Once the meal was ready, Lian Hua waited with bright, gleaming eyes for him to speak. He nodded, and she smiled with her eyes squinted, eagerly starting to eat.
She was so very hungry, her stomach felt like it was on fire, compelling her to eat faster. Her cheeks puffed with each mouthful, and she almost choked.
The Emperor hastily patted her back to help her catch her breath, telling her, "Eat slower, no one is competing with you." Only then did she slow down.
After Lian Hua had finished eating, she began to feel drowsy again. Seeing this, the Emperor let her lean against him, massaging her belly, as it was not good to sleep right after eating.
Lian Hua leaned against the Emperor and fell into a deep sleep once again.
The Emperor rubbed her belly for a while, then he carried her to bed and laid her down. He watched her greedily for a long time, finally pulling himself away reluctantly and walking out of the Star Palace.