Chapter 975: 974 Adjust Strategy
Last season, Bell’s contract renewal negotiations with the Pittsburgh Steelers broke down, leading him to protest by holding out; and at that ti, Brown, during an interview, chose to side with the team and criticized Bell.
The key point is that Brown secured his contract renewal, while Bell did not. Brown’s actions were indeed in defense of the team, but as a beneficiary of the situation, he had the luxury to speak without concern.
To so extent, Brown was an accomplice in the Steelers’ oppression of Bell.
Ultimately, the relationship between Brown and the Steelers ended in destruction, entirely due to consequences of Brown’s own making.
Now, the situation is fundantally different. After all, the contract renewal negotiations of Li Wei and Mahos are still ongoing; neither of them is a beneficiary yet.
Li Wei’s actions are not from the position of a privileged beneficiary, issuing commands from a pedestal.
In fact, Li Wei stands from a broader perspective, with a long-term vision, seeking a win-win for both the team and the players. They aspire to secure lucrative contracts; but at the sa ti, they firmly believe that united teamwork aid at victories and championships is the right way to enhance their own value.
As a running back, Li Wei’s determination and conviction are indeed extraordinary.
After all, running backs today often face uncertainty, their positions precarious. Even for soone like Gurley, the league’s highest-paid player, the future remains unpredictable, which is why Bell tore relations with the Steelers last year over even a slight discrepancy in the guarantees.
Bell feared that this might be his last chance to negotiate. If he didn’t secure a big payday now, he might never get another opportunity.
However, Li Wei isn’t like that.
Li Wei seeks a long-term contract rather than short-term gains.
Behind this decision lies Li Wei’s self-confidence—he believes he can continue delivering strong performances and maintain his elite status for a longer duration. This level of confidence is rare for running backs.
It must be said, Li Wei truly stands out like a unique spark in the night.
Veach exhaled deeply. He felt he might need to adjust his strategy.
“Rookie… You’ve changed. You used to be sincere with people. Now you’re starting to learn that Hollywood playbook.”
“Exactly, exactly! Who taught you this? Surely not the people the dia keeps talking about, right? Could it be there’s a hidden True Destiny Girl we don’t know about?”
“Ariana?”
Roars of laughter erupted. Everyone started teasing Li Wei, one after another, unable to stop.
Li Wei, however, wasn’t flustered, maintaining a calm expression. “I know your tricks. This is just your way of asking to connect you to soone. So, who are you hoping to get in touch with?”
Before he’d finished speaking, Kelsey already appeared eager.
Unexpectedly, Fuller broke character first, blurting out, “Jennifer Lawrence.”
Imdiately, everyone burst into collective, uproarious laughter.
Hill shook his head repeatedly, “Kendall, don’t fall for it. Don’t fall for it! You’ll turn around and get sold out by the rookie without even knowing it.”
Fuller looked puzzled, glancing around in confusion. “What did I just say? What’s wrong?”
Kelsey discreetly wiped sweat from his forehead. Luckily, he hadn’t spoken the words that were on the tip of his tongue, or he would’ve been the one everyone was teasing now.
But then, Kelsey noticed Li Wei’s aningful gaze directed toward him, and he felt a chill down his spine:
Wait… Did Li Wei catch on to him?
Quick on his feet, Kelsey seized sight of a figure nearby and imdiately diverted attention, “Mr. Veach!”
The figure of the team manager appeared just ahead, standing patiently beside the training field—
Clearly, he wasn’t here to watch the training.
The playful banter and laughter among the players instantly ca to a halt.
Veach seed mildly helpless, feeling as though he had sohow beco the Great Demon King.
However, Veach refrained from protesting, maintaining a serious expression and nodding slightly as a sign of authority, which was necessary to establish a manager’s presence among the players.
“The coaching staff is waiting in the strategy eting room. Once you’ve showered, head up there promptly.”
Kelsey responded first, loud and clear, “Yes!”
With perfect posture, he obediently led the charge toward the locker room without a second word.
Everyone: ????
Only Mahos noticed that Kelsey’s muscles on the side closest to Li Wei were entirely stiff, nearly forcing him to walk awkwardly in syncopated strides. Unable to help himself, Mahos suppressed a laugh.
No ti to dwell on that, though, as Veach raised his voice again, “Rookie, do you have a mont?”
Instantly, all eyes turned toward Li Wei.
Even Kelsey instinctively hit the brakes and turned back around.
Surprisingly, the center of attention remained calst of all, as Li Wei looked at Veach and answered decisively, “Of course.”
Then, he turned to Mahos, “Inform Coach Burns for .”
Mahos felt faint hints of a brewing storm. Concern flickered in his gaze as he looked at Li Wei and quietly voiced his query.
Li Wei’s smile widened slightly. He patted Mahos’ shoulder, “Don’t forget to save a spot.”
Mahos exhaled lightly. If Li Wei said it wasn’t an issue, then surely it wasn’t.
Mahos quickened his pace to catch up with Kelsey, ready to quiz him properly.
Not far away, Hardman and Sorren Hill, part of the rookie group, also paused in their tracks. Though unsure of what was happening, their curiosity was piqued and they couldn’t help but look over.
Hardman muttered, “Rookie?”
It was unbelievable that the team manager would call Li Wei that.
Sorren Hill lowered his voice and said, “Word is, Kansas City fans all call him that. Want to give it a try?”
Hardman turned to stare at Sorren Hill, his gaze making Sorren Hill feel uneasy with a sense of foreboding. Yet before he could stop him, Hardman had already called out.
“Rookie, Juan’s wondering—during the first team eting, do the Offensive group and Defensive group et together?”
Sorren Hill’s face instantly turned purple.
“Right, Sorren Hill—Juan Thornhill.”
Hardman repeated it again, with Sorren Hill’s muscles locking up entirely. Cold sweat ran down his back as he dared not turn around, silently glaring at Hardman while mouthing silent curses.
Li Wei’s voice ca from behind, “Yes, together. Sherlock, guide them along. Don’t let everyone be late—I doubt Coach Reed would find any of this amusing.”
Lighthearted jokingly, the players collectively laughed.
Sorren Hill was stunned, unable to believe how approachable Li Wei was. And yet… who was Sherlock?
“Hey, guys! The captain’s orders are in. The compass is here to report for duty!” Mahos jogged up to the group with a cheerful grin.
Sorren Hill turned to look, his eyes nearly popping out of his head.
Hardman’s smile froze at the corners of his lips, almost choking on his own spit.
anwhile, the previously silent Frank gave Mahos a glance, “Sherlock? I thought your na was Patrick.”
Mahos burst into laughter, “Oh, that’s a long story…”
He didn’t mind at all, starting to tell the story as he led the way.
Veach quietly watched the scene unfold. Once the players were all gone, he turned to Li Wei, “You’re intentionally giving Patrick opportunities, aren’t you?”
This included earlier monts with Chris Jones as well.
Li Wei shrugged lightly, “He’s the team’s quarterback. He needs to beco the face of the team. Next season, the dia won’t go easy on him.”
Which ant they needed to start from the locker room—before any external issues, internal unity cos first.
Veach looked intrigued, eyeing Li Wei with fascination, “Aren’t you worried about your position as captain being challenged?”
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