Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)-Chapter 183: You weren’t answering your phone

Han Xin paused, his fingers stilling on the page. "No need to call them," he said after a moment.

"Yes, sir," the assistant replied, waiting for further instructions.

"Prepare the car for me," Han Xin ordered.

"Yes, sir," the assistant said, before leaving the room.

Han Xin leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. He couldn’t understand why he felt compelled to see Xiang Yu in person. It didn’t make sense, but the thought of not going was driving him insane. The idea that Xiang Yu might be upset with him had kept him awake last night, like needles pricking at his flesh until he couldn’t stand it any longer.

The boss who usually worked overtime and rarely went out for lunch, walked out of the office early for once. As he reached the elevator, Han Zhan, who had been pestering Han Xin’s assistant, spotted him leaving.

"Where are you going? I came to see you," Han Zhan called out.

"I am going to the tattoo parlour. Are you coming?" Han Xin replied, his tone neutral.

Han Zhan, too bored to pass up the opportunity, quickly said, "Yes, yes, yes, yes! Can we have lunch afterwards?"

As they entered the elevator, Han Xin responded, "This is not a field trip. If you’re hungry, you can stay behind."

"Nah, I’m not that hungry. Cousin, let me come along," Han Zhan insisted, not wanting to miss the chance to see Xiang Yu.

Han Xin smiled slightly as the elevator doors closed. The ride was silent, each man lost in his thoughts. When they finally reached Xiang Yu’s tattoo parlour, it was already past one, delayed by the midday traffic. Their tailored suits drew curious glances as they entered the shop.

Han Xin walked coolly towards the reception desk, where Little Bai was stationed today. Little Bai put on a professional smile and greeted them, "Welcome, sirs. How can I help you?"

"I am here to see the boss," Han Xin stated firmly.

Little Bai, knowing that Xiang Yu was slacking off today, smiled slightly and said, "The boss is not in today. You can make an appointment to see him."

Han Zhan’s brow arched in surprise. He had no idea that tattoo parlours required appointments, much like people needed appointments to see his cousin in the office.

"Call him and tell him that Han Xin is here to see him," Han Xin ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Little Bai, never having encountered such a domineering presence, nervously dialled the home phone in Xiang Yu’s apartment. Mei picked up on the other end. "Hello?"

Little Bai glanced at Han Xin before turning slightly to lower his voice. "Hey, it’s me."

"Oh, Brother Bai," Mei responded, her voice cheerful. Little Bai could hear her yell to Lian, "It’s Brother Bai calling, not the snack order."

Little Bai, "..." He couldn’t fathom when these two ordered snacks behind his back.

"Hey Mei, brother Yu awake?" Little Bai whispered, his nerves growing as he saw Han Xin’s impatience.

"Huh?" Mei replied, confused.

Little Bai licked his lips, feeling the tension. "Is bother Yu awake?" he repeated.

"Nope, master is still asleep. Why?" Mei answered.

"There are men here to see him. One of them is called Han Xin," Little Bai explained.

Before he could say anything else, Mei interrupted, "Let him come up."

Little Bai was confused. "But your master is sleeping," he protested.

"Brother Bai, trust me. You better let them in," Mei insisted.

Reluctantly, Little Bai agreed. He turned to Han Xin and said, "Follow me."

He took the keys and walked towards the back of the store. Han Xin and Han Zhan followed him, their footsteps echoing softly on the tiled floor. When they reached the door connecting the tattoo parlour to Xiang Yu’s apartment, Han Zhan couldn’t help but ask, "So, Xiang Yu gave you the keys to his place?"

Little Bai nodded. "Yes, he is my mentor and I stay with him."

Han Zhan’s brow arched as he nudged his cousin. "Xiang Yu is quite generous," he remarked.

Little Bai opened the door and replied, "Yes, he is. If it weren’t for him, I would be homeless."

Han Xin and Han Zhan exchanged a glance as they walked into the garage. The space was neatly arranged with tools, and a red Mustang was parked at the centre, gleaming under the overhead lights. Little Bai led them to the elevator, pressing the button. The doors closed with a soft hum, and soon they were ascending.

When the elevator doors opened again, they stepped into the apartment. They were immediately met with the sight of two little girls glaring at them. Han Xin and Han Zhan exchanged another look. Han Xin recognized them as the twins Xiang Yu had saved. He had often wondered what Xiang Yu wanted with the twins, but seeing them now—well-fed, healthy, and with a bit of attitude—it was clear they were being well cared for.

"Take off your shoes, we just mopped the floor," Lian commanded before walking away.

Mei chimed in, "Yeah, wear the slippers," before following her sister.

Han Zhan and Han Xin complied, changing into the slippers provided. Little Bai, not wanting to leave the men alone in the apartment, also changed his shoes. Han Xin took in the comfortable surroundings and asked, "Where is Xiang Yu?"

Lian, now sitting on the couch with her sister, replied, "Upstairs, two doors to your right." freēwēbηovel.c૦m

Han Xin began to walk up the stairs, but Little Bai tried to stop him. "No, le—"

Han Zhan draped an arm around Little Bai’s shoulders. "What are you worried about? Come sit with me," he said, guiding Little Bai to the couch. Little Bai was uncomfortable but had no choice but to comply.

Han Xin reached the room Lian had indicated and knocked before entering. "Xiang Yu," he called out, only to find Xiang Yu sleeping in bed, clad in just his shorts. Xiang Yu hugged his pillow, stirring slightly in his sleep.

"You two, let this master sleep a little longer," Xiang Yu mumbled, about to drift back into slumber when a voice in his mind, the divine emperor, yelled, "Get up!"

Xiang Yu sat up abruptly just as Han Xin was about to leave. "What, what, whatttt?" he yelled at the divine emperor, only to hear a familiar voice say, "Excuse me."

Xiang Yu raised his head and saw Han Xin standing there. He quickly pulled the quilt over his body. "Shit!... What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice a mix of surprise and annoyance.

Han Xin looked away, his expression unreadable. "You weren’t answering your phone. I have a job for you."

Xiang Yu blinked, processing the information. "..."