Against the Algorithm

Chapter 66: She Signed in Silence, and the World Shifted

The entire room stood in acknowledgment. Not out of courtesy—but because something told them they should.

Yao bowed her head politely. "Thank you for meeting with me." Her voice was soft, but it carried. Clear. Even. "I won't take up more of your time than necessary. I'm here today to finalize the full return and recognition of ownership regarding the legacy holdings attached to the estate of my parents. Tencent and its subsidiaries included." Not a single person moved. Her fingers adjusted the folder in her hand—one final file, crisp and prepared. "Once these are signed and filed," she continued, voice steady, "my full ownership will be recognized and registered."

"And your plans once that's finalized?" someone near the center asked, cautious but not aggressive.

Yao's eyes didn't waver. "To quietly remain exactly where I've always been, behind the screen."

There was a faint pause, some blinking confusion.

Kaya stepped forward half a pace and laid a hand on the folder, sliding it across the polished table. But did not speak. Because her role had not yet begun. Not until every signature was in place. Not until the transfer was finished.

Lu Sheng, watching from Yao's left, offered a slow smile that did not touch his eyes. "You'll find the transition seamless. I've made certain of it."

Lan tilted her head slightly. "And I trust none of you will make the mistake of questioning the legitimacy of what's about to be signed."

Silence.

Then pens were moved. Pages flipped. One by one, the signatures were added.

Yao didn't move. She didn't speak. And Sicheng, still behind her, close enough that she could feel the warmth of his presence like armor draped over her back, never looked away. He didn't need to speak either. He was there. Daring anyone to try something. Daring anyone to even breathe in her direction with less than full respect.

Once the final page was signed, Yao reached forward and folded the file closed with quiet care. She gave a small, shallow bow. "Thank you." The final signature had barely dried when Yao lifted her head, her voice quiet but edged with something new—authority, as she turned her gaze back toward the board. "Now that everything is finalized and in writing," she said calmly, "I'd like to formally introduce Chen Kaya, who will be serving as my legal proxy."

A stillness fell.

Then it broke.

Three of the older board members at the far end of the table exchanged glances—sharp, displeased, and dismissive and one of them leaned forward, folding his hands with the kind of careful condescension meant for children. "With respect," he said smoothly, "you're very young."

Yao blinked once.

Not surprised.

Not hurt.

Just... noted.

"You've only just been granted legal ownership of an international tech empire. And now you want to hand that authority over to someone else—someone with no formal connection to Tencent? It's rash."

The second chimed in, his voice laced with that oily, measured tone of the old guard. "We understand this must be overwhelming for you, Miss...?"

"Tong Yao," she said quietly.

"Tong," he repeated, as if it mattered. "You are barely more than a little girl. No disrespect—"

"Yet here it comes," Kaya murmured under her breath, her tone dry as dust.