Zeng Keqin glanced at it. The dishes were few, following a high-quality route, with moderate to high prices.
She quickly ordered two dishes, handed the menu to the waiter, and added, "No cilantro, thanks."
"You don't eat cilantro either!"
Qiao Meng's eyes lit up as if she'd found an ally.
Zeng Keqin offered a faint smile in response.
While waiting for the food, Qiao Meng propped her chin on her hand and stared straight at Zeng Keqin.
Zeng Keqin felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze. "What's wrong?"
Qiao Meng sighed. "I was thinking, during the retest, you answered the examiner's questions so smoothly that I thought you were a huge extrovert. I never expected you to be so quiet in private."
Zeng Keqin lowered her eyes and pursed her lips out of habit.
"But that's okay. I talk a lot, so we complement each other!"
Qiao Meng smiled, swiped her phone a few times, and said, "Done! I've sent you the info!"
As she spoke, the phone on the table vibrated.
Zeng Keqin opened the message.
Zheng Zhixi, male, second-year grad student, participated in provincial mock trial competitions, best debater.
Zhou Yi, male, first-year grad student, interned at Yingke Law Firm for half a year, has practical experience.
Su Wanyi, female, senior year, Western Law School, student council president, won the best written document award in the Jessup Moot Court Competition.
Zhao Mo, male, graduated from overseas Weston University.
...
"Su Wanyi is my senior. She's a great person and very capable! Only Zhao Mo has the least information, but..."
Qiao Meng lowered her voice mysteriously. "I heard he's a rich second-generation from some conglomerate. Better not to provoke him."
Zeng Keqin tightened her grip on the phone. "Thank you."
Qiao Meng waved her hand. "It's nothing! You're so capable; you'll definitely make it. I'll be grateful if I can just get through the evaluation period!"
"Excuse me, your dishes are ready."
The waiter pushed the door open and entered, setting a table of exquisite dishes.
The two of them ate and chatted.
More accurately, Qiao Meng talked while Zeng Keqin listened, occasionally chiming in with a word or two.
Fortunately, Qiao Meng didn't mind. Even when the topic became awkward, she would switch to another—from hobbies to idol celebrities to campus gossip.
At first, Zeng Keqin found it noisy, but gradually she got used to it.
After dinner, they walked around the mall.
Qiao Meng bought four or five outfits in big bags, seeking Zeng Keqin's advice every time she tried something on. Zeng Keqin only bought one set of cream-white professional attire—simple and understated.
As they left the mall, Qiao Meng waved goodbye contentedly. "Xiaoke, keep in touch on WeChat."
Zeng Keqin politely said farewell. "Okay."
She watched Qiao Meng get into a taxi before heading to the bus stop.
*
Zeng Keqin found a seat by the window and sat down, finally letting her tense nerves relax.
Dealing with Qiao Meng's enthusiasm was more exhausting than a paper competition.
She took out her phone and looked through the information again.
Those names weren't unfamiliar; she'd even seen some at debates.
There was no denying it.
They were all outstanding and formidable competitors. Even if she lost, she would have no regrets.
But for some reason, just as she was about to reach her goal, she began to feel scared.
Scared of what?
Zeng Keqin turned her head to look out the window.
The lights of the high-rises merged into a continuous stretch, the stream of traffic flowed endlessly, and delivery drivers sped by on their electric scooters—everyone was busy with their lives.
Suddenly, she understood. She was never afraid of losing.
She was afraid of having nowhere to hide after winning.
The bus arrived at her stop, leaving only half an hour before curfew.
To save time, Zeng Keqin chose a shortcut—a path with dim streetlights spaced far apart.
The lamplight cast her shadow long and stretched.
Whether it was psychological or not, she felt like someone was following her.