Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT) novel Chapter 522

Chapter 522: I love your cousin

Xiang Yu spotted a man sprawled on the ground nearby and moved to help, but before he could reach him, Han Xin stepped in. Han Xin hauled the man to his feet with a firm grip, his gaze flicking briefly to Xiang Yu. Without a word, Han Xin grabbed the rifle from Xiang Yu’s hands. His expression was tight with anger, though he held it back like a storm restrained by sheer will.

"Stay vigilant," Han Xin instructed as he handed the rifle to the other man. His tone was clipped but commanding.

The man stammered a quick "Ye-yes, sir" before scurrying off as though afraid to linger and bear the brunt of Han Xin’s simmering frustration.

Xiang Yu watched him go, then glanced at Han Xin. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice calm, almost casual.

Han Xin didn’t reply. Instead, he motioned for Xiang Yu to follow, leading him to where the rest of the group had gathered. The air was tense, but a quiet determination hummed among them. Han Xin called for the medical kit, his voice sharp, leaving no room for delay.

He forced Xiang Yu to sit on a fallen piece of rubble and then crouched in front of him. With careful hands, Han Xin peeled away Xiang Yu’s blood-soaked t-shirt, his fingers working with precision.

He didn’t speak, but there was a tenderness in his movements that he seemed unaware of. The gash on Xiang Yu’s shoulder was jagged, the torn flesh a stark red against his skin. It was messy, but not fatal.

Han Xin tore open a packet of disinfectant, the sound crisp in the quiet. "This is going to sting," he muttered, his voice softening just slightly.

"Okay," Xiang Yu replied without protest. Han Xin’s hands paused for the briefest moment, surprised by the obedience, but he masked it well. He began cleaning the wound, the disinfectant biting into the torn flesh. Xiang Yu’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching reflexively.

Han Xin acted as though he didn’t notice. His focus remained on the wound, his movements methodical. After a moment, he broke the silence. "Why did you save him?"

Xiang Yu’s gaze didn’t waver. "Who? Lu Lu?"

Han Xin stayed quiet, his hands still working as he secured the bandage over Xiang Yu’s shoulder. His silence stretched just long enough to become uncomfortable. Finally, he spoke, his voice low. "He hates you."

Xiang Yu let out a quiet laugh, bitter and dry. "So does everyone here... including you."

Han Xin didn’t know how to refute that. The words stuck in his throat, heavy and awkward. Finally, he said, "You are good now. Don’t get your wound wet for a while." His voice was steady, but his gaze faltered.

He turned to leave, but Xiang Yu’s hand shot out, grabbing his wrist. Han Xin stopped, glancing back. Xiang Yu’s eyes searched his face, and he asked, "Is that all you wanted to say?"

Han Xin pulled his hand free, his movements sharp but not unkind. "What else is there?" he replied, his tone clipped. He didn’t linger to see the disappointment cloud Xiang Yu’s features.

Xiang Yu sat there, his chest tight with unspoken complaints. The silence pressed against him, heavy and suffocating. He had wanted acknowledgement, a simple word of praise for his efforts. But Han Xin had said nothing, leaving him adrift in his own frustration.

A bottle of water appeared in his line of sight. Xiang Yu blinked, looking up to see Han Zhan standing there, his expression unreadable. Xiang Yu reached for the bottle, but Han Zhan held his grip firmly. Xiang Yu’s brow arched in silent question. Han Zhan smiled faintly, then let go.

He sat beside him, the heat of the wasteland settling between them. He drank from his own bottle, the sound of water sloshing faintly audible. Xiang Yu opened his bottle and took a sip. The cool liquid slid down his throat, refreshing and grounding.

After a while, Han Zhan broke the silence. "What are your intentions?"

Xiang Yu wiped his lips with the back of his hand, his movements deliberate. "Are you that curious?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

Han Zhan turned his gaze sharply, his eyes narrowing before he looked away. "Yeah. What do you want with my cousin?"

Xiang Yu leaned closer, his smile playful yet enigmatic. "Let me tell you a secret," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. He beckoned Han Zhan closer, and Han Zhan complied, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

Xiang Yu covered his mouth and whispered, "I love your cousin."

Han Zhan’s eyes widened, disbelief etched across his face. He stared at Xiang Yu, his thoughts racing, but before he could respond, Han Xin’s voice cut through the moment.