008 When Will I Get My Jacket Back?
Zeng Keqin's hand gripping the glass froze. She quickly averted her gaze and pretended to study the menu.
Qiao Meng whispered, "Who's that guy across from Lawyer Zhuang? He doesn't look like he's from the firm. So casually dressed."
Zhou Yi chimed in, "Look at how Lawyer Zhuang is smiling—he's probably a big client."
Zheng Zhixi adjusted his glasses but said nothing.
Su Wanyi said, "Let's eat. Lawyer Zhuang's personal affairs have nothing to do with us."
That remark reminded the others.
Zeng Keqin pulled her gaze back and poked absentmindedly at the spaghetti on her plate, her mind racing.
For a partner at Bai Run'er to speak to someone with that expression—it meant they had a close relationship.
In other words, his appearance at the building that day hadn't been a coincidence. He knew about Bai Run'er, and he knew Zhuang Zhengyuan. That was why he'd threatened her in the coffee shop.
Thinking this, she glanced up at him.
Jiang Shiyu happened to turn his head, and their eyes nearly met.
Zeng Keqin ducked down in panic, her heart pounding.
He probably didn't see me, right?
She held her breath and didn't dare look up again.
The conversation at the table had shifted to afternoon plans. Everyone chatted while eating, and Zeng Keqin occasionally chimed in, but she remained distracted.
When it came time to pay, Zhuang Zhengyuan's table was already empty.
Back at the firm, Zeng Keqin focused all her energy on the case file. No matter what his relationship with Zhuang Zhengyuan was, it had nothing to do with her. She just needed to do her job.
It was a contract dispute over goods quality. The amount involved wasn't large, but the legal issues were complex, covering product quality appraisal, liability for breach, and other difficulties.
She opened her laptop and began organizing the timeline and key points of the case.
Time slipped by unnoticed, and the sky darkened.
Qiao Meng stood up from her chair. "Xiaoke, it's time to clock out."
Zeng Keqin stared at the screen, still typing. "You go ahead. I still have a little left to finish."
"Alright then... Senior?"
"I'm almost done too."
Qiao Meng sat back down. "I'll keep you company."
Zhou Yi poked his head out from behind his computer. "Are you done?"
Qiao Meng puffed out her chest. "Of course."
Zhou Yi gave her a thumbs up. "Awesome!"
Another hour passed.
Zeng Keqin saved her work, stretched her sore neck, and glanced at the time. Eight o'clock.
Su Wanyi also closed her laptop and stood up. "Let's go."
At this hour, Bai Run'er was almost empty. The hallway was quiet, the warm white light shining on the wall of photos.
Zeng Keqin slowed down, scanning those faces in suits and ties, eyes full of confidence. They were the partners and senior lawyers of Bai Run'er, the goal she had long aspired to.
Qiao Meng noticed she had fallen behind, walked back, and mimicked the poses in the photos.
"When will I look this confident and proud?"
Zeng Keqin looked away. That scene was too distant for her to imagine.
"Let's go."
Su Wanyi called out from ahead.
Zeng Keqin followed.
Ding—
The elevator doors opened.
Qiao Meng clutched her stomach. "I'm so hungry. Want to grab dinner together?"
Zeng Keqin was about to reply when her phone buzzed.
Jiang Shiyu: [When will I get my jacket back?]
She stared at the screen for a second.
Qiao Meng noticed her pause. "What's up?"
Zeng Keqin quickly said, "I have something to do. You guys go ahead."
"Alright then..."
Zeng Keqin watched them walk away, then typed her reply: [Tomorrow at 8 p.m., J University North Gate, Bit Ocean Coffee Shop.]