Chapter 25 – “Surprise? — or Shock?  Early ‘Meet‑the‑Parents’??”

Stunned, Li Huan‑huan could only stammer “O‑okay…” when Qin Shi asked for an hour to talk.
She showered, dried her hair, changed into orange cat‑print pyjamas and prepared for the coming “war.”

But outside, fate moved faster.

Parents appear

Just after Qin finished showering, he brewed a ginger‑syrup drink for her fever scare. When he stepped out, ginger in hand, the elevator opened: Aunt Su Mei and Uncle Liu (Huan‑huan’s mum and step‑dad) were back in town. They caught him hanging the bag on 149’s doorknob.

Polite interrogation ensued.
“Are you the young man who saved our Huan‑huan?”
Caught off‑guard, Qin straightened like a soldier: “Yes, Auntie, I’m Qin Shi… a friend.”

Five minutes later he was sitting on the sofa, mask off, behaving like the most impeccable future son‑in‑law while Su Mei poured tea and Liu sliced fruit.

Pyjama entrance

Bathroom door opened—Huan‑huan padded out in cat pyjamas, mug in hand … froze … sprayed water.

Why is Mum on my sofa with Qin Shi?!

She fled, changed clothes, grabbed the half‑terrified Cat Majesty from under the bed, then marched into the living‑room, barked: “Qin Shi! With me, now!”

Qin obediently rose; Su Mei looked shocked; Liu blinked.

Emergency extraction

Huan‑huan dragged him toward the door.
Su Mei called after: “He saved you, child! Have you even thanked him? I wanted to cook for him!”

Huan‑huan panicked—couldn’t let her mother dig further. She blurted the first escape plan that came to mind:

“Mum, we already arranged to have dinner together tonight to thank him! We’re running late!”

She shot Qin a play along or die glare.

Qin’s lips curved; he squeezed her hand, fingers interlacing, lifted their joined hands towards the parents and confirmed warmly:

“Yes, Auntie, we have a reservation. I’ll take good care of Huan‑huan.”

Su Mei’s eyes sparkled—the implicit couple gesture wasn’t missed. Early meeting the parents? Surprise or shock indeed…