Chapter 910: 909 Charity Fund

Haha, hahaha.

A light chuckle stirred within his chest, relieving the mood of Jenna and Jeff.

After a small tease, Li Wei didn’t continue to be mischievous. Instead, he shifted to the main point.

“I want to do something for Annie.”

“To be precise, in Annie’s name, I want to help families who are still struggling and fighting.”

“I know that cancer remains a daunting challenge. It doesn’t just take a toll on someone’s energy–it drains finances as well. Whether it’s you, Felix, or others like you, the financial pressures are overwhelming. It’s truly not easy.”

“So, I want to establish a charity foundation in Annie’s name, specifically to support minors battling severe illnesses. I hope this can provide them with some form of aid, enabling them to keep fighting forward.”

Unexpected, entirely unexpected.

Jenna was completely unprepared for this revelation. She widened her eyes, first looking at Jeff and then turning back to Li Wei, “Is this your mother’s suggestion?”

Li Wei froze for a moment, “How did you know?”

Jenna’s nose tingled as emotion swelled, yet she beamed a gentle smile. “Because we’re all mothers.”

After the Super Bowl, Jiang Yin couldn’t forget Felix and Karen.

Learning the finer details of Annie’s story left Jiang Yin sleepless through many nights.

Forget critical illnesses–even when Li Wei was competing on the field, Jiang Yin was always anxious. She worried about him getting injured, feared for the possibility of concussions.

She’s a simple woman–her sole wish was for Li Wei to be healthy and happy. Accomplishments and historic legacies never mattered to her. Truly, not at all. Money, fame, status–they all seemed unnecessary complexities. To her, seizing present happiness was enough.

So, she could completely empathize with the feelings of Karen and Jenna, two mothers.

After much tossing and turning, Jiang Yin eventually approached Li Wei.

“Xiao Wei, there’s something Mom wants to discuss with you.”

“For the past two years, the pocket money you’ve given me–I’ve been saving it. I realize you meant for me to buy clothes, makeup, or maybe travel; but I’ve been thinking about your future, when you retire and transition to a different career. After all, professional sports is fleeting, and we have to consider life beyond it.”

“When that time comes, if you need seed money for something, this savings could be of assistance.”

“But now, Mom wants to use this money to make a small contribution. Within my abilities, I wish to help families like Karen’s and Jenna’s. After all, it is your gift, so Mom wants to hear your thoughts.”

Jiang Yin always put Li Wei’s needs before hers, no matter the moment or matter.

From Li Wei’s perspective, this was the first time Jiang Yin had shared something she truly wanted to do herself. He had no reason to say no.

In truth, that pocket money? It had been given to both his father and mother each month–it was always meant to belong to Jiang Yin. No matter how she chose to use it, Li Wei would support her wholeheartedly.

Especially when it came to charity.

During halftime at the Conference Championship, Li Wei addressed his teammates, telling them how deeply connected they were to the city. His words weren’t empty, feel-good platitudes–they came straight from the heart. He reminded them of the endless support they’d received from the city and its residents and asserted that it was now time to return the favor.

To this end, Li Wei sought advice from his agent, then from his financial manager, and even consulted JJ-Watt–

Watt had single-handedly founded the “JJ-Watt Foundation,” devoted to supporting athletic programs in middle schools.

Across North America, many public schools faced budgetary constraints, often slashing budgets for sports or limiting support to just one program. This left countless working-class students without access to sports activities. For those struggling academically, it also stripped away another avenue for growth.

Recognizing this, Watt created the foundation: Teach a man to fish, rather than merely giving him one.

After gathering insights from multiple perspectives, Li Wei reached out to Mr. and Mrs. Gallas, hoping to borrow Annie’s name for this endeavor.

Li Wei’s face brimmed with genuine sincerity as he looked at Jenna and Jeff.

“I understand that Annie wanted to be forgotten. If we hold on to her memory too tightly, we may never move forward. She hoped to disappear completely after she left.”

“But I want to say–Annie was wrong. Remembering someone doesn’t mean being trapped in the past. It can also mean carrying their energy to courageously open new doors to the future.”

“I don’t want to forget Annie, because she made a promise, didn’t she? ‘You’ll never walk alone,’ right? So, I intend to carry her dream forward with me.”

Jeff hadn’t realized it until tears streaked down his face. Clumsily, he wiped his cheeks while muttering apologies under his breath.

Yet this time, Jenna didn’t cry.

Not only that–she lifted her head high, radiating a bright light in her eyes. “We always think parents are the ones teaching their kids. But truthfully, shouldn’t parents learn from their children too? We were always protecting Annie, but weren’t there times when Annie was protecting us as well?”

Jenna caught sight of Jeff’s emotional state and Li Wei’s earnest gaze. Her smile grew even warmer. “I promised Annie that I wouldn’t be stuck in the past, walking in circles. We won’t use losing Annie as a reason to hurt each other. We should treasure what we still have, shouldn’t we?”

Jenna silently watched Li Wei. “I understand what you mean. But, Li Wei, why not use your own name?”

“I believe that using your name as the foundation would easily attract more donations and support.”

Li Wei chuckled softly, “Jenna, this isn’t about me.”

“Yes, I could launch a ‘Li Wei Foundation’ focused on supporting Asian athletes living in North America–not just in football but across other sports as well. I hope to provide opportunities for them to explore and take risks. I’ve always believed Asian players hold untapped potential.”

“That would be my domain.”

“But this one–it’s not. This is Annie Gallas’ story. It’s Annie’s and Felix’s story. And it’s Annie’s story with the Kansas City Chiefs. I want the foundation to bear Annie’s name. Then, I’ll rally more players and even entire teams to lend their support–to ensure our voices reach farther.”

“This foundation is special because of Annie, not because of me.”

“One day, I’m going to stand onstage and share our story again. I’ll remind everyone that behind the Kansas City Chiefs’ championship defense is a young girl named Annie Gallas, who was part of the team. We shouldn’t forget her, and we won’t.”

Jenna listened intently, paying extra close attention.

As she gazed steadily at Li Wei’s youthful face, she saw earnestness and passion.

Unbidden, Jenna’s thoughts turned to Annie’s birthday wish that had forever gone unfulfilled–

Peering past Li Wei’s shoulder, Jenna could almost imagine Annie in a beautiful white lace dress, her soft, fluffy hair braided long, wearing a floral crown. Shyness tugged at the corners of her lips before giving way to a radiant, happy smile.

She stood on a lush grass field, eagerly waiting for Li Wei, dressed sharply, to arrive and invite her to his graduation ball.

After a brief moment of restraint, Annie couldn’t help but break into excitement, her true self emerging as she dashed forward, grabbing hold of Li Wei’s right hand and tugging him along as they raced together.

Now, Jenna understood why Annie had wished for Li Wei to be her partner at the graduation ball.

Gently nodding, Jenna agreed, “Alright. Li Wei.”