"I seriously question why you came to live here."
Mingshen laid on his belly with his shirt lifted halfway up to expose his lower back. Jia took a generous amount of the ointment and started massaging the painful area in circular motion.
"Did you hear what I just asked?"
"Hm? Did you say something?"
Jia frowned. "Pay attention."
"Trust me, I am."
Mingshen was lost in the bliss of the gentle but firm pressure of her fingertips along his back that brought a wide grin to his lips. Jia's hands moved with a natural rhythm, her touch surprisingly tender as if she was unraveling the tension he carried deep within.
He felt warm under her palms, the taut muscles yielding slightly as she worked through the sprain. The faint scent of eucalyptus from the ointment she had applied earlier filled the air.
She leaned in a little closer, her concentration etched into her face as she pressed onto one spot. He slightly winced but didn't pull away.