Chapter 903: 902 Miscellaneous Personnel
“We are the champions!”
“We are the champions!”
Thunderous cheers filled the stadium, echoing across the skies.
Without a doubt, this was the most iconic moment of the 53rd Super Bowl.
Not only did Kansas City Chiefs fans erupt in celebration, but even Atlanta Falcons fans joined in, hoping to mend the heartbreak from two years ago when victory slipped through their fingers. One by one, they went wild, blending into the jubilant chaos.
And surprisingly, many Los Angeles Rams fans stayed behind in the stadium—
This, truly, was a rare sight.
Wait, why were the Rams fans still lingering? Isn’t seeing the Chiefs celebrate their victory agonizing? Why were they staying to torture themselves?
Yet somehow, Rams fans indeed lingered.
Later, curious reporters approached for interviews, and those fans explained:
The Kansas City Chiefs deserved their victory and championship, earning both respect and admiration. Li Wei’s tribute to Annie during the game transcended the rivalry inherent in competitive sports, awakening a deep resonance that everyone could relate to.
So, they chose to stay.
Still, they eagerly anticipated the next encounter with the Kansas City Chiefs, promising that the Rams would defeat them fair and square.
Unintentionally and unexpectedly, this stirred up a new kind of rivalry between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams, creating a narrative that quickly gained momentum.
Without a doubt, this moment was destined to be etched in history.
Not only because of the Chiefs’ championship defense, but also due to the recognition from rival fans.
Later, Time magazine featured Li Wei raising the Vince Lombardi Trophy as its latest cover, redefining the moment with a new headline:
“Li Wei Dominates Another Super Bowl—Is the NFL Entering the Era of the Running Back?”
Cover story, headline, spotlight.
Both regular season and Super Bowl MVP—this is what comes with the territory.
Yet, this was merely the beginning.
The stadium was surging with passion, waves of enthusiasm spilling over in every direction. Amidst the bustling crowd, a figure threaded its way forward, steady all the way until it came to a stop at the focal point of the stadium.
At that moment, Li Wei was finally free of the chaos. The venue was packed corner to corner with people. After sharing moments of celebration with teammates, Li Wei stood quietly at the entrance to the player’s tunnel, gazing out toward the stands, slightly lost in thought.
The figure did not disturb Li Wei but patiently stood there.
Li Wei hadn’t noticed yet, though the reporters had keenly picked up on it. Cameras quickly swiveled and, one after another, shutters began firing away, reluctant to miss even an instant of potential headline material.
The sound of shutters snapped Li Wei out of his reverie.
He turned—and looked—
The figure had their hands clasped behind their back, eyes quietly brimming with curiosity as they took in Li Wei. Then, as if deciding on something, they lifted their right hand and greeted him with a radiant smile.
Li Wei froze, glancing left and right before replying with an earnest expression, “Unauthorized personnel aren’t allowed on the field. Don’t the security staff know this?”
Ariana hadn’t anticipated this reaction from Li Wei—her original joke to surprise him backfired as he deftly turned the tables on her.
Momentarily delayed, Ariana caught on and, tossing her high ponytail, responded, “Maybe they recognized me, seeing I’m a special guest. Not like—you—who doesn’t know how to appreciate my uniqueness.”
Li Wei tilted his chin slightly, “So, are you hoping I’ll treat you like a superstar?”
Ariana faltered, immediately grasping the subtext in his words, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Just treat me like a normal friend. Being a friend is enough.”
A superstar implies distance, with compliments and sycophantic gestures hiding behind a facade where connections fade after the show ends.
But a friend? Friendship meant something else entirely.
Li Wei’s smile tugged wider at the corners of his mouth. “Hey, thanks for coming to the game, Ariana.”
Instinctively, Ariana couldn’t help but break into a smile herself.
*Snap*. *Snap snap snap snap*.
Nearby, reporters were on the verge of losing their minds—
Breaking news! Absolutely breaking news!
Clearly, the pre-Super Bowl dinner between Li Wei, Donald, and Ariana wasn’t as innocent as it seemed.
Moments ago, the excitement over Li Wei’s championship defense gripped everyone.
Now, gossip and speculation roared to life just as fiercely.
“Li Wei, Ariana, are you two dating?”
Ariana appeared somewhat shy.
Li Wei responded casually, looking directly at the reporter, “Would you schedule a first date in full view of a massive crowd? If that’s the case, it explains why you’re still single.”
“How do you know I’m single?” The words slipped out instantly.
The reporters burst into laughter collectively.
Li Wei didn’t address the question further; instead, he turned to Ariana with an inviting gesture. “Want to take a stroll around the field? Leave this crowd behind us?”
Ariana noticed the look in his eyes—it seemed he was implying something.
Nervously uncertain, Ariana nodded despite herself.
The next moment, Li Wei shouted, “Run!”
He extended his right hand toward Ariana.
Confused, Ariana stared at him blankly. Without thinking, she reached out and grabbed Li Wei’s hand—and ran as fast as she could.
Li Wei’s hand was large and warm, easily engulfing hers entirely, almost as if it could burn her skin.
Unconsciously, she gripped tighter, harder, and then harder still.
She followed Li Wei at full throttle.
Unexpectedly, this simple act of running made her heart soar, happiness and delight spilling effortlessly into her chest.
Her smile gradually blossomed wide.
Ariana couldn’t restrain herself any longer—the sound of her melodious laughter scattered like tiny bells across the field.
Briefly, she felt glad her assistant had advised her to switch to sneakers before entering the stadium. It made her look smaller, more delicate, but it was an act of respect—and at least sneakers wouldn’t damage the grass like heels might.
Now it felt like the right decision all along.
Behind them trailed a fluffy group of reporters, all bustling to keep up.
Journalists had no clue what was happening. Instinctively, they followed—no time to analyze. They reflexively rushed after them.
And thus unfolded a surreal scene—
A group of reporters chasing after Li Wei and Ariana, running laps around the field.
Yes, laps; on the field.
Li Wei and Ariana hadn’t left the field or sought out any hidden corner—they were simply running freely right in the open. Why reporters insisted on following them around was a mystery.
No one could make sense of it, but the spectacle left everyone stunned.
Was this Li Wei hosting a training session for reporters?
The surreal moment left everyone around dazed and in disbelief, despite witnessing it directly.
Mahomes looked at Kelsey, “Did I miss something important?”
Kelsey broke out into a grin. “No, you didn’t miss a thing. Come on, let’s cheer on the reporters—they’re just rookies, you know.”
Mahomes blinked, slightly bewildered. Shouldn’t they be cheering for Ariana instead?
But it was too late—Kelsey had already rallied the troops.
“Let’s go, paparazzi!”
“Let’s go, paparazzi!”
Reporters: ??? I have a feeling you’re insulting me, and I have evidence to prove it.