A hush fell over the packed courtroom as Lin Wantang and Qi Siheng stepped up to the bench, Jasper clutching his dragon‑jade pawn at their side. The morning sun filtered through stained‑glass windows, painting the walls with fragments of ruby and gold. Across from them sat Old Madam Qi, flanked by murmuring board members and a dozen onlookers—family, press, and legal counsel.
The judge, robes pristine, peered over his glasses. “Your petition, Ms. Lin?"
Wantang inhaled and set the manila folder on the desk. “Your Honor, I petition to formalize Jasper's surname as Quinn‑Lin, reflecting both his maternal heritage and his birthright." She slid forward a typed form stamped with signatures and supporting documents—citizenship certificates, DNA reports, and character references from both Qi Gro
