Chapter 863: 862 each stick to their own
“Fly!”
“Fly!”
The entire stadium roared, a deafening wave of sound, all shouting the sa chant—
Kansas City Chiefs fans began to dominate the rcedes-Benz Do.
This… wasn’t surprising.
The Los Angeles Rams’ move to California was too recent. Last season, they faced the dilemma of poor attendance, forcing Goff and Donald to repeatedly appeal to Los Angeles spectators, saying, “Co watch us play. We’re winning gas.” This is one of the challenges big cities face—even with trendous potential for a thriving sports market, the audience has countless entertainnt options.
But Kansas City was different. Currently, Kansas City only has the Chiefs as their sole team in the Big Four leagues. Regardless of how well or poorly the team performs, its fans remain steadfast and loyal. Together, they endured the lows, slowly climbed back up, and reached the pinnacle of success. Over the years, this journey has deeply intertwined their bond with the team.
Now, Kansas City Chiefs fans effortlessly transford Atlanta into their ho field. anwhile, the scattered Los Angeles Rams fans attempted to make their voices heard, but disorganized and overwheld, they were soon drowned out by the deafening cheers.
However, what the ears perceived was just an illusion. The visual scene unfolded differently—
Amid the vast sea of red, the Rams’ iconic royal blue jerseys spread like a thick blanket, filling every corner of the field within sight.
Why?
It boiled down to one simple and cruel truth: money.
The Super Bowl—a ticket that money often struggles to buy.
This year, the NFL found itself mired in controversy, with a series of influential celebrities publicly calling for a boycott of the Super Bowl, which cast a shadow on its prospects.
When Super Bowl tickets went on sale, although they quickly sold out, the speed and enthusiasm noticeably declined—especially compared to the previous year.
Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs were hailed as dark horses. Both teams, storied franchises with deeply rooted histories, boasted large fan bases. With both teams having a genuine shot at the championship, the match was one of the most suspenseful gas in recent years. Super Bowl tickets were priced and resold to astronomical figures.
But this year, with the general atmosphere of public opinion opposing the Super Bowl, replicating last year’s incredible frenzy beca impossible.
The breakthrough ca after the NFL Regular Season Awards were announced. On one hand, the unveiling of the Regular Season MVP; on the other hand, the Super Bowl match-up of “Offensive Player of the Year VS Defensive Player of the Year.” Coupled with mid-season Super Bowl buzz, the event’s popularity surged despite opposition.
The NFL listed official Super Bowl ticket prices starting at $500 USD, with the average price being $4,657 USD. However, since those tickets had already sold out, fans had no choice but to turn to secondary markets or even the black market.
Initially, this year’s Super Bowl tickets were “not insanely sought-after,” with peak prices hovering around $10,000. But as interest reignited, prices soared to $20,000, even $25,000—
And there was no sign of stopping.
In this scenario, Kansas City fans, many of whom had endured years of economic downturn and unemploynt, truly couldn’t afford to travel to the Super Bowl. anwhile, Los Angeles painted a different picture.
Moreover, Kansas City residents faced massive financial pressure for the second consecutive year to support their team, whereas this was Los Angeles’ first ti. Household financial reserves naturally differed.
Thus, the scenario was set.
From an auditory perspective, Kansas City Chiefs dominated the rcedes-Benz Do. Visually, Los Angeles Rams solidified their ho-field advantage.
Without a doubt, this was a unique experience—one that crafted an unprecedented spectacle for the fifty-third Super Bowl, destined to go down in history.
Both Jiang Yin and Donna were wide-eyed with wonder, their emotions gradually stirring. Excitent and curiosity coursed through their veins at lightning speed.
“…Felix, there will be another chance, next ti, next ti…”
“No, Mom, there won’t be a next ti. Don’t you understand the reality yet? Every day could be my last…”
“No, Felix, stop, stop saying those things!”
“But it’s the truth—cruel but undeniable. I know… I don’t want it to be this way either. That’s why I can’t let Annie down. I need to seize this opportunity.”
Within the crowd, their tearful argunt drew all attention. Jiang Yin glanced over and imdiately spotted Karen.
The warm, chubby woman who always wore a radiant smile and freely gave hugs now stood shattered and fragile, rooted to the spot in utter despair.
Seeing Felix, stubborn and angry despite being seated in a wheelchair, Karen’s heart nearly broke.
Karen took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain composed. “Felix, I understand. I’ve always supported your decisions. Look—here we are in Atlanta, right? I even agreed that not having tickets wouldn’t matter, that we could watch the ga just outside the stadium with other fans.”
“But in this weather? No! If it rains, it could kill you. I… I can’t.”
Felix’s eyes were still filled with stubbornness. “Even if it’s not the rain, it could be a gust of wind or a single sneeze. I could leave this world at any mont. If that’s the case, I want to choose how I say goodbye. I want to leave as a Chief. I want it to be on the stage of the Super Bowl, even if today is the day I die.”
Karen kept shaking her head, unable to hold back anymore. “No!”
Her scream was heart-wrenching.
At that mont, the sky began to drizzle lightly. The rain, soft and delicate, brushed across their faces like a gentle breeze.
Even so, this was enough to alarm Karen.
“No. I won’t allow this,” Karen shook her head. “I’d rather you suffer through life in pain, even hate , than accept your departure. I can’t let that happen. I won’t go through the agony of Jenna and the others. I’m not ready.”
Not far away, Jenna and Jeff overheard.
Jenna began to step forward but froze upon seeing Karen looking back at her. Tear-streaked, Karen shook her head and mouthed, “Sorry,” before turning back to Felix, her mind set. She rushed forward to forcefully wheel him away.
It seed Karen and Felix hadn’t secured Super Bowl tickets, yet they had still made their way to Atlanta, planning to stay outside the stadium and watch the ga alongside countless other fans denied tickets.
But in weather so terrible, Karen was helpless. She feared it might beco Felix’s death knell.
Karen forcibly wheeled Felix’s chair, determined to leave.
Felix tried to resist but couldn’t match Karen’s swift actions. Watching as Karen prepared to take him away, Felix suddenly rolled out of his wheelchair with a tumble.
“Felix!”
Amid startled cries, Karen scread in despair.
Jiang Yin quickly patted Li Yi’s shoulder. “There’s an ambulance parked by the stadium entrance. Hurry and get the dics here.”
Without saying a word, Li Yi turned and sprinted away.
Karen tried to approach Felix, but he raised his hands in defiance, struggling and retreating further. The action tore Karen’s heart apart.
“Mom, I can’t… I…” Felix struggled. “Mom, I promised Annie. I promised her. At least… this is the only thing I can do for her.”
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