Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Upon returning to the capital, Ying Zhiyu's first priority was to accompany Li Xi to meet Li Songqian.

Despite his mental preparation, Ying Zhiyu was still taken aback by the overwhelming display of arrangements after sharing the news of the pregnancy.

On the day they moved back to the Li family’s garden villa, a team of professionals converged: nutritionists, health consultants, private doctors, maternal and infant specialists, and interior designers.

The nutritionists, health consultants, and private doctors formed Li Xi’s dedicated diet and routine team, crafting personalized nutrition plans, fitness routines for the pregnant Omega, and real-time health monitoring.

The maternal and infant specialists took charge of procuring all baby supplies. Though Li Xi was only five months pregnant, items for the baby, covering up to five months post-birth, were already fully prepared.

Meanwhile, the interior designers were tasked with renovating the new nursery at the Li residence. Their work encompassed everything from eco-friendly materials for decor and furniture to a thoughtfully designed, comprehensive smart home system, meticulously detailed with safety features suitable for a newborn.

Ying Zhiyu noted the specifics: a whole-house water purification system, an air purification system, and a constant temperature and humidity system—essentially covering every possible enhancement and purification for the newborn's environment.

He couldn’t help but marvel at how the baby was being raised like a hothouse flower.

At the same time, it reaffirmed his understanding of just how much importance Li Songqian placed on his Omega third son.

No wonder Li Qin and Li Lv harbored complaints.

When Han Qiyu was in her late pregnancy, recuperating at the Li family’s mountain villa estate, Li Songqian hadn't personally arranged things with such meticulous care.

The favoritism was indeed glaringly obvious.

In an ultra-wealthy dynasty like the Lis, this wasn’t merely about loving one child more than another; personal feelings often took a backseat to family interests.

Li Songqian’s emphasis on Li Xi’s offspring was more about sending a signal.

Whether it was due to hard and soft power, strategic control over the group’s future macro-development, or considerations of the vastly different family backgrounds behind Li Qin and Li Lv compared to Li Xi, one thing was clear: Li Songqian had long favored Li Xi as the successor to the LI Group.

As long as Li Xi could produce an heir—preferably an Alpha or Omega descendant—even if not, having an heir like Li Qin would still be better than none!

In his previous life, the LI Group likely didn’t even need to wait until Li Songqian fell seriously ill before descending into a succession free-for-all.

After moving back into the garden villa, the better and more attentively the Li family’s household staff cared for Li Xi and Ying Zhiyu, the clearer Ying Zhiyu’s understanding grew of the succession dynamics in his previous life.

The Li family’s medical team monitored the baby's development in Li Xi’s womb every morning and evening.

They didn’t neglect Ying Zhiyu, the baby’s Alpha father-to-be, either, since the spouse's health was equally important to the pregnant Omega and the child.

During these times, Ying Zhiyu couldn’t help but put himself in Li Songqian’s shoes from his past life.

A century-old, trillion-dollar pheromone business empire, four descendants, three potential Alpha and Omega successors—yet they failed to produce a single third-generation AO heir.

Especially the Omega third son, who, after years of marriage, had never conceived. Li Songqian must have known that Li Xi’s medical reports showed no issues, yet his son insisted on staying with an Alpha who was "barren."

One can imagine the frustration.

That Li Songqian actually put up with him for so many years in his previous life now made Ying Zhiyu admire the man somewhat...

Li Songqian’s daily routine involved waking at 6:30 a.m. in the summer for an hour of morning exercise, while in winter, he woke an hour later at 7:30 a.m.

May and June fell under the summer schedule.

When Ying Zhiyu and Li Xi first moved back, Ying Zhiyu slept less due to adjusting to the new environment and often woke up early.

Instead of lingering in bed, he would occasionally join Li Songqian for morning exercises.

They would warm up, practice Baduanjin, a form of Chinese exercise, and sometimes even play a few rounds of golf together.

Li Songqian wasn’t difficult to get along with.

He rarely interfered in his children’s affairs—otherwise, he wouldn’t have allowed his second Alpha son to live a wild, marriage-like single life after an arranged marriage, or let his Omega third son marry some nobody Alpha on a whim.

On the golf simulation course at the top floor of the Li family’s garden villa, after yet another hole-in-one—whether by luck or continued divine favor—Li Songqian arched an eyebrow slightly. “Have you practiced before?”

One hole-in-one might be luck, but two or three couldn’t be dismissed as mere chance.

From Ying Zhiyu’s swing and performance over just a few strokes, Li Songqian could tell that his third son-in-law was no complete beginner at the sport.

After all, why would an ordinary person casually play golf?

Li Songqian’s remark could be taken as praise for Ying Zhiyu’s shot, or, from another angle, as a subtle probe.

Ying Zhiyu, having anticipated this, deftly credited Li Xi: “Third Young Master taught me well.”

In truth, in his previous life, equestrianism, fencing, tennis, golf, and other so-called “noble sports” had been part of a tailored curriculum arranged by Li Xi for Ying Zhiyu.

That Li Xi “doted” on his new Alpha spouse was already well-known in capital high society.

Li Songqian didn’t doubt that his third son would personally teach Ying Zhiyu. However, upon hearing the formal address, he asked, “Still calling him ‘Third Young Master’?”

Ying Zhiyu immediately feigned shyness, scratching his head as he explained, “I don’t call him that at home.”

Li Songqian understood—at home, it was surely some “mushy” term unfit for an elder’s ears!

Not long after, Li Xi also arrived at the golf simulation course.

Li Songqian, deeply concerned for his pregnant Omega son, went to greet him personally.

Ying Zhiyu walked over as well. Though in his second trimester, Li Xi wasn't too weighed down yet and joined them for a few swings. However, Li Songqian didn’t let the pregnant Omega play for long, so breakfast that morning was moved up by ten minutes.

Lately, Li Songqian’s relationship with his third son-in-law, Ying Zhiyu, had visibly improved.

This was evident in small ways: an extra portion of Chinese breakfast dishes tailored to Ying Zhiyu’s preferences, and occasional post-meal chats about the progress of artificial pheromone research.

After breakfast that day, before leaving the dining room, Li Songqian even patted Ying Zhiyu on the shoulder before heading out.

Li Xi glanced at the Alpha beside him, who was still leisurely enjoying his *youtiao* dipped in soy milk, and remarked dryly, “Anyone would think you came back just to ‘accompany Dad during his pregnancy.’”

Ying Zhiyu choked mid-bite, nearly coughing up his *youtiao*.

“Cough, cough, cough.”

Li Xi patted the young Alpha’s back, who couldn’t even eat *youtiao* without causing worry.

The “troublesome” young Alpha: “...”

After becoming pregnant, the Young Master no longer felt jealous of outside Omegas, but instead became jealous of the Alpha father at home.

When Ying Zhiyu finally swallowed that half piece of fried dough stick, he turned his head and smiled at the pregnant Omega—a smile that made his eyes crinkle, full of teasing.

Li Xi shifted his gaze away uncomfortably.

Ying Zhiyu reached out and took Li Xi's hand, which had been patting his back, holding it in his palm and gently stroking it, feigning surprise.

"What do you mean by 'accompanying the birth'? I just simply want to live with Brother Xixi."

Hearing this, Li Xi's eyelashes trembled slightly, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

He gripped Ying Zhiyu's hand back, squeezing it tightly.

While playing with Third Prince Li's still slender and strong fingers, Ying Zhiyu mused to himself.

Getting up early every day for morning exercise during this period had brought other rewards too.

Ying Zhiyu clearly realized that, given Li Songqian's doting fatherly attitude toward his Omega third son, following Li Qin, Ying Zhiyu could basically also rule out the possibility that Li Songqian would have plotted against him from behind in their previous life.

If he really wanted to eliminate him, he wouldn't have needed to wait more than ten years after marriage.

So, among the Li family members, that only leaves Li Lv?

-

In less than five months, the new baby would be arriving.

In his free time outside work and daily routines, Ying Zhiyu would also join Li Xi in selecting items from the list of baby products carefully chosen by maternal and infant experts, choosing some they could make together.

Like the newborn crib currently placed in the newly decorated nursery, which Ying Zhiyu assembled himself.

After becoming pregnant, Li Xi's weekly horseback riding and combat training sessions were canceled, replaced by daily walks, swimming twice a week, and prenatal yoga classes three to five times a week.

On this day, when Li Xi's yoga coach arrived, Ying Zhiyu happened to be at home.

He had never seen Li Xi practice yoga before, so out of curiosity, he went into the yoga training room with him.

While Li Xi went to change into yoga clothes, the yoga coach enthusiastically invited Ying Zhiyu to join his Omega in practicing that day's yoga session.

Ying Zhiyu quickly waved his hands: "No, no, I'll just watch."

Just as Ying Zhiyu was nearly scared off by the yoga coach's enthusiasm and about to duck out of the room to avoid the spotlight, Li Xi emerged from the changing room.

Ying Zhiyu's gaze swept over him and lingered.

The benefits of yoga wear are quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and breathable, and they allow for ease of movement, while the tight fit also accentuates the wearer's figure.

Prenatal yoga outfits also include high-waisted yoga pants.

Li Xi, more than five months pregnant, maintained his figure well everywhere except his waist and abdomen, with no excess fat.

The first yoga pose the coach had Li Xi practice was called "Cat-Cow Pose."

The practitioner kneels on the ground with elbows touching the floor.

Ying Zhiyu heard the coach continuously prompting during Li Xi's practice: "Inhale, look up and arch your lower back."

"Exhale, lower your head and round your back."

"Focus on your breath, gently draw in your abdomen."

"Lift your tailbone, adjust your breathing."

The second yoga pose was called "Warrior II Pose."

This pose requires the practitioner to spread their legs wide apart with arms extended horizontally, mainly exercising the pregnant Omega's arm and leg muscle strength.

The third yoga pose was called "Wall-Assisted Chair Pose."

Essentially, it involves imagining sitting on an invisible chair.

Ying Zhiyu guessed this was also for building strength in the legs and glutes.

Then came the fourth, fifth, sixth yoga poses…

Throughout Li Xi's yoga practice, the only sounds in the training room were the coach's instructions and Li Xi's breathing adjusting to the rhythm.

Inhale, exhale.

Ying Zhiyu unconsciously watched the entire yoga session.

When the session ended, the yoga coach helped Li Xi stretch and relax, then nodded to Ying Zhiyu sitting in the corner by the door before leaving the yoga room first.

Only then did Ying Zhiyu snap out of it, quickly standing up.

Meanwhile, Li Xi in the center of the room looked over at Ying Zhiyu.

In that glance, Ying Zhiyu was sure he saw an "invitation."

Though yoga practice seems slow-paced and relaxed, by the end of the session, Li Xi's hair and body were almost completely drenched in sweat.

Ying Zhiyu hesitated by the door for a moment but ultimately decided not to move.

Seeing the Alpha unresponsive, Li Xi stood up and walked toward Ying Zhiyu.

Ying Zhiyu watched as Li Xi approached—sweat still beaded on his face.

Even his eyelashes were glistening with sweat as he looked at Ying Zhiyu: "You watched for so long. Want to test the results?"

Ying Zhiyu kept his eyes down, neither nodding nor shaking his head.

Li Xi's private doctor, Qin Baoyan, had said that during pregnancy, intimate activities could be appropriate after entering the second trimester, but it entirely depended on the pregnant Omega's own will.

Though the yoga outfit paired with the pregnant Omega's round belly did look tempting, as a disciplined Alpha, Ying Zhiyu remained silent.

But in the end, when Third Prince Li offered such a warm invitation, of course Ying Zhiyu didn’t pass up the feast.

Only...

Ying Zhiyu was still mindful of the pregnant Omega's comfort and moved very carefully.

Third Prince Li, however, couldn’t stand this slow, frustrating pace. He flipped over, pressed Ying Zhiyu down, and simply took control of the rhythm himself.

Not daring to resist, the Alpha enjoyed his lover's initiative while gazing at the Omega's focused, cool expression even in such a moment.

He marvelled inwardly: Third Prince Li truly is a man of few words but decisive action.

Quite suited for forced love scenarios.

After all that commotion, Li Xi proved with facts that even at five months pregnant, his stamina is still impressive.

They ended up showering in the yoga studio's bathroom.

Back in the room, Ying Zhiyu noticed a bottle of massage oil on the bathroom counter in the bedroom.

He suddenly recalled Qin Baoyan's reminder that after five months of pregnancy, the belly starts to grow, and to prevent or alleviate stretch marks, you're supposed to apply oil after showering, right?

So, Ying Zhiyu picked up the massage oil bottle and went to ask Li Xi if he wanted to use it.

Li Xi looked up at Ying Zhiyu for a moment, then slowly nodded.

Ying Zhiyu carefully read the instructions on the massage oil bottle, strictly followed the directions to warm the oil in his palms, and then applied it to Li Xi's abdomen.

Since this massage oil can actually be used all over the body, Ying Zhiyu, being inexperienced, poured too much at once. He used the extra oil on other parts of Li Xi's body.

Just as Ying Zhiyu was lowering his head, focused on applying the oil, Li Xi above suddenly spoke.

"You've got oil on your face."

His voice was a bit hoarse.

Ying Zhiyu said "Ah?", looked up, and asked, "Where?"

Li Xi stared intently at Ying Zhiyu's face for two seconds before saying, "Left cheek."

Ying Zhiyu tried to wipe it off himself and asked again, "Is it gone?"

Li Xi raised his hand.

Ying Zhiyu thought Li Xi wanted to wipe it for him and even leaned in closer to make it easier for Li Xi.

However, the next moment, the Omega was already pressing closer.

Ying Zhiyu: "..."

*Again?*

Li Xi doesn’t like turning away from Ying Zhiyu. The young master, who is willing to try any position, hates being from behind.

He likes to watch Ying Zhiyu's face.

Sometimes he doesn’t even close his eyes when they kiss.

Ying Zhiyu suddenly wondered—that when Li Xi first chose him at the LI Laboratory, it might not have had anything to do with his education, background, or any "auspicious husband" traits.

Maybe it was simply because he liked Ying Zhiyu's face?