When Jiang Xinxin said this, a flicker of discomfort crossed Zhang Hua's face, but he quickly regained his composure.
He placed his index and middle fingers on his wine glass and gently swirled it, watching the wine form concentric circles.
After a long pause, he responded calmly, "Director Jiang, you're joking. I've been in this industry for many years and have seen all kinds of storms. However, this case isn't just a simple legal matter. It's a little questionable that you've assigned it to a trainee lawyer."
Lu Mingjun wasn't intimidated by Zhang Hua's comment. She smiled slightly, looking calm and composed.
"Director Zhang is right," she said lightly.
Then she said no more. Instead, she raised her wine glass, gave it a gentle swirl, nodded at Zhang Hua, and took a sip.
The entire motion was poised and elegant—so much so that Jiang Xinxin's eyes lit up in appreciation.
Seeing Lu Mingjun like this, Zhang Hua frowned slightly, clearly displeased.
If Lu Mingjun had said anything more, she might have seemed immature or incapable of holding her ground.
But her restraint? That was brilliant.
He looked like a clown in comparison.
Realizing this, Zhang Hua couldn't help but glance at Jiang Xinxin with envy. His eyes clearly said: Where did you find such a promising young talent?
Jiang Xinxin raised her eyebrows proudly. When she looked at Lu Mingjun again, her expression was full of satisfaction.
Her judgment is as sharp as ever.
Just then, Ma Yuange from the Li Ze Institute walked over with his glass and said with a smile,
"Xinxin, we've known each other for years…"
Before he could finish, Jiang Xinxin cut him off:
"Don't even bring up our friendship. I'm not giving it to you!"
Ma Yuange was briefly stunned, then burst into laughter. There was both helplessness and amusement in his smile.
"Oh, Xinxin, you really don't go easy on anyone. Fine, if you're that firm, I won't push it. But I still have to say—Lu Mingjun is a rare talent. You'd better train her well."
Jiang Xinxin nodded with a smile.
"Let's focus on enjoying our meal tonight. We spend our days buried in cases—can't we just have one evening of peace?"
Ma Yuange laughed and agreed. "You're right. No more work talk tonight. Let's just enjoy this rare gathering."
With that, the atmosphere at the banquet eased. Laughter and chatter returned, and the clinking of wine glasses filled the air.
Zhang Hua also seemed to have returned to normal. He raised his glass to Jiang Xinxin and Lu Mingjun again before taking a sip of red wine.
Still, his eyes lingered on Lu Mingjun for a moment before he looked away, pretending nothing had happened.
Lu Mingjun sat quietly, listening to the conversations around her without saying much.
When spoken to, she would respond politely, making everyone around her feel at ease.
Watching her, Jiang Xinxin nodded in approval.
"By the way, Xinxin," Ma Yuange said suddenly, "I heard you recently took on a big case?"
Jiang Xinxin nodded. "Yes, a bankruptcy case."
"Oh? Bankruptcy? That's a thankless job," Ma Yuange said, frowning. "Why take on something like that?"
Jiang Xinxin shook her head with a smile. "It was assigned through court lottery."
Ma Yuange pursed his lips but muttered inwardly: If you don't want to explain, just say so. Who do you think you're fooling with that excuse?
Changing the topic, Ma Yuange looked at Lu Mingjun and said,
"By the way, Mingjun is still a trainee lawyer and already has the chance to face Director Zhang in court. That's quite impressive!"
Lu Mingjun responded modestly, "I don't deserve the praise. I'm just following the firm's arrangements and doing my best to serve our client."
"Well said!" Ma Yuange's compliment this time sounded far more sincere.
"Mingjun is so outstanding—why don't you come with me instead?"
He glanced at Jiang Xinxin, then joked,
"Whatever Xinxin is paying you, I'll double it!"
Jiang Xinxin's eyes widened in disbelief, nearly dropping her wine glass.
"Ma Yuange! Are you serious? Who gave you the guts to poach my people right in front of me?"
Seeing her reaction, Ma Yuange chuckled and waved his hand.
"No, no, I just admire Mingjun's talent. I thought I'd extend an invitation. After all, people strive upward and water flows downward, right, Mingjun?"
It was clearly a reminder that the choice rested with Lu Mingjun.
Jiang Xinxin turned to look at Lu Mingjun, wondering, Mingjun is short on money…
But Lu Mingjun simply nodded politely and replied,
"Director Ma, thank you for your kind words. I still have much to learn. At the moment, I'm very satisfied with my current team and have no plans to change jobs."
Jiang Xinxin: Good girl!
Though a little disappointed, Ma Yuange quickly recovered and smiled again.
"No worries. Everyone has their own path. Still, I hope we'll have a chance to work together someday."
Jiang Xinxin breathed a quiet sigh of relief and patted Lu Mingjun on the shoulder.
"Looks like I need to make a growth plan for our Mingjun!"
Lu Mingjun nodded and smiled.
"Thank you, Director Jiang. I'll keep working hard."
Ma Yuange laughed again. "Not only did I fail to recruit her, I almost broke my own back doing it!"
With that, he stood and returned to his seat.
The rest of the dinner proceeded smoothly.
Later that evening, Jiang Xinxin drove Lu Mingjun back to her apartment complex. Before she left, she rolled down the window and said, "I'll have Xiaolu prepare the materials for the bankruptcy case tomorrow. You'll be in charge of it!"
Then she stepped on the gas and drove away.
Lu Mingjun watched her car disappear into the distance before turning to head home.
Just then, as she walked along the road, she suddenly heard a familiar mechanical voice:
"Host, hello!"
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