Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)-Chapter 193: "Am I disturbing something?"

Qin Wu lay on the tattoo bed, the cool leather pressing against his back, as he watched Xiang Yu prepare his tools. The soft hum of the tattoo machine filled the room, a comforting sound that mingled with the faint scent of antiseptic, ink and a faint intoxicating floral scent.

Xiang Yu sat next to him, his brow furrowed in concentration. A stray strand of hair had fallen across his forehead, and Qin Wu found himself mesmerized by the sight. He had heard that men were more handsome when they worked, and looking at Xiang Yu now, he couldn’t help but agree. The artist’s hands moved with precision and grace, each motion deliberate and confident.

As the needle touched his skin, a sharp sting followed by a dull ache, Qin Wu’s gaze never wavered from Xiang Yu’s face. There was something captivating about the way Xiang Yu’s eyes narrowed in focus, the way his lips pressed into a thin line of determination. It was as if the world outside ceased to exist, leaving only the two of them in this moment.

Qin Wu’s thoughts drifted, wondering what stories lay behind those intense eyes. After a while, Xiang Yu said to Little Bai, who was still hanging around learning from him, "Little Bai, please get me some water."

Little Bai was so eager to get it for him so he turned around and walked out the door. While he was gone, Qin Wu bit his lower lip, thinking of asking something, but he was too embarrassed to ask. He had to ask before Little Bai returned.

After mustering some courage, Qin Wu finally asked, "Is Little Bai your boyfriend?" Xiang Yu paused his movements and turned to look at him with a slight smile on his face. He knew that this young man had only gathered the courage to approach him and get a tattoo because of that StarMatch dating app profile. "No, he isn’t my boyfriend," Xiang Yu replied gently. "He is more like a son to me, if you will."

Qin Wu’s face flushed with embarrassment. "I am so sorry for being intrusive."

"It’s fine," Xiang Yu said, his voice calm and reassuring as he continued to work. Qin Wu wanted to ask if he could pursue him, but he completely lost his courage. He stared at the fingers covered in black gloves working deftly. It felt like such a pity that he couldn’t see those long, slender fingers touch his skin.

Meanwhile, Little Bai, who had just gotten a bottle of water, passed by the reception area only to walk back, having noticed Han Xin walking into the tattoo parlour. Behind him was Han Zhan. They walked in casually with their tailored suits, looking like rich businessmen but with a roguish air around them. Little Bai walked towards them, and Han Zhan casually leaned against the counter and said, "Hey, where is your boss?"

Little Bai pointed at the room with the open door, and when Han Xin turned to walk in that direction, Little Bai said, "Wait, uncle, he is with a client," but Han Xin had already walked away. Little Bai tried to stop him, but Han Zhan got in his way and said, "Little Bai, why are you so worried? Xiang Yu and my cousin Han Xin are friends, so there is no need to meddle."

"But..." Little Bai started to say, but Han Zhan cut him off and said, "Can I have it?" pointing at the water in his hand. Little Bai was hesitant, but in the end, he gave it to him. Han Zhan said, "Thank you," in a teasing tone.

Han Xin walked into the room where Xiang Yu was working, his steps pausing as he was met by a thin, pale back facing the door. From his angle, he could see Xiang Yu sitting on a swivel chair, moving slightly, but he wasn’t entirely visible. Han Xin’s breathing deepened, his imagination running wild.

"Am I disturbing something?" Han Xin asked, his voice smooth yet carrying a hint of anger.

Xiang Yu, who was smoothing out the dressing on Qin Wu’s fresh tattoo, froze for a moment before saying, "No, you can come in."

Qin Wu turned his head slightly, feeling a little embarrassed for being shirtless. When he saw the handsome man from yesterday, Qin Wu quickly turned away. Sure enough, handsome people hang out with handsome people; they travel in flocks. He suddenly felt a chill in his spine, the feeling intensifying as Han Xin drew closer.

Han Xin’s presence filled the room, his tailored suit contrasting sharply with the casual atmosphere of the tattoo parlour. He moved with a grace that seemed almost predatory, his eyes never leaving Xiang Yu. Qin Wu could feel the tension in the air, a silent communication passing between the two men that he couldn’t quite decipher.

To others Han Xin moved with grace but he could barely contain his steps but when he saw that Xiang Yu was just applying the dressing with gloves even, Han Xin’s tense muscles relaxed a little. Xiang Yu looked up at Qin Wu and said, "Done. Go to Little Bai, and he will explain to you about the aftercare."

Qin Wu nodded his head as he took his shirt off the hanger and buttoned it up, his fingers trembling slightly. He didn’t know why, but he felt like Han Xin was hostile towards him, and his aura was oppressive. Xiang Yu took off the gloves and took out a pamphlet and a pen from a drawer. He circled his number on the back of the pamphlet and handed it to Qin Wu.

"This is my personal number. Let me know if you feel any discomfort," Xiang Yu said.

Qin Wu bit his lower lip and said, "Thank you," as he took it. He immediately walked out, his feet moving fast as though they had oil underneath them. Xiang Yu began to clean up while asking Han Xin, "What are you doing here?"

Han Xin didn’t say anything for a while. It was as though he was trying to figure out what to say. Finally, he asked, "Do you give out your personal number to all your clients?"

Xiang Yu smiled slightly and said, "No, but he is not just any client."

Han Xin didn’t reply for a while, watching Xiang Yu sort the equipment. The silence stretched, filled only by the soft clinks of metal and the rustle of paper. After a while, Han Xin asked, "Why didn’t you give me your personal number?"

Xiang Yu turned his swivel chair and looked at him before saying, "But you aren’t my client."

Han Xin abruptly said, "I am your boss."

Xiang Yu, "...". He chuckled and said, "But you do have my personal number."

Han Xin knew he was being difficult for no reason, but he had the urge to be wilful, especially in front of this person. "But you didn’t give it to me. You even gave it to Ran Lan," he replied a hint of petulance in his voice.

Xiang Yu looked away, a small smile playing on his lips. "Master Han, are you jealous?"

Han Xin snorted and muttered in a low voice, "Jealous of what exactly?"

Xiang Yu didn’t say anything, the silence between them growing heavier. After a while, Han Xin said, "We are heading to the Die clan. My father insisted you join."

Xiang Yu’s demeanour shifted instantly. "Okay," he said as he got up, the smile from earlier vanishing, replaced by a serious expression. Han Xin was a little surprised. He could sense that Xiang Yu was displeased, but he couldn’t figure out how he had offended him.

"Let’s go then," Xiang Yu said, walking out of the room with purposeful strides.