Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)-Chapter 479: Making dumpling for the husband

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the sprawling city as Han Xin’s hovercar glided through the streets. He couldn’t shake the flutter of nerves that danced in his stomach. Today was significant. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming flowers, a soft reminder of the celebrations to come.

His hovercar came to a gentle halt in front of the prince’s palace, a grand structure adorned with vibrant red banners that fluttered in the warm breeze.

Each banner was a wish for happiness, prosperity, and a lineage of future heirs. As he stepped out, he felt incredibly nervous. He couldn’t wait to see his lover.

Gathering his resolve, Han Xin approached the entrance, but a figure stepped into his path. It was the steward, his expression stern and unyielding.

"Your Majesty," the steward said, arms crossed. "To enter here, you would have to pay a fine."

A twitch pulled at the corners of Han Xin’s lips, a mix of amusement and disbelief. Beside him, Han Zhan frowned, irritation flickering in his eyes. "Steward, why are you trying to make things difficult? If you keep this up, we might miss the auspicious time."

"Yes yes, I understand." The steward remained unyielding, his gaze pointed. "But my master can’t cook. How can I trust that if I hand him over to you, he won’t starve?"

Han Zhan opened his mouth to argue, but Han Xin, feeling a new sense of determination, raised a hand to silence him. "What would you like me to do?" he asked, each word laced with sincerity.

The steward’s expression softened momentarily, a flicker of approval lighting his eyes. "Your Majesty, please prepare dumplings for my master."

Surprise washed over Han Xin. He had never cooked a day in his life, but the challenge ignited a spark inside him. If it meant proving himself, he would rise to the occasion.

With a swift nod, he entered the palace. Soon he stood in the kitchen wearing a bright apron featuring a playful bear, its cheerful face contrasting drastically with his nervousness.

Han Zhan stepped in to roll up Han Xin’s sleeves, ensuring not a speck of flour would touch his elegant attire. "We need to make sure your husband eats well from today onward," Han Zhan said teasingly, a playful smile on his lips.

Han Xin looked down at the table, cluttered with bowls of filling and piles of flour. He had never made anything in his life. The thought made his palms sweaty. As he gingerly rolled out the dough, his movements felt awkward and clumsy. The first few rolls were lopsided, leaving him frustrated. Yet, determination surged within him.

"Don’t worry, you will get the hang of it!" Mei encouraged, her voice filled with warmth. She watched him closely, a chuckle escaping her lips. "At this rate, you won’t get married today!"

Lian, standing nearby with her camera poised, grinned wide. "This is going to be a great video for the master," she said. The playful banter lightened the tense atmosphere, and even Han Xin couldn’t help but smile, finding camaraderie in their teasing.

Xiang Yu, who lounged in his room, chuckled as he scrolled through the video Lian had sent him. He saw how clumsy Han Xin was while making the dumplings, yet he found it charming. The sight drew a fond smile on Xiang Yu’s face.

After a few more attempts, Han Xin finally began to understand the rhythm of the task. One by one, he scooped up the filling, but the first dumpling he formed tore open, spilling out the contents. Embarrassment warmed his cheeks.

"Too much filling," the steward remarked, holding back a grin. He stepped closer, demonstrating the right proportions and technique. Han Xin watched closely, then tried again. This time, he folded the dumpling with care, yet it stubbornly refused to stay closed, its folds uneven and clunky.

Encouraged by the steward’s patience, he attempted once more, feeling the dough under his fingers until it moulded just right. With each fold, he improved. Though his dumplings looked a far cry from the perfect ones made by the steward, they had a certain imperfect charm that felt like a reflection of his effort. free𝑤ebnovel.com

As the golden dumplings fried, their savoury aroma filled the kitchen. Han Xin’s heart lightened at the sight, and soon he was taught how to plate them, swirling dipping sauce in the center. He carefully selected eight of the best-looking dumplings, arranging them neatly. They were not perfect, but they felt lucky.

"Well done, Your Majesty," the steward said, a hint of pride creeping into his tone. "You can take it to the groom now."

Despite their misshaped appearance, the dumplings smelled delightful, and Han Zhan couldn’t resist. He reached for the reject pile , sceptical yet curious. "Let’s see how they taste," he mused but he wasn’t alone.

Almost immediately, Lian and Mei lunged forward, their hands reaching for the discarded pile as well. The three of them, like starving children, dove into the sea of savoury treats.

Little Bai, on the sidelines, tilted his head, wide-eyed at the comical sight of them squabbling over dumplings. "There’s plenty for everyone," he said, his voice innocent yet firm. "Why are you fighting over it?"

Mei, unable to resist a chance to tease, shot back, "Brother Bai, restrain your husband. He is fighting with us kids!"

Han Zhan, clutching the last dumpling defensively, smirked. "What kids? You are, at most, four years younger than me!"

"Really? Four?" Lian chimed in, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Caught in his exaggeration, Han Zhan quickly relented, "Fine, six years."

"More like eight," Lian snickered, her laughter infectious. Mei joined in, and together they poked fun at him, their giggles echoing around the kitchen.

"Babe," Han Zhan said, his tone half-exasperated, half-amused.

Little Bai sighed dramatically. "Girls, please stop bullying him. Your uncle can’t stand such bullying."

"Babe," Han Zhan called out again, his voice playful.

"I am just kidding," said Little Bai, the air filled with laughter as the three of them giggled, caught in their joyful teasing.

Meanwhile, Han Xin stood waiting just outside the door, observing the warmth of the moment. "Let’s go," he finally said, breaking the spell.