Dominate the Super Bowl

Casually, gracefully, Thalia looked straight at Li Wei with a clear gaze that didn't hide her eagerness at all, making Li Wei feel a bit embarrassed.

Instinctively, Li Wei looked away.

But immediately, Li Wei realized he was at a disadvantage. When he looked at Thalia again, he indeed found a hint of amusement in her eyes.

Li Wei couldn't help but chuckle, and didn't avoid it any longer. He met Thalia's gaze, "So, first thing in the morning, you come to my house, what's up?"

True to form, Li Wei got straight to the point, reversing the situation like striking the snake's seven-inch spot.

Thalia wrinkled her nose in frustration, but she didn't avoid it either, "I'm here to say goodbye."

Li Wei was taken aback.

Thalia noticed, "Aha, what, you're reluctant to see me go?"

The corners of Li Wei's mouth curled up slightly with a teasing remark, "Yeah."

This time, it was Thalia's turn to be stunned.

Then, Thalia raised her arms high, cheering, "Oh yeah." Her bright smile bloomed without reservation, making even the golden sunlight seem dim.

"Unfortunately, I still have to say goodbye. It's okay, let the longing ferment a bit." Thalia winked at Li Wei, "My family found out I'm in Kansas City, I have to return to New York to report."

Li Wei: ...

Involuntarily, he took a deep breath, "Thalia, you said you told your family!" That's why Li Wei agreed to let Thalia stay in Kansas City.

After all, Thalia secretly ran away to a foreign city without telling her family, and stayed here for three whole weeks. Her family must have been worried sick.

Under Li Wei's supervision, he saw Thalia dial her father's number and informed them she was in Kansas City. Li Wei even saw Thalia get a good scolding. Like a frost-beaten eggplant, downcast, but in the end, Thalia convinced her father to let her stay a while longer.

And the result?

Thalia blinked, her innocent face full of innocence, "The family thought I was in Los Angeles, trying out for two other movies while waiting for news from a previous audition."

"Oh, that phone call, it was my uncle who answered. He's in Los Angeles, so the family thought I was staying with him, and I did need him to cover for me. But who knew, he's so unreliable. My dad pressed him a bit and he panicked, accidentally giving me away."

With just a few words, the information was overwhelming.

Li Wei could hardly believe his ears, "Thalia, what are you thinking? What if your family saw you on the live TV broadcast?"

Thalia shook her head, "No one in my family watches football."

Looking full of certainty.

"Besides, even if I got caught, I'd deny it to the end. Who knew my uncle would be so unreliable."

Li Wei had to raise his voice to interrupt, "Thalia!"

Thalia stuck out her tongue, seeming to finally realize the seriousness of the situation, looking very obedient, "My dad should be at the airport waiting for me now. He said either he comes to catch me, or I go to the airport myself. So..."

"I have some time before I go to the airport, and I need to say goodbye to you."

Li Wei took a deep breath, "No, I'll take you to the airport."

Thalia was taken aback, "Li Wei..."

Li Wei's expression was firm, repeating, "I'll take you to the airport."

Thalia, "Li Wei, you really don't have to do this, I can handle my dad..."

But Li Wei wouldn't let Thalia refuse, "You came because of me, and I didn't notice you were lying, making your family worry for so long. I have a responsibility and duty to apologize to your father and explain everything."

Thalia looked at Li Wei dumbstruck, her eyes slightly reddened, an emotional feeling surging up, "Li Wei, my dad is a very scary person..."

Li Wei didn't back down, "Then I should certainly explain things in person. Thalia, I let you stay, so I should bear the responsibility."

Thalia's gaze remained fixed on Li Wei for a long, long time, and then, without warning, she said, "So you care about me, right?"

Li Wei was about to speak, but Thalia suddenly got scared and spoke first, "No, I don't care, I don't listen, I'll just take it as you care about me, so you care for me, you worry for me, and that's enough."

"Actually, my dad isn't in Kansas City, and he didn't discover my lie. They still think I'm in Los Angeles..." The story unexpectedly took another turn.

Li Wei's breath caught in his throat, just about to scold, but Thalia didn't stop speaking, "They're busy with their work all the time, they have no time to verify my lie. Whether I'm in Los Angeles or Kansas City makes no difference to them, they don't care at all."

Laced with melancholy, bitterness.

Unwittingly, Li Wei remembered his first meeting with Thalia at the diner in the early morning, back then Thalia was already working to make ends meet.

But Thalia didn't let the bitterness spread, her smile rising again.

"Just now, I finally know what it feels like to be cared for, to be valued, to be important."

In an instant, hitting the heart of Li Wei precisely.

Thalia's smile so radiant and splendid, "Just like Felix. You can see us, and it's not just politeness or a facade, but sincere and genuine."

"So, don't blame me for liking you."

Li Wei slightly opened his mouth, but ultimately couldn't help it, the smile on his face fully blossoming, "So, it's my fault?"

Thalia earnestly nodded, "Mm-hmm."

Li Wei blinked, unable to believe his ears, laughter escaping his throat, "So, your plan to return to New York is also a lie?"

Thalia shook her head, "No, that's true."

"Even though my family didn't discover my secret, I have to get back to work."

Li Wei immediately caught the keyword, his eyes brightened.

Thalia displayed her smile without reservation, "I got the role from that audition, and the film is starting shooting the day after tomorrow in New York and New Jersey. I have to join the cast."

Involuntarily, Li Wei's smile spread completely.

So, what should he say?

Scold? Praise? Encourage? Comfort? Or support?

Various thoughts surged in his mind, and finally, Li Wei reached out his hand, "Give me the keys, let me take you to the airport, future Hollywood superstar, I hope I have the honor."

Thalia looked down at the keys in her hand, sighed softly, "Oh, I was actually hoping to give you a ride, but..."

Still, Thalia tossed the car keys over.

Li Wei caught the keys and walked with Thalia to the car, ultimately not pursuing questions about Thalia's family anymore—

Every family has its difficulties, and everyone has their own growth story. Maybe one day in the future, Thalia will be willing to share with him.

"What role is it? Can you give me a spoiler?"

"Haha, don't worry, it's not a Marvel movie, we don't have any confidentiality agreements."

"Why, do you want to star in a superhero movie?"

"No, I'm not interested. Maybe five or ten years from now I might change my mind, but as of now, I have no interest in superhero movies. I want to portray roles, to find resonance between me and the character, you know the feeling of acting?"

"No, I don't know."

"...Haha, come on, I've seen you on 'Saturday Night Live.'"

"Oh, God."