The repossession ward is a long stone hall with paper chains hanging from rafters and patients behind talisman curtains. Qin Lian sits at the far end under a red maturity clock.

Xiǎo Méi enters the ward with a visitation writ. Qin Lian recognizes her and attempts courtesy despite weakness.

Xiǎo Méi inspects the demon-chain script without touching him. The ward light is cold and surgical.

Qin's answer draws the old rain memory back, now clearer: recruiters outside, children counted, a lie saving Xiǎo Méi.

The ward hushes after the memory. Xiǎo Méi sits, making the visit look like a deposition rather than gratitude.

Qin recounts taking the lease for comprehension. His chain-script moves as if listening.

Xiǎo Méi moves from ward to emergency court with Qin's file. Procedure snaps around her like traps.

Judge Yan presides over a smaller night court. Xiǎo Méi stands alone below, with Qin's file glowing on the evidence stand.

The emergency hearing turns on the clean brutality of the lease. No loophole appears where mercy needs one.

As the stay is denied, the lease projects its origin mark above the bench. The mark exceeds the court's authority.

After the failed hearing, Xiǎo Méi returns to the ward threshold. Qin sits in the distance beneath the maturity clock, smaller than before.