Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 840 - 839 Midnight New York

Chapter 840: 839 Midnight New York

Chapter 840: 839 Midnight New York

Over the past couple of days, social media has been collectively celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory. Following in the steps of the Seattle Seahawks, another team has earned a chance to defend their title. But the predicament the Seahawks faced after their failed title defense looms ahead, so the challenge for the Kansas City Chiefs is all too clear.

The lively discussions buzz incessantly.

However, Thalia noticed a small piece of news buried in the corners of the noise—

The Kansas City Chiefs, under Li Wei’s leadership, collectively attended the funeral of one of their fans, Annie Galas, each offering a lily to pay their respect.

It was just a tiny, inconspicuous news bit, quickly lost amid the controversies of the Conference Championship and the wave of hype for the Super Bowl.

But Thalia remembered a detail.

During the American League Championship, Li Wei dedicated his first touchdown to Annie, even having her name taped onto his cleats.

She knew this fan must have held special significance for Li Wei and for the Kansas City Chiefs. And yet, this fan had passed away far too young.

Eleven years old. So young, not even old enough to see her spring bloom before withering too soon.

Thalia didn’t know how to describe her own feelings—a mixture of lament and sorrow, a faint bitterness spreading on her tongue. Turning her gaze back to the city streets, the bustling and vibrant scenery suddenly felt different.

In one moment, she couldn’t help but wonder, what must Li Wei be feeling?

Until tonight.

Thalia finally saw Li Wei with her own eyes—the Li Wei who had seemingly disappeared from the public eye ever since the end of the Conference Championship.

He looked… thinner.

Not in the literal sense, but something leaner, more subdued, with a quiet gentleness in his gaze and smile. He seemed more reserved, more inward.

People often think of grief as tears, as though weeping uncontrollably is the only proof of deep wounds.

But actually, everyone processes grief differently. The cold indifference and detachment of a shattered heart can sometimes be even more painful than tears, because some sadness cannot be expressed, not even with a soundless cry.

Thalia closely studied the face before her. Even though it was partially obscured by a baseball cap, she could still recognize his eyes.

“Number 23?” Thalia held up the card in her hand, a sly glimmer flickering in her eyes. “So, do you want me to guess, or not guess? You know, there are an overwhelming number of players who’ve worn 23. But the greatest Number 23 in history must be…”

She paused. “Michael Jordan, right?”

Thalia did it on purpose.

Li Wei looked at the playful girl in front of him. His eyes couldn’t help but reveal a faint smile. “Yet you still guessed correctly on your first try. I’m guessing either Michael Jordan isn’t interested in Broadway for now, or someone might have started watching Kansas City Chiefs games over the past year.”

A quick counter.

Thalia froze for a moment before realizing she’d given herself away. Still, she wasn’t embarrassed, nodding openly, “Yes, I’ve started watching football.”

“After all, when you happen to know a superstar, it’s hard not to glance at the screen when everyone else is watching football. And then, of course, you brag about it to other fans, like, ‘Hey, guess what? I once served that guy coffee. Honestly, he’s not that special.'”

She rambled on, her expression full of fake disdain.

Li Wei’s smile bloomed wide in response.

Thalia was quite satisfied with her comeback, but she wasn’t finished yet. “So, what about you? Why are you here? And why the flowers?”

Li Wei responded casually, “What if I said I was just passing by, saw the poster at the entrance, noticed a familiar face, and decided to show some support? I didn’t even watch the play. Would you believe me?”

Thalia: …

“I do.” With crisp certainty, Thalia nodded. “After all, our show has practically zero promotion. If you knew about it, that would be strange. I’d almost suspect you’ve been silently stalking my social media and scrolling through my daily updates. But clearly, that’s not your style.”

Li Wei raised an eyebrow lightly. “Such confidence? Didn’t your mother teach you never to trust strangers so easily, especially those suave and polished ones?”

Thalia flashed a dazzling smile, her upturned lips igniting the night as though fireworks were bursting in the background. “So, should I be cautious? Should I call the cops now, dear Number 23?”

For once, under the bold and open gaze of Thalia, Li Wei averted his eyes. But he still confessed, “Yes, you should. I think I should head back now.”

Thalia noticed Li Wei’s hesitation, his careful attempt to conceal the wound in his heart. She quickly offered a warm smile. “Going home already? No way. Don’t you know New York’s nightlife is just getting started? People are used to this city’s daytime, but it’s at midnight that New York is truly captivating.”

“I bet you haven’t truly seen this city’s charm either.”

As she spoke, Thalia began stepping back, raising her voice at Li Wei.

Li Wei glanced around, a hint of worry in his tone. “It’s so late. Where are you planning to go?”

Thalia’s voice drifted in the wind, “An adventure. What do you say? Wanna join me?”

Li Wei: ???

Just now, Li Wei had told nothing but the truth.

Today, Li Wei had flown from Kansas City to New York to reunite with his family and enjoy some simple pleasures. But even then, he’d ended up busying himself in the restaurant all day, especially for the guests who’d come specifically because of him. Li Yi and Jiang Yin always went all out to greet them with twice the usual enthusiasm, and Li Wei felt he should contribute as well.

Still, after a full day of work, the clamor inside his mind wouldn’t settle down, like countless dissonant noises roaring against his eardrums.

So, Li Wei had left the apartment and planned to take a walk through Central Park.

By chance, he noticed the poster outside a theater, stirring a memory. Li Wei thought of the young woman he’d coincidentally met last year. Out of a small sense of camaraderie, he decided to show his support.

Now, however, watching Thalia’s lively and energetic spirit, Li Wei instinctively wanted to turn and flee.

A primal reaction.

Fresh from the sting of grief and subconsciously afraid of getting close to life’s bright vibrancy, as though avoiding a devil, all he wanted was to escape.

His footsteps froze in place. Li Wei wanted to call out to Thalia, to tell her he wouldn’t be joining her for the adventure.

Thalia turned, glancing back at the frozen-in-place Li Wei. She beamed a dazzling smile and waved enthusiastically, “Come on!”

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As she shouted, she walked backward, her arms swinging, trying to draw Li Wei’s attention, not caring whether she drew the attention of others.

The New York night, flickering and flashing, its dazzling neon lights like fallen stars scattered across the sky, slowly, slowly all faded into the background. In the brilliance of that bold, blooming smile, everything else paled in comparison.

Li Wei glanced at the direction of the street. He wanted to tell Thalia: You’re heading the wrong way. He had planned to go north, toward Central Park, while Thalia was heading south.

This was, quite literally, heading in opposite directions.