Han Zhan was determined to get his cousin to reconcile with Xiang Yu, so he continued to poke the bear. "Well... maybe you are right, maybe it is too late. They already found a place to stay anyway."
Han Xin, who was pretending to be seriously working, pursed his lips, his eyes on the screen but his ears perked up. To be honest, he didn’t think Xiang Yu would really move out. The seaside villa was the safest place for them to stay more especially now. He didn’t think Xiang Yu would risk moving the twins and compromising their safety, but it turned out he was wrong.
Han Xin had thought that if Xiang Yu was going to move, his best option would be to move in with Old Song or maybe stay at one of the warehouses he owned. But what Han Zhan said next shocked him.
"Lian and Mei said that he found a house with that woman from last time. Remember her, the tall woman we saw Xiang Yu talking to outside his tattoo shop. What was her name again... oh oh, I remember. It was Sister Meng. She has a vacant place that is relatively secure."
Han Xin’s breathing stagnated, and his chest felt heavy. His brain was muddled for a second, trying to recall this Sister Meng. Han Zhan scratched the back of his head and continued, "She must be the one who had been relentlessly pursuing Xiang Yu for over a year now? She does not give up, does she?... Well, now that they will live close together, they might develop feelings. I guess the twins will get their mommy finally. I guess we will be the uncles who bring over red envelopes on Chinese New Year. Do you think they can invite us to their wedding? Hey, cousin, where are you going?" Han Zhan saw Han Xin storm out of the office, leaving his suit jacket behind.
He got up and tried to catch up, but Han Xin was already halfway down the hall, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He strode towards the elevator, his expression an unreadable mask. The metallic doors slid open with a soft chime, and he stepped in, filling the small space with a formidable presence. As the doors were about to close, a hand slipped through, causing them to stutter and reopen. Han Zhan hurried in, breathless. The air within the elevator felt charged with unseen tension.
Han Zhan glanced at Han Xin and felt a shiver. He knew that despite Han Xin’s impassive expression, beneath it simmered a quiet rage, the kind that led men to their graves. He looked like he was going to murder someone.
Han Zhan wanted to ask what he had said wrong, but the words were stuck in his throat. Silence weighed heavily between them as the elevator descended.
When the doors slid open into the underground parking lot, Han Xin marched out like he was going to battle. "Ran Lan, give me the keys," he commanded, his voice icy.
Ran Lan, didn’t hesitate. He fumbled with the keys, his hands trembling, and handed them over without a word. He couldn’t help but pity the person that anger was directed at.
Han Xin took the driver’s seat without a second glance, and Han Zhan settled into the passenger seat, still grappling with his unspoken questions. The engine roared to life, and they sped out of the garage.
Han Xin’s grip tightened on the steering wheel, and Han Zhan braced himself. Whatever storm was brewing, he knew they were driving straight into its heart.
Ten minutes later Han Xin parked on the curbside, hitting the brakes hard. Han Zhan was so frightened by his cousin’s driving that his legs felt like jelly. He held onto the car door as he got out, his stomach churning. Han Xin drove like a beast. At some point Han Zhan had actually thought the car would turn over. He had never experienced motion sickness before, even at sea, but today was different. He rubbed his stomach as he followed Han Xin into the shopping center.
They reached the tattoo shop, and Han Zhan rushed in front of him. He put his arm in front of Han Xin, blocking his cousin. "Ah-Xin, you need to calm down. You will only make things worse."
"Get out of the way," said Han Xin his voice terrifying.
Han Zhan hesitated but stepped aside. Han Xin entered the tattoo shop, which wasn’t busy. Little Bai, practicing his art at the reception, raised his head and was startled to see them. "I wasn’t expecting you to come. Yu-ge is busy."
Han Xin’s imposing presence made Little Bai’s voice grow smaller and smaller. Han Zhan said, "Whatever it is, tell him that Han Xin is here."
Little Bai hesitated. "He is consulting with Sister Meng, let me—"
"Where is he?" Han Xin interrupted, his tone brooking no argument.
Little Bai had no idea that he had stepped on a landmine. He had never been this frightened in his life. He wasn’t even as terrified when they were attacked at the tattoo shop.
He pointed to the door at the end of the passageway, and Han Xin stormed over. Han Zhan wiped the sweat off his forehead and leaned on the counter. "So scary. Haven’t seen him in a while."
Little Bai bit his lip nervously as he watched Han Xin’s back. He picked up his phone to warn Xiang Yu, but a hand reached over and grabbed it. Little Bai looked up to see Han Zhan. "It’s already too late," Han Zhan said, his voice resigned.
Han Xin reached the door at the end of the passageway, his heart pounding hard against his chest. He kicked the door open, startling Sister Meng, who was lying on the tattoo bed getting her tattoo done. Xiang Yu glanced over and saw it was Han Xin. With an air of nonchalance, he said, "If you are not getting a tattoo, get the hell out of my shop." He was about to continue working, but Han Xin’s voice cut through the air, terrifying in its intensity. "Let’s talk."
Xiang Yu sighed, sitting up and putting away his instruments. He spun his chair around and asked, "Are you getting a tattoo or not?"