Against the Algorithm

Chapter 50: What Was Meant to Be Found

"Yao..."

She stirred faintly.

Another kiss, slower this time, placed just behind her ear, his voice even softer now, layered with warmth.

"Wake up, beautiful."

A soft whimper left her lips as she buried her face further into his chest, resisting the pull of consciousness, her grip still strong around his middle.

He chuckled under his breath and ran a hand slowly up and down her spine, fingers moving with lazy affection. "Come on, Xiǎo Tùzǐ," he whispered. "Time to get moving."

That made her shift, her nose brushing his collarbone as her lashes fluttered, brows drawing in the tiniest bit as her sleepy voice finally reached him, muffled against his shirt. "Don't wanna..."

"I know," he said with a smile in his voice. "But we've got things to do. You go shower first."

She blinked up at him with hazy, unfocused eyes, her cheek still pressed to his chest.

Sicheng lifted a hand and gently brushed a few strands of hair from her face, pressing another kiss to her forehead. "I'll make coffee," he murmured. "Room service should be here soon with breakfast, and I'll take mine after you finish."

Yao's eyes finally opened fully, blinking slowly as her cheeks flushed slightly with sleep still clinging to her expression. She nodded once, slow and reluctant, but trusting.

And as she began to push herself up, still wrapped in the softness of his warmth, Sicheng's hand grazed the small of her back in one final gentle sweep. "Go on, Xiǎo tùzǐ," he said, voice low and fond. "I'll have it waiting."

And she went—reluctantly, adorably—but with a small smile tugging at her lips as she padded toward the bathroom, her hair tumbling down her back like silver ink in the dim morning light.

He watched her go for a moment, then, after a breath, he rose and moved toward the small in-suite kitchen. Because this morning? Everything would start with coffee, quiet conversation, and her beside him. Exactly where she belonged.

The soft steam still clung to the corners of the suite's luxurious bathroom as Yao stepped out, skin warm and flushed from the water, a fresh white robe cinched securely around her as she padded barefoot across the plush carpet, a mug of coffee cradled in her hands. The morning still carried that hushed reverence, the kind that clung to the air on days that felt bigger than themselves.

She passed Sicheng just as he moved past her toward the bathroom, his hand brushing gently across her lower back as he murmured, "Take your time." His tone was low, affectionate, grounded—he hadn't lost the softness from earlier.

Yao gave him a small nod, still drowsy but more awake now, fingers tightening slightly around her mug. With him disappearing into the bathroom and the shower starting a few seconds later, she moved toward the changing room connected to the suite—a private, beautifully designed space with tall mirrors, softly lit walls, and a vanity built into one side. It was quiet, made for calm mornings like this. For preparation, both outward and inward.

She placed her coffee down carefully before slipping out of the robe and dressing with deliberate precision. Fitted black slacks. A pair of polished black ankle-length boots. A long-sleeved white turtleneck, clean and minimal, tucked in neatly beneath a tailored black vest that accentuated her shape without being overly bold. Over it all, she shrugged into the sleek black and white leather jacket cinched at the waist—the one Jinyang had given her. Her fingers moved deftly, gathering her platinum-silver hair into a smooth bun before sliding a single jade hair stick through the center, securing it in place with a quiet finality. The green caught the morning light—subtle, elegant, a whisper of heritage woven into everything she was becoming. At the vanity, she applied her makeup lightly—concealer, soft liner, a gentle flush of color to her lips and cheeks. Polished, not painted. With a steadying breath, she stepped back into the main suite, heels clicking softly against the floor as she moved toward the kitchen area.