Qinghe took the first sample at sunrise, before the lower orchard families began filling their jars. Dai, the orchard keeper, watched her rinse the collection cup.
“Is the water safe?” he asked.
“I don’t know yet. I can take a second sample with you and compare them.”
He frowned. “Will you take the jars away?”
“No. We’ll seal one here and carry the other for testing. You’ll keep a copy of the results.”
Dai agreed to collect his own sample. Qinghe labeled both jars, and Yan carried the kit uphill. He kept the weight balanced so the water did not slosh against the lids.
At the second well, the water looked clear. Sui dipped a clean cup and handed it to Qinghe. She smelled it but did not taste it. When the sample settled, a metallic residue colored the bottom. Sui said the taste had changed after the furnace expanded three years ago.
Han asked the station clerk for the district report number. He had not seen a report, but promised to search the archive. She did not call the water poisoned. The evidence was not enough.
