A reborn mother longs for her daughter's happiness.

Chapter 152 When Love Collidees with a "Parents' Meeting"

In Li Yuan's vibrant subsidiary, another busy day began. In the office, documents rustled in the printer, and colleagues moved between workstations, discussing project plans. Li Shiqing sat at her desk, diligently working on her computer screen, sunlight streaming through the window and casting a soft golden glow on her hair.

Just then, Zhang Chen, like a mischievous little deer, skipped over to Li Shiqing's workstation, a mysterious smile on his face, his eyes sparkling, and whispered, "Shiqing, I have something to tell you. Yesterday, my parents received a photo of us holding hands, and guess what? They actually invited you to dinner!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shiqing's eyes widened in surprise, and she almost dropped her pen. She scolded, "Huh? How did your parents find out so suddenly? This is too sudden!"

Zhang Chen scratched his head and smiled sheepishly, "I didn't expect it either. I guess some 'helpful bystander' took a picture and sent it to them. But don't worry, my parents are really nice, they'll definitely like you."

Li Shiqing hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, then I'll have to prepare properly."

After get off work, Li Shiqing, like a busy little bee, plunged into the mall. She weaved between the various gift sections, her eyes constantly scanning the shelves. One moment she'd pick up a beautifully packaged box of tea, examining it closely; the next she'd look at an expensive bottle of red wine, pondering. "This tea looks nice, will Zhang Chen's father like it? Oh well, I'll look around some more," she muttered to herself. After browsing for quite some time, finally, Li Shiqing walked out of the mall, satisfied, carrying her bags. She had already prepared the most suitable gift for their meeting that evening.

As night fell and the city lights came on, the city was adorned with exceptional beauty. Zhang Chen and Li Shiqing, hand in hand, arrived at a private room in an upscale restaurant. Li Shiqing's heart began to race involuntarily; she gripped Zhang Chen's hand tightly, her palms slightly sweaty.

Zhang Chen sensed her nervousness, gently squeezed her hand, and comforted her, "Don't be nervous, I'm here for you."

Pushing open the door, Zhang Chen's parents were already seated in the private room. Seeing them enter, they immediately stood up, their faces beaming with warm smiles. Zhang Chen introduced them with a smile, "Dad, Mom, this is Li Shiqing. Shiqing, these are my dad and my mom."

Li Shiqing quickly stepped forward and said obediently, "Hello, Uncle and Aunt, this is a small gift I brought for you. I hope you like it."

Zhang Chen's mother accepted the gift, her eyes crinkling into slits with a smile: "Oh dear, this child is too kind. You didn't need to bring a gift. Please, have a seat."

Everyone took their seats, and the waiters began serving the dishes. The table was laden with all sorts of delicious food, including tender steaks, golden roast duck, and exquisite seafood platters... But Li Shiqing was too nervous to eat. She secretly glanced at Zhang Chen, who gave her an encouraging look.

Zhang Chen's father picked up his wine glass and said with a smile, "Shi Qing, the reason I called you here today is to have a good chat with you. Our Zhang Chen usually seems quite clever, but I didn't expect him to be so shy when it comes to dating. He doesn't talk to us much about you."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen quickly retorted, "Dad, don't talk nonsense. I'm just looking for a suitable opportunity." Everyone was amused by his expression.

Zhang Chen's mother then asked, "Shi Qing, how did you and Zhang Chen meet?"

Li Shiqing took a deep breath to calm her nervousness and said, "Auntie, Zhang Chen and I were classmates in junior high school. We were in the same class back then. I remember once when the school organized a sports meet, Zhang Chen participated in the running competition and accidentally fell, scraping his knee. I even took him to the infirmary to treat his wound. From then on, we became good friends, and we still are now."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen's father smiled and said, "Oh, I see. You two have known each other for so many years, so you must have a very deep bond. Zhang Chen was a mischievous kid when he was young, and he caused his teachers and parents a lot of worry. You'll have to be more tolerant of him."

Li Shiqing said with a smile, "Uncle, Zhang Chen is doing very well now. He works very hard and takes good care of me."

Zhang Chen listened from the side, feeling secretly pleased. He said, "Dad, Mom, please don't expose my past. Shi Qing and I are together because we take care of each other and help each other grow." As he spoke, he placed a piece of roast duck on Li Shi Qing's plate and said with a doting look, "Shi Qing, try this, it's delicious."

Seeing how affectionate they were, Zhang Chen's mother smiled with relief: "Seeing you two so loving makes us feel at ease. Shi Qing, if Zhang Chen ever bullies you, just tell Auntie, and Auntie will teach him a lesson."

Li Shiqing quickly waved her hand and said, "Auntie, Zhang Chen won't bully me. He's very good to me."

At this moment, Zhang Chen suddenly remembered something funny. He laughed and said, "Dad, Mom, do you remember when I failed my exam in junior high school and the teacher called my parents in? I was so scared that I didn't dare to go home. It was Shi Qing who stayed with me and gave me advice on how to tell you."

Zhang Chen's parents couldn't help but laugh when they heard this: "We remember that. Back then, you were worried that we would beat you up."

As everyone ate, they reminisced about Zhang Chen and Li Shiqing's moments together, and the atmosphere grew increasingly warm and friendly. Li Shiqing gradually relaxed, realizing that Zhang Chen's parents were truly kind and approachable, just like her own family.

After dinner, Zhang Chen's father said earnestly, "Shi Qing, we really like you, and we hope you and Zhang Chen can be happy together. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can tell us. We are family."

Li Shiqing nodded gratefully, her eyes welling up with tears: "Uncle and Aunt, thank you. I will get along well with Zhang Chen."

As they left the restaurant, Zhang Chen and Li Shiqing walked hand in hand down the street.

Zhang Chen said happily, "Shi Qing, see, I told you my parents would like you. This meal was so enjoyable."

Li Shiqing leaned on Zhang Chen's shoulder and said happily, "Yes, I didn't expect it to go so smoothly. Your parents are so kind; I was a little too nervous."

Zhang Chen smiled and said, "We'll get to know each other better after a few more meetings. My parents already consider you their own daughter."

Moonlight bathed them, casting long shadows, and their laughter echoed in the night sky. This special "parents' meeting" not only deepened the bond between Li Shiqing and Zhang Chen but also filled them with anticipation for the future. Their love story will continue to unfold in this warmth and happiness…