The elevator reached the sixth floor.
The situation in the corridor seemed even worse than she had imagined. There were several nail and hair salons. Only at the very end did she spot the law firm.
The sign wasn't big, but the characters were neat and upright.
[Jingheng Law Firm]
Zeng Keqin cautiously knocked on the glass door.
At the front desk was a young woman in her early twenties, with delicate features and short hair.
At first glance, she thought it was a handsome young man.
The girl seemed to notice her scrutiny and said expressionlessly, "Who are you looking for?"
Zeng Keqin quickly said, "I'm looking for Lawyer Shen."
The girl gave her a once-over. "Are you the one here for the lawyer assistant interview at ten?"
Zeng Keqin nodded.
"Lawyer Shen worked through the night. He went home to shower. He'll be here in about half an hour. You can wait in his office for now."
The girl walked out from behind the desk. She was about half a head taller than Zeng Keqin, roughly 173 cm.
Zeng Keqin followed behind the girl, secretly looking around. The office area had only three empty desks, piled high with case files. Several filing cabinets stood against the wall.
"Wait in here."
The girl stopped in front of an office door.
"Thank you."
Zeng Keqin walked in. The room was clean and tidy, with a mahogany desk and coffee table. The bookshelf beside it was filled with certificates and silk banners.
It reminded her of her advisor's office at school—the same solemn, serious old-school style.
It seemed Lawyer Shen was the type who was stern and self-disciplined. She wondered what she could learn from him and whether he was really as 'impressive' as Lawyer Zhao had said.
Suddenly, her gaze was drawn to a photo on the shelf, showing three men standing side by side in suits.
Zeng Keqin took a few steps forward to get a clearer look at their faces when a gentle voice came from behind her—
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Zeng Keqin turned around. A man was holding the door handle, walking in from outside.
He looked very young, with his bangs falling over his forehead and slightly damp ends. He must have just showered and come directly without drying his hair.
His features were soft and handsome.
He didn't seem like a shrewd, serious lawyer; rather, he seemed like a gentle and refined university professor.
Zeng Keqin looked at his face and suddenly froze.
She had seen him before.
So, his name was Shen Jingbai.
Four years ago, during the summer after her senior year of high school, she had accompanied her grandfather to a civil litigation court.
The plaintiff's evidence was insufficient; everyone thought they would lose.
But that lawyer didn't give up. He found a breakthrough in a single sentence from the opposing witness, used his skilled legal knowledge to peel away the lies layer by layer, and ultimately secured the compensation the client deserved.
That trial changed her life.
It was also the first time she realized that the law wasn't just cold statutes; it was a weapon that could protect the weak.
So, when she filled out her college application, she went behind her parents' backs and changed her major from medicine to law.
"Lawyer... Lawyer Shen?"
Her voice trembled with excitement.
Shen Jingbai nodded, walked to the water dispenser, poured a cup of hot water, and handed it to her. "No need to be so nervous."
Zeng Keqin looked down at the paper cup in her hand, feeling a moment of unreality.
It was as if a distant idol had suddenly appeared before her.
Author's note: None