Dominate the Super Bowl

Chapter 129 128 Target of public criticism

Packed to the brim, a sea of people.

As far as the eye could see, a daunting, endless crowd made even the Peach Bowl venue, the Georgia Dome, seem miniature by comparison. The surging throng had encircled the site, making it completely inaccessible.

Nothing but people, still more people.

This was the home field of the NFL team the Atlanta Falcons, and it had also been the site of the Peach Bowl for the past twenty-three years.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

This year was a little different.

This would be the Georgia Dome's last year hosting any event, as the structure was scheduled for demolition ten months later, turning this city landmark laden with countless memories into history.

The match—one less to watch with each game played—had drawn an unbelievable turnout today. Nearly half of Atlanta had mobilized; coupled with the fact that it was New Year's Eve, the last day of 2016, countless citizens had chosen to spend this commemorative day at the Georgia Dome.

The scene was spectacular.

Li Wei thought they had been seasoned by a season's worth of home games at the hundred-thousand-capacity stadium, and should have been able to handle any situation with ease. But upon arriving at the site, he couldn't help but exclaim:

This was different. Truly different.

The Bowl Game, it had arrived.

"Li Wei, are you planning to stay in the NCAA for another year?"

"Next season, do you still intend to play football or are you thinking of going back to mixed martial arts?"

"Do you think you're ready for the challenge of the Professional League? After all, the NFL is a different level of competition. Do you think Chinese players can adapt to the intensity?"

"Who do you think is the biggest rival to the Crimson Tide Storm's title defense, Watson-led Clemson?"

"Do you have confidence against the University of Washington?"

Chattering, bustling.

The microphone was thrust unhesitatingly into Li Wei's throat, as if yearning to reach his stomach, and the media reporters encircling him brought to mind scenes of 'The Walking Dead'.

Clearly, Li Wei remained the center of attention; everyone tried to get a piece of him. The media, ever fond of novelty, had already cast Lamar Jackson aside; the Professional League indeed proved to be a cruel world following the adage 'laugh at the new while ignoring the old's tears.' Read latest stories on empire

However,

Just as Li Wei was about to speak, a plump figure squeezed through from behind, guarding him fiercely, and shoved the reporters aside as rudely and brutally as a mother hen protecting her chick, baring his teeth and shouting.

"Back off, all of you back off!"

"Pretty face"—the insult was extremely strong, and the subtext of the implication went without saying.

Indeed, Li Wei stopped in his tracks.

Clark was somewhat concerned, "Li Wei."

But Jacobs had a calm expression on his face; handling this kind of trash talk was a breeze for Li Wei.

"Thank you."

The air carried Li Wei's voice.

Not only were the reporters stunned, but even Clark and Jacobs were taken aback. Had Li Wei not understood the subtext of Baker's nickname?

No way...

"But no, I'm not interested."

Li Wei continued to speak, and without pausing his stride, he turned and walked away at a steady pace.

Snort.

Allen was the first to lose control, bursting out laughing. Li Wei was just too clever; he insulted without using a single swear word. The reporters hadn't even caught on, looking at the confused and hesitant faces around. The Crimson Tide Storm players were laughing very arrogantly and unrestrained—

Baker said Li Wei was all show and no substance.

Li Wei suggested that Baker's praise of his looks was because of a secret crush, an admission of affection discreetly rejected.

There's always someone better.

It must be admitted that in the art of trash-talking, others clearly lagged behind Li Wei.

The reporters were slow to catch on, but once they did, they laughed even more heartily.

Entering the bowl game and stepping onto the nationwide stage, both the level of scrutiny and intensity of competition rose a notch. Li Wei, who had dominated the college and Professional League conversations this season, naturally became the target of all competitors; everyone wanted to beat Alabama, everyone wanted to beat Li Wei.

It wasn't just Baker, the quarterback from the University of Washington was also ready with his ammunition.

"No, I'm not concerned about Li Wei. In my view, he is not a threat. The only thing we need to focus on is the Crimson Tide Storm Defensive group, Allen, Foster, Humphrey, they are the true heroes of Crimson Tide Storm."

"In my opinion, the media should pay attention to the players who truly brought the Crimson Tide Storm to where it is now, not create unnecessary hype just because of his identity and skin color. Honestly, he's just a pretty face, that's all."

Roar, roar, roar, this move was brilliant—seemingly complimentary and not overly sharp, but in fact, it was—

A divide and conquer strategy?