American Football: King of the Bay Area

After the signing was done, Lu Zhengze emerged, having changed into his jersey. Then, as requested, Lu Ke signed his name on the back of it. Seeing his content parents, Lu Ke couldn’t help but break into a wide smile.

He had only been in the Alliance for three short weeks, but his world had already turned upside down. The changes were starting to seep into every aspect of his life, making him keenly aware of how different competitive sports and the Professional Alliance truly were. Or, to be more precise, everything had started to change after he secured three wins as the starting quarterback.

BZZT. BZZT. BZZT. The phone in his backpack started vibrating, interrupting Lu Ke’s train of thought. He placed the bag on the back of the sofa and fished out his phone. The caller was still waiting patiently. Lu Ke answered just in time. ”This is Lu Ke.”

”Lu Ke, this is Lech.” The voice on the other end was one Lu Ke was still getting used to: Lech Steineberg, his agent.

It had only been twenty-four hours since they signed the agency agreement, and Lu Ke still hadn’t quite adjusted to having an agent. He hesitated for a moment, and the man on the other end seemed to sense his pause, chuckling lightly. ”Your agent. We’ve already signed the papers. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

”Ah, it’s coming back to me now,” Lu Ke joked. ”What’s wrong? Are you having second thoughts?”

”Just hope you don’t make me regret it,” Lech played along, but quickly got down to business. ”I’m at the Saint Francis Hotel in United Square right now. Do you know where that is?”

”Yes.” United Square. It was the heart of San Francisco; of course Lu Ke knew it well.

”Good. How long will it take you to get here?” With no further preamble, Lech cut straight to the point, revealing a brisk, business-like style Lu Ke hadn’t seen before.

”Twenty to twenty-five minutes,” Lu Ke replied simply, immediately matching Lech’s professional tempo. ”But, I just finished practice. I’m still in my workout clothes,” he added as a necessary clarification.

The Saint Francis Hotel was one of San Francisco’s most famous establishments, a true city landmark. While it opened its doors to all guests, someone dressed so casually would inevitably face some questions and have to explain themselves.

”Fine, I’ll give you forty minutes.” Lech didn’t debate or hesitate, making the decision decisively. ”Get yourself cleaned up and change. Try to wear something you’d normally wear in your downtime. When you get to the hotel, find the lobby manager, give them my name, and then yours. They’ll guide you up.”

With the instructions given, Lech hung up without another word.

Abrupt and decisive. This version of Lech was a far cry from the amiable old man he’d met twice before. Lu Ke couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. With no time to dwell on what was happening, he called out a quick goodbye to his parents and headed upstairs to shower.

All in all, about ten minutes later, Lu Ke was ready to go. He gave Lu Zhengze another quick update, grabbed his car keys, and hurried out the door.

United Square is one of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks. Despite its name, the square itself was quite small, only about a hectare, and had no particularly distinctive features—just some flowers, palm trees, and yews.

However, it was the city’s true center, ringed on all four sides by numerous department stores, high-end boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries, theaters, and fine-dining restaurants. Furthermore, both routes of the world-famous cable cars passed right through it. All of this rightfully made United Square the city’s commercial heart.

Every winter, a towering Christmas tree would be erected in the square, facing Macy’s across the street. The plaza would then be converted into an ice rink, transforming it into one of the most popular holiday destinations for families.

Back when Lu Ke worked part-time jobs, United Square was his most frequented area. It was also where he had run into Candice again.

It wasn’t rush hour, so Lu Ke had a smooth drive to United Square. Since it was a bustling shopping district, parking was undoubtedly the biggest hassle. Lu Ke, knowing the area well, drove straight to the underground garage beneath United Square. It was a paid garage, which meant there were usually more spots available.

Sure enough, he found a spot without any trouble. After parking, he headed on foot toward the Saint Francis Hotel, which was adjacent to the square.

The Saint Francis Hotel, now part of the Westin group, was one of San Francisco’s most famous hotels. Its fame wasn’t due to luxury—it was merely a four-star establishment—but to its history. The historic building was one of the city’s most precious treasures, having hosted countless world leaders and Hollywood superstars, and had served as a backdrop for numerous films.

The hotel lobby’s small bar, the ”Compass Rose,” was one of the best spots for afternoon tea, serving champagne, caviar, and premium vodka. In the evenings, there was live music. It was the perfect place to rest one’s tired legs in the middle of a shopping trip or simply to enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

A nearby bookstore and flower shop were the icing on the cake.

Upon entering the hotel lobby, Lu Ke didn’t dawdle, heading straight for the lobby manager. ”Good afternoon, I’m here to see a Mr. Lech Steineberg.”

”And you are...?” The lobby manager, Ruth Gray, looked up. But before she could finish her sentence or wait for a reply, her eyes lit up. ”You’re Bambi!” After blurting it out, she chuckled and shook her head. ”No, I mean, you’re Lu Ke!”

Now it was Lu Ke’s turn to be caught off guard. He was momentarily speechless before breaking into a hearty laugh and nodding. ”Yes, I’m Lu Ke.”

”I have to say, you played a beautiful game this week! Some of those offensive plays were outstanding,” Ruth said, her expression animated. She tried to keep her voice down but couldn’t hide the avid fan bubbling to the surface.

”Thanks, I’m giving it my all,” Lu Ke chuckled, glancing at her name tag. ”Uh, Ruth? I’m here to visit Mr. Lech Steineberg.”

It was the first time Lu Ke had met a true fan off the field—someone who not only recognized him but was also knowledgeable about the game. It was a rare occurrence. After three straight wins, there seemed to be a lot of ”firsts,” and Lu Ke was doing his best to adapt to all the new changes.

If time allowed, Lu Ke would have gladly stopped to discuss the recent game with her. But circumstances today didn’t permit it; he had business to attend to and needed to get going.

”Oh, right, right.” Ruth snapped back to the present, nodding repeatedly. ”Sorry, please forgive my lapse in professionalism.” She immediately resumed her professional posture. ”Mr. Steineberg is waiting in room 2501. Here’s the key card. The bellhop will take you up in just a moment.” Ruth placed the key card on the counter, then snapped her fingers to summon a bellhop, to whom she gave some quiet instructions.

Once her duties were handled, Ruth hesitated for a moment. She seemed to clench her fist, as if psyching herself up. ”Sorry, could I bother you for just ten seconds? I know this is very unprofessional, but... could I please get your autograph?” Ruth was well aware of how unprofessional her request was—

As a lobby manager at the Saint Francis Hotel, she and her staff hosted countless top-tier celebrities every year. Maintaining a professional demeanor and avoiding any breach of decorum was a fundamental part of the job.

The moment the words left her mouth, Ruth bit her tongue in frustration. She was a San Francisco 49ers fan, an avid one, and had loved the team since she was four. She was a die-hard fan through and through. In Lu Ke, she saw hope, and more importantly, she loved his presence on the field. That was why she was acting so out of character today.

”Of course, no problem.” Lu Ke paused, offering a friendly smile. It was the least he could do. ”Where would you like me to sign?”

”Here! Here!” Ruth quickly pulled out her own business card, then produced a pen from her jacket pocket and handed them over. She watched as Lu Ke quickly signed it and handed them back. A brilliant smile spread across Ruth’s face. ”Thank you. Thank you so much. I hope everything goes well in next week’s game!”

”I should be the one thanking you,” Lu Ke said with a warm laugh, then turned and followed the bellhop toward the elevators.

Only then did Ruth look down at the back of the business card in her hand. It read, ”To dear Ruth, thank you for your support. It’s what keeps me going. Lu Ke.” That simple sentence lit up her entire day.

The somewhat old-fashioned elevator slowly ascended to the twenty-fifth floor. The bellhop led him to room 2501 and knocked on the door. Lu Ke tipped the bellhop twenty US Dollars, and just then, the door opened. Lech’s figure appeared, a cheerful smile on his face.

He was smiling because Lu Ke had arrived a little earlier than scheduled. Punctuality was an important quality.

”Come in,” Lech invited. Lu Ke stepped straight inside and saw at least three other people in the main room of the suite: one person was standing, while two were seated on the sofa.

Seeing Lu Ke, the woman who had been standing walked over with a smile. ”It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lu Ke.”

Lu Ke politely shook her offered hand. ”The pleasure is all mine.” But she didn’t introduce herself, and Lech, who was right behind him, didn’t seem inclined to make an introduction either. Just as Lu Ke was about to take matters into his own hands, the two men in suits who had been on the sofa both stood up. One of them, a kind-faced, middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard, remarked, ”You’re even younger than I imagined.”

Lu Ke smiled. ”Asians tend to look young in your eyes.”