Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 976 - 975 full of confidence

"Aren’t you worried about your captaincy being challenged?"

Veach looked at Li Wei with full curiosity.

Li Wei’s smile immediately grew wider. "If it can be challenged, then is it really captaincy? Wouldn’t that mean that loyalty was already lost?"

Calm and confident.

Veach froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Li Wei added, "Besides, we need more than just one captain. Look at what happened when the Argentine football team placed all its weight on Messi’s shoulders—after all, it’s just an eleven-man team."

Veach’s eyes widened, his laughter completely out of control. "Hahaha, haha, it seems like I’m still too short-sighted, so clearly I’m not suited to be captain."

Li Wei gently shook his head. "Your collaboration with Coach Reed has been very smooth, hasn’t it?"

Veach glanced at Li Wei. "So far."

Implicitly, it was clear—no one knows what the future holds.

The relationship between a team manager and head coach is never simple. While Veach’s collaboration with Reed is currently going well, it doesn’t mean it can last forever.

Li Wei remained calm. "So, we should seize the moment while we can."

Veach paused and squinted, carefully sizing up Li Wei. "You’ve figured out why I showed up, haven’t you?"

All because of Reed.

Clearly, Reed is very satisfied with Li Wei. He believes Li Wei is an irreplaceable piece in the team’s pursuit of a historic three-peat. Reed has been pushing Veach to finalize contract negotiations with Li Wei as soon as possible.

That’s why Veach showed up.

Li Wei displayed a humble smile. "No, how could I possibly know? I don’t have any clues; besides, I forgot to bring my crystal ball when I went out today."

Unable to hold back, Veach once again burst into laughter.

Whether Li Wei had figured it out or not, one thing was certain: Li Wei’s composure remained unshaken. Even in the midst of contract negotiations, he managed to remain steady—a rare trait indeed.

Just look at Mahomes’ actions to understand. His agent still showed moments of impatience, resulting in slight fluctuations that led to losing the upper hand during negotiations.

Today, Mahomes attended spring training camp, avoiding vulnerability. Instead, his presence reassured the team and fans of his professionalism—

No matter how negotiations progress, it wouldn’t affect his dedication; even if talks stall, he’d still focus on training, demonstrating his commitment to a long-term partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs.

All of it was a bonus.

In the future, if news of stalled negotiations happens to leak, Mahomes could effortlessly garner fan support and leverage that to pressure Veach.

All of this stemmed from Li Wei’s influence.

To be honest, that also meant Veach’s contract negotiations with Li Wei could face greater challenges.

After all, dealing with clever individuals is never easy.

But from another perspective, negotiating with intelligent people can often be simpler.

The crux lies in terms and attitude.

Veach decided not to beat around the bush, getting straight to the point.

"I’d like to discuss your contract extension. Are you available now, or would you rather have your agent present?"

Li Wei wasn’t surprised. A smile flashed in his eyes as he teasingly replied, "Choosing this timing, aren’t you trying to bypass Donald?"

Veach didn’t deny it. "But the key question is whether you’re willing to talk."

If Li Wei wasn’t interested, he could simply refuse and let Veach discuss matters with Donald instead. But doing so would mean tearing down goodwill, making the negotiations increasingly difficult with both parties carrying grudges.

That was precisely why Veach chose to approach Li Wei directly.

Conversely, Li Wei had already anticipated this scenario, and the fact that he showed up at training camp indicated he was prepared for it. Otherwise, like Mahomes, he could’ve found an excuse to skip spring training camp.

Skipping voluntary training camp reflects a strong stance; it’s also a strategy for players to avoid direct talks with team managers.

Li Wei chuckled lightly. "Donald won’t be happy about it, but I’m ready."

Veach wasn’t surprised, and without hesitation dove straight into the crux of the matter. "Rookie, you know we’re sincere, and you understand the team’s situation..."

Li Wei smiled. "Mr. Veach, that’s not exactly a positive start."

Veach’s words stumbled.

Li Wei continued, "If you’re opening with the team’s salary cap, does that mean the team isn’t willing to offer me a lucrative contract?"

The opening gave a foreboding sense.

Veach began by discussing the captain’s leadership qualities, then followed it up with an emotional appeal, using the team’s salary cap as leverage. The realities of Frank’s signing, Mahomes’ renewal, and other constraints loomed prominently.

In essence—

As captain, Li Wei was expected to sacrifice his personal interests and think of the team.

Persuasion through reason, followed by appeals to sentiment.

But Li Wei exposed the tactic.

Even though Veach believed he was mentally prepared, Li Wei still caught him off guard; the complexity of the situation exceeded expectations.

Li Wei’s stance was crystal clear.

Moreover, Li Wei wasn’t planning to compromise.

Watching Veach’s expression, Li Wei’s smile bloomed entirely.

"Mr. Veach, surely you haven’t forgotten last winter’s conversation, have you?"

Last winter, before the Hunter incident surfaced, Hunter tried to team up with Li Wei to pressure the team into giving the running back a contract reflecting his value.

At that time, Veach had also approached Li Wei for a talk.

Li Wei had expressed no rush at the time because he was aiming for a massive contract.

Just a short half-year later, the moment Li Wei had patiently waited for had arrived.

Veach couldn’t help but laugh.

"Forget? How could I? It was also on the training ground, we strolled and talked, even the weather was oddly similar—though one was winter and the other spring."

Gently lifting his chin, Veach realized that Li Wei wasn’t easy to fool—

This emotional appeal would need to be wielded much more cautiously. While Li Wei constantly thought about the team and approached decisions as a captain, it didn’t mean he’d blindly sacrifice everything, giving selflessly without seeking fair compensation.

Veach could pick up the sly glimmer in Li Wei’s eyes.

Veach opened his hands, adopting a posture of playful surrender as he lightly shrugged.

"Forgive me, I had to try—even if it meant risking being seen through. That’s my job."

A small jest.

"So, a big contract. Li Wei, just how big are we talking here?"

Switching gears, diving straight into the key topic.

This time, Veach abandoned any attempts at manipulation and opened up the conversation honestly.

However... Li Wei still wasn’t falling for it—

The numbers shouldn’t come from him, as anything he said would be incorrect.

Any figure Li Wei proposed wouldn’t get an immediate approval from Veach unless it was ridiculously low—far below expectations; otherwise, no matter what number Li Wei suggested, Veach would inevitably try to push it downward, which would unintentionally reveal Li Wei’s bottom line.

Just like in poker, never reveal your hand prematurely.

Moreover, negotiating figures should ultimately be handled by a professional agent.

Veach deliberately sought out Li Wei, essentially bypassing the expertise of professionals, attempting to set traps for the player.

On the surface, Veach appeared straightforward and sincere, granting Li Wei the freedom to name his price; but in reality, it was a strategy of retreating to advance.

Most people would’ve fallen for it.

Unfortunately for Veach, Li Wei wasn’t just anyone.