** Beneath the Heart of Ice**

Chapter : New Beginnings

Years passed, and life settled into a comfortable routine for Li Yin and Lu Zhen. Their little boy, Li Wei, had grown into an energetic toddler with bright eyes and a curious spirit. The couple had seamlessly blended their work and family lives, cherishing every moment they spent together.

One sunny afternoon, while Li Yin was deep in a meeting and Lu Zhen was focused on a project, the door to their office swung open, and in rushed Li Wei, his face flushed with excitement. “Papa! Mama!” he screamed, his voice echoing through the halls.

Lu Zhen and Li Yin exchanged amused glances before emerging from their respective cabins. “What’s all this commotion about?” Lu Zhen asked, smiling as he knelt down to greet their son.

“Let’s go home!” Li Wei exclaimed, bouncing on his toes, clearly unable to contain his enthusiasm.

Li Yin laughed and ruffled his hair. “Okay, buddy. We’ll leave in just a minute,” she said, her heart swelling with love at his eagerness. But before they could head out, Li Wei’s face grew serious, and he blurted out, “From today, I will sleep alone!”

Li Yin raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “What changed, sweetie?” she asked gently, kneeling to be at his level.

With the seriousness of a little boy on a mission, Li Wei replied, “Papa said if I sleep alone, I will get a baby sister!”

Li Yin's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly shot a glance at Lu Zhen, who was trying to suppress a laugh but failing miserably. “Lu Zhen!” she exclaimed, playfully pulling her husband’s ear as she turned to their son. “Did you really tell him that?”

Lu Zhen held up his hands in mock surrender, a broad grin spreading across his face. “It was just a little motivation! I thought it would help him transition to sleeping in his own bed,” he defended, trying to maintain his innocence.

“Wait until we get home, you two,” Li Yin said, playfully wagging her finger at both of them. The tone of her voice was lighthearted, but everyone around the office could see the playful reprimand was laced with affection.

The other employees watched in amusement, their chuckles echoing through the office. They had become accustomed to the dynamic between Li Yin, Lu Zhen, and Li Wei—a joyful blend of love and mischief. It was a familiar scene that filled the office with warmth, reminding everyone that family was at the heart of their lives.

Li Wei, oblivious to the laughter around him, puffed out his chest proudly. “I’m going to be a big brother!” he declared, his confidence shining through.

“Then you’ll need to help us take care of your baby sister,” Li Yin said, a teasing glint in her eye.

“I will! I promise!” Li Wei exclaimed, jumping up and down.

Lu Zhen bent down to pick him up, swinging him into the air before cradling him in his arms. “Alright, then. Let’s go home and start preparing for your new role,” he said, pretending to be serious while his eyes twinkled with joy.

As they made their way out of the office, the warmth of their laughter filled the hallways, and the anticipation of a new chapter hung in the air. The bond between the three of them felt unbreakable, and even with the promise of sleepless nights ahead, Li Yin felt a rush of excitement at the thought of expanding their family.

“Together,” she thought, as they walked hand-in-hand, ready to embrace whatever awaited them in their beautiful journey ahead.