Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)-Chapter 177: Panicking little cuties

Xiang Yu realised he had been staring for too long. He looked away quickly, saying nothing. Han Xin’s brow arched slightly, recalling Han Zhan’s words from that morning. Was Xiang Yu really interested in both men and women? The thought lingered for a moment before Han Xin brushed it away. How was it any of his business what Xiang Yu liked?

Han Xin looked up at his cousin, his eyes sharp and focused. "Han Zhan, pass me that envelope," he said, his voice steady.

Han Zhan got up, his movements fluid and unhurried. He walked over to the console table by the door, picked up a large envelope, and handed it to Han Xin. Han Xin took it, his fingers deftly opening the seal.

"In the future, you won’t have to receive instructions this way," he said, glancing at Xiang Yu. "I will send the instructions to you. There will be no need to meet face to face."

Xiang Yu, who had been sitting quietly, heaved a silent sigh. His face showed a slight sense of relief, a subtle change that did not escape Han Xin’s notice. Han Xin’s thoughts flickered with irritation. Was he an animal that Xiang Yu had to show such a sense of relief after knowing they wouldn’t have to meet often?

Han Xin pulled out a photograph from the envelope and handed it to Xiang Yu. The picture showed a man with an older-looking face and long, shoulder-length hair. Xiang Yu picked up the picture, his eyes narrowing as he studied the man in it.

"Since the Die clan broke the rules, they need to be punished," Han Xin explained, his tone measured. "But we need a less violent approach. If the dragon head and clan leaders enter the Die clan family home, things might turn violent and attract unnecessary attention."

Xiang Yu nodded, understanding the implications. If things turned violent and escalated into a war, it would be too difficult to hide from the authorities. They needed a hostage. But if the entire Die clan was in their family home, hiding, then who was this man?

As though reading Xiang Yu’s thoughts, Han Xin continued, "This man is the Die clan leader’s son from his favourite mistress. He has done a good job hiding him, but we will use him to lure the Die clan leader out and soar discord. What I want you to do is find him and capture him for me."

Xiang Yu’s long fingers tightened around the crystal glass he was holding. He nodded again, his mind already racing with plans and strategies. Han Xin’s presence was commanding, his words carrying the weight of authority and expectation. Xiang Yu knew that with the Divine Emperor’s help, this task would easy to achieve.

Han Xin passed a stack of documents across the table, each one meticulously detailing the information they had on Die Liang and the places he frequented. Xiang Yu picked up the papers, his eyes scanning through the information with a thoughtful expression. "What is the deadline?" he asked, his voice calm but focused.

"Four days at most," Han Xin replied, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Xiang Yu nodded and stood up. "Then I should be going," he said, his resolve clear.

Han Zhan, lounging nearby, looked up with a hint of reluctance. "Can’t you stay a little longer? Are we that boring?" he asked, his tone half-joking, half-pleading.

Xiang Yu was about to offer a placating response, but Han Xin cut in sharply. "You think he is like you, who slacks off when you have a deadline?" he said, his words carrying a sting.

Han Zhan felt the slight keenly. "Cousin, what do you mean?" he cried out, but Han Xin ignored him, his focus already back on his work.

Xiang Yu didn’t even want to say goodbye. He felt an urgency to leave, as if staying any longer might anchor him in place. He walked briskly to the car waiting nearby and slid into the front seat.

The driver, Ran Lan, was especially chatty, a stark contrast to his earlier demeanour when they first arrived at the seaside villa. It seemed he was a nice guy but had been too intimidated to chit-chat with Han Xin in the car earlier.

Ran Lan not only chatted but also admired Xiang Yu, praising him for saving the young women and having the guts to go after the Die family. Xiang Yu listened quietly, his mind already shifting to the task ahead.

Soon, they reached the tattoo parlour. As Xiang Yu opened the car door, Ran Lan called out, "Brother, if you would like, you can join us for some skewers and beer on Friday. The brothers would love to have you around."

Xiang Yu waved him goodbye and crossed the street, his mind already calculating his next move.

When Xiang Yu entered the tattoo parlour, a collective sigh of relief swept through the room. The tension that had gripped everyone melted away as they saw he was fine. Xiang Yu offered some perfunctory reassurances, his voice calm and steady, before making his way to the door that connected the parlour to the apartment.

He stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the third floor. As soon as the doors slid open, Lian and Mei launched themselves at him, wailing as if they had been abandoned. Xiang Yu stood there, momentarily stunned. "..."

He glanced over at Little Bai, seeking an explanation. Despite being the adult, Little Bai had been just as panicked when Xiang Yu was taken away by the cops. He had even considered calling the emergency number Xiang Yu had given him for such situations. It was old Song’s number, meant to be used only if Xiang Yu went missing for more than sixteen hours.

While Lian and Mei were in full panic mode, Little Bai had been anxiously watching the clock on the wall, his leg shaking uncontrollably. So when Xiang Yu walked in, his relief was palpable, and he actually cried. Xiang Yu began to rethink leaving Little Bai in charge; he seemed just as afraid as the twins.

"Okay, you two, stop making a fuss," Xiang Yu said, trying to sound more composed than he felt. "I’m hungry. Do we have anything to eat?"

Little Bai, still too panicked to have prepared anything, shook his head. "Sorry, Yu.-ge. I Will go make you some egg and tomato stir fry."

Xiang Yu nodded, appreciating his effort, and went to sit down with the twins. They turned on the TV, and Lian and Mei clung to him, one on each side as if he might disappear at any moment. Their small hands gripped his arms tightly, and he could feel their fear slowly ebbing away as they nestled closer.