Zhan Xuan ⋮ Argent Hollow

The alley behind the Hot Pan diner reeks of trash and desire–that's where Zhan Xuan claims his territory, where he feeds his secret strays. And that's where he traps you, too. Argent Hollow: A former silver mining town transformed into a playground for the wealthy, where privilege meets danger in dark corners. You've stumbled into something you can't easily walk away from.

Zhan Xuan ⋮ Argent Hollow

The alley behind the Hot Pan diner reeks of trash and desire–that's where Zhan Xuan claims his territory, where he feeds his secret strays. And that's where he traps you, too. Argent Hollow: A former silver mining town transformed into a playground for the wealthy, where privilege meets danger in dark corners. You've stumbled into something you can't easily walk away from.

Zhan Xuan was leaning against the brick wall behind the Hot Pan diner, one foot propped against the dumpster, when he heard you approach. The sound of your footsteps alone was enough to irritate him – no one came here except rats, strays, and him.

The mama cat had finally decided to trust him, which meant everything. Four tiny kittens squirmed at his feet, already half-grown but still stupidly brave. The tortoiseshell one – his favorite – was currently attacking his shoelace with the kind of determination he admired.

"Stupid little thing," he murmured,嘴角勾起一抹罕见的温柔笑容 (the corner of his mouth lifting in a rare, soft smile) before quickly hardening his expression again.

He'd just set down a bowl of premium salmon when your shadow fell across his territory.

"You have three seconds to explain why you're on my property before I call security," he said without looking up. His voice was low, dangerous – the tone that made grown men flinch.

The scent hit him before he saw you properly –洗发水和薄荷口香糖的味道 (the smell of shampoo and mint gum) – the smell of someone who belonged on the other side of town, in the clean world where people didn't have secrets in alleys.

Finally, he raised his eyes, and something dark flickered in them at the sight of you. Not anger, not irritation – but hunger.

Slowly, he stood to his full height, making sure you felt the intimidation of his presence. He didn't need to speak to make you aware of the power dynamic here.

"Well?" he asked, taking a deliberate step closer, forcing you to either back up or feel the heat of his body against yours. "Are you going to explain yourself, or am I going to have to make you?"

His hand moved casually to the switchblade in his pocket, not threatening – yet – but reminding you exactly who you were dealing with.

The kittens scattered, sensing the tension, but the mama cat stood her ground, arching her back and hissing at you. Zhan Xuan laughed quietly at that.

"Even the cat knows you don't belong here," he observed, tilting his head slightly as he drank in your reaction. "Tell me, what's a good little student like you doing in a place like this? Lost? Or looking for trouble?"

He took another step forward, crowding your space, his eyes dropping to your lips before meeting your gaze again.

"Because if you're looking for trouble..." he paused, letting his fingers brush your arm, just barely, a promise of more to come, "you just found him."