Chapter 432: 431 Fashion Trend Chapter 432: 431 Fashion Trend As mentioned before, due to historical reasons, the New England Patriots stood on the opposite side of many fans.
Despite unquestionably becoming the dominant force in the League since the new millennium, their fan base was mainly concentrated in the New England region; in other areas, the “America’s Team” Dallas Cowboys were the absolute overlords, with loyal die-hard fans scattered across different corners.
At the same time, the New England region was proud and arrogant, looking down even on New York, North America’s largest city.
This caused New York and Boston, both on the East Coast, to be locked in a year-long state of mutual disdain.
Naturally, the professional sports leagues of the two cities also harbored numerous grudges.
During the past decade when the New England Patriots ruled the NFL, the New York Giants had always been their nemesis, meeting in the Super Bowl twice, in the 2008 and 2012 seasons.
The New York Giants had defeated the New England Patriots both times and climbed to the top—
Little Manning’s career’s two championship rings were all snatched from Brady’s hands, earning him the title of “Anti-Brady.”
In the 2016 season, another Olympic year and another quadrennial cycle, the New York Giants and fans from other teams alike expressed their belief that it was time for the curse to strike, eagerly anticipating the New York Giants beating the New England Patriots and winning the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, this time, the miracle did not unfold.
Not only did it not happen, but they also witnessed the New England Patriots’ incredible comeback victory against the Atlanta Falcons to win the Super Bowl and write a new chapter in history.
For New Yorkers, it was undoubtedly torturous.
Thankfully, they didn’t have to wait too long—
In this season, Li Wei, a native of New York, staged a phenomenal and unbelievable performance in the divisional playoff to eliminate the New England Patriots, accomplishing the feat of defeating Brady in both the regular season and the playoffs.
The entire city was infused with a joyful atmosphere, and even though the divisional playoff had been two weeks prior, happiness still permeated the air.
“…Super Bowl good luck!
Haha, don’t worry, we’re all behind you!”
Even the cab drivers were no exception,clenching their fists in energetic and passionate support for Li Wei, their faces glowing with happiness.
The bustling noise continued unabated from the airport, all the way to Chinatown, giving Li Wei a true taste of a triumphant return home.
Shutting the car door, Li Wei looked at the storefront in front of him and involuntarily stopped in his tracks—
Could it be, the address was wrong?
There hadn’t been a mistake the last time he came home, so how could there be one this time?
This place was somewhat unrecognizable.
The familiar storefront from his memory was gone.
The entire outer wall was painted a vivid red, the characteristically Hua Xia-styled wooden window frames adorned with number twenty-three paper-cut for window decoration, which, along with the hanging lanterns, instantly reminded one of the upcoming Lunar New Year atmosphere.
On the blank wall to the left of the shop’s main entrance was a huge white number “23,” about the height of three people.
Up close, one could see it was actually a collage of small screenshot tiles pieced together, all depicting Li Wei on the field.
These little windows were assembled together to ultimately form Li Wei’s jersey number.
At this moment, one could also see a small group of people queueing in front of the mural—
Ready to take a photo for their social check-in.
It seemed that this must be a popular hotspot for the new generation of young people.
Although Li Wei had no idea, not understanding the significance of young people coming here for a check-in, and blindly following fashion trends seemed to have no value.
If one didn’t like football or even watch football at all, what was the point of taking photos and checking in here?
Moreover, this place only has the number “23,” which, to the average person, might be more easily mistaken for that number 23 from the Chicago Bulls, right?
Just a little bit careless, trying to play on a hot trend but picking the wrong one, wouldn’t that be even more embarrassing?
Li Wei had always been avoiding the tumultuous tide of social media.
Although he had social media accounts, he had always entrusted them to Donald Yee, because he knew the frequency and energy of the online information frenzy could become a disturbance, shattering his focus.
But at this moment, Li Wei hesitated slightly:
If I completely ignore it, wouldn’t that be like being abandoned by the trend?
“Sorry, could you please take a picture for me?”
A voice came from ahead.
Li Wei looked around; it was probably him.
He couldn’t help but smile wryly, but still nodded, “Of course.”
Walking forward, he took the other person’s phone and photographed the couple in front of him.
“Three, two, one, cheese!”
After taking the photo, Li Wei checked it and showed a look of regret, “The lighting isn’t great right now, the quality is so-so.
Do you want to check it?”
The winters of New York are always gray, devoid of sunlight, bone-chilling cold, as if soaked in the sea, aimlessly drifting without end.
“Oh, this is fine, really good, no problem, thank you…” The girl’s words were cut in half as her gaze shifted from the phone to the face of the man before her, ready to say thanks, but the next second she grabbed her boyfriend’s arm, letting out a series of exclamations, “Baby, baby!”
The young man dressed in sports gear looked baffled, “Is it that bad?”
Upon looking up, the young man’s jaw almost hit the floor as he saw Li Wei and stammered for a long time without squeezing out a word.
On the other hand, Li Wei was taken aback: This mixed-race face clearly showed its Asian heritage.
After rolling in the world of football for two years, Li Wei realized there weren’t that many Asian kids who were as clueless about football as his former self; but it was undeniable that not many Asian kids were interested in football either.
At this moment, seeing a face that appeared to be Asian here was a little unexpected.
Li Wei responded with a smile, “Is it really that bad?”
The boy finally came to his senses, took a deep breath, his eyes glazed over, staring at Li Wei, “No!
No, no, no, ah, God, I mean, Li Wei, I can’t believe I’m seeing Li Wei here.”
Li Wei shrugged lightly, “After all, you’re standing here, just consider it like making a wish to Aladdin’s Lamp.”
Following Li Wei’s gaze, the boy and the girl both turned their heads and then realized where they were.
They couldn’t help but show bashful smiles.
The boy looked back at Li Wei, took another deep breath, “Li Wei, you are amazing.
God, you really are so amazing.
I hope I can be like you.
And of course, the Super Bowl.” Despite trying his best to stay calm, his rapid-fire words couldn’t stop.
Li Wei was a bit surprised, “You play football too?”
“Yes, of course, and I’m Chinese just like you.” Another stream of jumbled words poured out, clearly showing his overwhelming excitement.
Seeing that he was about to continue, Li Wei interrupted him, raising his right hand in a calming motion, “Breathe, breathe.
I won’t disappear like Aladdin’s Lamp all of a sudden.
We can take it slow, this is…”
The boy, catching Li Wei’s gaze, realized immediately and vigorously rubbed his hands together, wiping sweat on the sides of his pants before extending them, eagerly introducing himself, “Taylor, Taylor Rapp (Taylor-Rapp).”