Close up on Dragon's head of 9 Dragon statue in Dong Fong Square. Cuts to gradual zoom-outs on 9 Dragon statue, until the whole Square is visible
ISD 7
Pregnant woman enters Square, looking around anxiously. After a few moments, a man enters from an office building and walks casually towards her.
She: Lao Hu - I'm so glad I found you! The baby is coming soon - I am almost due! What are we going to do? He: Xiao Wan, we talked about this many times. You know we cannot marry. I'll lose my job..... She: But the baby..... He: I know, I know. I will help you - I will send money when I can. But we can't be seen together....... She: Where can I go? My family insists the baby must be born in the father's house! He: I cannot help with that. I cannot take you to my home and family! I would lose everything! With the new 1 child regulations, it's not possible! I must go now, before we're seen together..... She: So I must go home? He: Yes. Go home, and we'll make the best of it. She: I understand, but my heart is breaking..... (he turns and walks away as she stands in the rain, crying)
Various Establishing shots of south China, concluding in a ride into the countryside.
(Arriving in her village home, Xiao Wan goes into labor.) She: Mama! Mama! I'm back, but I barely made it! The baby is coming NOW! My labor has begun! Arghhhhhh! Mama: You should have stayed with him. A baby must be born in its father's house. She: It's not possible, Mama! Please help me - let me come inside! Mama: I will fetch the mid-wife, but you must NOT come in! Stay by that tree! She: Tell the mid-wife to hurry! (She stumbles to the tree, leans against it and cries in pain)
(Fade in on Village hut with Xiao Wan holding the newborn baby.) She: It's just a worthless girl. I've let him down. Mama: He isn't here to be let down. Instead, it's just another mouth for us to feed. She: He will send money and take care of us - you'll see!
She: Lao Hu, we're so glad to see you! She has grown so much. Isn't she beautiful? He: Yes, she is. Xiao Wan, I have important news. I've been transferred back to the Mainland. I must leave very soon. I want you to come with me. She: To the mainland? I've never been off this island! He: Back to my hometown, where my family and friends will accept us! We can start over, and raise her together! She: But I cannot leave here! My family and friends are here! He: You will make new friends...... She: But Mama needs me! I'm the oldest, and you know how Baba gambles and drinks! Mama cannot do without me! He: Please, Xiao Wan - I need you, too........ She: (after a pause, softly) No. I can't. I can't leave.... He: (sadly) Then I must go.... alone. She: Don't go, Lao Hu! You promised to stay here forever and take care of us! He: I can't take of anyone if I lose my job! I think they are starting to investigate me! I must go before we're seen together......... (turns to leave) She: But you promised....... (begins to cry silently as he walks away)