Chapter 111: 110 conversation opportunities
Everyone knew that the biggest obstacle in competitive sports was injuries, yet injuries couldn't wait to be dealt with until they occurred. Regular maintenance and prevention were necessary.
The most direct example was that after each game, players needed to engage in restorative training and treatments, which included but were not limited to cycling to relax muscles, ice baths, massage therapy, and more. Just like muscles needed to be warmed up before a game, they also required a similar process to cool down afterward to prevent inflammation and potential problems.
It's no exaggeration to say that post-game recovery was as important as pre-game warm-ups.
This Recovery Effect Doubling Card played such a role.
Initially, Li Wei had thought it was meant for recovery after sustaining an injury, but a careful reading of the instructions revealed that it was used to enhance the effects of recovery training after each training session or game.
It could simply be understood as a card that amplified injury prevention.
A small surprise!
Although he hadn't drawn a player template card, which was slightly disappointing, Li Wei was actually more satisfied with this Recovery Effect Doubling Card.
Firstly, it resolved a long-standing doubt of Li Wei—
The third card slot did indeed introduce cards with new functions.
Secondly, this card was exactly what Li Wei needed most urgently now, and its importance was no less than that of a card that reduced injury risk.
With the season nearing its end, both body and mind were facing severe challenges, and for Li Wei, who was stepping onto the Football field for the first time, the intensity, tension, strain, and pressure were beyond his imagination. Neither mixed martial arts nor cross-country running had ever brought on such conditions.
What physical stamina truly meant was becoming gradually clearer.
Especially after the last game against Louisiana State, the feeling of over-exertion and fatigue was something Li Wei was experiencing for the first time. Experience new stories on empire
No wonder, be it soccer or basketball, injuries were more likely to occur closer to the latter half of the season, and for a contact sport as fierce as Football, this was even more the case.
It was at such a juncture that Li Wei drew this Recovery Effect Doubling Card, which came not a moment too soon, perfectly addressing Li Wei's hidden risks.
Moreover, five times more effective!
Even without a reference for comparison, by contrasting it with the other two amplification cards, it was clear that this Recovery Effect Doubling Card was likely to be of extraordinary value.
Without hesitation, Li Wei equipped it immediately.
With this, all three card slots were now filled, sparking even more curiosity:
Could the number of card slots still be increased? If not, would there be a need for choices in the future? Since there was a third type of amplification card, could there be a fourth or fifth type?
Very good, the upcoming training and games were filled with fresh motivation.
With a lighter step, he could then see at the doorstep of the dormitory a figure dressed in a suit maintaining a perfectly upright sitting posture quietly and obediently. Upon noticing Li Wei, he stood up, slightly adjusted his suit, revealed a smile, and actively met Li Wei's gaze.
One look was enough to know he had come for Li Wei, and he had no intention of hiding this.
More importantly, it was an Asian face.
With neatly cut short hair slightly tinged gray, a kind and gentle expression, and a shy smile, as if he wasn't fully confident about his teeth, he subconsciously didn't fully open his mouth, covering his teeth.
Although they were both Asians, there were still noticeable differences between different countries and regions. Perhaps others couldn't tell, but as a descendant of Hua Xia, Li Wei could distinguish that this gentleman was definitely of Chinese descent.
Li Wei's pace didn't intentionally slow down, but the gentleman with gray hair already took a small step forward to welcome him, keeping out of the way while maintaining a smile, "Li Wei, I'm very pleased to meet you. I am Donald Yee, a sports agent."
While greeting, he handed out his business card.
Li Wei was not surprised; over the past month, he had already received business cards from a dozen agents.
Although the NCAA strictly prohibits agents from contacting players, everyone knows that it is impossible to completely block contact. As long as the agents don't bribe the players or their families to reach any verbal agreement prematurely, contact is just contact, and a conversation is just a conversation. Then, everyone turns a blind eye.
Indeed, after the nationwide championship finals, players could sign with agents, but no agent would wait until then to make their move. The most intense competition for players among agents happens during the nationwide championship, testing their perception and decision-making.
Although Li Wei was a running back, although running backs in the Professional League were facing a comprehensive crackdown, although this was only Li Wei's first year in football, and although Li Wei had not yet stated whether he was preparing to turn professional—
Still, the agents had noticed him.
Moreover, it wasn't just one or two; the number of opportunists far exceeded expectations.
Initially, Li Wei was a bit excited, as the crossroads that could change his life was right before him; but he soon calmed down, realizing these agents weren't necessarily interested in him for his merit; they were merely casting a wide net to see which "little white rabbit" would fall for it.
In time, he completely regained his rationality—
If, just hypothetically, Li Wei really was preparing to enter the Professional League and start a new life with this sport, then an agent would become very important.
As mentioned before, the prospects for running backs in the League were generally bleak. If Li Wei wanted to break the shackles and the entrenched interests, his own excellent performance wouldn't be enough; he needed an outstanding agent.
An agent who was top-notch and trustworthy.
Li Wei was in no hurry.
He believed that as long as he continued to perform well, more and more outstanding agents would approach him; real top-tier players were the ones who held the power of choice.
And here was one now.
Li Wei was slightly surprised that the agent was of Asian descent.
In the entire realm of football, from the field to off-field, it was rare to see an Asian face; let alone a player, this was the first time he had seen an agent.
Li Wei carefully read the business card, showed a polite smile, and then slipped the card into his pocket, "Thank you, I will consider it."
After that, Li Wei continued walking and didn't stop because the person was an Asian, showing no extra special interest.
"No problem, Li Wei, feel free to call me anytime, 24/7."
The gray-haired gentleman did not follow him but just stood there and called out to Li Wei.
Then... there was no follow-up.
Li Wei was very surprised; despite reminding himself not to fall easily for tricks, he still stopped in his tracks, then saw the gray-haired gentleman standing still, smiling at Li Wei, waving casually as if he had anticipated Li Wei would stop and turn around.
Seeing that smile, Li Wei chuckled, stood still for a moment, and eventually couldn't resist, "So, was that just a provocation tactic?"
The gray-haired gentleman spread his hands, "Old trick, but effective."
That was an admission.
With no shyness or evasion, the gray-haired gentleman stood there, meeting Li Wei's gaze, "At least, now we have a chance to talk, right?"