Charles Davis's chest was heaving like a bellows, fast and furious. More than anger, it was a sense of humiliation. After one slap in the face, two more followed, pushing him completely into the abyss. The first slap was from Lu Ke, the second from a random passerby, and the third from the producer of the "NFL Live" show. Each slap was more ruthless than the last, and they heaped all the shame onto his head.
Just a moment ago, the show's producer had specifically found Charles for a private conversation. The conversation was very simple: the fermentation and repercussions of this news story had far exceeded expectations. The show needed Charles to fulfill his bet. If Charles refused, the show would have no choice but to fire him and issue a statement of condemnation. In other words, the show wouldn't clean up Charles's mess.
How could Charles forget? This was Hollywood, the world of fame and fortune, and a gladiator arena. Profits were paramount, and entertainment was everything. For ratings and sponsorships, they would stop at nothing. If necessary, all pawns could be sacrificed. What's more, this whole thing was started by Charles, so there was no reason for them to let it go.
The show's producer wore a pained and helpless expression, repeatedly emphasizing that if the incident's impact hadn't been so overwhelming, not only with the online buzz but also with other TV stations paying attention, the matter would have gotten out of ESPN's control. Otherwise, they would have been willing to protect Charles's "reputation." But now, "Charles, you have to understand our difficulties." These were the producer's final words. After saying them, he turned and left without waiting for Charles's defense or argument. As for how Charles would fulfill his bet, that was not something the producer needed to worry about or consider. They simply pushed all the responsibility onto Charles, shed a few crocodile tears, and then left, ready to watch the show with their feet up.
Damn Lu Ke. This was all because of that guy, that arrogant guy. Unconsciously, Charles clenched his fists, tighter and tighter, until his arms began to tremble and his eyes turned red. He had never suffered such humiliation in his career as a player or as an analyst. From today on, there would be no end between them! That guy better pray that he can keep his winning momentum. He not only needs to keep winning, but he also needs to perform brilliantly in every game. Otherwise, he would make that guy regret coming into this world. Make no mistake, what happened before was just a small skirmish. The war has only just begun today! It remains to be seen who will have the last laugh.
A little later, Charles left the lounge and went to the studio to record today's "NFL Live." The staff entered the room to clean up but saw the mess in front of them. All the furniture and decorations in the room were smashed. The powder and eyeshadow on the vanity were scattered all over the floor, mixed together, and even the sofa was torn to shreds, with its stuffing exposed as if it had been gutted. The broken light bulb and glass fragments from the water cup were also scattered all over the floor. The only saving grace was that the mirror on the vanity wasn't broken.
Looking at the lounge, which looked like it had been hit by a tornado, the staff members all looked at each other. Then... they gossiped and took pictures as evidence, which slowly spread within their circle. Now everyone knew that Charles Davis and Lu Ke were truly sworn enemies! But who started this war?
It was another new episode of "NFL Live." For the ten analysts, this had become a fixed weekly work schedule since the start of the regular season. The preparation and the recording of the show itself didn't have many surprises, and it had gradually become a nine-to-five routine, which had lost its sense of novelty.
Today, however, was an exception. Not only the analysts, but even the host, Edward Bowen, was full of anticipation and excitement. They had just experienced an exciting and eventful weekend, and now, everyone was looking forward to today's recording, and most importantly, they were looking forward to Charles's response.
Spencer Larson was talking to Melissa Anderson, Jessica Carney, and others, his smug expression showing his good mood, and his brilliant smile showing his excellent state. The joy and happiness of a near-death experience often multiplies. In this week's game, the 49ers' victory made Spencer truly experience the joys and sorrows of competitive sports, which was indeed both happy and sad. The empathetic emotions were like riding ten roller coasters in a row. After coming back to his senses, his soul almost left his body, but it was... awesome!
When Charles entered the studio, all the chatter stopped. Everyone's eyes were on Charles. Under the calm, silent atmosphere, a surging undercurrent could be clearly felt. The anticipation and excitement in their eyes were almost impossible to hide, and the pity and sympathy mixed in were a secondary insult to Charles. Charles straightened his back and strode toward Edward Bowen. The two walked aside, whispered to each other, and then returned to their seats.
Soon, the show officially began. Facing the camera, Edward quickly gave the opening remarks and led all the viewers into this episode of "NFL Live." But then, without much ado, he got straight to the point.
"Last week, a shocking bet took place on the show. Charles Davis and Spencer Larson went head-to-head." As Edward spoke, the cameras focused on Charles and Spencer. Although both of them were expressionless, the details in their eyes and demeanor showed completely different psychological states, which was an explosive moment for the viewers in front of their TVs.
"Last week, in the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants, the two commentators each supported a side and made their bets. Now that the game is over, it means it's time to fulfill the bet." After saying that, Edward turned to Charles, and the camera focused on Charles alone, truly making him the center of attention.
In the post-show ratings survey, the number of viewers and ratings at this moment set a new high since the start of the 2011 season, becoming a highlight of the "NFL Live" season. The two sets of data were the highest values for the entire season, and even the later Super Bowl special couldn't break them. Not only that, but the related video was later uploaded to YouTube, and the number of views exceeded ten million in just under twenty-four hours and continued to multiply at a visible rate, quickly becoming one of the biggest hot topics of 2011. Before the bet began, no one had expected this. But after the bet was fulfilled, it was not surprising at all. This was the spirit of an era of entertainment to the death.
For Charles, this was a memorable moment in his career, deeply branded on the pillar of shame. Similarly, the two quarterbacks, Lu Ke and Eli Manning, also became famous because of this bet.
However, these were all future matters. Back in the studio, under countless gazes, Charles held back again and again. He unclenched his fists and clenched them again several times before the surging emotions finally subsided a little. There was a strong metallic taste of blood in his mouth, but he didn't even dare to open his mouth to breathe. Because he had to hold his breath. Once he relaxed, he didn't know if he would still have the courage to fulfill this bet.
Then, Charles stood up and walked to an empty space next to the round table. He took a magnified version of a world map from his pants pocket and spread it completely on the floor. He looked up at the camera, trying to maintain his authority, and said loudly, "The New York Giants lost the game, and I lost the bet. I will now fulfill my promise!"
In the camera, Charles was seen standing at a starting point, which was Los Angeles. He then walked toward the Pacific Ocean, step by step. On this map, which was ten times larger, it took him seven steps to reach the position of Beijing on the map. Finally, Charles imitated a gymnast who had just completed a routine, raising his right hand to signal that he had fulfilled his bet. This was a clever way to do it, and he avoided the greater humiliation of crawling on his knees. But in the end, the bet was fulfilled, and the show was over.
After completing all his actions, Charles turned around and faced the camera. The feeling of humiliation and shame came rushing in, and his entire face was flushed red. He couldn't say a single word, but he still held his breath and gave the camera the middle finger.
In an instant, the ESPN TV station was stunned. The director was stunned for a moment, but he still didn't stop Charles because it was a recorded show. They could edit this part out during the final broadcast, so it wouldn't be a problem. To be honest, they were a little curious about Charles's subsequent reaction. Then they saw Charles's face turn red and his veins bulge as if he was about to explode. He said viciously, "Damn it! Lu Ke-fucking-Skywalker! I bet that after this season, you'll disappear like a shooting star! Disappear without a trace! This war is not over. Let's see who has the last laugh! Damn it!"
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