Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)-Chapter 528: Scandalous material

AN: I am taking a mental break for Easter break. I haven’t had a break longer than a day for a long time. This is why I have been lagging behind. I appreciate you guys so much and promise I will he back soon.

"Oh, you are here," Xiang Yu finally exclaimed, raising his head slightly from his engrossing magazine, breaking the enchanting spell of silence that had hung in the air.

"Yeah, um, where is he?" Han Zhan asked, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his voice as he scanned the room for any sign of Han Xin.

"He is in there, taking a shower," Xiang Yu replied succinctly, pointing toward the bedroom with a casual nonchalance.

Han Zhan’s expression morphed as he pursed his lips, an expression of confusion flickering across his features. ’Why would Han Xin be taking a shower at a time like this?’ he pondered silently.

Setting the bento down on the table with a soft thud, he let out a heavy sigh, his stomach growling loudly in protest. "Ugh, I am so hungry," he complained, reaching out to touch the lid of the bento, ready to dig in when suddenly, Xiang Yu abruptly rolled up his magazine and smacked his hand lightly.

"Wait for him!" Xiang Yu commanded, his tone firm and unyielding, leaving no room for argument. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

Han Zhan yelped in surprise, taken aback by the sudden reprimand. "Xiang Yu! Why do I have to wait for him?" he protested, bewildered by the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

Xiang Yu didn’t answer immediately but instead gifted him with a disapproving look. It was an expression that felt all too familiar, one that instantly transported Han Zhan back to his childhood, reminiscent of being scolded by his mother for some minor infraction.

A shiver ran down his spine at the thought, and he reluctantly put down his chopsticks, the anticipation of the meal tainted by the weight of Xiang Yu’s stern gaze.

Fortunately, the waiting period did not drag on for too long. Only moments later, the bedroom door creaked open with a sound. Han Xin emerged, a few water droplets still glistening on his skin, exuding a casual air that suggested he hadn’t a care in the world, which contrasted sharply with the tension that had just filled the room.

Xiang Yu looked at him and smiled his gaze

lingering at the open collar of Han Xin’s v-neck tshirt that was unbuttoned. He said, "You look good."

Han Xin muttered under his breath saying, "Now you see me."

Han Zhan, "..."

Xiang Yu hadn’t heard him so he asked, "What?"

Han Xin said nothing and sat down next Han Zhan and said, "You came early."

Han Zhan said to Xiang Yu, "Can I eat now mum." Xiang Yu chuckled as he sat the magazine down without closing it. It was as though he had no shame at all to what he was reading.

As he surveyed the three bentos on the table, he asked with curiosity, "Which one is mine?"

Han Zhan, without hesitation, pushed one bento over to him. "Here," he said, a grin spreading across his face.

"Thanks," Xiang Yu replied as he opened the lid, revealing a colourful array of food neatly arranged inside.

"Wow, so polite," Han Zhan remarked, his tone teasing.

Xiang Yu glanced up at him, amusement lighting his features. "What, would I be rude to my brother-in-law?" he replied, raising an eyebrow.

Han Zhan yelled, "You!"

Meanwhile Han Xin wasn’t paying attention to them. He was curious what could have possibly held his attention so fiercely that he hadn’t paid any mind to him earlier.

As Xiang Yu tucked into his meal, engrossed in his food, Han Xin’s gaze drifted to the magazine still resting on the table.

Just as he leaned forward to get a better look, a horrifying realization struck him. Xiang Yu was reading something scandalous. Before he could contain himself, he coughed abruptly, the sound choking out of him as he sputtered in surprise.

"Cough, cough!" he gasped. Han Zhan turned, eyes wide, but before he could react, Xiang Yu was already pouring a glass of water and thrusting it toward him.

"Here!" Xiang Yu said, concern colouring his voice.

"Cough, cough, thanks." Han Xin accepted the water, his cheeks heating up with embarrassment.

"Are you okay?" Han Zhan asked, a mix of concern and confusion on his face.

His eyes, however, caught sight of the magazine on the table, and just like Han Xin, he choked. Spluttering, he coughed violently, a string of muted swears escaping his lips.

Xiang Yu watched in disbelief. "Can’t you two chew your food properly," he retorted while pouring water for Han Zhan.

"Thank you," Han Zhan wheezed out between coughs.

Feeling exposed, Han Xin quickly closed the magazine while Xiang Yu was still preoccupied, glancing at Han Zhan who looked like he was about to die.

Once the choking subsided and calm returned to the room, Xiang Yu leaned back, casually pushing food around in his bento. "Eat slowly," he advised, unaware of the tension lingering in the air.

Han Xin and Han Zhan shared a glance, silently communicating. Han Zhan opened his mouth, ready to scold Xiang Yu for being engrossed in such explicit reading material, but Han Xin quickly interjected, shaking his head slightly.

"What?" Xiang Yu asked, catching the tail end of their silent exchange.

"Nothing," Han Xin replied quickly, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips, as they resumed their meal in silence.

The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words, yet the three of them settled into a rhythm as they finished eating. Afterwards, Xiang Yu leaned back on the couch, rubbing his stomach contentedly. He felt pleasantly full, the weight of the meal settling warmly in him.

"Well, you look happy," Han Zhan commented, shaking his head slightly with a smile.

Xiang Yu grinned, the happiness spilling over him. "I am," he said seeming very content.

Han Xin watched Xiang Yu with a calm yet calculating expression. "That was good," Xiang Yu said, breaking the quiet, his smile easy and light.

Han Xin replied coolly, "Compared to what you ate in your faction, I guess this is cheap."

Xiang Yu’s lips curved wider, unfazed. "Don’t worry," he said. "I am not picky when it comes to food. I once fought a dog for leftovers."

Han Xin blinked, his sharp gaze betraying no reaction.

Han Zhan, who was packing away the bentos, froze. "...," he echoed silently, though disbelief flickered across his face for just a moment. Who could believe that?

Xiang Yu seemed amused by their lack of response. As Han Zhan turned to stack the metal bento boxes, Xiang Yu leaned slightly forward, his tone casual but pointed. "So, can I move in today?"

The crash of metal against the floor rang out sharply as Han Zhan dropped the bento tray in shock. "Sorry," Han Zhan said quickly, bending down to retrieve the scattered items. "Carry on."

Han Xin, unmoved by the minor commotion, shifted his gaze away. "I don’t think there’s any need for that," he replied, his tone measured.

Disappointment flickered across Xiang Yu’s face before he quickly masked it. His smile turned self-deprecating. His posture though, remained relaxed. His legs were crossed at the knee, his arm was draped carelessly over the couch’s backrest. A cool, magnetic air surrounded him, drawing attention effortlessly.

Xiang Yu scratched the side of his nose with his thumb, as though the gesture was an afterthought. He glanced sideways at Han Xin. "Was the water not enough?" he asked. "There’s plenty more I can offer."