Episode Summary
Su Chengcheng uses her upgraded bracelet's 3D printing and projection to fake Quan Shengtang's death, deceiving Tang Qi. However, Tang Qi discovers the ruse through fake blood and inconsistencies in Shengtang's identity. He fakes blindness to expose Chengcheng, who is caught between her lies and genuine concern for Tang Qi.
Spoiler Alert
In Episode 22 of "Filter," the drama intensifies as Su Chengcheng's elaborate ruse with the upgraded filter bracelet is put to the test. After the ambulance speeds away from Tang Qi, Chengcheng, along with Su Qingli and the supposedly ill Quan Shengtang (who is actually Lin Yuan, thanks to the bracelet's 3D printing and projection capabilities), celebrate their successful deception. Chengcheng had initially hesitated to completely erase Tang Qi's memory of Shengtang, feeling it was too cruel. However, after seeing photos of Tang Qi at her home, sent by Qingli, she steels her resolve and commits to the plan. Qingli wisely cautions Chengcheng about the bracelet's potential side effects, reminding her that there's no such thing as a free lunch.
Meanwhile, Tang Qi, heartbroken over Shengtang's apparent death, notices something amiss with the bloodstains on his clothes – the color seems off. Gu Yu confirms his suspicions, pointing out the improbability of Tang Qi witnessing so many sudden deaths recently. At the lab, Tang Qi discovers the "blood" is merely stage makeup, proving Shengtang is alive. His search for Shengtang's true identity leads him to a dead end: Fang Jin, Shengtang's supposed boyfriend, is unreachable and supposedly out of the country, and the police have no record of Quan Shengtang.
The next morning, Tang Qi calls Chengcheng, wanting to attend Shengtang's funeral. Chengcheng, caught off guard, claims Shengtang has already been cremated and his ashes scattered. She even fabricates a grandmother for Shengtang when Tang Qi presses for details. Tang Qi visits the "grandmother" (actually Chengcheng in disguise), testing her with questions and offers of care. Gu Yu, meanwhile, investigates the neighborhood, gathering information. Suddenly, Tang Qi experiences temporary blindness, and the "grandmother" rushes him to the hospital.
Doctors find nothing physically wrong with Tang Qi's eyes, attributing the blindness to psychological shock from Shengtang's "death." Chengcheng, feeling responsible, cares for Tang Qi until Gu Yu arrives. Tang Qi insists Gu Yu escort Chengcheng home, but it's all a ruse. Tang Qi was faking his blindness to expose Chengcheng, and he clearly saw her actions. He then calls Chengcheng, who, being with Gu Yu, is unable to answer freely. Worried, she has Gu Yu call Tang Qi.
A further complication arises when Lin Yuan takes "Grandma" home, encountering Gu Yu with Chengcheng. It turns out Chengcheng is using Lin Yuan's grandmother's house. Lin Yuan quickly ushers "Grandma" away. Still concerned, Chengcheng calls Tang Qi as soon as she can, resuming her normal identity.
