Chapter 289 - 177: If You’re Not Convinced, Come and Fight Me
"When the time is right, I’ll give you something to do," he said, pausing for emphasis. "But that ’right time’ may never come. Can you accept that?"
In any case, he would never treat Li Wei’s business lightly. If Chen Haisheng showed some aptitude, he wouldn’t mind handing off some of the less critical tasks.
"I accept. I will adapt to the rules here," Chen Haisheng said without hesitation, his back ramrod straight.
"Very good," Don Quixote said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Li Wei’s game is over. The press conference is next, and you’re coming with me."
After the game, the press conference hall was already jam-packed with reporters and their cameras.
Chen Haisheng wore a spare black suit he’d just grabbed from the car. It was a little snug, but he still held his back straight, an imposing, tower-like figure behind Don Quixote.
Li Wei caught sight of Don Quixote in his periphery and gave him a nod of acknowledgment.
"Li Wei! Sports desk for the New York Times!" A reporter in glasses was the first to get a question in. "We noticed that in today’s game, you almost completely abandoned the devastating rushes we saw in the first two games. For the vast majority of the time, you stayed firmly in the pocket to make your throws. Was that because the game in Washington left you with a lingering injury, or did the Atlanta Falcons’ defense force you to change your play style?"
Li Wei was not amused.
’What, is a guy not allowed to coast for a game?’
"A lingering injury? Of course not. As for our game plan..." Li Wei shrugged, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Man, did you forget I’m a Quarterback? Can your expectations get any higher? You can’t seriously expect me to turn every game into a brawl, can you?"
A ripple of laughter went through the reporters.
"I threw for 345 yards and four touchdowns today, with zero interceptions. Those are excellent Quarterback stats by any standard," Li Wei said, knocking on the table. "Most importantly, we won again. We’re 3-0 to start the season, right? As long as we get the ball into the end zone, how we do it doesn’t really matter."
The reporter sat down, satisfied. But the atmosphere in the room was quickly pushed to the brink of hostility by the next reporter who stood up.
"Li Wei, I’m with The Washington Post."
A white male reporter stood up, his voice full of malice. "Your trip to Washington via private helicopter last week caused a massive uproar. We’re told that not only did you refuse to take the team bus, but you also only show up for practice on Thursdays and Fridays.
Many media outlets and retired NFL legends believe this behavior is you being a diva, showing extreme disrespect for the NFL’s locker room culture and league rules. What’s your response to that?"
The moment the question was asked, the entire hall fell silent. Every camera zoomed in on Li Wei’s face, trying to capture the slightest hint of panic or anger.
However, Li Wei simply stated calmly, "My helicopter commute and my training schedule are the result of formal discussions and negotiations between me, my agent, and the Giants’ management.
All of this is stipulated in a legal, commercial contract, and it all functions perfectly within the framework of the NFL’s league rules and salary cap."
"But that hasn’t silenced the critics!" The reporter from The Washington Post didn’t back down. Instead, he raised his voice and pressed on aggressively, "Regardless of what the contract says, many people—including some top defensive players—have stated publicly on social media that for a rookie, you’re way too arrogant! You’re placing yourself above the traditions of the sport!"
The camera flashes strobed like mad as the reporters eagerly awaited Li Wei’s response.
Li Wei was silent for two seconds.
"Then I guess they’ll have to live with it," he said with a smile. "If they don’t like it, they’re welcome to come at me."
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PS: A huge thank you to ’Zhen’an Temple Iron Bull’ for the Alliance Leader support! I’ll be releasing a bonus Chapter this month.