After returning to Los Angeles, the city lights began to twinkle in the early evening. In the small kitchen of the old apartment building, the aroma of dinner filled the air.
To celebrate Link securing his first endorsement deal, Andrew had splurged on groceries. The three roommates were preparing to enjoy a big meal together.
That night, the dining table was loaded with spaghetti, salad, roast chicken, and some takeout from a nearby restaurant. The warm, yellow light created a rare, cozy atmosphere.
Andrew was still buzzing with excitement, waving his fork and his eyes shining with curiosity.
"Amy, you have no idea what I saw!" Andrew chugged a large gulp of Coke.
"Link, seriously, how in the world did you meet a bombshell like that?!"
"Oh my God, I still can't believe it! She's like Gisele Bündchen perfect!"
Link smiled and shook his head, ignoring the spitting enthusiasm of Andrew.
He noticed that Amy, sitting across from him, had a faint, worried look clouding her eyes despite her soft smile. She was picking at her food distractedly.
"Amy, is the coursework stressing you out? You look really tired," Link put down his fork, asking with concern.
Amy's hand, holding her fork, paused. She looked up and forced a strained smile. "It's nothing, just... thinking about a few things."
Andrew also picked up on the change in mood and quieted down.
Amy took a deep breath, as if making a tough decision, and spoke softly, "I might not be able to continue school next year. I'll probably head back home after this semester..."
"What?" Andrew exclaimed. "Why? Your grades are amazing!"
Amy lowered her head, poking the noodles on her plate aimlessly, her voice even quieter. "My family... is going through something. My mom is sick and needs long-term treatment..."
She didn't elaborate, but her tightly pressed lips and slightly red-rimmed eyes said everything. The meager salary from her lab assistant job was just a drop in the ocean compared to the massive medical bills and tuition fees.
Silence fell over the room, broken only by the faint city noise filtering in through the window.
Andrew opened his mouth, wanting to say something comforting, but found that any words felt cheap in the face of such harsh reality.
Link looked at Amy's lowered head, noticing her slightly pale profile from long hours of work and studying. A strong feeling of empathy welled up inside him.
He understood perfectly what it felt like to be crushed by reality. In his previous life, he, too, had struggled in the swamp of an uncertain future.
"The medical bills and tuition—how much do you need, roughly?" Link's voice was calm.
Amy looked up, a flash of surprise in her eyes, followed quickly by panic and resistance. "No, Link, thank you, but I can't accept that..."
"I can lend it to you first," Link interrupted, his tone sincere. "I have a contract now, so I'm okay financially for the moment. You can pay me back once you graduate and find a job."
"No, really, I can't," Amy firmly shook her head. She couldn't accept such a huge gift.
"That's a massive amount of money, and I don't know when I could ever pay it back. I can't owe you such a huge favor."
Andrew was practically pulling his hair out, desperate to convince Amy to accept, but he knew her stubborn personality.
Link watched Amy's persistence. He pondered for a moment, and then an idea clicked. He tried a different approach.
"In that case, let's try a different angle." Link leaned forward slightly, looking at Amy with serious intent.
"I'm a professional athlete. I need someone who can provide me with expert, reliable medical advice—things like nutritional planning, recovery techniques, and injury prevention knowledge."
He paused, continuing, "And you are a biomedical student at UCLA. Your knowledge and potential are exactly what I need."
"I am officially offering you a job as my private medical consultant."
"I will pay you a consulting fee that should be enough to cover your tuition and living expenses for the foreseeable future."
"This isn't charity; it's a job offer. I believe your professional value is absolutely worth this compensation," Link stated earnestly.
For him, this wasn't a random thought. Top NBA players all have their own nutritionists and health consultants, often at great expense. Given that the NBA is full of talent ruined by injuries, and Link is constantly undergoing grueling training, his body's load needs close monitoring.
Hiring Amy was a perfect solution—killing two birds with one stone.
At this announcement, not only was Amy stunned, but Andrew's eyes were also wide.
"Med... medical consultant?" Amy murmured, the proposal completely catching her off guard.
"Exactly," Link confirmed with a nod. "I need a team. Andrew handles my off-court business, and you manage my health!"
As he finished speaking, Link turned to the gaping Andrew and declared, "By the way, Andrew, starting today, I'm officially hiring you as my agent!"
"Pffft—Cough, cough, cough!"
Andrew choked on the sudden declaration, coughing violently, his face bright red.
Once he managed to catch his breath, he leaped up, pointing an incredulous finger at his nose. His voice was squeaky. "Link, are you serious?! You're not joking?!"
"Of course," Link looked at him with a trusting smile. "You've been my agent since you helped me negotiate the contract. Now, we're just making it official!"
"Oh my God! Oh my God!" Andrew frantically paced the kitchen, pumping his fists, speechless with excitement.
"I'm an NBA player's agent! Andrew Jone, the ace agent! Holy cow, I need to start studying the collective bargaining agreement, building contacts, planning your endorsements..."
He could already picture his future self hustling between negotiation tables, unable to contain his excitement.
Andrew's over-the-top reaction diffused the heavy atmosphere.
Amy watched the scene unfold—Link's honest gaze, Andrew's near-fainting excitement—and her emotional defenses began to crumble.
Link's proposal wasn't just about helping her; it was based on recognizing her abilities. This truly wasn't charity; it was trust and a job offer.
Amy took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner turmoil. Her gaze became determined again.
She looked at Link and said solemnly, "Link, thank you for your trust. Regarding the medical consultant position... please allow me some time to think it over..."
Hearing Amy say this, Link knew she was wavering and was approaching the decision responsibly.
He sighed inwardly with relief and smiled, nodding, "Of course, take your time."
Link thought for a moment, then wrote a check for ten thousand dollars and handed it to Amy. "Take this money first for the medical expenses!"
Amy shook her head vigorously, refusing to take it.
"No, I can't accept compensation that exceeds the value of my work," Amy insisted, then added, "Let's consider this an advance on my salary. You can discuss everything else with Andrew." Link placed the check in her hand firmly.
"That's right! Leave it to me!" Andrew immediately thumped his chest, a confident gleam in his eyes.
"The contract details and salary structure for the medical consultant? I'll handle them! We're a team now! Team Link!"
Amy looked at the check Link had pressed into her hand, the string of numbers making her fingers tremble slightly.
She couldn't override Link's persistent insistence, and she was moved by the sheer, unreserved trust in his eyes.
Amy took a deep breath and carefully placed the check on the table, as if it weren't a thin piece of paper, but a heavy promise and responsibility.
She looked up, her eyes still a little red, but her gaze was now clear and resolute.
Amy didn't waste time on flowery thank yous; instead, she looked Link directly in the eye and spoke earnestly.
"Link, I'll take this money... Thank you for your trust..." She paused, seemingly trying to suppress her emotions.
"But I must emphasize that this is an advance on my salary. Starting tomorrow, I will put together a detailed work plan, get familiar with sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and injury prevention for professional athletes, ensuring I earn every penny you pay me."
She then turned her gaze to Andrew, speaking with the same seriousness.
"Andrew, regarding the contract and salary structure, I'll rely on you... Please make sure to draft it according to market standards and my actual work content. I don't need any special treatment. I want our partnership to be clear, professional, and long-lasting."
Link looked at her quickly adjusted demeanor, his admiration growing. He knew he hadn't misjudged her character.
"Sounds great," Link nodded. "I'll send you my training data and previous physical exam results. My goal is to extend my professional peak for as long as possible and avoid major injuries."
The three exchanged smiles, open and honest, dropping all pretense.
This night, thanks to this unexpected turn of events, the atmosphere grew warm and exciting.
Andrew excitedly rambled on about the future—how to build Link brand and secure bigger contracts.
Link looked at his two roommates, his heart full of warmth.
In this unfamiliar time and place, he was no longer fighting alone.