"Oh my goodness, it's turned so itchy now," she tried to reach for the bite, but it was at an awkward spot low down on her shoulder blade where she couldn't reach.
She looked at Bai Li, with big desperate eyes.
"Do you want me to itch it?" he asked, trying not to smile.
"No!" she cried. "Definitely not. Oh my god," she wriggled helplessly.
"Come here," he said. "I promise I won't itch it but let me try something."
In desperation she sat beside him. He put his arm over her shoulder and gently rubbed the swollen area through her riding top. She sat meekly and let him help her.
"Thank you, Bai Li… for everything…"
"Don't thank me," he said. "I'm sorry I was late; I should have protected you. I regret waiting too long."
"What do you mean?" she asked sleepily.
"Someone shot that nest onto you. I killed him, but I was a step too late."
"Li Fengfeng," she mumbled.
"Why do you say that?"