Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)
Chapter 119: I like you

Chapter 119: I like you

Tonight, the night was warmer than usual, wrapping the small town in a gentle embrace. Lanterns hung from every eave and corner, their soft glow reflecting off the cobblestones, creating a mosaic of flickering light.

The scent of sweet pastries wafted through the air, mingling with laughter and chatter as townsfolk revelled in the evening’s festivities.

Xiang Yu walked ahead his delicate silk gown fluttering around his ankles like petals caught in a breeze. He smiled at the twins walking beside him. Their faces glowed with excitement as they clutched their new porcelain dolls.

Yes, he couldn’t resist buying them pretty dolls especially when they gave him puppy dog eyes. Baihe’s eyes sparkled with gratitude as he sheathed and unsheathed the dagger Xiang Yu had bought him. It was a gift he never expected to receive.

"Thank you so much, Your Highness", Baihe said thank you again for the nth time, his voice barely containing his joy.

Xiang Yu chuckled softly, his heart swelling at their happiness. "Go on and buy some snacks for us," he urged gently, gesturing toward a nearby food market overflowing with snacks. "Buy whatever you want."

With a gleeful shriek, Lian dashed off into the crowd of people. Mei yelled after her saying, "We can only get a snack for each person!" while trying to catch up.

Lian yelled back, "Master said we can get whatever we want." Baihe was a little hesitant to leave her alone but Xiang Yu said,

"Go ahead. Make sure they don’t fight." Baihe nodded his head before running after the two girls. Xiang Yu watched them go for a moment before turning toward an arch bridge adorned with hanging lanterns that cast warm shadows over its surface.

As he approached, he felt an inexplicable pull toward an ethereal scene of dancing fireflies twinkling against the darkened backdrop of trees lining the riverbank. The scene felt almost magical.

While he was admiring the scene Han Xin suddenly appeared beside him like he had been waiting for him to be alone.

Xiang Yu wasn’t at all surprised he would show up. He was the reason he sent the girls and Baihe away. "General Han. Why do you always walk so lightly? Were you a cat in your past life," he teased playfully.

Han Xin turned to look at her face. The softness of her features illuminated by lantern light captivated him entirely. He swallowed hard before apologising for startling her. "I didn’t mean to scare you." His voice was steady but held an undercurrent of nervousness that betrayed his calm demeanour.

Xiang Yu chuckled softly again and began walking slowly along the bridge’s edge. Han Xin fell into step beside her instinctively, feeling both excited and flustered being alone together yet keeping his expression impassive despite his racing thoughts.

"Why are you alone?" he asked casually while trying not to let himself get lost in those enchanting eyes that seemed to hold galaxies within them, so close yet so far away. "Where are your tails? They always follow you everywhere."

A knowing smile graced Xiang Yu’s lips. "I got rid of them because I wanted to talk to you," he replied simply but meaningfully enough that Han Xin could feel butterflies erupting within him at those words.

His heart raced even faster now as he bit down on his lower lip anxiously while walking beside her. This level of closeness sent waves coursing through him like electricity igniting dormant embers buried deep inside him for far too long.

"What did you want to talk about?" Han Xin asked finally after swallowing back all other questions crowding behind it. What he truly wanted to ask was why she didn’t ever wear the outfit he bought for her.

Instead of answering directly, though, Xiang Yu paused mid-step and pulled something from within his sleeve. It was a delicate carving made from jade adorned with intricate floral designs accompanied by a shimmering light blue tassel swaying gently with the soft breeze.

"This is for you," he said softly while holding it out towards him,

Han Xin stared wide-eyed at the gift. He accepted it, his fingers brushing against hers. This gesture was unexpected especially when she had been a little distant to him ever since he gave her that gift.

Sure, he spent time with her whenever he could but he could tell she was keeping him at arm’s length. Han Zhan had told him not to suffocate Peng Xiu to death, and thus, he tried his hardest to stop himself, though it was extremely difficult.

After everything, he truly didn’t expect that she would buy him something. He would truly cherish it. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

He watched her take a step closer and take the tassel from his hand. "May I?" Xiang Yu said his voice soft yet commanding as he reached for his sword hanging at his side.

If it were anyone else Han Xin would have taken a step away with an icy glare. But because it was her, he would even give up his sword. He felt time slow to a crawl as she stood right next to him. The world around him faded and only she remained. She was an enchanting vision before him.

He swallowed hard against the lump in his throat, overwhelmed by the sweetness of plumeria enveloping them both. The scent numbed his senses and ignited something deep within him, a yearning he had never dared to voice.

As she deftly tied the tassel onto the hilt of his sword, he held his breath, lowering his gaze as he watched her delicate hands move. When she finished, she looked up with a radiant smile, saying, "Done."

Han Xin wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch her cheek just once. His hand twitched but he clenched his fist, restraining himself, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the effort.

Xiang Yu, feeling the intense and overbearing aura emanating from him, instinctively took a step back, his smile faltering. AAAAHHHH, it was like being in the presence of a beast that he couldn’t beat.

Seeing an approaching cart in Peng Xiu’s path, Han Xin reacted impulsively. In one swift motion, he grabbed her waist and pulled her close.

Xiang Yu’s eyes widened in shock as he felt Han Xin’s fingers gently squeeze his waist, the warmth of the man’s palm seeping through his clothes. They were now mere inches apart with Han Xin’s warm breath mingling with his.

"Get outta the way!" a gruff voice said. It was the voice of an old man pushing a cart filled with vegetables. He scowled at them impatiently.

Han Xin’s heart raced faster than ever as embarrassment washed over him. He stared at the woman in his arms and without thinking, he blurted out, "I like you," and Xiang Yu felt as if he had been struck by lightning, too stunned to reply.

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