020 As a Friend
"Please have a seat."
Zeng Keqin put down the water cup, sat stiffly on the edge of the sofa, her feet together, hands properly placed on her knees, not knowing where to look. Finally, her gaze settled on the potted plant on the coffee table.
Shen Jingbai sat on the single sofa beside her, not too close, not too far—a distance that eased the oppressive feel of the interview.
"Did you bring your resume?"
"Yes... yes, I did."
Zeng Keqin took a stack of materials from her bag. It included not only her resume but also copies of awards and certificates she had earned, all arranged neatly in chronological order.
Shen Jingbai flipped through them seriously. He wore a light blue shirt with crisp cuffs, revealing a metal watch strap around his wrist. His well-defined fingers held the edge of the resume, his eyes slightly lowered, focused, his lips pressed into a gentle line.
He looked up and met her gaze. "Your resume is excellent."
Zeng Keqin hurriedly looked away, as if caught stealing. She picked up the cup on the coffee table, took a sip, trying to hide the heat rising to her cheeks.
"Th... thank you."
"Can I ask you a few simple questions?"
Zeng Keqin nodded, put the cup back, and placed her hands on her knees again, straightening her back like a student waiting for the teacher to speak.
Shen Jingbai was amused by her demeanor and couldn't help but smile. Then, he turned serious. "First question: Why did you choose law?"
Zeng Keqin answered without hesitation, honestly: "In high school, I watched a court trial. It made me realize that the law isn't just cold statutes—it can protect those who cannot protect themselves."
"Second question: In your opinion, what is the most important quality for a lawyer?"
Zeng Keqin thought for a moment and answered seriously: "I used to think it was professional competence. Now, I think it's responsibility—being responsible for the case, for the client, and not slacking off just because the case is small or the client is vulnerable."
"Last question."
Shen Jingbai put down the resume, his tone turning more earnest.
"I remember your last internship was at Bai Run'er, one of the top ten firms in the country. But I'm just a small firm. I can't offer you a high salary, nor the resources and client base of a big platform. Why did you come?"
Zeng Keqin didn't expect him to be so direct. She gripped her knees tightly and looked up. "Because Lawyer Zhao once told me that big companies aren't always the best path; sometimes, you can learn more at a small firm. I'm not entirely sure what she meant by 'more,' but I'm willing to give it a try. Salary and client base are important, but for me, following the right person and doing the right thing matters most."
Shen Jingbai looked at her, his gaze calm, seemingly unmoved by her words. "Your answer sounds very scripted. I want to hear your real thoughts."
Zeng Keqin's fingers curled slightly on her knees. Her dark eyes fixed on Shen Jingbai, a flicker of fire in their depths.
"I want to learn from a lawyer who truly loves the law. Bai Run'er is great, but what I want isn't a glamorous platform—it's to rely on my own expertise to truly help those in need."
"When can you start?"
Zeng Keqin was stunned.
"You mean..."
Shen Jingbai stood up and extended his hand. "Three-month probation, salary four thousand. Are you willing to come?"
Zeng Keqin looked at his outstretched hand—his nails neatly trimmed, a healthy pink.
She stood up and shook his hand. "I'm willing."
Shen Jingbai let go and took a business card from his desk. "Report next Monday at 9 a.m. Contact me anytime if you have questions."
Zeng Keqin took the card with both hands and looked down. It was simply designed, white paper with black text, no extra patterns.
"Thank you, Lawyer Shen. I'll take my leave now."
"Mm."
Shen Jingbai returned to his desk, looking down at the documents without raising his head.
She turned and walked to the door, pausing to glance inside before closing it.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting an elegant and unobtrusive glow on Shen Jingbai.
Stepping out of the office building, Zeng Keqin pressed a hand to her racing heart, internally thrilled. She quickly pulled out her phone and opened the group chat.
Zeng Keqin: [I passed the interview! I start next Monday! I'll treat you all to lunch at noon!]
Wang Chunyue: [Flowers, congratulations!!!]
Liu Ying: [Wow, I told you you'd make it!]
Fang Yu: [Go for it! Another chance to freeload! [Fireworks][Fireworks][Fireworks]]
She smiled and exited the chat, opening a new conversation.
Zeng Keqin: [I got it.]
The other party rarely replied instantly.
She stared at the screen for a few seconds, then locked the phone. While transferring to the subway, she couldn't resist checking again.
No new reply.
A nameless emotion welled up in her heart—heavy, stifling—but she quickly suppressed it.
At the Nanmen Home-Style Restaurant.
When Zeng Keqin pushed the door open, Wang Chunyue was already waving frantically at her.