The announcement of Shen Qingyi's pregnancy sent A-City into a frenzy that refused to die down. By the next morning, every major news outlet, gossip blog, and social media platform was flooded with the story. Photos from the press conference — Lu Beichen carrying his wife, his hand protectively on her stomach, her radiant smile beneath the phoenix tiara — dominated timelines. Hashtags trended globally:
#LuBabyIncoming
#SpoiledQueenPregnant
#IceEmperorSoftens
Videos of Lu Beichen's tender kiss to her belly during the private moments leaked (carefully curated by his team) and racked up millions of views. Comments poured in by the thousands:
"HE KISSED HER STOMACH 😭 I'm deceased."
"From surviving kidnapping and poison to this? Fairytale."
"Someone tell my husband that THIS is how you spoil a pregnant wife."
Shen Qingyi scrolled through her phone while lounging on the terrace chaise, a soft cashmere throw draped over her legs. Lu Beichen sat beside her, one arm around her shoulders, the other hand resting gently on her stomach as if he could already feel their child. Fresh mango slices and coconut water — flown in that morning — sat on the table beside them.
"They're calling me the ultimate spoiled wife now," she said with a soft laugh, showing him a particularly dramatic comment thread. "Some are saying you've set an impossible standard for all husbands in the capital."
Lu Beichen's lips curved in that rare, devastating half-smile. "Good. Let them try to keep up. You deserve standards no one else can meet." He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her temple, then lower to her still-flat belly. "Both of you do."
The morning was pure indulgence. A team of pregnancy specialists arrived for a gentle check-up, confirming everything remained perfect. Lu Beichen sat through every minute, asking detailed questions about nutrition, rest, and safety protocols. When the doctors left, he immediately ordered a custom nutrition plan: organic meals prepared by a private chef, vitamins sourced from the best suppliers, and a dedicated wellness room equipped with everything from prenatal yoga mats to a state-of-the-art massage chair.
"You're going overboard," Shen Qingyi teased as he fed her another perfectly ripe mango slice.
"Overboard is the minimum," he replied seriously, thumb brushing juice from her lip. "You carried the weight of revenge and rebirth alone in your past life. In this one, you carry our child while I carry everything else. That's the deal."
Her heart swelled. She pulled him down for a slow, grateful kiss that quickly deepened. The terrace doors were closed for privacy, and Lu Beichen took full advantage — his hands sliding under her silk robe with careful reverence, mindful of her new condition. Their lovemaking was tender and slow, filled with whispered endearments and gentle caresses. He worshipped her body as if it were sacred, bringing her to release with patient devotion before joining her, their bodies moving in perfect, loving sync.
Afterward, he held her close, one hand never leaving her stomach. "I love you," he murmured against her hair. "Both of you. More than empires. More than anything."
The public envy reached new heights that afternoon when Lu Beichen made another bold gesture. He posted a single, rare personal photo on his verified account — a candid shot of Shen Qingyi resting on the terrace, phoenix tiara still in her hair, his hand on her belly, the city skyline behind them. The caption was simple:
"Protecting what matters most. My queen. Our future."
The internet broke. Stock in Lu Corporation rose on the wave of positive sentiment. Luxury brands flooded the villa with gifts for the unborn child. Socialites who had once thrown subtle barbs now scrambled to send congratulatory messages laced with forced sweetness.
One message stood out — from Madame Zhao:
"Congratulations on the happy news, Mrs. Lu. Such a blessing after all your… challenges. We must have tea soon to celebrate properly."
Shen Qingyi read it aloud with a wry smile. "She still can't resist the dig."
Lu Beichen's eyes cooled. "Ignore her. Or, if you prefer, we can invite her to the private baby shower I'm already planning. Let her see up close how a real husband spoils his pregnant wife."
The idea made Shen Qingyi laugh. "Tempting. But for now, I have a craving. Strawberry cheesecake. At midnight. With extra strawberries on top."
"Done." He immediately sent a message to the chef. "It will be waiting whenever you want it. Even if I have to wake the entire pastry team in Paris."
The rest of the day blurred into more pampering. Lu Beichen worked from the villa's study with her curled on the sofa beside him, occasionally pausing meetings to bring her water or adjust her pillows. In the late afternoon, he surprised her with a custom pregnancy journal — leather-bound with phoenix embossing — and a set of prenatal books curated by experts.
As evening fell, they dressed for a quiet dinner at home. Shen Qingyi chose a flowing emerald maternity-style gown (already ordered in advance by Lu Beichen). He wore a simple black shirt with sleeves rolled up, looking devastatingly handsome in casual mode.
Over dinner — light, nutritious, and perfectly seasoned — they talked about the future. Names. Nursery designs. How they would balance business and family. Lu Beichen listened intently, offering ideas while making it clear she would never have to choose between her ambitions and motherhood.
"I want you to keep leading," he said, reaching across the table to lace their fingers. "Shen Group is yours to shape. Lu Corporation is ours. Our child will grow up watching their mother build empires and their father support her every step."
Shen Qingyi's eyes shimmered. "In my past life, I had nothing. Now I have everything — because I chose you."
Midnight brought the promised craving. The strawberry cheesecake arrived warm and fresh, topped with glistening berries. Lu Beichen fed her bites in bed, laughing softly when she moaned in delight. The simple moment felt more precious than any gala.
But as they settled for sleep, a new whisper of tension arrived via a secure message from his security team.
"Sir, Madame Zhao has been asking pointed questions about Mrs. Lu's pregnancy at several private luncheons. She's also been in contact with a distant Lu family branch that was close to Lu Heng. Nothing concrete yet, but we're monitoring."
Lu Beichen's jaw tightened, but he kept his voice calm as he showed Shen Qingyi the report. "Jealousy is turning into something sharper. We stay vigilant. But tonight…" He pulled her closer, hand returning to her stomach. "Tonight is only for us. For you and our little one."
Shen Qingyi nodded, resting her head on his chest. "Let them whisper. As long as I have you spoiling me like this, I can face anything."
The night ended with gentle kisses and quiet conversation about baby names. Lu Beichen fell asleep with his hand still protectively over her belly, as if shielding their future from the world.
The spoiled wife era had evolved.
No longer just revenge and luxury — it was now love, new life, and the quiet strength of a power couple ready to build a legacy.
Yet in the shadows, old grudges and new envy stirred.
For now, though, Shen Qingyi allowed herself to drift off in the arms of the man who had given her a second chance at everything.
The phoenix had risen.
The crown was hers.
And the Ice Emperor had become the most devoted husband and soon-to-be father the capital had ever known.