Chapter 117 116: The Silent Suffering
The last day of the preseason countdown.
TICK, TOCK, TICK, TOCK. The second and hour hands seemed to spin faster and faster, the sense of urgency growing clearer by the moment. Yesterday, Lu Ke had signed his contract, officially becoming a member of the San Francisco 49ers. Tomorrow, the preseason would officially begin, which meant the curtain was about to rise on the new season.
Everything was happening so fast. The World Newspaper hadn't even had time to publish Lin Shuyuan's interview, and Lu Ke had yet to savor the rhythm of life on a professional team, yet the new season was already upon them.
With the preseason imminent, the hourglass was running out for Lu Ke. He still had so much to do. Forgetting everything else, the playbook alone was the top priority. But Lu Ke had only gotten the playbook last night. Forget about understanding and applying it; he hadn't even finished a rough first read-through.
No one would help Lu Ke, nor could anyone spare the time. Even guys like Logan, Marcus, and Aldon were willing but unable to help. Lu Ke could only rely on his own hard work. It was the only way.
At five in the morning, just as the sky was beginning to break, Lu Ke was already out of bed, starting a new day.
Before five-thirty, he drove to the training facility and began with a simple warm-up and some basic drills.
At six, after a quick breakfast, he spent an hour continuing to go over the playbook, finishing the homework he'd set for himself the night before.
At seven, Lu Ke dove back into training, first with half an hour of yoga, followed by passing and footwork drills.
Around 8:05 or 8:10, the team's rookies started trickling into the training facility, only to find that someone had arrived even earlier and was already deep into his training for the day, drenched in sweat. A little while later, most of the veteran players arrived, laughing and joking around, casually preparing to start their practice.
For those seasoned veterans, there wasn't much tension even the day before a regular season game; it was more about relaxing. So why would they care about a meaningless preseason game?
In their eyes, Lu Ke was more of a joke: either he was a slow bird trying to get a head start, or he was just putting on a show. Either way, he wasn't worth mentioning.
Amidst the passing glances, Lu Ke methodically completed his own routine. He checked his watch; the hour hand pointed to 8:25. Only then did Lu Ke wrap up his first wave of morning training and head back to the locker room to shower, change, and join the team for their regular practice.
He entered the locker room to the ceaseless din of chatter and discussion, the whole space buzzing with energy. On a table to the left sat a large pile of brand-new helmets, polished to a shine. Their dark gold base and bright red stripes were a striking yet perfectly harmonious contrast, easily drawing everyone's attention.
The San Francisco 49ers' home uniform is a red jersey and gold pants, grand and regal, undoubtedly one of the best-designed and coordinated uniforms in the entire League. During home games, Candlestick Park would transform into a vast, spectacular ocean of red flowing into gold—truly a magnificent sight.
At that moment, the veteran players were huddled around the table, chattering away. Lu Ke didn't go over to join the crowd. Although he was very curious about the helmets—they hadn't been there when he was in the locker room this morning, so they must have just been put out—he didn't have time. If he didn't want to be late for official practice, he had to hurry.
So, Lu Ke suppressed his curiosity and hurried into the showers. He took a quick, combat-style shower, then came out to change into a fresh, dry uniform. But right after, Lu Ke couldn't find his helmet.
When he'd arrived at the locker room that morning, Lu Ke had seen the helmet in his locker. It was the first time since college that he'd seen his name on a helmet and jersey. "14, LU." Even though it wasn't the number eleven he had dreamed of, it was still a milestone. The novelty and pride made Lu Ke cherish both the jersey and the helmet.
However, his earlier solo training didn't involve any contact, so Lu Ke hadn't worn his helmet, just his workout clothes. But now, the helmet was gone.
"Logan, have you seen my helmet?" Lu Ke asked, looking around and raising his voice.
Logan was tying his shoelaces. He looked up, a confused expression on his face. "What? You didn't wear a helmet during your morning practice?" He was already used to Lu Ke's diligence and relentless effort, so he wasn't surprised by the early training.
Lu Ke shrugged. "No, I left it where it was." He then started circling the locker room, searching for his helmet. Whenever he saw a spare one, he'd ask the other players, "Is that your helmet?" But there was no number fourteen helmet.
After two laps around the room, Lu Ke still hadn't found his helmet. Meanwhile, the players were starting to leave the locker room one by one. The countdown to the nine o'clock practice had begun.
"Bambi, need a hand?" Marcus walked over and patted Lu Ke on the shoulder.
"No, you guys go on ahead. I'll be right there," Lu Ke said, gesturing to Marcus and Logan. In the distance, he saw Aldon look over questioningly. Lu Ke made an "OK" sign to reassure him and then resumed his search for the helmet.
After another lap, the veteran players had gradually left. Lu Ke walked over to the table where the helmets were, where a Black player was busy with something.
Lu Ke recognized him from yesterday's practice. It was the running back Kendall Hunter, also a rookie. "Hey, Kendall, what's the deal with all these helmets?"
'Maybe my helmet got mixed in here,' Lu Ke thought. 'Or the equipment manager put it in the wrong place. Or maybe I can borrow one from here to get through this morning's practice.'
Kendall looked up. "These are collectibles, you know, for charity."
Every year, each team holds charity events. They prepare all sorts of memorabilia, including jerseys, helmets, footballs, or other items like scarves and photos. After the players sign them, they're donated to charitable organizations for fundraising activities.
It wasn't just professional teams; the college leagues had similar events too.
"You haven't signed yours yet, have you? Hurry up and sign it." Kendall suddenly remembered that since Lu Ke was asking, he probably hadn't signed his yet. He picked up a marker from nearby and handed it over.
Lu Ke recalled the scene of the veterans crowded around the table, and the reason became clear—they obviously weren't excited about new helmets. "Do rookies have to sign too?"
"Of course. Every member of the team has to sign." Kendall chuckled. "They said we have to finish signing this morning. They're getting shipped out at noon." Kendall pointed to his own helmet, which he had just finished signing.
So, Lu Ke took the marker, found the number fourteen helmet, and quickly signed his name in a blank space. He put the helmet back down. "Have you seen a spare helmet? I can't find mine."
"Did you check on the field? Maybe another player wasn't paying attention to the number and took the wrong one?" Kendall suggested.
Lu Ke glanced around and nodded helplessly. That was a possibility. Besides, practice was about to start, and he had to get out there and report in. With a soft sigh, Lu Ke left the locker room with Kendall and ran toward the field.
On the field, the coaches had already arrived and were gathering in small groups, talking in low voices.
Logan saw Lu Ke and mouthed, "Where's your helmet?"
Lu Ke spread his hands and gave a wry smile. He knew it was possible that a player had taken his helmet by mistake, but it was far more likely that this was a prank. But there was nothing he could do about it now. He could only shake his head, get into formation, and stand with his offensive teammates.
"Line up!" Jim Hubble walked to the front, holding a folder, and shouted. All the players methodically formed ranks, and then Jim began his pep talk, laying out the day's training plan.
Lu Ke scanned his surroundings out of the corner of his eye, clinging to one last sliver of hope of finding his helmet, but that bubble was quickly popped. "Lu Ke?" A voice from outside the formation called out, interrupting Jim's speech.
In an instant, everyone's gaze shot over. The person who had arrived was none other than the equipment manager, holding a helmet. "Lu Ke? This is your helmet."
On that brand-new, shiny helmet, the signature in black marker was glaringly obvious: Lu Ke. Almost everyone could see it.
SWISH. All eyes focused on Lu Ke, sharp and stinging, teasing and mocking. In that moment, Lu Ke wished the ground would swallow him whole. Then, Parris's taunting voice rang out, "Lu Ke, looks like you've found your own biggest fan—yourself."
BOOM. Everyone erupted in laughter.
Lu Ke opened his mouth, wanting to defend himself, but Jim cut off any possibility of that. "Lu Ke, come get your helmet. Don't act like a clown, grandstanding for attention."
Lu Ke clenched his fists. He knew that anything he said right now would only bring more humiliation upon himself. So, the best choice was to shut his mouth and end this farce as quickly as possible.
Logan and Marcus shot him worried glances. Lu Ke shook his head to show he was fine, then strode out of the formation and took the helmet from the equipment manager, who advised him earnestly, "There's a difference between memorabilia and regular equipment. Be more careful next time. Also, you still haven't signed your collectible helmet. Remember to come to the locker room later to sign it."
Humiliating. Truly humiliating.
Lu Ke bit down hard on his gums. "Okay, I understand." He took his helmet, the signature on it so jarring, a constant reminder of his miserable and embarrassing situation.
'These petty tricks off the field don't matter. What ultimately decides victory is performance on the field. He who laughs last, laughs best. It's not over yet.'
He wouldn't forget this day.