Against the Algorithm

Chapter 48: Checkups and Consequences

Yao flushed, eyes lowering, but a quiet smile curled at her lips.

Dr. Cho smiled back, then added gently, "I have a feeling it has something to do with the company you've been keeping." Beside her, Sicheng smirked faintly, but said nothing. "And I want you to know," Dr. Cho said, folding her hands over the chart, "we're proud of you. Progress like this—especially emotional and sensory progress—takes trust. It takes vulnerability. You're doing everything right."

Yao's voice was quiet. "Thank you."

And when they stepped back out into the hallway, Sicheng rested his hand lightly on her back—not to guide her, not to lead. Just to hold her there. And this time? She leaned into it. Instinctively. And didn't let go.

Pang was sulking. And not in his usual overdramatic, flailing-on-the-floor, 'Yue stole the last shrimp bun' kind of way. This was full-bodied, soul-deep, mournful sulking.

Because the doctor had read him like a menu.

Seated back in the lounge area of the clinic, holding his paperwork like it was a death sentence, Pang blinked down at the crisp print in disbelief.

Doctor's Orders:
— No processed snacks
— Strict adherence to approved nutrition plan
— No late-night ramen, no high-sodium frozen dumplings, no mystery meat buns from corner stores
— No snacking between meals unless from approved list

It wasn't even the bold font that did it.

It was the handwritten line at the bottom.

"This includes those 'emotional support snacks' you keep in your hoodie pocket."

Rui glanced at the form first. Then, pale-faced, Pang looked at Sicheng. Who stood, arms crossed, looking every inch the Captain and Executioner.

"You are officially banned," Sicheng said flatly, "from ordering your own snacks."

"What if I—"

"Unless they're from the approved nutrition list," he continued, unbothered, "which I have a copy of. And so does Rui."

"But—"

"No, you are now on monitored intake." Rui said without looking up from his tablet.

Yue, sitting nearby, snorted into his drink. "He's a snack criminal. He's on snack parole."

"This is abuse. I'm a grown man—" Pang groaned dramatically, slouching in his seat.

Sicheng's tone dropped a level. Calm. Dangerous. Final. "You ignored the last plan," he said smoothly. "You snuck snacks into the base kitchen, hid dumpling wrappers under the sink, and convinced Yao to 'sample' the desserts you didn't want Rui to notice you buying."

Yao, who had been quietly sipping water beside him, blinked and muttered, "You said it was for science..."

Pang winced. "She's too innocent for betrayal..."

Sicheng didn't flinch. "So here's what's going to happen," he continued. "You're going to follow the new plan. Or..." His voice trailed off, and he let the silence fill in the threat before it even landed. "...you'll explain to my mother why you've decided your sodium addiction is more important than the health of you and the function of this team."

Pang froze.

Yue actually wheezed.

Lao Mao shook his head. "Dude. No. No one survives a scolding from Madam Lu. That's the final boss."