Skill: Nimble Hand

Although Mikael was an experienced massage therapist, he had never done it to a woman in his life. This is what made Zhihao hesitate when he was right next to Xinran who had her eyes closed, the woman's expression seemingly in nuisance.

"Excuse me," he now tied his black hair in a top knot to avoid disturbance, folded his sleeves, closed his fingers, and began to touch her ample thighs.

What kind of sensation Xinran could feel at that moment, could not be described between distress and a little bit of delight at the same time. Whatever it was, she could not help but let out a sigh, her breath turning heavy. Thanks to the latest acquired skill, Zhihao could now tell that her muscles were tensed in a certain area.

"You must be indeed, pushing hard with your training," Zhihao uttered, not yet rubbing her skin under the fabric. "Martial Arts could be dangerous if we are careless."

The woman turned to her side. "I have to master the technique. But, I wouldn't have thought that the consequences would be like this."

Zhihao smiled. "Well, do it more slowly and consistently, no need to rush," he counseled, driving his thumbs upside down.

Just that, Xinran lifted her eyebrows in embarrassment as the discomfort thrived. Zhihao repeated the movement to know the muscle better and at the same time, Xinran's body trembled. Her head rests on both hands while bites her fingers.

"Your muscle ache is not too severe," he explained, still closing his eyes to concentrate. "But, I cannot do the massage while the cloth is still intact."

He removed his hand from her and in that moment, the pain was so overwhelming that Xinran groaned, "Arghh!" She reached out, grabbing her thigh. "What is this, it's so unbearable!"

"If not treated immediately, it may heighten and the worst case scenario is that it will affect your ability to walk," Zhihao had to tell the truth because he had received several victims with the same fate. "Allow me to fold your dress."

Xinran hesitated, she was about to be touched skin-to-skin after this by a man she had been acquainted with. But, there was no way she could escape the feeling that tormented her if she didn't let Zhihao execute his skill. Putting manners aside, Xinran had to be healed no matter what.

"Please do," blushing in embarrassment, she murmured, her face concealed in her folded hands. "Continue."

Zhihao lifted the layers of the vibrant red dress, revealing the smooth skin beneath. As he progressed, the sight of her curvaceous thighs became more apparent. The man's nervousness was noticeable, evident in the bead of sweat forming on his forehead.

The sweet odor lingering around her made Zhihao even more anxious. "Alright, relax," he reassured, pouring rice bran oil onto his palms and rubbing them together until the substance was distributed. "I will start."

The hand now covered in liquid landed right on her supple skin, Zhihao could feel her tensed and stiff muscles. Gently, he pressed his fingers to deliver her a massage, occasionally watching Xinran without knowing her expression.

But, one thing he knew for sure she quivered. With skilled motions, Zhihao rubbed her thighs alternately, more and more strange things were happening with the woman. Her legs at some moments would shake violently and fold upwards, feeling that perhaps she was enduring extreme hurt.

"Are you okay?" Zhihao let go of his hands, pausing to ensure he wasn't overdoing the performance.

Breathless and sweaty, Xinran turned to him. "Don't stop," she whispered, her complexion flushed with a deep shade of red.

Perplexed, Zhihao stayed with the massage, positioning himself on the sofa, and kneeling directly above her legs. "This soreness needs decent treatment before the sensation returns," he mentioned, his hands gently caressing her biceps. "It will subside soon."

Unfazed, Xinran paid no attention as the woman attempted to stifle her sounds by pressing her lips against her hand. Instead of discomfort, she felt an indescribable pleasure that was difficult to relinquish.

Each stroke from Zhihao sent a shiver down her spine, reaching beyond her thighs. As he accelerated his hand's movement, Xinran couldn't restrain herself any longer.

"Aahhh!" Her moan escaped, surprising Zhihao, who felt Xinran's legs lock him in the spot.

"Apologize, I might have been too harsh in my actions," Zhihao alarmed, getting off the couch in case he did something wrong. "I'm so sorry!"

Confused about what transpired, Xinran chose to sit on the couch, readjusting her dress and slumping back down. She remained silent for a few seconds, composing herself and attempting to conceal her embarrassment.

Those brownish eyes flicked to Zhihao who was still standing next to her, then averted her sight again. "T-Thank you so much, Lin Zhihao," she stuttered, clasping her hands together which were on her thighs. "I'm feeling better right now. I don't even feel those strains anymore."

She let out a broad smile, revealing her attractive face. "You are indeed, a remarkable therapist."

"As promised," she took some coins from inside the white hanfu that was in the rattan basket beneath her, handing out four golden coins. "Here is your reward. Please, take it."

Zhihao was speechless with both eyes wide open, his massage should not have healed the ache in such a short time. "Is it because of the Nimble Skill I have obtained?" he mumbled, watching his hands that were still covered in oil.

"My pleasure," he realized, cleaning his hands with a napkin, and accepting the coins from Xinran. "Ah, please eat the dumplings I made, I wanted to know if I'm doing right."

"I'll take care of this in a moment," the male hurriedly picked up the various items he used for the massage treatment, returning them to their original places.

By the time he reached the sink, Zhihao realized that the room was eerily quiet, with no background sound as before. "Looks like the rain has stopped," he said, focusing on cleaning his hands. "We could find the carriage after this, before nightfall."

"Ah, no, it's fine, I'll find it myself," Xinran stood up, striding her feet as before without an issue. "You don't have to help me any more than this."

The man waved his hands to let off the fluid. "You sure of that?"

Xinran returned a wide smile and bowed so deep, her brown hair cascading like a waterfall. "Yes, thank you so much for giving me shelter from the storm."

She rose, adding, "I'll be back here again to return this dress. I don't want to burden your sister too because of this."

Zhihao approached Xinran there as he lifted the corners of his lips. "Don't be worried, she won't be bothered."