Chapter 909: 908 Higher Challenge

Pale sunlight spilled down, quietly dissolving the bitterness and sorrow swirling in his chest.

A faint warmth unfolded, slowly relaxing the tense muscles and the aching sting in his eyes.

The lingering warmth of tears swirled in his eyes, yet had not dissipated. But this time, the corners of his mouth lifted gently into a smile, as a firm courage took root deep within his soul, blossoming proudly and steadily.

He would be like Annie–capable of being hurt, afraid, and vulnerable, yet steadfastly refusing to give up.

Propping his hands on the ground, Li Wei sat upright and turned to face the tombstone behind him.

“Annie Galas, 2007-2019. I know this was a battle with an ending preordained, yet I still held my head high and fought until the very last moment.”

As expected, Annie was still Annie–a soul far older and more mature than her body suggested, which appeared to be just seven years old but housed someone eleven, or perhaps even wiser.

Competitive sports are not worshipped for their victories but for the determination to fight to the very end and snatch even the slimmest chance of success–that’s where the irresistible allure lies.

This was especially true for the Kansas City Chiefs.

In the first year, they seized the championship, shocking the league and making many believe it was a fluke.

In the second year, they defended their title, filled with challenges, and suspense lingered until the final moment. People had difficulty believing they were the team that broke a fifteen-year drought of Super Bowl back-to-back champions.

Now, in their third year, expectations might have no surprises–

Li Wei was an outsider; he knew nothing about football, but Clark had explained it to him.

In Super Bowl history, no team has ever achieved three consecutive championships.

Not once. Not ever.

In the past half-century, numerous teams have shown dominance across multiple consecutive seasons.

In 1973, 1974, and 1976, the Minnesota Vikings made three Super Bowl appearances in four years, yet all ended in defeat.

In 1986, 1987, and 1989, the Denver Broncos had three Super Bowl runs within four years, and each time they fell short.

From 1990 to 1993, the Buffalo Bills reached the Super Bowl for four consecutive years, suffering four straight losses.

Additionally–

In 1992, 1993, and 1995, the Dallas Cowboys achieved three championships within four years.

In 2001, 2003, and 2004, the New England Patriots also won three titles within four years.

In simple terms, only two teams in history–the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots–managed to secure three championships in four years. That’s all.

As for others, leave alone three consecutive championships–even three consecutive Super Bowl appearances have only been accomplished by the Buffalo Bills.

This is precisely the charm of the NFL.

A hard salary cap combined with the massive 53-player rosters creates a bottleneck neither surpassed nor shattered.

So far, no team has achieved this history-making legendary feat–even Brady, crowned prematurely by his fervent fans as the “GOAT” before his retirement, couldn’t achieve such groundbreaking glory.

Evidently, up next, the Kansas City Chiefs face this very challenge.

An epic quest–the third year promises to be even more challenging, even more daunting, than all the preceding obstacles combined. But isn’t that the very essence of adventure?

Li Wei’s gaze fell upon the epitaph, carefully reading it again–

To outsiders, the Kansas City Chiefs’ next season might also seem like a “battle with an ending preordained.” Yet he was already prepared.

Life ought to be like Annie Galas: fight proudly and relentlessly until the very last moment.

Anyway, Li Wei was ready; the question was whether the other thirty-one teams in the league were ready.

Bending down, Li Wei gently placed the white lily he held onto the tombstone, raised his right hand, hesitated for a moment, and finally let it rest on the tombstone–as if brushing off nonexistent dust from Annie’s shoulder.

“See you on the field, Annie Galas.”

This time, there was neither sadness nor hesitation. Li Wei turned and walked away.

At that moment, the sky suddenly brightened, and the gray world was flooded with golden sunlight, vivid and warm. The clear chill of winter seemed to melt like ice and snow, halting Li Wei’s steps.

Slightly startled, he looked up at the sky, his eyes filled with disbelief as he saw the world bathed fully in light. The damp and cold cemetery was suddenly drenched in golden hues, until his gaze landed on the white lily resting in front of the tombstone.

Previously a bud, the flower astonishingly began to bloom before his very eyes.

Li Wei froze.

Fixing his gaze quietly on the lily, Li Wei seemed to hear Annie’s voice, filled with fervent passion and excitement.

Unconsciously, a sound deep in Li Wei’s throat emerged.

“Fly.”

A smile spread across his face, and he nodded gently, repeating the word once more.

“Fly!”

Turning, Li Wei strode forward, his shoulders squared, and his back straightened. His figure revealed an unprecedented resolve, brighter and more intense than even the determination that fueled this year’s Super Bowl defense.

From a distance, at the cemetery’s entrance, Li Wei caught sight of two silent figures.

Though their gestures or expressions were subtle, their silent presence conveyed a faint sadness–like thick snow under sunshine, warm yet slow to melt.

Nonetheless, as soon as they saw Li Wei, they raised their right hands to wave, their smiles gentle and warm, lifting faintly at their mouths.

“Hey, rookie.”

Li Wei’s smile grew, his hand raised in greeting, “Mr. Galas, Mrs. Galas.”

The formal and ceremonial tone made Jenna and Jeff burst into light laughter.

Jeff chuckled, “Oh, we’re supposed to feel hurt now–you sound so distant.”

Li Wei replied calmly, “Well, during my last visit, the mood was a tad solemn.” He gestured lightly with his thumb and finger, “So, I need to be extra cautious today.”

The laughter grew even livelier.

Jenna waved her hand, “No worries. In that case, maybe we should adjust how we address you as well–Mr. Li?”

The air of distance was immediately palpable, yet comically amusing.

Li Wei’s eyes gleamed with humor as he gestured behind him, “Aren’t you going to check on Annie?”

Jenna exhaled softly, “Later. We’ll go in later. You invited us here today–there must be something you wanted to talk about, right?”

Li Wei nodded lightly, “I do have a favor to ask of you.”

The Galas couple exchanged glances.

They hadn’t anticipated this development. After receiving Li Wei’s call yesterday, both had speculated–first thinking Li Wei had arranged an event here, indulging in wild guesses about various possibilities, but–

“A favor?” Jeff asked. “Whatever it is, tell us, and we’ll help right away.”

Li Wei’s expression turned serious, “Actually, I’ve been feeling a little tight on funds recently…”

Jeff: …

Jenna: “No problem.”

Now, it was Li Wei’s turn to be stunned by their response to his playful tone.

Jenna shrugged lightly, “You’ve already done enough for Annie. If there’s something we can help with, then of course such a small thing isn’t a problem.”

Small thing?

Li Wei couldn’t help but chuckle, “I meant it as a joke, and I ended up being the joke myself.”

“I guess my mom was right–don’t get cocky as a person.”