Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)
Chapter 272: The truth comes out

Chapter 272: The truth comes out

Little did Han Jing know that Xiang Yu was far from meek. He had a well-prepared strategy and made sure that his son had a way out if relations with the triads ever soured.

The room was thick with tension as the clan leaders echoed each other, their voices rising in a cacophony of accusations. "Monster!" they called Xiang Yu, their faces contorted with anger. "Han Xin, you have broken the code!" they reprimanded, turning to Han Jing for intervention. But their pleas fell on deaf ears.

Xiang Yu raised his hand, silencing the room with a gesture. "Yes, yes, I am a monster," he said, his voice calm and measured. "The boogeyman, if you will. But I have principles. I just wanted your attention, and now I have it. I have no interest in harming your families, but if anyone disrespects Xin-ge, I might break an arm or two. Now, pipe down and listen to Xin-ge. He has some excellent ways to make us all money.... a safe and legal way that is."

The clan leaders gritted their teeth, restraining themselves for the sake of their families. Underneath the table, Han Xin held Xiang Yu’s hand, their fingers entwined. Han Xin rubbed Xiang Yu’s thumb with his own, a silent gesture of support as he began to outline his vision for the future of the seven dragon heads. He spoke of legitimate businesses and the contracts he had lined up, his voice steady and persuasive.

At first, the clan leaders were unconvinced, their minds clouded by anger and hatred. But the more Han Xin spoke, the more sense he made. They were acutely aware of the shifting political climate and the new leadership’s plans to crack down on criminal entities. If Han Xin’s plan succeeded, it would bring them peace of mind, allowing them to sleep easily without constantly looking over their shoulders.

Xiang Yu watched silently as Han Xin poured his heart out, his passion evident in every word. He crossed his ankle over his knee, staring at Han Xin with a lazy, yet attentive gaze. In moments like these, Xiang Yu found Han Xin even more handsome, confident, and charismatic. He couldn’t wait to get out of this meeting and tear his clothes right off before devouring him whole. His Adam’s apple rolled just imagining that scene.

Seeing that he had baited them, Han Xin concluded, "A tempting offer, right?" The clan leaders mumbled among themselves, some clearing their throats awkwardly. Clan Leader Qin squeezed his hands together before asking, "What will it cost?"

Han Xin tapped the table gently, shifting his gaze to his father. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the room was silent, the weight of the decision hanging in the air.

Han Xin, without breaking eye contact with his father, declared, "I want the position of Dragon Head."

Han Jing shot up from his seat, his face flushed with rage. "Insolence! I, your father, am still alive!" he bellowed.

Xiang Yu shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, I can make those arrangements," he said, his tone dangerously calm.

"You!" Han Jing’s fury boiled over, and he struck the table with such force that it startled everyone around him. The sound echoed through the room, amplifying the tension.

Han Jia, standing by his father’s side, tried to intervene. "You... you, don’t be excessive," he stammered, but his voice faltered when Xiang Yu’s icy glare fell upon him. He instantly quailed, retreating into silence.

Han Xin remained composed. "That is the deal. If you can’t accept it, then I will leave you to your own devices. But just so you know, the Bureau of Organized Crime is building cases against you all. In two, no, one month you will all be rotting in jail, your assets frozen, and your descendants homeless."

Clan Leader Huang was the first to break the silence. "Is that a threat? Are you threatening us?" he demanded, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance.

Han Xin rubbed Xiang Yu’s thumb underneath the table, a subtle gesture of reassurance. "No, this is a warning. It is up to you to take it or leave it."

The room fell silent, the weight of Han Xin’s words sinking in. The clan leaders exchanged uneasy glances, truly considering the gravity of the situation. Han Jing, sensing the shift, grew even more agitated. "You traitors! How can you even think of it? It’s against the rules!"

Han Xin’s eyes narrowed. "Really, the rules, huh? Father, tell me exactly how you came to power again."

Han Jing’s chest tightened, his breath coming in short, angry bursts. He glowered at his son, the unspoken history between them hanging heavy in the air. The room remained tense, the future of the seven dragon heads teetering on the edge of a knife.

Han Jing realized then that he had not only brought a snake into his home but a viper. While he thought his son was obedient and listened to his every word, his son was going behind his back, digging up his buried bones. He clenched his jaw tight, his body trembling in anger.

Han Xin sneered and said, "Tell them, Father, tell them how it was that you truly came to power."

Han Jing was so angry that his chair toppled over as he stood up brashly and yelled, "I should have killed you when I killed your mother, you ungrateful bastard!"

Han Xin’s body froze, his muscles tense as he stared at his father with bloodshot eyes. He clenched the armrest of his chair until his knuckles turned white. His mother had died slowly and painfully of cancer, so what did his father mean? His body suddenly trembled, his heart beating in his ears.

Xiang Yu grabbed his gun and pulled the trigger, shooting Han Jing in the arm. Han Jing cried out in pain as he fell to the ground. The room fell silent, the blood-curdling screams the only sound. Xiang Yu strode over to grab Han Jing, but Han Jia tried to stop him. Xiang Yu didn’t hesitate, slapping Han Jia with a backhanded slap. Han Jia fell to the ground, holding his burning cheek. He was angry but didn’t dare get up and stop Xiang Yu anymore.

Xiang Yu grabbed Han Jing by the hair and pulled him towards Han Xin. He searched Han Jia for weapons and tossed them on the table as Han Jing protested, but all his efforts were futile. Han Jing yelled, "Get off me you bitch!"

Xiang Yu pressed him down and looked at Han Xin, who was still sitting there, suppressing his emotions, but the hurt in his eyes was obvious. Xiang Yu punched Han Jing, knocking him out before getting up and hugging Han Xin while calling his name, but Han Xin was in a trance like his spirit had left his body.