Against the Algorithm

Chapter 3: Lines Crossed, Loyalties Claimed

Summary: When Yue stands accused of starting a public brawl that could tarnish ZGDX's reputation, the board convenes, demanding answers, consequences, and control. But what they don't expect is the arrival of the quiet, unknown variable in their equation—Tong Yao, bursting into the meeting with trembling hands, a stolen phone, and a voice that refuses to waver.

Notes:

Author's Note: Our girl not matter what Universe will always do the right thing!

The Muse would like to say if you can not leave kudos or even if you can leave kudos that all comments, even small ones, are very much welcomed and they very much enjoy reading them!

Chapter Text

Chapter Three

The atmosphere inside ZGDX HQ was tense.

Yue sat in a chair, arms crossed, his face set in a hard line, but there was an undeniable flicker of frustration in his dark eyes. Across from him, Lu Wang Lan, their mother, stood with a sharp, unimpressed stare that could cut through steel. Sicheng, on the other hand, sat at the head of the long meeting table, silent but watching, his amber gaze cold as he listened to the board's discussion.

Yue was in trouble. Or at least, that's how it looked. The official report claimed that he had started a brawl—he had been reckless, he had thrown the first punch. But Yue, for all his temper and sharp wit, wasn't stupid. He wouldn't put the team's reputation at risk over something petty.

Which meant one thing: Something was off.

The board members were already discussing damage control, Lu Wang Lan demanding an explanation, Sicheng tapping his fingers against the polished surface of the table, his silence more dangerous than if he had spoken—when the double doors burst open.

Security hesitated, half-blocking the way, but behind them—

"Wait, please! I have proof!"

A breathless, frantic voice rang out, small but unwavering.

And then, Tong Yao stumbled into the room. She looked terrified but determined, her platinum silver hair slightly disheveled, her hazel eyes wide as she clutched something close to her chest. Security had clearly tried to stop her, but she had pushed her way through, which, considering her usual shy nature, meant something was very wrong.

Everyone in the room froze.

Yue, eyes widening in surprise, sat up straighter. Sicheng, who had been lazily leaning back in his chair, suddenly went still, his sharp gaze locking onto her instantly.

"And who is—" Lu Wang Lan narrowed her eyes.

"He didn't start the fight!"

Yao's voice—normally so soft, so hesitant—cut through the room.

The entire board went silent.

Yue blinked. "Wait, what?"

Yao swallowed hard, clearly nervous at all the attention, but she forced herself to stand firm. "He didn't start the fight," she repeated, her voice quieter but no less certain. "It was the other team. They... they threatened ZGDX."

The board members exchanged glances, skeptical.

Lu Wang Lan exhaled sharply. "And what proof do you have of this, young lady?"

"This." Yao's fingers clenched around the device in her hands. And then, before anyone could ask her to explain, she stepped forward, walked straight up to Sicheng—to him—and handed him a phone.