A lingering sunset still hung on the horizon, not yet fully dispersed. The dark blue sky had a hint of brightness, and the night, hanging in the distant firmament, was slow to arrive, as if waiting for a grand party to begin.
Walking along the quiet and peaceful street, a soft, creamy yellow light shone, serene and tranquil, like a lighthouse on a vast sea. It guided a wandering, lost ship to find its way home, finally to anchor in a calm harbor, swaying in the warm, gentle waves, and gradually falling asleep.
Slowly pulling the car over to the side of the road, Logan's voice of farewell echoed from a distance, "Bambi, see you tomorrow." The sound faded away, and silence returned. Lu Ke let out a long breath, quickly grabbed his backpack, and hurried along the small path to the front door. The sensor light on the porch flickered on with a "pop," casting a lazy, warm glow. The surrounding darkness receded like a tide.
This was home.
His heart swelled with emotion. Unable to contain his excitement, he pushed the door open and looked around, but didn't see anyone. His high spirits dropped slightly. "Mom? Mom!" He closed the door and called out, searching for Jiang Youning. He then heard a voice from the kitchen, "I'm in the kitchen."
Lu Ke hurried into the kitchen and saw Jiang Youning busy preparing dinner. Although she worked every day, if she didn't have to work overtime, she would try her best to cook at home. It used to be to save money, but it had gradually become a habit.
"Hurry and wash your hands. I'll fry one more vegetable, and then we can eat," Jiang Youning said without turning around, rambling on. "I've been boiling a bone broth in the pot. Have a bowl first. I went to Chinatown after work today to buy some traditional Chinese herbs that are supposed to be good for bones. Didn't you sprain your ankle during practice a couple of days ago? Drink some to get better."
The constant chatter didn't give Lu Ke a chance to speak, but it made him smile wryly. "Mom, I have something to tell you. Don't be so busy right now. Where's Dad?"
"Whatever it is, we can talk about it during dinner," Jiang Youning didn't pay him any mind. "Isn't your dad in the study? Hurry up, call him out. It's already eight o'clock. If we stall any longer, you'll go to bed late again, and you have to get up early for practice tomorrow."
"Mom, Mom!" In desperation, Lu Ke grabbed his mother's shoulders, turned her around, and turned off the gas stove. "Mom, three minutes—no, one minute, just one minute. Dinner isn't that urgent." Before Jiang Youning could object, Lu Ke pushed his mother out of the kitchen and into the living room, shouting, "Dad, come to the living room quickly, I have something to tell you."
Within a moment, Lu Zhengze rushed out. "Lu Ke, tell me, why didn't the Indianapolis Colts give you a tryout? Peyton Manning is definitely out for the season, and their two backup quarterbacks aren't very good..." Clearly, Lu Zhengze had been in his study, analyzing the league's situation and player rosters, trying to find more opportunities for his son.
"Dad." After getting Jiang Youning to sit down, Lu Ke settled his father next to his mother. "Listen to me..."
"Didn't you say it was time for dinner?" Lu Zhengze sat down, looking at his wife in confusion, who then pointed at Lu Ke. "It's your son."
Lu Zhengze nodded. "Oh, oh. Lu Ke, why don't you send an email to the coach and ask about the Colts? They are industry insiders and definitely know more than we do, but the ESPN analysis says..."
"Dad, I'm not going to the Colts." The one minute he asked for was extending to two, so Lu Ke cut him off directly. He saw the puzzled expression on his father's face, and before he could speak, Lu Ke said, "I'm staying with the 49ers."
"..." Lu Zhengze froze, and so did Jiang Youning. Neither of them understood what he meant, so they didn't react. This caught Lu Ke off guard, and he had to repeat himself. "I said, I'm staying with the 49ers. The tryout ended today, and I was the one who made it."
"Uh, you mean, you've become a member of the 49ers?" Lu Zhengze finally came to his senses and asked again. He blinked after Lu Ke nodded in confirmation, stunned once more. The joy had come too quickly for him to process.
Lu Ke quickly unzipped his backpack, pulled out the contract inside, and placed it on the coffee table in the living room. "Look, this is the rookie contract the team offered me. It's for two years for now. The lawyer has reviewed it and said there are no issues. I'll have a physical tomorrow, and once that's done, I can sign it."
Lu Zhengze picked up the contract and began to read it carefully.
Jiang Youning looked around, seeming at a loss. Finally, she stood up and said in a flustered voice, "Oh my, this is such good news." Her eyes kept darting around, unable to find a place to rest. "There should be a cake. Why didn't I prepare a cake? I didn't make anything special tonight, and I forgot to go to the supermarket today. This is something worth celebrating. I'll go next door and see if they have any good ingredients. We should be making a big meal."
Jiang Youning stood there, mumbling to herself, her mind in a daze. When she finally made up her mind, she walked around Lu Ke and took a step. But instead of walking toward the front door, her steps led her toward the backyard, completely losing her sense of direction.
Lu Ke quickly grabbed his mother. "Mom, it's okay. Isn't dinner ready soon? No need to go to all that trouble. Besides, I have a physical tomorrow, so I can't eat just anything."
Jiang Youning looked at Lu Ke in a daze, and tears suddenly blurred her vision. "You've done so well, so well. You finally did it." As she spoke, tears started falling and wouldn't stop. She stood there, letting the tears flow freely. "Lu Ke, you did it."
Seeing his mother in tears, Lu Ke's nose also tingled, but he smiled and hugged her. "Yes, I did it." This simple sentence made Jiang Youning start to sob uncontrollably.
Thirteen years. It had been thirteen long, difficult years. But now, they were finally turning a new page.
After letting her emotions out, Jiang Youning calmed down a bit. She looked up at Lu Ke, paused, and then suddenly came to her senses. "Wait, you can't drink that bone broth. Many traditional Chinese herbs can cause you to fail a drug test. I'm so forgetful. We haven't had it checked, and we haven't gotten the team doctor's approval. You can't just drink it. I'll make you a lean meat soup again, following your coach's old recipe. Don't worry, it'll be quick."
Muttering to herself, Jiang Youning's mood finally lifted. A smile appeared on her face, and her entire being brightened. She walked toward the kitchen with a light step.
Watching his mother leave, Lu Ke smiled wryly. Just a moment ago, she said she was going to check with the neighbors for ingredients, but she had already forgotten.
He turned his gaze back to his father, who had remained silent. Lu Ke sat down on the sofa across from him. "Dad, what's wrong? You were always hoping I'd join the 49ers. Now that I finally have, you don't look happy at all."
Lu Zhengze put down the contract and looked up at Lu Ke.
As a fan, he was genuinely happy that Lu Ke's long struggle and hard work had finally paid off. But as a father, the dream had just begun, and he was already worried about the future.
"Lu Ke, this journey has been incredibly difficult, but the real hardship is just beginning. The road ahead may be ten or a hundred times more difficult than before. Are you ready?" Lu Zhengze said earnestly.
Lu Ke didn't speak but met his father's gaze with confidence and courage. Words were useless at this moment. His actions, self-discipline, and hard work over the past few years were the best proof of his character. Lu Ke would never give up easily or surrender. He was a warrior.
Lu Zhengze understood the look in his son's eyes. He gave a big smile and nodded hard. "Remember this: your mom and I will always be your biggest fans! Work hard! We look forward to the day we can see you shine on the stage at Candlestick Park. When that day comes, we will definitely be there to cheer you on!"
With that, Lu Zhengze vigorously waved his right fist. "Go, 49ers!" At this moment, joy and happiness truly overflowed. He patted Lu Ke's shoulder heavily. The countless things he wanted to say couldn't be articulated. He just let out a long breath and exclaimed, "We have a 49er in our family now!"
Lu Zhengze looked away and once again bent his head to read the contract in his hands.
Lu Ke watched his father quietly. Between his graying temples, wrinkles had already crept all over his face. His father's once towering figure seemed a little stooped now. The joy in his eyes reflected the sparkling light, but he lowered his head, clumsily trying to hide his emotions.
This was his father and mother. This was his home, his warm harbor, his eternal support. They would be there to cheer him on along the path to his dream. From today on, he would gradually take on this heavy responsibility, using his own shoulders to support the weight of the entire family.
"Dad, I met with the union lawyer today. He made a lot of notes about the parts that need attention. You can take a look..." Lu Ke sat next to his father, and the two of them huddled together to study the contract.
Before long, Jiang Youning's nagging voice returned. "You two, come and eat. You can study the contract after dinner. You'll have plenty of time later. No need to rush now. Lu Ke, don't you have to get up early for your physical tomorrow? Did your coach say if there are any precautions? Do you want me or your dad to take time off to go with you?"
"Lu Ke drove all the way to Los Angeles for college by himself. What are you still worried about?" Lu Zhengze's steady voice replied.
Under the warm glow of the light, these were just trivial family matters, but they conveyed the warmth of happiness.
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