Against the Algorithm

Chapter 53: Keys to the Quiet

Yao didn't look at him. But her lips twitched. Just a little. "...Worth it."

Yao stood quietly near the far end of the garage, her arms loosely crossed over her chest, her gaze drifting as she watched Lu Sheng trail reverently along the line of the Azure Frosts, the key still clasped protectively in his palm like it was something sacred.

The man—Lu Sheng, tactical beast, high-ranking officer, terror of the mainland's joint command—was now openly cooing over his new acquisition. Inspecting it. Admiring it. Murmuring something low under his breath that sounded suspiciously like beautiful girl, look at your symmetry, as he traced a reverent fingertip along the sleek, aerodynamic curve of the hood.

Yue, naturally, had not stopped gaping. His phone was still in his hand, but now forgotten as his eyes roamed the collection like a child who'd accidentally been handed the keys to Willy Wonka's third estate. Sicheng was beside her again, casually watching his father embarrass himself while clearly soaking in the sight like it was better than pay-per-view. And Lan—calm, cool, unshakable Lan—was walking the outer aisle with slow, measured steps. Her gaze, sharp as always, passed over several models without comment until she paused in front of a pearl white Bentley convertible, one slender hand drifting to the edge of the fender with something far too thoughtful in her eyes.

Yao let out a quiet sigh, her breath soft in the still air of the garage. And then—still watching them, her voice low and hesitant—she spoke. "You can all pick one."

That got their attention.

Yue turned so fast he nearly dropped his phone. Lan stilled mid-step. Sicheng glanced sideways at her, brows raised.

She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and shifted where she stood, her fingers nervously toying with the edge of her sleeve. "I mean it," she said softly, biting her lip a little before continuing. "You can each pick one."

Lan blinked, slowly, but didn't speak.

"I trust you," Yao added, cheeks warming under the weight of everyone's attention now. "To take care of them. I know they weren't just bought to be shown off to strangers—they were collected. Carefully. And even though I'm not the one who chose them... they're mine now. And I think..." Her voice gentled further, almost reverent. "I think my grandfather and father would want people like you to have them. To drive them. To show them off. Not just lock them behind glass and forget they exist." She looked at Lan then, her voice steady despite her obvious fluster. "That one looks like it wants you to own it."

Lan arched one elegant brow. "You're sure?"

Yao nodded. "I'm sure."

Then turned to Yue, whose eyes were wide and vaguely glassy.

"And no, you can't test-drive all of them. Pick one."

Yue looked like he might cry. "I have never loved you more."

"You say that every time I let you eat my snacks."

"This is not the same." Yue whispered, turning back toward a sleek silver Aston Martin and inhaling like he had just discovered the meaning of life.

Lu Sheng, still standing beside his new car, turned slowly back toward her. The look on his face wasn't soft, but it was full. Weighted. The kind of look a man gives a young woman who, with only a few quiet gestures, had reminded him of the very best pieces of a legacy that mattered. He didn't say thank you. He didn't need to. His nod was deep. And it was enough.

Lan glanced over her shoulder, eyes sharp. "You are dangerously good at this," she murmured.

Yao shrugged lightly as she shifted some with being slightly flustered. "I'm just... sharing what already felt like theirs plus I really think my grandfather and father would not mind."