Chapter 926: A Perfect Ending
You come and I go, a battle of wits, witty and humorous.
The entire studio was filled with a lively and joyful atmosphere that made people's blood boil with excitement.
Emma Watson carefully maintained her dignified and ladylike posture, but her eyes couldn't help but sneak a peek at Lu Ke's profile. With every move, it seemed as if all eyes in the room were involuntarily on Lu Ke. He didn't need to show off or act cool; it was as if he were bathed in a spotlight, and people couldn't look away.
Jay Leno was one of the top talk show hosts in the industry. His wit, humor, and rhythm were second to none. Plus, the host was always in control of the conversation, so most guests could only be carried along by the flow and would feel the omnipresent tension.
This wasn't Emma's first time on The Tonight Show, and it probably wouldn't be her last, but she still hadn't fully adapted. Plus, with the unexpected incident at the beginning, she was a little distracted and nervous. But what was happening in the studio right now? Why couldn't she keep up with the rhythm? Why did Lu Ke seem so different?
Quietly, Emma took in the humor in Lu Ke's words and the confidence in his eyes. The confident, honest, and straightforward aura was so different from what she had imagined. Was this what Lu Ke was really like? Or was this how Lu Ke interacted with others?
The cheerful energy that radiated from him was like golden sunlight, shining through his skin. Emma could almost feel the warmth from his body, hot and dry, inching closer to her arm. A faint scent lingered under her nose, which made Emma's heart beat wildly.
After realizing this, she quickly looked away and straightened her back, trying to hide her embarrassment. But she then realized that her posture was already perfect and couldn't be any straighter. She could feel her back tensing up, which made her even more flustered.
Luckily, the interview was finally coming to an end. She could hear Leno's voice wrapping up the show. No one would notice her momentary lapse in focus. No one. Emma let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"Are you sure you're not interested in Hollywood? From this brief interview, I'm already a little sad to say goodbye to you. Has anyone ever told you that you're very good at talk shows?" Leno skillfully ended the topic and showed a keen interest in him.
Lu Ke's eyes widened. He leaned forward, passed Emma, and looked at Leno with curiosity. "So, are you inviting me to be your successor on The Tonight Show?"
"Hey, I'm not ready to retire yet!" Leno's eyes widened, and he feigned a fierce comeback. The audience burst into laughter again. Leno then looked at the audience. "Alright, today's show is coming to an end. We have to say goodbye to this group of thieves. I hope we never have to see this guest again. Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for Emma Watson and the unwelcome Lu Ke!"
Amidst the boos, the entire audience clapped, cheered, and whistled. The atmosphere was lively.
Leno also stood up and gave Lu Ke a big smile. He moved his large body around the desk and walked over along the path behind the sofa, shaking his head and saying helplessly, "No one has ever told you that you're very suitable for the entertainment industry."
"The entertainment industry and professional sports are both people-eating industries. People only see the glamor on stage but don't see the countless skeletons behind it. I think I'll stick to the field. I'm more familiar with the rules of survival there," Lu Ke said with a smile. "So, you don't have to worry about me taking your job."
"Ha, if you're confident enough, go ahead and try." Leno's performance was just for the show. Privately, as the highest-paid talk show host in the United States, his confidence and pride were not something that Lu Ke could easily surpass.
Lu Ke also knew when to stop. He took a small step back. "I still miss my training field more."
Leno sincerely admired Lu Ke's performance today. He patted Lu Ke on the shoulder. "I'm serious. If there's another chance in the future, you're always welcome to come back to my show. Today's recording was very enjoyable."
"Of course," Lu Ke said, returning the favor. "If you're ever in San Francisco and want to come to Candlestick Park to watch a game, remember to let me know in advance. I'll arrange the best seats for you and give you an amazing game."
"...You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Leno said, covering his chest as if he were deeply hurt.
Lu Ke laughed heartily. "If the opponent is the New England Patriots, I'll do my best to defeat them to show my utmost respect."
"Psh, I think Tom Brady will definitely beat you, easily," Leno shot back without any hesitation.
In an instant, the two men started bickering about sports like kids.
But it was only a brief exchange before Leno's smile faded. "If I'm not mistaken, you have another exclusive interview to do, so I won't hold you up. Wait, my agent told me that you have to end the recording on time and not drag it on because..." Leno paused for a moment but chose to be honest. "Because you still have to train?"
"Yes, I still have my daily training to complete," Lu Ke said truthfully, without any pretense.
Leno's jaw dropped in surprise. He tried to say something, but he knew it would be futile because the facts were right in front of him. He smiled wryly and nodded in confirmation. "Professionalism and a good work ethic are crucial in any industry, so I won't hold you up any longer."
The recording of The Tonight Show ended just like that.
Recording a variety show was harder than he thought, but also easier than he thought. There were many similarities and countless differences between the entertainment and professional sports industries. But for Lu Ke, this was just a cameo. If he relaxed and enjoyed it, things would be much simpler.
Leaving the studio, Lu Ke and Emma walked toward the outdoors. This was Stanford University, the school where this year's first overall draft pick, Andrew Luck, attended and the school where Jim Harbaugh had established his tactical system. The next interview would be held at the school's football field.
As they went from indoors to outdoors, a gust of wind blew by, kicking up dust and making a loud whistling sound. Everyone had to cover their faces and eyes to avoid it.
Luckily, the wind came and went quickly. The thick clouds above them gradually cleared, and the golden sunlight shone down, revealing the vast blue sky. The whole world became brighter.
The campus was filled with a youthful energy, and Lu Ke's steps became lighter. After a few steps, he noticed that the person on his right had disappeared. He turned around and saw that Emma was still standing in the same spot, as if she had a problem.
Lu Ke and Emma weren't friends. They weren't before, and they weren't now. But today, they were co-workers.
It was not only for the team and league's campaign but also to promote Lu Ke's profession and work. Regardless, they had to work together and move forward. As a professional athlete, Lu Ke knew that he had to separate business from personal matters.
So, Lu Ke turned around and walked back to Emma. He asked politely, "What's wrong?"
Emma was rubbing her eyes. When she heard his voice, she reluctantly turned around, her side facing him, and said in a low voice, "Nothing." She didn't want Lu Ke to see her in such a mess. It felt like taking off her mask, and she didn't like it.
Despite what she said, the stinging sensation in her eyes wouldn't go away. Tears were streaming down her face. She didn't know what had happened, but she guessed that something had gotten into her eyes, and she couldn't even open them now.
Lu Ke's first instinct was to turn around and leave, but that would be unprofessional. So, he patiently stood there and said in a gentle tone, "Did some dust or sand get in your eyes from the wind?"
Emma didn't respond and even turned her back to Lu Ke. Lu Ke shook his head helplessly and continued to say sincerely, "All the staff are heading to the football field now to prepare for the next part. Whether it's for work or for yourself, please let me see what's wrong, okay?"
His polite and gentle tone made Emma's body tense up. She didn't answer but also didn't try to get away from him anymore.
Lu Ke walked to the front of Emma, stood on the stairs, and spread his legs to be at the same height as her. He looked at her and immediately saw her red eyes. Tears were still streaming down her face, and it was clear that something was in her eye.
"Come on, take your hands away and lift your head," Lu Ke said in a low voice. He then apologized. "Sorry, my hands are a little cold. Don't be startled if I accidentally touch you."
Then, Emma slowly, slowly opened her eyes a little and saw Lu Ke right in front of her.
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