Venerable Demon King & The Doting Immortal (QT)-Chapter 574: I can’t babysit

The elevator door was torn open, but it was still working. They got in and Han Xin pressed the button.

When they reached the floor, they saw a lone figure standing by the far console. Her fingers darted over the screen with urgency. It seemed she was trying to call for help but had no idea that their communication with the outside world had been cut off. In her panic she hadn’t noticed them coming.

Little Bai’s eyes locked on the woman, and heat flared in his gaze. The scientist, her cruel laughter, her experiments, the searing pain, flashed through his mind like a brand against flesh. Xiang Yu felt the person on his back move uneasily and instantly knew what he wanted to do.

He didn’t hesitate saying, "Go ahead."

The scientist spun around, her eyes wide. Shock filled her face as she registered the men before her, alive and well. She thought they would have been torn to pieces by now yet here they were.

To make matters worse, they had stolen tge research centre’s most priced experimental subject. Panic flickered across her face as she prepared to command Little Bai, and remind him that he was still under her control. She had already forgotten that she had released him by her own hand.

Before she could open her mouth, an unseen force lifted her off the ground. Her throat constricted, air forced from her lungs. Her fingers clawed at her neck as her bulging eyes sought Little Bai, pleading, terrified.

Then it began. Blood seeped through her pores; sweat evaporated, and fluids drained. Her skin shrivelled, her body tightening like old leather pulled too taut. Within seconds, she dropped to the ground with a bang. Her body was like a husk, brittle and wasted. She looked like she had been in the desert sun too long.

Xiang Yu stepped over the remains while saying, "Good job, Bai Bai." Little Bai said nothing, only stared at the dried corpse with hatred.

Soon he stepped out of the building, his breath steady, his grip firm on Little Bai, who clung to his back. Han Xin took out his radio and asked, "Everyone out?"

There was a brief silence. Then, Han Zhan’s response was calm and certain. "Everyone is out."

Han Xin exhaled. "Good. Light it up."

A beat. Then Han Zhan’s voice again. "Okay. Lighting it up."

Little Bai shifted slightly at the voice, his head turning toward the radio, curiosity flickering in his gaze.

They kept moving forward, their pace steady. Then, with a thunderous roar, the research lab exploded. Flames curled into the sky, smoke thick and rising like a storm.

Xiang Yu felt the weight on his back stiffen. He paused. "Do you want to see?"

Little Bai hesitated for only a moment before nodding. Xiang Yu turned, allowing the young man to take in the sight, the wreckage of the place that had held him captive, the fire licking at the remnants of what had once been walls, doors, and cages.

The orange glow danced in his dark eyes. And then, slowly, a smile spread across Little Bai’s face.

Soon, the crackling of twigs and rustling leaves filled the air as the group made their way deeper into the woods.

Han Zhan sprinted to catch up, his breath uneven as he jogged through the underbrush. "You two just left me!" he huffed, hands on his knees as he tried to regain his breath.

Han Xin was about to respond, but Xiang Yu’s voice cut through the air, firm and clear. "Little Bai, get down."

Little Bai obeyed without hesitation, nimbly sliding off Xiang Yu’s back and landing softly on the ground.

"Are you tired?" Han Xin asked.

Xiang Yu chuckled, shaking his head. "No," he said simply. He bent down and wrapped his arms around Little Bai’s knees and back, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. In a fluid motion, he handed the young man over to Han Zhan.

Han Zhan blinked in surprise but instinctively cradled Little Bai in his arms. "Wait, wait! I can’t babysit!" he protested, the panic clear in his voice.

Xiang Yu merely shrugged, a smirk dancing on his lips. "He is your responsibility now." Han Zhan’s mouth opened in disbelief, his usual composure slipping away.

Suddenly, Xiang Yu feigned a wince, his demeanour shifting dramatically. He clutched his lower back, his breath hitching as if he were badly hurt.

"Ahh Xin-ge, my waist!" he exclaimed, taking a deeper breath that made his face scrunch with exaggerated pain.

Han Xin’s eyes went wide with alarm. Dropping everything else, he rushed to support Xiang Yu, looking genuinely concerned. His expression resembled a husband in the heat of panic as he witnessed his wife going into labour.

Xiang Yu stopped abruptly and pouted, his lips forming a playful curve. "I can’t walk anymore," he declared dramatically, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "Husband, carry me."

Han Xin crouched down, a hint of a smile breaking through his usually serious façade. "Get on," he said, his tone both affectionate and exasperated.

Xiang Yu’s face lit up with happiness as he climbed onto Han Xin’s back. With a swift motion, Han Xin stood tall, supporting him with ease. The two began to walk away, the gentle rustle of leaves surrounding them.

Han Zhan stood rooted, jaw-dropping at the sight. The smirk on Xiang Yu’s face was unmistakable, it was clear he was pretending. Yet it seemed Han Xin, always so sober and perceptive, was completely taken in, blind to Xiang Yu’s playful antics.

Suddenly, Han Zhan felt a little weight in his arms. He looked down, meeting the bright eyes of Little Bai, who seemed slightly uneasy. Those eyes were wide and innocent, resembling a clingy fluffy cat that wanted attention.

"Oh, sorry," Han Zhan murmured, quickly straightening his posture. "Let me take you back to camp."

As he moved, he felt Little Bai tremble slightly in his grasp. Instinctively, Han Zhan softened his tone. "I promise we won’t hurt you. Xiang Yu worked so hard just to get you out, so don’t worry." His words hung in the air as they walked toward the camp.

As soon as they arrived, Han Zhan gently placed Little Bai down on the weathered weapon case. Just then, a sudden rush of movement drew his attention.

Lian and Mei burst forward and pushed Han Zhan out of the way. Their small frames collided with Little Bai as they cried out simultaneously, "Brother Bai! Brother Bai!"

Little Bai felt a wave of emotion wash over him. The warmth of their affection wrapped around him like a comforting blanket. For reasons unknown to him, his vigilant soul began to relax like he had found a place where he belonged, where he was safe.