Chapter 1359: Chapter 1358: Mixed Doubles
Feeling completely relaxed.
Even the pockets in his pants and jacket felt light and empty, with no trace of a wallet or keys.
Relaxed, yes, but isn’t this a bit too relaxed?
Watt was utterly baffled, frozen in place.
Li Wei spread his hands confidently, "You said it yourself, I just need to be present, it’s only an hour-long event, if things go smoothly, I might still make it back for the afternoon training."
"So, I brought the only necessity and came straight over."
Li Wei lifted his phone in his right hand, shaking it back and forth: this was his sole piece of carry-on luggage.
"Wait, you’re not prepared, are you? If not, I can turn back now and maybe make it to our early morning warm-up training."
Watt: ...
Watt looked at his friend, full of teasing and jest, utterly bemused.
Beside him, a blonde lady standing gracefully on Watt’s right noticed a gap and took a step forward, spreading her arms to give Li Wei a hug.
"Welcome to Houston."
It was at this moment Watt remembered, "Kealia, Li Wei; Li Wei, Kealia, this is... ahem, my fiancée."
Clearly, Watt still hadn’t quite adjusted to the idea of "fiancée," appearing slightly awkward and shy as he spoke.
This made Li Wei smile and look at the blonde lady, "Shouldn’t this be a demotion? The deep affection shown in the media is all just a façade?"
The blonde lady knew Li Wei was joking and didn’t mind at all. She even joined in the jest, "I think he should regret setting the wedding date so early; pre-wedding jitters have kicked in, he trains every day trying to delay coming home to see me."
"So, professor, do you have any advice?"
Watt: ???
Li Wei thought seriously for a moment, "What if I said I plan to throw JJ an unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, but you promise not to ask what happens at the party, then guarantee JJ will wish to rush back home to cook and spend time with you. Would you agree to that?"
The blonde lady didn’t hesitate for a second, raising her right hand, "Deal?"
Li Wei and the blonde lady high-fived, "Deal!"
Watt finally reacted, "Rookie, you!"
The two laughed joyfully, leaving Watt helplessly standing there, looking up at the sky, "Why do I feel like today’s going to be an incredibly tough day."
Kealia Ohai, Houston Texans legendary lineman Brian Cushing is her brother-in-law, she’s a professional player herself, plays football, was part of Houston Dash and later joined Chicago Red Stars; she even represented the national team in three matches.
It was through Cushing’s introduction that Ohai met Watt; in the 2016 season, Watt’s career ended prematurely due to injury, during the darkest period of Watt’s professional career, Cushing accompanied Watt through the setbacks and hardships, and they officially started dating.
Three years flew by, in May last year, Watt officially proposed, Ohai nodded in agreement; this February, after the Super Bowl concluded, Watt and Ohai will be holding their wedding in the Bahamas, stepping into marriage.
Today, Li Wei is here at Watt’s request, specially coming to Houston, to attend an event—
Despite this Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans are about to face a crucial showdown; but what’s on the field stays on the field, the camaraderie off the field is another matter, Li Wei accepted the invitation without hesitation.
The group got into a spacious black van and headed towards their destination.
Ohai looked at Li Wei, "I’ve always wanted to meet you, but JJ has always kept you hidden away, I almost began to wonder."
Originally, this joke should have been Li Wei teasing Ohai; but clearly, Ohai is also a professional athlete, she knows the jokes in the locker room, she took the lead in teasing Li Wei, her straightforward and cheerful personality was truly endearing, instantly forming a bond.
Li Wei replied casually, "Last May was a chance, but unfortunately, I still had to remain hidden in the shadows."
Watt: ???
Ohai burst into laughter, "Sorry, we didn’t invite you then, JJ insisted, it was just a small family engagement party."
Li Wei expressed earnestly, "I blame JJ for that. Clearly, he didn’t consider me family, I’m not sad, I’m used to this kind of thing."
Watt finally found a chance to protest, "Hey! Mister, it was you then who had to shoot a commercial in the Norwegian Fjord and couldn’t make it back."
Li Wei, "Shh, JJ, don’t you see I’m discussing important matters with Kealia? Shh."
Ohai couldn’t hold back any longer and clapped with laughter.
Watt looked helplessly at Li Wei, "So, this time I told you first, don’t tell me you won’t be able to make it to the wedding day either."
Ohai nodded, "After we confirmed the wedding date, JJ said the first thing was to inform you, otherwise you, the busy person, might not find time again."
Li Wei replied seriously, "I’ll have my assistant check the schedule."
Watt looked at Ohai and spread his hands, "I told you not to be fooled by his media image, he’s really a devil."
Ohai smiled sweetly, "I know, that’s why people call him Professor. I still prefer you." Saying this, Ohai left a kiss on Watt’s lips.
Li Wei covered his eyes, "Ah, my eyes, my eyes."
The van filled with chatter, laughter nonstop.
Amidst the banter, the vehicle slowly approached the venue, the location for today’s event.
When people mention Watt, they often think of strong, beast, genius, unstoppable, and other keywords, naturally assuming he should be like Lamar Jackson, a favored prodigy, everything smoothly and brilliantly.
However, that’s not the case.
It was mentioned before, in his senior year, Watt was forced to take a two-month break due to contracting mononucleosis, unfortunately missing out on his dream University of Wisconsin; having missed the critical college enrollment period, Watt ended up going to Central Michigan University.
Once at Central Michigan University, Watt realized after only one game that the environment and atmosphere might not help his football career prospects, after discussing with his parents, he decided to transfer to the University of Wisconsin.
But per NCAA rules, Watt had to accept the consequence of not playing the next season. It was a gamble, after all, he had to go a whole year without playing.
After leaving Central Michigan University, Watt attended a community college near his home, working part-time at Pizza Hut during his free time.
While delivering once, a customer recognized Watt as the local high school football star, asking why he didn’t continue his football career, making Watt realize his battlefield was still on the football field, firming his resolution to pursue his professional career.
Because of this, after gaining fame, Watt founded a foundation named after himself, aimed at helping students get involved in sports post-school, ensuring physical safety while exercising, hoping students can find life goals through sports activities.
Today marks the annual charity event of the Watt Foundation.