Against the Algorithm

Chapter 1: Variables and Consequences

Summary: On an otherwise quiet walk near the ZGDX base, Tong Yao finds herself unexpectedly thrown into the spotlight when she crosses paths with the entire team. Her quiet presence and piercing intelligence immediately draw the attention of Lu Sicheng, whose calculating gaze locks onto her with unsettling precision. Despite her discomfort, an offhand reveal by her friends Ai Jia and Jinyang exposes more than she ever intended—namely, that her final dissertation is built around studying Chessman's legendary strategies.

(See the end of the chapter for more Author's Notes.)

Chapter One

The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the winding road leading past the shared entrance of the ZGDX and YQCB bases, the warmth of the fading light stretching shadows long across the pavement. The air carried the distant hum of city life, but up here, along this quieter stretch of road, only the soft crunch of gravel underfoot and the murmured voices of three figures filled the space.

Tong Yao walked slightly behind Ai Jia and Jinyang, her platinum silver hair catching the sunlight with every step, the pale strands an almost ethereal contrast against her delicate frame. Her piercing hazel eyes remained downcast, focused on the worn path beneath her feet, her fingers toying absentmindedly with the sleeve of her oversized sweater. She had never been one for large groups or unnecessary attention, and while Ai Jia had assured her this was the fastest way back, she couldn't shake the faint unease curling in her stomach at the thought of passing by ZGDX's base.

Not that she had anything against them—far from it. She respected their skills, admired their teamwork, but unlike so many others who lingered around the area in hopes of catching a glimpse of the players, she held no particular fascination for their fame. She had no interest in clinging to people simply because they were well-known. It was a refreshing trait, Ai Jia had once told her, but at this moment, it did nothing to ease the anxiety that came with knowing they were walking straight past their main entrance.

Just as they reached the curve in the road, Ai Jia slowed his steps. Jinyang's chatter faltered slightly, her gaze shifting ahead, and before Yao could look up to see what had caught their attention, she felt it, the unmistakable weight of multiple gazes locking onto them.

The ZGDX team was outside.

Not just a few of them. All of them.

Lu Sicheng stood at the center of the group, tall and commanding, his posture effortlessly exuding the kind of quiet authority that had made him a legend in the e-sports world. Beside him, Yue, ever the more relaxed counterpart, arched a brow in mild curiosity, his sharp gaze flicking toward Ai Jia with easy recognition. Lao K, Lao Mao, Pang, and Ming stood nearby, their conversation momentarily paused, their collective attention drawn to the unfamiliar presence among them.

Yao, instinctively, took half a step back, fingers tightening around the hem of her sleeve as the weight of so many eyes settled onto her. It wasn't hostility—just curiosity, sharp and assessing, the way competitors naturally took note of new variables in their space. But even knowing that, the intensity of their gazes made her pulse flutter uncomfortably.

Then there was him.

Lu Sicheng's amber eyes found hers almost instantly, his focus shifting with the kind of precision that sent an immediate shiver down her spine. He wasn't just looking—he was seeing , as if trying to decipher something about her with nothing more than the sheer force of his gaze. And unlike so many before him, he was met with something entirely different. No excitement. No stammered greetings. No nervous admiration. Just wide, hesitant hazel eyes meeting his for the briefest of moments before flickering away, not out of disinterest but out of sheer, overwhelming shyness.