Burns looked into Li Wei’s clear eyes, "Not knowing is not knowing—clearly, Li Wei knows nothing about football."
So, how should he explain it?
Before, Burns had already scared Li Wei away once, and this time, he absolutely couldn’t make the same mistake.
With that thought, Burns hit the brakes hard, showing a smile like that of Maitreya Buddha, as if gazing at a lost lamb, and began with a smile, "No, a running back is an offensive player; we’re a little bit different from soccer."
While speaking, Burns pinched the air with his index finger and thumb, his entire face straining to emphasize the slight difference.
"But believe me, it’s really not difficult."
His hands moved back and forth quickly like the fluttering ears of Dumbo.
"I truly believe you can shine on the field. You should trust my judgment—you are a genius."
It was clear that Burns was an honest man; even his flattery was awkward, repeating the same few lines over, clearly lacking in the art of persuasion.
But Li Wei kept his composure, not rushing to express his views or opinions, watching quietly, and then, the office door on the right opened.
As he turned to look, a kind-looking elderly man with flecks of gray hair appeared, his scholarly demeanor reflecting that of an engineering professor, exuding both competence and charm.
This must be the new university president who took office last July, Stuart Bell. According to the information on the university’s official website, he was fifty-nine years old and had joined the University of Alabama back in 1986.
Bell appeared vigorous, his wrinkles unable to mask the brightness of his eyes. After greeting Burns, he turned and saw Li Wei.
"So, this must be... Li?"
Unlike Burns, Bell was less familiar with Li Wei’s name, but he opted for the safe route, addressing him directly with the easily pronounced surname.
Li Wei politely stood up, ready to shake hands.
However, as Bell’s gaze followed Li Wei’s rising form,
one moment, he seemed a diligent student with aspirations, presumably with a future in academia or broadcasting; the next, like Hulk transforming, the imposing presence brought on by his stature pressed down in layers, and before Li Wei could even speak, Bell had already expressed his awe.
"Wow, now I finally understand why Coach Burns can’t stop singing your praises."
Then, the two shook hands, exchanged a few pleasantries, and Bell once again felt the broadness of Li Wei’s palm, capable of easily gripping a football. He turned to look at Burns.
Without saying a word, Burns understood perfectly and gave a light shrug, "I told you, he’s a great prospect."
Bell didn’t say much more, gesturing them into the office and heading straight to his own desk, inviting Li Wei and Burns to take their seats.
Bell sat down as well, "Let’s get right to the point."
"Li, I’ve reviewed your record; you’re an excellent student, and the University of Alabama is very fortunate to have such an outstanding student. The incident that occurred in the library was purely accidental. The school should be thanking you for your heroic actions; no one wants to see the situation as it is now."
"I am more than willing to extend a helping hand on behalf of the school."
All that had been said so far was superfluous; the key point was yet to come.
"As a public institution, clearly we can’t spend as freely as private schools; we have our own difficulties and issues to deal with."
"Therefore, Coach Burns has made a proposition: if you can play for the school’s football team, then the school can intervene to resolve all your problems, including the lawsuit and potential compensation and so on."
"How do you feel about it?"
In fact, when it came to scholarships, the whole situation became much simpler——
One must give something to get something in return, a fair trade.
But Li Wei was not a child; he knew that there must be more to it, just as Bell had said, the financial management of public universities was not that simple.
Li Wei did not rush to agree, "I think there’s more to it than just joining the team, right?"
Bell’s smile fully bloomed, his eyes revealing a hint of appreciation, "You’re indeed an all-A student, our journalism department should really feel fortunate to have you."
"Of course, to join the team, we need to evaluate your performance. Whether the training is dedicated, whether you give your all in matches, and so on, Coach Burns will judge your performance, and you need to meet the standards."
"Additionally, you need to play in at least seven matches in another season and achieve certain performance data, Coach Burns will likewise be in charge of scoring."
"If you don’t meet the standards, then we will need to sit down and discuss the matter of litigation fees and potential damages again, what do you think?"
The requirements did exist, but the real power of decision lay in Burns’s hands.
Li Wei turned to look at Coach Burns, then thought about that system in his mind.
Although he had already made a judgment, Li Wei did not rush to jump to a conclusion, instead looking at Coach Burns, "Coach, I really know nothing about football, are you sure? I don’t understand football, but at least I’ve seen soccer and basketball, an amateur who knows nothing can’t just go and play NCAA right away."
Coach Burns nodded slightly——
Calm. Wise. Objective.
Truly a top student, still able to analyze the situation in the face of difficulties and challenges, a rare bonus for a professional player.
In fact, ball sports often require game intelligence; and football not only requires it but also places it in a very important position because football is known for its tactical complexity, with a team possibly having over twenty thousand tactics, and players not only need to memorize them but also need to apply them flexibly.
The more he understood, the more satisfied he became.
Coach Burns also looked at Li Wei.
"Of course, if you know nothing, it will take some time."
"If it’s a position requiring particularly high skills, indeed a foundation in training is needed, and an amateur rushing in might not work out, but in reality, the barriers in football are not as exaggerated as imagined. It’s common to change positions not only in college but also when entering the professional arena; the real key is still tactical coordination."
Coach Burns did his best to downplay the complexity, and it was evident that he was really trying to make things seem simple, emphasizing as much as possible that football was not difficult.
"I can say, without exaggeration, that football is the sport among all team events that most tests tactical cooperation. Maybe in soccer or basketball, you can see one individual perform a hero deed to change the game, but in football, it’s almost impossible."
"So, for a newcomer like you who’s taking on the running back challenge, you are completely ready at the technical level and the physical confrontation level."
"The only thing you need to learn is tactics."
"I believe in your ability."
"Not just here, but also here."
At the front, he patted his heart.
In the back, he pointed at his brain.
Coach Burns seemed exceptionally excited, his eyes the size of green beans shining brightly.