He frowned and turned the phone over.
An outdated model, with several cracks on the edges—hardly worth anything. But the fact that she left her phone behind at least meant she wouldn't really run away.
Just as he was thinking, the phone vibrated.
【Bai Run'er】
Jiang Shiyu stared at those three words, frowning deeper until the screen went dark.
He let out a cold laugh. A law student, scamming money online?
Hah.
Interesting.
But the grip on the phone loosened a bit.
*
Out of breath, Zeng Keqin ran to the front desk. Her cheeks were flushed an unnatural red from the sprint.
"Hello, I'm here for the interview. My name is Zeng Keqin."
The receptionist looked down at the list and gave a professional smile: "Miss Zeng, the interview is about to begin. Please follow me."
Zeng Keqin followed closely, taking the chance to tidy the stray hairs by her temple as she passed a glass window, trying to look more professional.
"Please wait here patiently."
"Thank you."
She pushed the door open and paused.
The meeting room was already full. She estimated over forty people. No one looked up at her. The air was thick with tension, punctuated by the rustle of pages and occasional coughs.
Zeng Keqin found a seat in the corner, took out her prepared resume, and silently reviewed her interview talking points.
Two girls in the front seemed to know each other; their heads were together.
"I heard the firm is only taking two interns this time."
"A twenty-to-one chance..."
The short-haired girl on the left sighed. "What can we do? The job market is so tough... Mengmeng, what are you doing?"
"At times like this, you have to rely on the supernatural!"
The girl called Mengmeng was seriously shuffling tarot cards.
"Are you crazy? This is Bai Run'er, not a school club!"
"Oh, you don't get it. Sincerity works miracles."
Zeng Keqin couldn't help but curl her lips, then quickly straightened them and continued looking at her resume.
Time ticked by.
One by one, people were called out for interviews. The room emptied, and the anxiety grew.
"...Zeng Keqin, please follow me."
Zeng Keqin stood up. As she passed the two girls, Mengmeng flipped over the last card and muttered, "Reversed Judgment."
"We're here."
They were led into a meeting room where two women and one man were seated.
In the middle was a man in his forties wearing silver-rimmed glasses. His nameplate read Partner: Zhuang Zhengyuan.
Beside him sat two women: the short-haired one was Zou Min, and the slightly younger with wavy hair was Zhao Manrong.
Zhuang Zhengyuan spoke unhurriedly: "Please, have a seat."
The three sat down respectfully and began introducing themselves in turn.
Zeng Keqin sat in her chair, silently reminding herself: I must not be nervous. Lawyers can't afford to lack confidence.
When it was her turn, she took a deep breath: "Good morning, interviewers. I'm Zeng Keqin, a junior law student at J University."
Zou Min flipped through her resume and said flatly: "We've read your thesis, 'Procedural Justice in Criminal Defense.' Attorney Zhao had high praise for the section on 'Practical Difficulties of the Exclusionary Rule for Illegally Obtained Evidence.'"
At this, the other two candidates couldn't help but look at Zeng Keqin.
Her long black hair was tied neatly back, revealing a smooth, full forehead. Her delicate features were small and refined, and the formal suit on her made her look fresh and lovely.
Zeng Keqin clutched the hem of her clothes, trying to keep her voice steady: "Thank you."
Zou Min's expression turned serious: "First question: How do you view the statement, 'Law is the minimum standard of morality'? Please answer in turn."
The boy on the far left spoke first, his words rapid as if memorized: "I believe this phrase accurately summarizes the relationship between law and morality. Law sets the bottom line for citizens' behavior, while morality is a higher pursuit. As legal professionals, we should take law as the standard and morality as the guide..."
The girl in the middle continued: "I agree. A society ruled by law needs both the red line of law and the education of morality. The two complement each other and cannot be neglected."
It was Zeng Keqin's turn.
As if summoning great courage, she slowly began: "I'm not too fond of that statement."
The room fell silent instantly.