When Hua Shilei saw Liu Yingmei's parents, he was stunned and didn't know how to respond for a moment.

When the figures of Liu's father and mother appeared at the door, people felt an invisible pressure coming towards them.

Their faces were solemn, and their eyes revealed an unwavering determination, as if they had already made an important decision.

Father Liu was the first to break the silence. His deep and powerful voice rang out like a bell:

"Shi Lei, we've heard some rumors about you and Ying Mei recently. While we understand that young people prioritize their careers, marriage shouldn't be an obstacle to pursuing a career!"

Hua Shilei's heart tightened, and he instantly realized that Liu's father and mother did not know the truth of the matter.

He opened his mouth and was about to explain the misunderstanding to the two elders, but at this time Liu's mother quickly took over the conversation.

Mother Liu's tone was slightly softer than Father Liu's, but the determination contained in it was no less:

"Yingmei has been raised in our care and pampered since she was little, so she is quite innocent and can be easily influenced by other people's words, leading to misunderstandings or being misled.

But as her parents, our greatest wish is that she can have a happy marriage and a good home.

As for you, Shi Lei, after observing you for some time, we sincerely believe that you are a trustworthy and reliable person.

Therefore, we have no objection to your marriage!"

Hua Shilei's heart suddenly shook, and an ominous premonition came to his mind.

He looked at the serious expressions of Mr. and Mrs. Liu in front of him, and a thin layer of sweat broke out on his forehead. He quickly explained:

"Uncle and aunt, please listen to me. You really misunderstood! Yingmei and I are just ordinary friends. Those rumors about us are all fabricated lies! There is no relationship between us that goes beyond friendship..."

However, before he could finish his words, Father Liu gently raised his hand and waved it, signaling him not to continue.

Father Liu's eyes revealed an expression of unquestionable determination, and he said slowly:

"Shi Lei, we know you are a kind-hearted and well-behaved child, but marriage is not something you can decide lightly.

This is a major life event, how can it be changed like a child's play? Besides, you said you were just ordinary friends, so why did you even meet each other's parents?

Now that things have developed to this point, can we still regret it so easily? "

Having said that, Father Liu paused, looked at Hua Shilei's face, which was uglier than if he had eaten bitter melon, and continued:

"Just a few days ago, Yingmei called us out of the blue. She said she asked you for help purely out of friendship, and there was no other special intention.

But who would believe that? Who would do such a big favor for no reason?

Shi Lei, tell me honestly in front of me today what you really think. Do you think my daughter Yingmei is not good enough for you? Or is there some other reason that makes you hesitant about this relationship?

At this time, Hua Shilei was a little overwhelmed by Liu's father's series of questions. He opened his mouth, but found that he didn't know how to answer for a moment.

Liu's mother, who was sitting next to him, looked at him worriedly, her eyes full of concern and confusion.

Mother Liu gently took over the conversation, and in her weather-beaten eyes there was a glimmer of eager anticipation, as eye-catching as the stars in the night sky.

She leaned forward slightly and said to Hua Shilei in an almost pleading tone:

"Xiaohua, we old couple sincerely hope that you can calm down and seriously think about your relationship with Yingmei...

Of course, if there is such a possibility, then getting married to you two is actually a good choice.

This will not only put an end to the rumors, but also give Yingmei peace of mind."

At this moment, Hua Shilei was like being struck by a sudden lightning, and he stood there in a daze.

He widened his eyes and looked in disbelief at Liu Yingmei's parents, who were talking incessantly and to themselves. His mind went blank, as if he had lost all ability to think in an instant.

He never imagined that what was originally just a baffling, fabricated rumor would develop into a blatant forced marriage! This was truly beyond his expectations.

Hua Shilei slowly shifted his gaze to the two elders in front of him, whose faces were full of expectation. A complex and inexplicable emotion surged in his heart, as if a bottle of five flavors had been overturned, with all kinds of tastes intertwined, such as sour, sweet, bitter, spicy and salty.

Deep down, he really didn't want to hurt these two kind and simple old people. After all, they were old and looked so sincere and earnest.

But he also knew very well that marriage was the most important thing in life and absolutely could not tolerate any carelessness or frivolity.

What's more, he had no feelings for Liu Yingmei at all. They were not even ordinary friends, so how could they talk about marriage?

Finally, he gritted his teeth and decided to speak frankly:

"Uncle and aunt, I..."

Hua Shilei stammered, wanting to say something but stopping himself, and beads of sweat gradually appeared on his forehead.

Seeing this, Father Liu's eyes flashed with disappointment, but he was a man of great experience and soon regained his composure. He still maintained his gentlemanly demeanor and said,

"Shi Lei, don't make it hard on yourself. Everything in this world is about fate. It can't be forced. I won't force you."

However, at this moment, Liu's mother, who had been relatively calm, suddenly exploded like a powder keg that had been lit.

Her well-maintained face was distorted by anger. She pointed a finger at Hua Shilei and started to curse without mercy:

"Hua, what's going on with you? Explain it to me!"

Our Yingmei is not only beautiful, but also has a good character. She is famous for her beauty and kindness. I wonder how many rich young men are lining up to marry her!

And you, on the other hand, are still hesitating and thinking over and over again?

I'm telling you, stop talking to me about fate or no fate! Isn't fate something that people strive for?

If you can't give us two a clear answer today, then don't even think about leaving this door!"

Mother Liu's words came at Hua Shilei like a string of cannonballs, and every word was like a sharp knife piercing his heart.