Chapter 1360: Chapter 1359: Taking a Knife for a Friend
Since 2010, the Justin James Watt Foundation has been helping schools improve the environment for students to engage in extracurricular sports activities for better health.
And in that year, Watt hadn’t even entered the professional league yet; he was just a college junior. But he has always insisted on leveraging his influence to raise charitable funds and return as much as possible to society through his efforts.
Last year, the Annie Gallas Foundation was established, and Watt spared no effort in providing Li Wei with a lot of help, whether it was in public or private advice. Watt was busy everywhere, hoping that Li Wei’s sincerity could translate into real power to help those children.
So, when Watt needed Li Wei’s help, Li Wei nodded in agreement without hesitation—
The matter was that simple.
The facts are right in front of you, and everyone can see them, including Watt and Li Wei; but the truth is not so complicated. Even though the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs are about to fight to the death this weekend, it doesn’t affect Li Wei’s off-field support of Watt to help more people.
Competitive sports are about winning, losing, and championships, but there’s so much more beyond that.
Just as the Kansas City Chiefs have helped the city rejuvenate, the players are also becoming a force for social change through their influence.
“… Why was the foundation event arranged at this time? Honestly, even you all don’t believe the team can reach the conference finals, right?”
Without any reservation, Li Wei teased.
Watt couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter, “I refuse to comment. But… I can’t deny it.”
In the end, he’s still an honest person.
“Actually, the real reason is that we need attention.”
“In today’s world, without attention and flow, nothing can be achieved. If we wait until after the Super Bowl, as the offseason begins, no media will pay attention to our event. Although everyone will have time, they’ll all be on vacation.”
“We need attention.”
Therefore, the Watt Foundation also has its calculations.
After the division game ends, it’s very likely that the Houston Texans will be eliminated, but the Kansas City Chiefs will advance smoothly. The foundation event takes place then to ensure Watt has plenty of time to be busy and invite Li Wei to attend, easily gathering attention.
And so, this schedule was finalized.
Now, however, the Houston Texans have also advanced and are about to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Summit of the Forbidden. Although Watt’s remaining schedule needs adjustment, the appearance of both Watt and Li Wei together is priceless, becoming the center of focus.
Watt knows Li Wei is a smart person, and the foundation’s little calculations can’t deceive him. Li Wei probably has already seen through their little scheme, which makes Watt somewhat restrained.
Sure enough, Li Wei showed a meaningful smile, “Thank you, Foundation, for trusting me.”
On the surface, Li Wei is thanking the Foundation for trusting his influence and appeal, but beneath the words, he is thanking the Foundation for believing that the Kansas City Chiefs can advance to the conference finals again.
Watt felt a bit guilty and shifted his gaze.
This made Li Wei burst into hearty laughter.
Watt turned back to Li Wei, “If you think we’ll go soft with guilt, you’re wrong.”
“Indeed, we’ve had self-doubt and are unsure where this season will lead us. But now, we’ve exceeded our expectations to get here, and we absolutely won’t go soft. Quite the opposite, our confidence is soaring high now, and we possess the belief to defeat any team, including yours.”
“If the Kansas City Chiefs must lose to a team this season, I hope that team is us.”
Li Wei was taken aback, looking hurt, “JJ, I traveled thousands of miles just to help, and this is the reward you give me? Ah, no wonder everyone says there’s no real friendship in the professional league; I misjudged you.”
Watt was caught off guard, staring at Li Wei, momentarily lost for words.
Beside them, Ohai’s eyes were bright as he eagerly sized up Li Wei.
Li Wei lightly shook his head at Ohai, putting on a look of “disillusioned and heartbroken,” watching Ohai openly flaunting affection before him, then suddenly changed his expression, looking at Watt, “But be careful, we’re not easy to deal with. To win, you have to show 200% performance.”
Ohai, “200%?”
Li Wei spread his arms, “That’s how confident I am.”
In the carriage, laughter broke out completely.
From a distance, you could see the bustling crowd of media reporters and fans, stretching endlessly, with no end in sight.
Even being mentally prepared, Li Wei was still surprised, “The entire Houston media came out, didn’t they?”
Ohai flashed a smile, “The entire state of Texas. This matches Professor Li Wei’s league status, right?”
Watt nodded repeatedly.
Li Wei burst into hearty laughter, “Then I’ll gladly accept. After all, when I come during the regular season, there isn’t such a reception. Probably won’t be such a treatment when I come over to your house again next week either.”
If the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Houston Texans, that is.
It took Watt a moment to react, immediately protesting, “Hey, rookie!”
But Li Wei didn’t wait for Watt to respond, opened the car door, and got out straightaway—
In an instant, everyone was stunned, as if the pause button was pressed, the entire scene was in shock.
Watt has been talking about the mysterious guest and everyone’s been guessing the surprise of today’s event, yet no one thought of Li Wei.
After all, the timing is too sensitive.
So much so that seeing Li Wei appear for real caused a brain freeze, not only for fans but also for media reporters, all dumbfounded, caught in shock and awe.
Li Wei smiled, raised his right hand in a gesture of greeting, yet like magic, instantly lifted the on-site lockdown, and the surging energy erupted all at once.
Ah ah, ah ah!
Cheers erupted and continued rising bit by bit.
Ohai turned to look at Watt, “I never knew he was such an interesting guy.”
Watt shrugged lightly, “Otherwise, how could a mid-career rookie win the entire league’s love?”
Outside, there was noise, the world spun around, and vibrations rippled from the feet, clearly feeling this intense excitement fully igniting.
Li Wei, standing before the crowd, dressed in a white T-shirt paired with fitted navy blue pants, casually wore a navy blue bomber jacket, casual and relaxed, yet in those simple lines and colors, exuded a clean, sunny temperament, effortlessly capturing the audience’s attention.
“Professor!”
“Professor!”
The shouts rose wave after wave, layer upon layer, like a tornado, continuously climbing, the overwhelming silver waves of flashing lights striking forward.
Headline, topic, focus, all of it converging towards Houston in an instant.
Here, in the enemy’s territory, at the opponent’s heart, on the eve of a crucial contest, the entire city went crazy for Li Wei, truly feeling Li Wei’s appeal and influence. It was unimaginable; who else in the league could possess such energy? Even Watt himself couldn’t compare.
The rolling heat was too exuberant and fierce, making it nearly impossible for Li Wei to move his steps.
In the end, Li Wei simply gave up moving forward, raising both hands high, joining in the carnival with the crowd, even encouraging the people to shout more passionately and intensely. This event instantly transformed into a carnival—
Tomorrow’s headline, hasn’t it already been born?