CHAPTER 6 : A GAME OF WITS AND WINKS
The cafeteria buzzed with the last vestiges of lunch break chatter. Emma, Lily, and Valeria, fresh off solidifying their apartment arrangements, moved through the dispersing crowd.
"Afternoon agenda, ladies?" Lily asked, buzzing. "Professor Chu's Cyber Law for me. Heard she once debugged a system with a paperclip and a strongly worded email."
Emma chuckled. "Professor Li's Business Law. Samuel thinks he's 'inspirational.' Then Meng's seminar. My second dose of existential dread."
Valeria adjusted her tote. "Petrova for Politics, then Jun for International Relations. Double global strategy. And then, like you two, Meng's 'intimate gathering.' A full day."
They parted ways, their schedules diverging.
***
Professor Li's Business Law: The Art of the Deal
(2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)
Emma, Chi Ling, Zhen Gu, and Su Wan settled in Professor Jian Li's Business Law class. Li, robust and booming, commanded the room.
"Good afternoon, future titans of industry!" Li began. "Today, mergers and acquisitions. This isn't just balance sheets. It's leverage. Opportunity. Wielding law as a weapon."
Emma leaned in. Li was a master storyteller. Chi Ling took notes, a glint in his eye. Zhen Gu leaned towards Su Wan. "He's radiating 'I woke up and chose chaos' energy."
"He's giving me inspiration," Su Wan whispered back. "Hostile Takeover Couture."
"Professor," Chi Ling asked, "in a hostile takeover, what legal grey areas are most exploited to circumvent shareholder resistance?"
Li grinned. "Excellent, Mr. Ling! You're thinking like a predator. We'll dive deep. Law isn't rigid; it's shaped by the brave—or ruthless—who test its limits." He swept the room, pausing on Su Wan and Zhen Gu.
Zhen Gu offered an audacious smile. "Professor, your insights are compelling. Secret to such commanding presence, even with a... rebellious student body?"
Li chuckled. "Mr. Gu, the secret, like in M&A, is knowing your assets. My assets," he gestured, "are bright. But, Ms. Su," he turned to her, "your 'Hostile Takeover Couture' whispers are tempting. A clause for 'friendly acquisition' if the design is fetching?"
Su Wan winked. "Only if the acquiring party is truly worthy, Professor. My designs aren't easily won."
Zhen Gu nudged Su Wan. "Too bold!"
Su Wan shrugged. "He likes it."
After class, Zhen Gu bounded to Emma and Chi Ling. "Li's fantastic! Makes M&A a high-stakes poker game. He even danced during 'leveraged buyouts'!"
Su Wan joined them. "I know! Expressive hands. He could conduct an orchestra. Or sell sand in a desert. Don't you think he has… charming bravado?"
Emma smiled. "Charismatic, yes. Makes corporate law fascinating." She glanced at Chi Ling. "Enjoyed his lecture, Mr. Ling?"
Chi Ling smoothed his jacket. "Professor Li understands power. Refreshing." He turned to Su Wan. "Ms. Su, inspired today? Perhaps a power suit with 'poison pills'?"
Su Wan laughed, swatting him. "Now there's an idea, Mr. Ling! Though I prefer less 'hostile takeover,' more 'elegant acquisition.' Unless the acquisition is a particularly handsome CEO, then I might consider hostile!" She winked.
Zhen Gu laughed. "My money's on the hostile route, then."
***
Professor Chu's Cyber Law (IP Law): Digital Frontiers
(2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)
Lily Zhu, Xie Zhenyan, and the Zhi cousins were in Professor Lucy Chu's Cyber Law class. Chu, slender and composed, spoke with quiet authority.
"The digital realm is a landscape without physical borders," Chu stated. "Our challenge: build legal bulwarks in a fluid, evolving environment. Anticipate threats, don't just react."
Lily's mind raced. Xie Zhenyan was already ahead, silently debugging the projected code. She admired his analytical prowess.
Zhi Zhi nudged Zhi Zhia. "Look, she's drawing her again," she whispered, pointing. Zhi Zhia was sketching Professor Chu as an 8-bit gaming heroine.
"Professor Chu," Lily asked, hand up, "with generative AI, what legal precedents exist for IP ownership of autonomously created content? And how do we deter state-sponsored deepfakes?"
Chu nodded, a faint smile. "Excellent, Ms. Zhu. 'New frontier.' Attribution is cyber defense's Achilles' heel. Multi-faceted approach: digital forensics, international cooperation, proactive counter-intelligence… discuss next week." Her gaze caught Zhi Zhia's sketch.
Zhi Zhia, with a mischievous grin, held it up. "Professor, with all these complex algorithms, does your mind ever just want to revert to simpler, pixelated problem-solving? Like, defeating a level in an 8-bit game?"
Chu's smile widened. "Ms. Zhi, sometimes the most elegant solutions are in the simplest constructs. I do 'debug' complex cyber threats by imagining a tricky boss level. Though I trust your 'pixelated patterns' are purely artistic, not a covert attempt to bypass our firewalls with a cleverly disguised meme? I'd be disappointed if you weren't challenging the system, but perhaps not during my lecture, hm?"
Zhi Zhi blushed, crumpling her drawing. Zhi Zhia giggled. "Only if the meme was truly groundbreaking, Professor!"
After class, Lily found Xie Zhenyan. "Chu's brilliant, right? Digital forensics all day!"
Xie Zhenyan, usually reserved, offered a small, earnest smile. "She is. Her encryption vulnerability understanding is unparalleled. Advised on Dragonfly Breach, they say. And a secret retro gaming passion – helps her think in 'pixelated patterns'."
Lily giggled. "I knew it! Mo Chen probably thinks she's conquering pixelated dragons. Queen of Cyber Law, secret gaming legend!"
"Plausible theory," Xie Zhenyan agreed, amusement in his eyes. "Complex minds find solace in simpler constructs for problem-solving." He hesitated. "Ms. Zhu, your question about AI-generated IP and deepfakes… insightful. Worked much with adversarial AI or misinformation models?"
Lily's eyes sparkled. "Only in my spare time! Fascinating. Ethical dilemmas, manipulation potential… a huge challenge. I'd love to pick your brain, Mr. Xie. Your family's advanced component breakthroughs give a unique perspective on hardware vulnerabilities."
Xie Zhenyan's cheeks colored slightly. "I'd… I'd like that very much, Ms. Zhu. Perhaps… over a strategic analysis of some open-source code?"
Lily grinned. "Sounds like a plan, Mr. Xie! A purely analytical rendezvous." She walked away. Xie Zhenyan, with a faint, pleased smile and a blush, packed his bag.
***
Professor Petrova's Politics: The Raw Mechanics of Statecraft
(2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)
Valeria Shaw, Zhi Zhi, and Zhi Zhia were in Professor Elena Petrova's Politics class. Petrova, whose stare could dissect geopolitical treaties, held the room rapt.
"Idealism is a luxury in geopolitics," Petrova stated. "Here, we confront raw power. Legal frameworks are tools for national interest. No moral victories, only strategic ones."
Valeria absorbed every word. Zhi Zhi and Zhi Zhia exchanged knowing glances, recognizing economic currents. Their 'target teacher' for cheeky banter was Petrova, whose dry wit they adored.
"Professor," Zhi Zhia asked, radiating quiet authority, "when economic coercion is disguised as legitimate trade policy, how does international law distinguish predatory practice from strategic competition? What legal recourse is available?"
Petrova fixed her with a penetrating gaze. "Excellent, Ms. Zhi. Distinction often blurred. Legal and political strategy merge. Recourse involves leveraging international bodies, alliances, and, in extreme cases, retaliatory measures that push legal boundaries. Morality, I assure you, rarely enters the equation." She paused, a glint in her eye.
"Though I once knew a diplomat who insisted a prized poodle was a 'strategic asset' in a contentious negotiation. Some, it seems, prefer to couch personal interests in grander terms, don't you agree, Mr. Mo?" She glanced at Mo Chen, who had just entered, subtly late. He froze, then offered an apologetic, charming smile. "My apologies, Professor, just getting a masterclass in the 'art of subtle diplomacy' from Professor Jun," he quipped.
Petrova arched an eyebrow. "Indeed, Mr. Mo. Punctuality would serve you well in the diplomatic corps. Perhaps even more than 'subtle diplomacy' in less forgiving regions. Unless, of course, you believe your charm is a more potent weapon than a precisely timed arrival?"
Mo Chen grinned. "Never underestimate precision, Professor. But a little charm, strategically deployed, can sometimes open doors precision alone cannot." The class tittered.
After class, Zhi Zhi turned to Valeria. "Petrova's intense, but brilliant. Makes you feel like you're on the chessboard."
Valeria nodded. "Understands power. Insights into resource control are… illuminating. Heard she dated a diplomat, ended in a poodle scandal. Her 'no moral victories' rule extended to canine custody. Perhaps I'll send her a luxury pet carrier as a peace offering?"
Zhi Zhia giggled. "Yes! My cousin told me! She argued the poodle's 'strategic value.' Only Petrova could make dog custody a geopolitical crisis. Send it! With a tiny, strategically placed 'poison pill' sticker!"
Zhi Zhi chimed in. "Makes Lin Tao's Economics of Law seem like child's play. His numbers are predictable. Petrova's human element is more volatile. Still, charmingly ruthless. Like my Aunt Mei. Remind me to tell you about Aunt Mei negotiating for a vintage handbag."
Valeria smiled, thoughts turning to her next class.
***
Professor Jun's International Relations: The Grand Chessboard
(3:45 PM - 5:15 PM)
Mo Chen, the "Telecommunications Heir," and Valeria Shaw both had Professor Ming Jun's International Relations class. Jun, a charismatic former diplomat, held the room captive with his eloquent command of language and tales of global intrigue.
"The world is a grand chessboard, students," Jun began, a knowing smile. "International relations law is the delicate thread that either binds or tears it apart. Understand historical precedents, current rivalries, future battlegrounds."
Mo Chen was captivated. Jun's lectures were narratives, filled with diplomatic anecdotes. He imagined Jun as a dashing spy. Mo Chen's 'target teacher' for charming banter was definitely Professor Jun, whose urbane wit he admired.
"Professor Jun," Mo Chen asked, charming and articulate, "You spoke of 'delicate threads.' In an age of cyber warfare and economic statecraft, is diplomacy still effective? Or superseded by covert means? And have you ever had to defuse a crisis over, say, a highly prized, potentially misdelivered, shipment of exotic fish?" He winked.
Jun chuckled. "Ah, Mr. Mo, the old legends! Diplomacy must adapt. But its essence – communication, negotiation, mutual understanding – remains paramount. And yes, the 'exotic fish incident' was memorable. The 'strategic value' of a rare aquatic specimen can escalate tensions quickly. However," he twinkled, "a diplomat's toolkit includes maritime law and customs. One must always be prepared for... unexpected cargo. Or perhaps," he mused, looking directly at Mo Chen, "one simply learns to appreciate the subtle art of diverting attention with a well-placed, charming question, Mr. Mo? A talent useful in high-stakes negotiation. Or even tricky conversations with formidable professors."
Mo Chen grinned. "I shall use my talents wisely, Professor. Perhaps even to charm a favorable grade out of you, if all else fails?"
Jun laughed, hearty. "Noble goal, Mr. Mo. But my grades resist charm alone. They require rigorous understanding. Though a well-placed, charming argument never hurts one's overall impression."
After class, Mo Chen turned to Valeria. "See? Jun has the most thrilling anecdotes! Makes international law a Bond film."
Valeria allowed a rare, genuine laugh. "Gift for narrative. Though diplomacy's reality is less glamorous, more tedious paperwork. Your fish question was amusing. He played along beautifully. You have a knack for it, Mr. Chen."
Mo Chen grinned. "What's life without banter, Ms. Shaw? Keeps the mind sharp. And who knows, maybe someday I'll defuse a crisis over a disputed satellite frequency with a charming anecdote."
***
Professor Meng's International Corporate Law Seminar: The Ultimate Test
(5:30 PM - 7:00 PM)
The hour finally arrived. All students—Emma, Lily, Valeria, Chi Ling, Zhen Gu, Su Wan, Xie Zhenyan, Zhi Zhi, Zhi Zhia, and Mo Chen—gathered in Professor Meng's intimate seminar room. The air was thick with anticipation.
Emma and Lily, having discussed their audacious plan in the washroom, exchanged a quick, conspiratorial glance as Meng entered.
Earlier, in the washroom, just minutes before Meng's seminar:
"Okay, this is it, Em," Lily whispered, splashing cold water on her face, eyes sparkling. "Our moment to shine. Or spectacularly fail."
"Spectacularly fail is more likely," Emma deadpanned, applying lip gloss. "He'll see right through us. He's not like the others. No fish stories, no predator compliments."
"That's the point!" Lily countered. "Not fooling him. Getting a reaction. Proving he's human, not a cyborg. First, genuine questions. Get his guard down. Then, the subtle, charming pivot. Remember the 'orchid' rumor from Chi Ling? Perfect. And you, intellectual wing-woman. 'Subtle' to my 'audacious'."
"And your 'priceless asset' line," Emma added, a faint smile. "Pure Lily. Audacious, you always were."
"Audacious is my middle name. One last pep talk. We're not just law students. We're strategic variables. Injecting chaos into his ordered world. For science! For the thrill!" Lily gave Emma a firm nod. "No one's dared flirt with Meng. We'll be legendary. If he smiles, it'll break the internet!"
Back in the seminar room:
Meng began, voice low and controlled, discussing offshore banking. A complex case study on a multi-jurisdictional shell corporation appeared on screen. His questions were piercing, dissecting responses for weakness.
The seminar room hummed. Chi Ling analyzed loopholes. Zhen Gu argued aggressive defense. Su Wan countered with reputational damage. Xie Zhenyan flagged digital vulnerabilities. Mo Chen suggested diplomatic pressure. Zhi Zhi and Zhi Zhia debated financial ethics fiercely. Valeria offered nuanced political motivations. Emma presented treaty law analysis. Every student shone.
As the seminar closed, Meng wrapped up. Students lined up for more questions. One by one, they presented queries; Meng answered with precision. Emma and Lily waited patiently, hearts thrumming. Valeria lingered by the door, observing.
When the last student left, Emma and Lily approached the lectern. "Professor Meng," Emma began, professional, "we had questions on enforcement mechanisms, particularly extraterritorial jurisdiction in non-treaty states." They engaged academically, incisive. Meng answered with unhurried detail.
"And one more thing, Professor," Lily said, stepping forward, a dazzling, charming smile. Her eyes sparkled. "You mentioned 'unquantifiable risk' in critical infrastructure. For someone with such a grasp of data and strategy, do some assets defy quantification? Some things just… priceless?" She held his gaze, a playful invitation.
Meng's expression remained unreadable. His glacial black eyes absorbed her. He answered, smooth and even. "Ms. Zhu, in law and strategy, every asset has value. If unquantifiable directly, its value derives from strategic impact or replacement cost. 'Priceless' for the uninitiated, perhaps. A true strategist understands leverage and vulnerability." He paused, gaze flickering to Emma. "Anything else, Ms. Walker? Perhaps a strategic inquiry about the 'qualitative value' of an audacious gambit?"
Emma felt a blush. He saw right through them! Lily, unyielding, pressed on. "Well, Professor, historically, Qing Dynasty imperial decrees on property rights were influenced by the aesthetic appeal of petitions. A beautifully written plea, adorned with a delicate orchid motif, often gained more favor than a purely logical argument. Ancient jurists appreciated 'artistic flourish'." She offered another bright, knowing smile, referencing the orchid rumor.
Meng's eyes narrowed fractionally. He knew exactly what she was doing. Why. A ghost of an amused flicker touched his lips, gone. "Ms. Zhu, Ms. Walker," he said, perfectly controlled, "aesthetic appeal might influence a distracted bureaucrat. But legal outcome is determined by legal argument, not presentation, or botanical choices. An 'artistic flourish' obscuring weak reasoning would be counterproductive."
He leaned forward, piercing gaze. "However, I commend your initiative. Understand all levers of power. Now, before historical aesthetics, elucidate: legal implications of a state-sponsored entity influencing judicial outcomes through non-legal means? Penalties for bribery or undue influence in corporate law? And how to structure an 'aesthetically appealing' but legally robust defense against such charges, given international scrutiny?"
Emma and Lily exchanged a panicked glance. Their game became an intellectual challenge. Meng wasn't just deflecting; he was dominating. They stammered, tried to answer, but his questions were too precise, too intricate. They wanted to run. Mumbled excuses about consulting texts, and practically fled.
"Ms. Zhu. Ms. Walker." Meng's voice cut through their retreat. They froze, turning back reluctantly. His expression was devoid of emotion. "Ensure your attention remains entirely on your studies. These courses are not designed for… casual engagement." He paused, a subtle shift in his posture. He remembered youthful antics in his own past. A faint, internal sigh.
"Tell me, Ms. Zhu," Meng asked, softer now, almost conversational, his gaze fixed solely on her. "Whose 'artistic' idea was this grand historical flourish?"
Lily, caught completely off guard, her face flushing crimson, stammered, "M-mine, Professor." The admission was barely a whisper. Genuine embarrassment, a rare state for the unflappable tech prodigy.
Meng nodded slowly, eyes holding hers. "Very well. Ms. Walker, you may leave. Ms. Zhu, I'd like a word."
Emma glanced between a mortified Lily and an unreadable Meng. With a quick, sympathetic squeeze of Lily's arm, Emma was out the door.
Valeria, waiting outside, a serene smile. "Tactically illuminating, wouldn't you say?"
They exchanged knowing glances. The game was afoot, and Professor Meng a master player. Their playful irreverence highlighted his strategic mind, and their youthful impulsiveness. The real education, legal and emotional, had only just begun. The Jade Sky Residences awaited, a refuge for shared embarrassment and burgeoning alliances.
Professor Meng and Lily: A Private Word
Lily stood before Professor Meng's lectern, stomach churning. The seminar room was silent, save for the hum of the ventilation. Meng picked up a pen, twirling it slowly between his fingers.
"Ms. Zhu," he began, his voice calm, "You are a brilliant student. Your contributions in class are consistently insightful, and your grasp of complex technical and legal concepts is impressive." He paused, letting his words hang in the air. "Which is why I find your recent... 'artistic flourish' rather perplexing."
Lily swallowed hard. "Professor, I... I merely thought to engage with the material in a more... memorable way."
Meng raised an eyebrow, a subtle shift that felt like an entire earthquake to Lily. "Memorable? Indeed. But for whom? And to what end? Was your intention to demonstrate your understanding of property rights in the Qing Dynasty, or to, shall we say, test the boundaries of a professor's patience?"
"To engage, Professor. To show that even dry legal history can have... human elements." Lily tried to regain her composure, meeting his gaze.
"Human elements," Meng repeated, his voice devoid of inflection. "A fascinating variable. Tell me, Ms. Zhu, do you apply these 'human elements' to all your strategic planning? In your coding, for instance? Do you introduce 'artistic flourishes' into your algorithms hoping for a more 'favorable' outcome from the compiler?"
Lily's cheeks burned hotter. "No, Professor. Coding requires precision."
"And law does not?" he countered softly. "Or is it simply that you perceive certain situations, or certain individuals, as more amenable to... unconventional approaches?" His eyes held hers, unwavering. He was dissecting her, not just her answer, but her motivation, her strategy.
"I... I suppose I thought you might... appreciate the creativity," she mumbled, feeling very young and very foolish.
Meng leaned back slightly. "Creativity, Ms. Zhu, is a valuable asset. But like any asset, it must be deployed strategically. What was the strategic objective here? To distract? To charm? To provoke?" He listed them, each word a precise cut.
Lily took a breath. "To provoke a reaction, Professor. To see if... if there was more beneath the surface." She finally admitted, a tiny defiance in her voice.
A very faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Meng's lips again. "And what precisely did you hope to find beneath the surface, Ms. Zhu?"
Lily met his gaze directly. "A human, Professor. Not just the formidable legal scholar. Someone who might... appreciate a different kind of challenge."
Meng nodded as he stopped writing and stared at his coffee mug "Your singular genius at work.Fascinating . And here I was foolishly believing that legal discourse was about the objective applications of well established facts not subjective appeals of botanical preferences .My profound mistake it appears. Perhaps I should revise my syllabus ?
Introduce a module of 'Persuasive Horticulture in Litigation' ? Would that better suit your creativity and perspectives Ms.Zhu?His tone was of a silken ribbon with dry sarcasm , a subtle , mocking smile on his face.
"No Professor " Lily swallowed her pride.
Hey keeps down his coffee mug and says
"Well why not ?.Here is was going to congratulate you for introducing a new branch of jurisprudence.Ms.Zhu you seem rather flushed. Would you care to have some coffee ?Perhaps a stimulating brew might sharpen your focus for our next intellectual engagement" He spoke with a subtle tone.
"No thank you Professor" Lily muttered wishing the floor would simply open up and swallow her whole . The heat on her cheeks intensified
"Pity" he said keeping his mug down.
" A missed opportunity for a shared moment of human element isn't it
Wouldn't you agree ? Since you seem so keen on uncovering the 'human' beneath the 'formidable legal scholar' .A commendable Academic pursuit I would say.His eyes were unwavering."But let's first discuss the strategic objective here.
You aimed to provoke a reaction.You succeeded.You hoped to find more beneath the surface.And what precisely did you expect to find Ms. Zhu?
A professor swayed by a pretty face and a fanciful story"?. "A man who would forget his professional integrity for a momentary ' different kind of challenge'?.
Lily met his gaze directly , a tiny fragile spark of defiance returning to her eyes"A human Professor.Not just the formidable legal scholar.Someone who might.... appreciate a different kind of challenge , yes. Someone who isn't just a machine of logic
Meng keeps his coffee mug and says " My logic is what precisely allows me to uphold law , dissect complex corporate structured and allows me to train the next generation. It's not a flaw.He looked at her for a long moment, those dark, unreadable eyes piercing. "Ms. Zhu," he said, his voice dropping slightly, "my classes are challenges. My expectations are high. My surface, as you call it, is dedicated to upholding the rigor of this institution and the integrity of the law.
There is no hidden agenda, no 'different kind of challenge' to be found within the context of my professional responsibilities." He paused, then picked up a thin legal brief from his desk. "However," he continued, handing it to her, "I am always interested in rigorous analysis.
This is a recent case brief on international intellectual property theft through AI-generated content. An emerging legal gray area, one you seemed particularly interested in. I want a full breakdown, including potential defense strategies, by next week. Quantified analysis, Ms. Zhu. No artistic flourishes. Perhaps that will satisfy your desire for a 'different kind of challenge'?"
Lily stared at the brief, then at him. He hadn't dismissed her outright, hadn't ridiculed her beyond the initial verbal sparring. He had given her a real challenge, something intellectually stimulating, direct, and demanding. And he had done it calmly, rationally, turning her audacious gambit into a new assignment.
"Yes, Professor," she managed, clutching the brief.
"Good." Meng stood up, signaling the end of the conversation. "You are dismissed, Ms. Zhu. And I expect your full attention on this. Casual engagement, as you've discovered, can have... unexpected consequences."
"Ms.Zhu I would like to give you a piece of advice which I would like u to share it with Ms.Walker- in this field , even a silent witness of crime is rarely taken as a mistaken bypasser"
He looks at his watch. All classes have ended
He said " You are dismissed ".
Lily practically ran from the room, the legal brief clutched in her hand. She was mortified, but also, strangely, exhilarated. He hadn't played her game, he'd played his game, and he'd won. And given her homework as well a piece of advice meant for Emma.
Outside the soundproof room, the moment the heavy door opened, a flurry of anxious whispers and questions erupted. Emma, Su Wan, Xie Zhenyan, Mo Chen, Zhi Zhi, and Zhi Zhia surged forward.
"Lily! What did he say? You were in there forever!" Su Wan practically shouted, her face etched with worry.
"Are you okay? What happened?" Emma asked, gripping Lily's arm, her voice tight with concern.
Mo Chen let out a low whistle. "We thought he'd kept you for forty-five minutes! What could you possibly have talked about?"
Lily, still slightly pale but with a strange glint in her eye, held up the legal brief. "He gave me homework," she announced, a breathless laugh escaping her. "And... and a piece of advice for both of us." She recounted Meng's final words, particularly the part about the silent witness.
A stunned silence fell over the group.
"A silent witness..." Emma murmured, her gaze distant as she processed Meng's pointed message. He hadn't punished her, but he had seen her, and he had made it clear that simply observing wasn't enough.
Xie Zhenyan adjusted his glasses. "He's truly... a master strategist. He turned your gambit into a lesson on accountability and professional conduct."
Zhi Zhia shook her head, a mix of awe and terror on her face. "He doesn't miss a thing. Absolutely nothing."
"Well," Mo Chen said, clapping Lily on the back, "at least you survived, even if you got an extra assignment. And now we know what kind of mind we're up against."
The Jade Sky Residences awaited, now not just a strategic hub of the trio: Lily Zhu Emma walker and Valeria Shaw, but a refuge for shared embarrassment and burgeoning strategic alliances. Lily had a case brief to conquer, and a formidable professor who, despite everything, had just given her the most interesting challenge of her university career.