Against the Algorithm

Chapter 15: Undone by the Smallest Things

Rui stared at Sicheng.

Sicheng glared back, but even that lacked bite now.

Rui exhaled through his nose, rubbing at his temples. "I hate all of you."

And with that, the check-ups continued, each team member dragging their feet, offering their complaints—but none of it mattered. Because the story had already been sealed in team legend:

Lu Sicheng had been brought to his knees. By a girl in an oversized hoodie. Armed with nothing more than a question and a pair of Bambi eyes. And not a single one of them was ever going to let him forget it.

The atmosphere had shifted.

What began as a routine check-up had now descended into a full-blown reckoning, led by a doctor who had clearly seen one too many e-sports teams run themselves into the ground with caffeine, processed sugar, and sheer hubris. Standing before the group with his arms crossed, his white coat crisp and expression positively unimpressed, the doctor surveyed them with the grim authority of a man who knew he was about to deliver unpopular truths.

"Alright, listen up."

The room stilled.

Every ZGDX member, regardless of their previous posture, settled. It wasn't fear exactly—it was more like mutual dread, the sense that they were all about to be dragged, read, and reshaped whether they wanted it or not.

He pointed to Lao K first.

"You need to work out more. Your current muscle mass is too low for someone in your position. You're not fueling your body enough for long-term endurance."

Lao K, already bracing for judgment, sighed in resignation. "Figures."

Next came Lao Mao.

"You, on the other hand, need to cut back. You're overtraining, which is throwing your physical balance off. Ease up on the protein bars, and for the love of your kidneys, cut back on the shakes."

Lao Mao, mid-sip of his protein drink, paused, raised a brow, and lowered the cup slowly. "...So what you're saying is my dedication is too strong."

The doctor stared at him flatly. "I'm saying your body's not a competition prize. You're gaming, not wrestling bears."

Then his eyes snapped to Pang.

"Cut the fast food. Reduce the sodium and switch to clean carbs. Your metabolism's slowing, and if you don't start adjusting now, you'll lose your edge in stamina and reaction time."

Pang, mid-bite, looked down at his snack. Then at the doctor. Then back at the snack. He chewed slowly and muttered, "...You're asking a lot."

The doctor pinched the bridge of his nose like he was trying not to lose hope entirely.

Ming, who had been sitting off to the side watching this unfold with his usual dry amusement, tensed only slightly as the attention shifted.

"You're holding too much tension in your wrists," the doctor said simply. "If you don't start massaging and conditioning them, you're going to develop long-term strain. Use proper supports when practicing."

Ming nodded once. "Noted."

And then—

"You."

Yue blinked, grinning like he was waiting for the punchline.

"Stop living off energy drinks. And for god's sake, eat real food. Your glucose levels aren't a game."

Yue held up his hands. "What am I supposed to run on? Hope? Dreams?"