Fishy People at Paradigm Mall

I was at paradigm mall a week ago with my gf and we were sitting by the benches resting. As we sat there I noticed these two Chinese ladies who looked like they were in their 20-s both wearing high heels and one of them is fair and the other relatively dark in skin color walked pass us and they looked as if they were looking for someone. Moments later the same couple approached my gf and spoke mandarin and asked if she is still studying and asked if she was interested in a freelance job. Both of us being bananas couldn't really understand what she said. We said we were not interested but she kept insisting to exchange phone numbers. The lady who has a darker skin color was more dominant than the other lady. She kept instructing the other girl to get my gf's number after repeatedly saying we didn't want to. In the end my gf decided to take down HER number instead and said we will contact her if she needs the job. The more dominant lady again insisted we give her a missed call just in case our 'friends' might want a freelance Job. She finally gave up and walked away angrily and dragged her other friend with her.

I'm not sure if they have any good intentions or are they just some conmen. My question is, if they are desperate for freelancers, why would they come to a shopping mall and hunt for one? Why were they so desperate to get my gf's phone number? And why didn't they have any name cards whatsoever with them?

Has anyone encountered such a scenario?