Against the Algorithm

Chapter 48: Checkups and Consequences

#OneHarpy: Next medical check-up has been scheduled. The entire team. And Yao. With Dr. Cho and her husband, same as last time. Follow-up for everyone, but especially for her. Non-negotiable.

Sicheng's thumb paused over the screen, his jaw ticking faintly. Not out of annoyance, but because he could already hear Yao trying to say she was fine and didn't need to be fussed over. But this was coming from his mother. And when she arranged something, it wasn't an ask—it was a decree. Especially after Yao's last brush with illness had left her sick enough to be hospitalized. His mother hadn't said much then, but since that day, Lady Lu had quietly taken an even more active role in Yao's health, than before because of the original visit they all head visited the doctors. She had chosen Dr. Cho, a specialist with a calming bedside manner and a wife equally skilled in dealing with mental and emotional strain. The last visit had been discreet. Respectful. Gentle. But no less thorough. And now the follow-up has arrived.

Sicheng flicked his gaze across the room again. Yao was seated near the far end of the couch, laptop open, eyes scanning her notes with a concentration that almost masked the quiet tiredness beneath her expression. Da Bing lay draped along the top of the couch like a furry sentry, tail flicking slowly. Xiao Cong was curled in a tight ball in her lap, purring softly.

The boys?

Loud, chaotic, and unaware of the incoming command.

He replied quickly.

StingyDemonicBrat: Got it. I'll make sure everyone shows."

The response was nearly instant.

#OneHarpy: Time's in your calendar. No excuses. And remind Yao: just because she feels better doesn't mean she doesn't need the check-up. Her health is important especially as it seems she has gained the weight she should have but still needs to be checked on.

Sicheng stood, stretched lazily, and walked across the lounge to where the others were beginning to unravel into post-training nonsense. "Alright." he said, voice smooth but commanding enough to cut through the room.

"What?" Yue immediately looked up with suspicion.

"Doctor visit," Sicheng announced.

Groans.

Immediate.

"Again? I'm healthy! I jogged last week!" Pang flopped backward onto the floor.

"You jogged to the fridge." Ming muttered as he tattled on the male as he knew everyone but the male really followed the instructions given to them..

"It was still cardio!"

"Wait—what?" Yao looked up, blinking in confusion.

Sicheng turned to her, voice softening slightly as his gaze locked on hers. "The entire team. Medical follow-up. My mother arranged it. Same doctors. You included."

Yao sat back slightly. "I don't—"

He cut her off gently, but firmly. "It's already scheduled. You're going. We're all going."

Yue groaned louder. "I knew I should've gone with a friend out of town for the weekend."

"Like that would've helped," Lao K muttered, rolling his eyes.

"She's worse than Rui." Pang whispered.

"You're lucky she didn't tag along personally." Sicheng smirked faintly, crossing his arms.