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Just as Li Chen was listening to Lin Yue'e's report, a sudden gurgle rang out.

Lin Yue'e flushed scarlet and hurriedly covered her stomach. "Forgive my lapse, Your Majesty. I hope you-"

Li Chen smiled and waved a hand. "It's fine. Thank you for all your hard work."

He glanced at Guo Poyun, who stood beside them. "Old Guo hasn't eaten either. Let's all go out for a meal."

At the prospect of dining with Li Chen, a spark of delight flashed through Lin Yue'e's eyes, but she quickly resumed her respectful expression. "Your Majesty, I've heard a new hotpot restaurant recently opened in the Imperial Capital. Shall we go try it?"

Only after speaking did she remember Guo Poyun was there, and she added, "General Guo, can you handle spicy food?"

Guo Poyun hurriedly cupped his hands. "Anything is fine."

Inside, however, he grumbled, You needn't have asked me. With His Majesty here, do you think I'd dare be picky?

Then again, Minister Lin was showing him respect by asking.

Although Li Chen had just finished eating hotpot, he readily agreed.

The three of them arrived at another hotpot restaurant called the Nine Heavens Boiling Pavilion and chose a private room.

This restaurant had also been opened by Jiang Rong. The chain had many branches in the Imperial Capital.

"This one's delicious. It replenishes your qi and blood."

Li Chen picked up a slice of spirit beast meat and placed it in Lin Yue'e's bowl.

"This is good for your cultivation. Have some more."

"These mushrooms nourish your meridians. You've been working far too hard lately."

"Here, try this. It's especially good for women."

As Li Chen introduced the dishes, he kept serving Lin Yue'e food, as considerate as an older brother from next door.

Overwhelmed by his favor,