Chapter 256 - 159: There Isn’t Enough Room for That Many People
In the live feed, Joe Buck held a data sheet that had just been handed to him and made an exaggerated, incredulous face for the camera.
"Troy, I’ve been commentating on football for twenty years. I know tonight is just a preseason game, but I swear, the atmosphere here is even crazier than the Super Bowl!" he said with exaggeration. "The director just sent me the real-time sales data from Aramark, the food service contractor for MetLife Stadium—my God, there’s still some time before kickoff, and the fans outside have already devoured 130,000 hot dogs and drained a full 1,200 barrels of craft beer!"
Troy Aikman chimed in, adding with a smile, "Not only that, Joe. The New Jersey State Police just issued its highest-level traffic advisory because there are at least another 20,000 fans without tickets gathered in the parking lot, staring at portable TVs set up on the hoods of their cars.
In past years, an owner was considered lucky if a preseason game sold even half its tickets. Today, the beer and hot dog sales outside the stadium alone are 300% of the five-year average for a preseason game!"
"This is the insane effect of modern sports!" Joe Buck’s voice suddenly climbed. "All this abnormal data, the one and only reason millions of families across America are tuned to this channel on a Friday night, it all points to tonight’s starting lineup—the man shrouded in countless accolades, controversies, and insane media attention, ’Mr. 200 Million USD,’ Li Wei!"
As the commentator’s voice crescendoed, the broadcast cut to Li Wei on the sidelines. But unlike the other players warming up, he was currently—on the phone?
"It looks like our superstar, the man who upended NCAA rules, the monster who shattered everyone’s stereotypes about the physique of an Asian man, the genius who convinced John Mara to drop a 200 million USD contract on him, is extremely relaxed at the moment, even taking a call from family," Joe Buck said. "Troy, what do you make of it?"
"It reminds me of a meme," Troy said jokingly. "Maybe the younger viewers will know what I’m talking about. But yes, Joe, Li Wei’s supporters are the youngest on average and have the highest percentage of female fans in the entire NFL Alliance. Honestly, it makes me a little jealous. Director, give us a close-up, let’s get a good look at that handsome face of his."
"He really is handsome. You have to admit, he might be one of the best-looking quarterbacks, maybe even one of the best-looking players ever, Troy," Joe Buck said, trying to read Li Wei’s lips. "Let’s see who could be so important that he’d be calling them right now... Uncle Don Quixote? What a good kid."
Just then, Li Wei noticed the camera and gave a smiling wave.
"But if you want my professional analysis," Troy said, "he could be in for a rough night, to be honest. The Seahawks’ defense is known for being vicious, and they’re absolutely going to go after the rookie relentlessly. Li Wei’s combine numbers were astronomical, but tonight he’s facing a real meat grinder. Will he be able to replicate his stunning performance from rookie camp and high school, or will he get flattened by their D-line? We’re about to find out."
"Okay, you guys just head to the suite," Li Wei said. "There will probably be a press conference later tonight, so I’ll just get a ride back with the team. Okay... I have to go."
Just as he was about to hang up, his phone suddenly vibrated again. He glanced at the screen and saw it was a call from Anya.
"Hey, honey, what’s up?" Li Wei answered. "Are you watching my game, too?"
"Of course," Anya said. "It’s just a shame I won’t be back for over a week, so I can’t be there in person for your first game."
"It’s no big deal," Li Wei said, fist-bumping and shaking hands with a few offensive linemen before moving to a corner. "It’s going to be a walk in the park, a total cakewalk. The outcome is already decided, so it’s the same whether you watch it or not."
"That’s what I love about you, that arrogant streak," Anya giggled. "Oh, by the way, I have a surprise for you."
"What kind of surprise?" Li Wei raised an eyebrow. "Did you buy new clothes?"
"You jerk, no! Although... I did buy some," Anya said, flustered. "You’ll find out during the game. I have to go, my dad is calling me for breakfast."
BEEP. The line went dead.
Li Wei casually tossed his phone to a nearby assistant coach, took a deep breath, and snapped his helmet into place.
「Meanwhile, inside the most exclusive suite at MetLife Stadium, with its panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.」
Giants owner John Mara held a glass of whiskey on the rocks. Seated beside him was a group of global titans, all sharply dressed in suits.
Kering Group and LVMH both had their eyes on Li Wei’s fan base and marketability.
But it wasn’t just corporate giants who had their sights set on Li Wei; some of his own teammates did as well.
「In a dark corner of the home team’s locker room, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the fervor outside.」
With the starters still on the field for warm-ups, the locker room was nearly empty, save for a few backup players on standby. The veteran, Lawrence, his face grim, had cornered two young defensive subs and a backup offensive guard in front of the playbook whiteboard.
"Listen up, rookies." Lawrence deliberately lowered his voice, his beefy face radiating malice. He jabbed a thick finger into the backup offensive guard’s chest protector. "When the coach puts that Asian kid in for the second half, you are going to let the pocket collapse. ’Accidentally’ slip, or maybe you just miss one of Seattle’s linebackers. You understand?"