Dominate the Super Bowl

Roger Goodell opened the envelope, pulled out the card, glanced at the name on it, and a fleeting light inadvertently shone in his usually unimpressed eyes; satisfaction briefly peeked before quietly hiding away—

The door to the Hua Xia Market had finally been pushed open, marking a historic moment.

Yet outwardly, he remained composed, maintaining stability as he continued to fulfill his role.

"...Li Wei, running back, University of Alabama."

Witness, history.

This was the first time since 2012 that a running back from the University of Alabama, Trent Richardson, had been selected in the top three of the first round, a whole five years, truly a long absence.

This was the first Hua Xia player to be selected in the first round in NFL history, and the first among all Asian players to create such history.

This was the first time a college freshman had been selected in the first round of the NFL draft—although Li Wei was a junior, he indeed had only one year of playing experience.

Li Wei, a player destined to make history, every step he took was filled with firsts, every move he made was about creating new history.

Inside the Little Green House, the atmosphere was electrifying.

Watson, stunned as if struck by lightning, was rooted to the spot, completely unable to move, unable to discern whether he was more shocked by being consistently overlooked by the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs, or by Li Wei's draft position being higher than his own. His brain had completely lost the ability to react.

Staring dumbfounded at the Crimson Tide Storm players swarming and patting Li Wei's shoulder, Watson felt as if he was thrown back to that nightmarish night in early January at Tampa Bay, the night pressing on his mind like a tight hoop.

Li Wei: ?

He didn't catch on, it wasn't modesty, he truly hadn't anticipated this; from Saban to Henry to Donald, as an outsider, he had gradually come to understand the reality of the League. He was neither discouraged nor needed to be, knowing his place and ready to meet the challenges step by step was already enough, same for his expectations regarding the draft.

No matter the draft order or round, as long as he could enter the Professional League, he was ready to face the challenges.

Li Wei had not at all anticipated his name being called out so early. What happened to the devaluation of running backs? What was going on?

Before he could react, Li Wei was already overwhelmed by a wave of cheers.

Mahomes, closest to Li Wei, was the first to leap up and hug him, "Congratulations! God, you deserve it, absolutely deserving!"

"Ah, ah, ah! You're the Top Scholar, brother, you're this year's Top Scholar."

Their excitement and elation were even crazier than Li Wei's, persisting until Li Wei was pulled out of the crowd by Donald, as they had to go up on stage to receive their jerseys. Only then did Mahomes look around and realize he was surrounded by the Crimson Tide.

What was going on again?

Humphrey yelled at the top of his voice, "Li Wei, you are the most handsome rookie here!"

Mahomes turned around, finally spotted an equally excited McCaffrey rushing over, and both of them, regardless of being in the midst of a wolf pack, raised their arms and joined in shouting, "Rookie! Rookie! Rookie!"

Then, the fans of the Kansas City Chiefs in the stands also fell into frenzy, one by one joining in the shouting, as a sweeping heatwave permeated everything.

In front of the television, Veach folded his arms across his chest, silently watching this scene, "Coach, what do you think?"

Reed, still leisurely chewing his gum, replied, "We made the right choice."

Actually, up until the last moment, Veach was still swaying in his decision.

The Chicago Bears were very anxious and very nervous, Pace's inexperience inadvertently revealing their hand. When Veach realized that the Chicago Bears were planning to pick Trubisky, the initiative had already shifted to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Veach had his calculations as well.

If they didn't select a quarterback, then maximizing the benefit from the draft pick while minimizing the impact on the salary cap, and offering a running back a reasonable price was what could bring the advantage back to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Veach's only doubt was, was Li Wei worth it?

Instinctively, Veach once again remembered the video clips Reed had watched over and over; then he switched back to the live broadcast, where all other rookies appeared silent and rigid, tense despite their best efforts to control it.

Li Wei was the exception, he was actually playing a game.

Perhaps, one could also add the ever-restless Mahomes to that list.

Thus, the answer had emerged.

Veach accepted the trade and took the opportunity to extort the Chicago Bears heavily:

2017 first round third pick, 2018 first round, and 2019 first round.

Capitalizing on the chaos!

Veach instantly made up for the losses from the trade with the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, and selecting Li Wei third overall was like an extra reward. There was no hesitation or doubt; they immediately submitted their list.

This was a gamble, but Veach believed that creating history and writing legends often requires such risks. With a "succeed or die trying" attitude, hesitancy could not achieve greatness.

So,

history was made, in the most lavish, exciting, and dramatic way.

Trubisky had not even had the chance to enjoy his moment and applause when he suddenly became a mere backdrop; all the flashlights in the arena surged towards Li Wei—

All doubts, speculations, and worries could be put to rest for now. Li Wei did not fall out of the first round unnoticed but was instead surprisingly picked third overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in a dark horse maneuver.

The top third pick of the 2017 NFL Draft was thus settled.
Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire

Buzz, buzz, buzzing.

The applause was thunderous, mixed with whistles and screams. The cheering just couldn't stop. After the NCAA, a door to a whole new world opened in front of Li Wei.

Gradually, a clear sense of reality emerged, and fighting spirit began to stir within his chest. Having finally stepped onto a more prestigious stage, what challenges lay ahead?

He was somewhat impatient.

Ahead, Clark Hunt, the CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs, stood smiling broadly, holding a red number one jersey, waiting.

"Welcome to the Kansas City Chiefs," he said.

Hunt looked energetic, despite the team not selecting a quarterback, which was somewhat disappointing. But right after the draft list was announced, Goodell had come over to shake hands and offer congratulations, allowing Hunt to realize immediately:

The market value of Li Wei.

Not to mention anything else, the support and favor from the League were already apparent, which was undoubtedly good news for the Kansas City Chiefs, a team not top-ranked in terms of market.

Listen, they didn't even need to return to Kansas City; the present was already enough.

"Rookie! Rookie! Rookie!"

The shouts from the Kansas City Chiefs fans were completely drowned out by the overwhelming calls from the crowd. The lively spectators were also welcoming Li Wei into the NFL in this manner, skyrocketing his attention and discussion.

When had the Kansas City Chiefs ever received such treatment?

This was indeed an unprecedented event.

Looking at Li Wei before him, Hunt seemed to be considering the vast Hua Xia Market, radiating joy from within, and growing more satisfied the more he looked.

Li Wei first took the cap from Hunt and put it on, looking at the familiar red jersey in his hands, continuing from the Crimson Tide Storm to the Chieftains, his smile quietly brightened. He and Hunt, each holding a corner of the jersey, posed side by side for the cameras as flashlights flooded in.

The entire Philadelphia Museum of Art turned into a seething red sea, but inside the Jacksonville Jaguars' war room, it was chillingly cold and breezy.

Caldwell: Fuck!