16 Threats of Harassment

Zhihao moistened his hands with the fragrant essence of rice bran oil, determined to stay focused despite the distraction of her flawless, white back. Each swallow echoed his attempt to regain composure, realizing the unique ambiance of this moment, distinct from his experiences with Xinran.

The tanned-haired woman harbored different challenges, her persona shrouded in enigma, unlike Jia who unabashedly revealed her entire torso. Closing his eyes momentarily, he shook off the alluring images, redirecting his concentration to the assignment at hand.

"What's the matter?" Jia questioned, brushing off Zhihao's unease. "Is preparing the ingredients such a time-consuming task?"

"No, not at all. Some lotion to enhance this massage experience," he explained and stood beside Jia, initiating the gentle exploration of her back. "Allow me to assess and understand the tension in your muscles first."

"Please do," she murmured, shutting her eyes as Zhihao's touch navigated the areas of concern, eliciting occasional soft whimpers. "Ah, yes, right there."

Zhihao, sensing an aberration, halted, baffled by the inexplicable ache. With a measured tone, he inquired, "May I inquire about the source of your backache?"

In silence, Zhihao continued, "It doesn't seem related to any accident." His thumbs danced over her skin.

Jia, succumbing to the sensations, whimpered and bit her lip. "I thought it was natural for me to have this ache," she admitted. "But I never would have thought it would last for this duration."

"I've tried various therapists but to no avail," she continued, for some reason her voice turned weak and she opened her eyes slightly. "One of them even left me with a traumatic wound that haunts me."

Zhihao furrowed his brow, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, yet remained focused on his massage, a silent listener. After a moment of hesitation, she added, "There is nothing I can do about it since there is no elixir that can heal muscle and bones other than massage and acupuncture."

Being an alchemist, Zhihao comprehended the limitations. Conventional alchemy addressed internal issues, but beyond that, there existed unexplored methods. Meisha had elucidated the expansive potential of alchemy, extending to all facets of medicine.

"I fear for Xinran," she admitted, sorrow reflected in her azure eyes. "The threats of harassment loom in this tumultuous era, and I don't wish her to endure such hardships."

Zhihao nodded and couldn't agree more. "Yeah, lots of bandits, drinkers, and humans with no manners in our surroundings," he chimed in, knowing this fact from his sister.

"That is why we seeking an alternative for us to stay," she explained, telling the real reason Xinran wanted to look elsewhere. "That inn is not safe for her even though she has been trained to defend herself, I cannot allow her to be exposed to such dangers."

Zhihao squeezed her back, making motions with his fingers that made Jia sigh. "I understand, it is like what my sister said," he said, pausing his movements. "With your consent, may I position myself above you? I need to alleviate these tension bubbles around your bones."

Jia, her breath becoming ragged, seemed to struggle for air before finally conceding, "Yes, that's fine."

"Please excuse me," Zhihao swiftly knelt atop Jia, his thighs positioned close to her elevated hips. "Alright, I'm about to start."

His skilled fingers worked the area until a hush fell over, hands overlapping until, with a single stroke, Zhihao concluded with a resounding crack that reverberated through the room. Jia's eyes widened and her lips opened in a silent moan, overwhelmed by the sensation.

"Good heaven! This is incredible!" She was impressed, smiling widely. "I've never felt like this before at any therapist I've ever been to."

"So much in this area needs attention," Zhihao commented, his hands continuously working on her back. "I'm astounded at how long you've endured this."

Jia who maintained her smile, turned blushed. She could this time feel that every touch and his rub no longer elicited pain, but rather pleasure. Especially as Zhihao's hand ascended to the edge near her underarms.

"You must be tired," Zhihao concluded, trying hard not to be distracted when he could see her side breasts squeezed against the towel. Since his hands were now near those mounds, it made him difficult to concentrate.

Closing his eyes, he fought his desire and instilled into his mind to behave like an experienced therapist, carrying out his duties to the fullest. Focusing on one direction and not letting anything disrupt his resolution.

Besides, he didn't want to be labeled as a therapist who committed sexual harassment as Jia said earlier nor did he want to add her traumatic experience more than this. It's against the moral and he could not think about such behavior.

However, It became evident why the woman suffered from backaches, it was because of the burden of her sizable chest.

Yet, as Zhihao quickened his fingers, he noticed that her body was tensed. Her hips lifted upward which made Zhihao have to step back as it touched his crotch. Trying to compose himself, the black-haired man abandoned occasional thumb twirling, opting for a more dynamic approach.

That's when Zhihao was startled as Jia's hand snatched his knee, making him distracted by her face which turned to the side, reddened with sweat. Both eyes were glazed over as if a mixture of delight and the verge of tears.

"Slow down," she murmured, her voice frail. "Could you?"

The alchemist was frozen in the spot until he nodded in comprehension. "A-Apologize, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," he responded, proceeding with a gentler touch and adjusting his tempo.

"If it's too much, please let me know, and I'll be more cautious," he informed to which the blonde woman did not respond at all.

It's quite the opposite. Jia never felt the ache anymore, instead, it was all satisfaction. Every touch, movement, and caress she made somehow aroused the woman. At one point she didn't want it to end and wanted more of this.

Unable to restrain herself any longer, her body trembled and the overwhelming sensation forced its route out of her wall defense. She comprehended Xinran's earlier sentiment—this man had a seemingly magical ability to transmute distress into bliss.

"I'm home!" the exuberant voice resonated and the wooden front door opened, revealing Meisha who dressed herself in a white tunic with a knee-length skirt—a bag of assorted vegetables in hand. "What about the garden, is it finished?"

She was startled when she saw right in front of her, there was Zhihao on top of someone half-naked. They exchanged glances with both eyes wide open, shocked beyond belief, and time seemed to stop at that moment.