Jingxue's frown deepened at the man's words.
"What about the children?"
He stood in a single motion, leaving the soft grass where he had been sitting, and turned fully toward the small cluster of villagers. Worry had stripped some of the usual distance from his face; what remained was colder and more focused.
The men exchanged another look. Grimness passed between them like a shared weight.
"We apologize for not saying this sooner, boss." The man spoke, his voice heavy. "Three days ago, some of the children in the village started saying their throats hurt. We.. initially ignored it. It happens. Sore throats come and go with the weather, with dust, with the change of season. We thought it was the usual.. but....."
He trailed off, anxiety pulling his gaze back to Jingxue as if permission were required to finish.
"But?" Jingxue stepped closer. The cold around him tightened. Several of the men visibly flinched under it.
