The ongoing C-drama The Double, starring Wu Jinyan and Wang Xingyue, released episode 18 on June 10, 2024, focusing on Fang Fei learning about her father’s whereabouts. Earlier, in episode 17, viewers saw Fang Fei using her wits to reunite Mr. Ye with his family.
The latest installment shows Fang Fei meeting with Xiao Heng for a meal. She asks him to resume his interrogation as she has nothing to hide. After Xiao Heng asks her who she really is, Fang confesses to not being the real Jiang Li. However, to her surprise, her answer doesn’t startle Xiao Heng. He calmly answers that he has already been aware. Moreover, he assures Fang Fei that he is eccentric and does not care how others view or criticize him.
Xiao Heng asks Fang Fei to keep her head high as she manages to take down someone as influential as Governor Tong. Under the beautiful moon, they bond over a shared meal and laughter. Xiao Heng advises her that she doesn’t need to seek clarity in everything. Fang Fei promises to keep living well.
Meanwhile, Fang Fei has not stopped thinking about Xiao Heng since she returned home. His words seem to have an effect on her, as she keeps thinking about the night Xiao Heng saved her at the underground market and held her close to keep her safe. Besides, she keeps admiring how he didn’t take advantage of her vulnerability.
The following day, Fang Fei receives an invitation from Qiongzhi to visit her house. However, the former is surprised to find her beaten up and unable to get up. Qiongzhi mentions that she has gathered information about Magistrate Xue. She has also found out that he is not dead yet. When asked who tortured her, she takes Magistrate Feng’s name. Fang Fei then promises to avenge her.
The Double episode 18 focuses on Wu Jinyan’s confession to Wang Xingyue
Qiongzhi reveals that Fang Fei’s father, Xue Huaiyuan, is still in Huaixiang Jail. Furthermore, she gives Fang Fei a map that Xue had left her. She takes it for leisurely doodles, but it is apparently his last work. In the meantime, Qiongzhi’s health deteriorates, and Fang Fei leaves the room to get some medicine for her. Unfortunately, she returns to find Qiongzhi dead on her bed.
On the other hand, Xiao Heng continues to investigate Chu Lan’s background. He finds out that he pays his house rent in scrap gold. It doesn’t take him long to figure out that Chu Lan must have connections with an illegal private gold mine.
Xiao Heng’s men are able to locate the sand gold mine soon enough, which is near Dong Mountain and unsecluded. On the surface, the mine is used to mine sand and earth. The workstations are near the imperial gold mine, and the workers use the open sand mine to steal from it. The imperial mine is in Huaixiang, and they built it around the same time when Xue Huaiyuan was imprisoned. Xiao Heng speculates that Li Zhongnan embezzled from the gold mine and framed Xue Huaiyuan for it. Furthermore, he suspects that the deaths of the Xue siblings are not solely because they offended Princess Wanning.
Fang Fei visits Huaixiang along with Mingyu. She aches to see that the once-buzzing townlet has turned into a ghost town. Corruption, gambling, and prostitution are prevalent throughout the county. Moreover, Fang Fei’s heart shatters when she sees her favorite childhood places have shut down.
She meets up with Magistrate Feng after Mingyu gets in trouble in the gambling den. Although Feng recognizes her at first, the protagonist is quickly able to handle the situation. He lets Mingyu go and offers to host her during her visit. However, Fang Fei turns down his offer.
The Double is available to stream on Youku throughout the week.
