Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT) novel Chapter 525

Chapter 525: Potato plant saga

"You could fake being in a relationship," Han Zhan suggested, his tone calculated. "Get closer to him. He must know things... important things. You could use him."

Han Xin’s voice was sharp. "Let’s not talk about it." He knew from that kiss that this wasn’t something he could take lightly. There was a weight to it, an undeniable pull that complicated everything.

A brief silence settled between them until Han Xin broke it, his voice quieter. "What has he been doing?"

Han Zhan smirked, his expression teasing. "Oh, now you care."

Han Xin’s glare was enough to silence him. Han Zhan raised his hands in mock surrender, but the amusement lingered in his eyes. "He has been going to the greenhouse... a lot."

Han Xin didn’t react immediately, his focus fixed on the pipes. Then Han Zhan added, "That reminds me. That Da Hei’s been acting strange. Each time Xiang Yu is there, he’s wagging his tail like a dog who just got a bone."

Something twisted in Han Xin’s chest. The subtle discomfort turned sharp, and his grip tightened on the tool in his hand. That was all it took to break his resolve.

Without another word, Han Xin left, his steps firm and unyielding as he headed back to the city.

***

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a relentless glare over the desolate wasteland that stretched endlessly in all directions. Dust spiralled in lazy eddies, swirled by the hot winds that cut through the arid landscape. Han Xin stepped out of the rugged all-terrain vehicle, the metallic clang of the door echoing in the stillness around him.

Even in the rough and tumble of this unforgiving terrain, he cut a striking figure not the perfect image of the leader that everyone expected, but one shaped by the harsh reality of their quest. His meticulous nature was often his hallmark, but now there was a certain rugged charm about him.

The dust that clung to his clothes did little to tarnish his appearance, rather, it accentuated the hard work he had put in. His forearms were bare, glistening with perspiration, the muscles clearly defined as they flexed slightly with the motion of his movement.

With a quick flick, he removed his gloves, revealing hands calloused but strong. Signs of fatigue whispered from the slight flush of his face, but it only served to draw attention to the intensity of his gaze.

The crimson hue of his skin gave him an elemental look, as though he had been moulded by the very earth he treads upon, and Su Jing and the other girls who drove back with him couldn’t help but steal glances, their eyes lingering just a moment longer than they should.

"Get some rest," he called over his shoulder, his voice steady and commanding despite the exertion. As he turned, catching the curious stares, his expression became more serious. The hint of charisma he exuded seemed almost amplified in the wasteland. It was a paradox, a delicate balance of roughness and allure.

One of the younger members of the team, a bright-eyed engineer named Fan Fan, found herself blushing as their eyes met. She quickly averted her gaze, clearing her throat and resetting her focus on the gear scattered around the vehicle. "Yeah, we wi—will," she stammered, cheeks betraying her thoughts and Su Jing nudged her to stop.

Han Xin was about to head back and take a bath first before looking for Xiang Yu but Han Zhan’s offhand words rang in his ears. The thought that Xiang Yu was hanging at the greenhouse gnawed at him. His feet turned as if deciding on their own. His strides, brisk and resolute, betrayed the storm within. Anyone watching might think he was a disgruntled husband rushing to catch his wife cheating.

His face was calm, his heart anything but. Each step tightened the coil in his chest. He clenched his jaw, the weight unbearable, like a stone pressed into his ribs. By the time he reached the greenhouse, unease twisted into anger.

The place was quiet when he stepped inside, the air heavy with damp earth and faintly sweet. He scanned the space, expecting the pair’s hushed laughter or the pair flirting. There was silence. For a moment, no one seemed to be there. His steps slowed, each one deliberate and tense.

Then the sound of a door creaked behind him. Turning, he caught sight of Da Hei entering, arms full of seedling pots. The man froze for a fraction before relaxing into a crooked grin. "Phew," Da Hei said, awkwardly laughing. "I thought one of the beasts broke loose."