Dominate the Super Bowl

For the past two days, Hill has been trying to lighten up the team's mood, but his efforts alone aren't enough.

Usually in the locker room, Li Wei and Kelsey are supportive of each other, working in tandem with the assistance of Mahomes and Chris Jones, allowing any problem or issue to be addressed smoothly. This is the fundamental reason why the Kansas City Chiefs have maintained locker room stability despite being in the limelight this season.

However, now with a conflict arising between Li Wei and Kelsey, the locker room is in disarray.

From Hill's perspective, Li Wei's behavior and demeanor seem perfectly normal. Everyone has their own way of mourning, and there's no need to worry or doubt Li Wei. They've been together for three seasons; surely, they know Li Wei well enough by now. The one who should be most hurt and suffering is him.

Even if the whole world is attacking Li Wei as cold-hearted and unfeeling, Hill has never wavered in his belief.

And yet, Kelsey is still causing trouble.

Hill wants to do something about it, but it's difficult to handle solo, and too exhausting.

Unexpectedly, Thalia appears.

Hill and Thalia haven't communicated at all; strictly speaking, they haven't even had a direct conversation before. This is only the second time they've met; yet, Thalia seems to sense the delicate atmosphere of the training field, and their inadvertent collaboration breaks the heavy mood.

Initially, Hill worried that Thalia hadn't noticed his thumbs-up, thinking it was his own illusion, purely his own sentimentality.

Then, Hill sees Thalia looking his way, winking her right eye to give a response—

Now Hill is certain; he is part of the "Thalia Team," firmly anchoring his position between the "Lilith Team" and the "Arianna Team."

At this moment, Li Wei, having just finished a set of training, seems to finally recognize the situation unfolding here, realizing he's a key part of the commotion.

Li Wei begins walking towards the side of the audience stands.

In an instant, players' eyes converge on him, blending curiosity, gossip, and concern—all forming a bustling crowd.

But unexpectedly, Li Wei's steps don't move toward Thalia, instead slightly veering, heading towards a nearby group of people.

Over there... stands Karen Gray.

Today's Karen isn't wearing the Kansas City Chiefs' home red jersey; she's chosen the away white one.

Although not dressed in black, Karen is still expressing her mourning in her unique way; her slightly pale cheeks remain bloodless, appearing extremely understated, making her blend into the surging crowd in the stands unnoticed.

But Li Wei noticed her, instantly.

Because of Li Wei's steps, others become aware too.

The laughter that floated above in the previous moment slowly settles down in the next; a gentle breeze blows away the remnants, leaving no trace behind.

Li Wei slightly lifts his head, gazing at Karen. Despite the wounds in his heart remaining unhealed, he summons the courage to face her, considering how to speak.

Yet, Karen speaks first, "Rookie, you seem to have lost weight. Is that just my illusion? That's not exactly good news."

One sentence sparks a slight ache in Li Wei's nose.

"During training, don't push yourself too hard; save some strength for the game."

Li Wei gently tugs at the corners of his mouth, attempting a smile, but it quickly fades. Instinctively, his peripheral vision glances towards Thalia.

Sure enough, Li Wei sees Thalia cheering him on with a fist-pump.

The heavy burden pressing on his chest eases somewhat, and Li Wei exhales, "Karen, I'm sorry..."

Karen shakes her head, interrupting him, "For what? For missing yesterday's funeral?"

"Rookie, others may not understand, but how could I not?"

"I believe you had your reasons for missing the funeral; Felix wouldn't blame you. We won't be swayed easily by someone's groundless speculations."

"Three years, Rookie, we've been by your side for three years. If we question you over a few remarks from insignificant people, then it's us who should reflect."

"You've done very well—extremely, incredibly well, far beyond the duties and responsibilities of a friend..."

The words tremble slightly with emotion.

Karen continues to wonder how she should express her gratitude to Li Wei.

Thanking Li Wei for being there for Felix all this time, thanking Li Wei for accompanying Felix to the end of his life, thanking Li Wei for giving Felix belief in dreams and hope through the years.

Yet, in the face of Li Wei's actions and efforts, any words seem weak and powerless. Perhaps the only way she can repay Li Wei is with her own happiness— not succumbing to despair, decay, or abandoning life, even after Felix is gone.

"So, you don't need to explain yourself."

Karen believes in Li Wei.

She trusts the Li Wei she has seen with her own eyes, interacted with, spent time with, rather than the faceless, nameless ghosts on social media.

This is why Karen made a special trip to the training base today.

She wants to tell Li Wei that she believes in him, so he doesn't need to worry or feel sad—Li Wei can go at his own pace because, no matter what happens, she and Felix will be on his side.

Words are too light, far too light to bear the power of emotion.

Li Wei lifts his chin, quietly watching Karen, attempting to say something, but the words get stuck in his throat.

Deeply inhaling, yet unable to control his emotions, his eyes start to well up with moisture, "Karen, I... I just didn't have the courage to see Felix. I failed to fulfill our promises... I..."

The voice grips the throat, stuck, as just before the tears break free, Li Wei raises his eyes to the sky, halting, taking another deep breath, barely controlling himself.

Then, Li Wei looks at Karen, "I won't give up."

Lightly spoken, understated—a simple phrase, neither grand nor forceful.

Afterward, Li Wei doesn't linger, turns around, and returns to the training field to continue his practice.

Karen watches Li Wei's back—number twenty-three, tall and strong—realizing it's easy to forget he's just a young man who's been in the league for three short years, yet already bearing the weight of the entire Kansas City Chiefs team and even the city itself.

Unexpectedly, Karen's eyes feel slightly warm, yet this time she doesn't shed tears, instead offers a smile, straightens her spine, and starts applauding.

Quietly, silently clapping her hands.

Other fans in the stands also join Karen silently, using their applause to quietly vent the rush of emotions within.

Not passionate, not wild, not heated—just calm applause.

Yet it's precisely this applause, contrasting starkly with the usual at Arrowhead Stadium, that cultivates a resilient, powerful force amidst sadness and pain, rekindling strength and courage after each hurtle, each setback, charging toward the future more firmly and sturdily.

Just as Li Wei said, I won't give up.

This is the faint light in the soul of this young team.