mother is a performance. His disgust for her deepens. When he confronts her, she tries to justify it by claiming she's worried about the chemicals in makeup affecting their unborn child, but Qian Hao doesn't buy the excuse for a second.
Contracts and Confrontations
At Xu Kaixin's apartment, the tension between her and Qian Hao is palpable. He suggests leaving the security deposit with her for "next time," but she insists on settling the payment in full, right then and there. Hu Xiaojiao, who has been eavesdropping nearby, immediately sends a provocative text message to Xu Kaixin, only to be shut down by a sharp, cutting reply.
This series of events seems to solidify a new resolve in Xu Kaixin. She confides in Li Xiaoxiao that she has changed her mind about marriage. Instead, she's considering proposing a one-year "family partnership" contract to Mei Chengyi. As they talk, Li Xiaoxiao's own relationship drama unfolds when she sees security footage of her boyfriend, Song Ran, adding another woman's contact information on WeChat, sending her into a spiral of jealousy.
A Sleepless Night and a Spooky Encounter
In the car ride home, Hu Xiaojiao tries to fish for praise from Qian Hao for her behavior, but he immediately confronts her about the discarded lipstick. The argument escalates at home, leading them to sleep in separate rooms. Though he eventually returns to their bedroom, he lies stiff and unresponsive when she tries to embrace him, the chasm between them wider than ever.
Later that night, a strange crying sound draws Youyou out of her room. Hu Pei, startled awake by a Shiba Inu, follows after her. The night takes a bizarre turn when Hu Pei, wearing a sheet mask, accidentally terrifies Youyou. The source of the crying is finally revealed: a young boy is standing in the bushes, weeping. He had run away from home, trying to get to the cemetery to visit his deceased mother, before his father finds him and takes him home.
Lingering Questions
With Qian Hao's trust in Hu Xiaojiao completely shattered, their marriage is on the verge of collapse. Will Xu Kaixin's unconventional "partnership" proposal be accepted by Mei Chengyi, or will it push him away? And what new story will the brief but emotional appearance of the runaway boy introduce for Hu Pei and Youyou?
