The year is 2004, and the Sydney Games fever is spreading globally. At this very moment, Lu Hao has already successfully been selected for the national track and field team as a reserve sprinter. It's no exaggeration to say that he is the fastest athlete ever selected for the national team in its entire history! Such outstanding performance naturally aroused the intense curiosity of many of his national team teammates.
However, as the intense training sessions and fierce competitions unfolded, a surprising fact gradually emerged—while Lu Hao's speed was unparalleled, he seemed to have some shortcomings in other areas. These shortcomings made it slightly difficult for him to coordinate with his teammates, but no one complained. After all, if it were any other athlete Lu Hao's age, they probably wouldn't have made it into the national team at all.
However, some issues he encountered during the competition prevented him from being selected for the Sydney Olympics, leaving him somewhat disappointed. But the Lu family children possess an indomitable spirit, and he continued training steadfastly on the track, striving to improve his speed, especially with the occasional "mom's homemade soup"—a kind of nourishing tonic—prepared by his mother. When he learned that the national team was about to compete in the Sydney Olympics, Lu Hao volunteered without hesitation, expressing his willingness to go with the team. To realize this wish, he even willingly paid for his own airfare and accommodation; his dedication and enthusiasm are truly touching.
Coach Yang looked at Lu Hao, whose face was filled with stubbornness, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He saw Lu Hao grit his teeth, as if he had made a major decision, and then turn and walk towards the leadership office of the State General Administration of Sport. Along the way, Coach Yang's steps seemed somewhat heavy, but his gaze remained unwavering.
Upon arriving at the leader's office, Coach Yang took a deep breath and gently knocked on the door. After receiving permission to enter, he went straight to the desk, handed over the prepared application, and explained in detail his thoughts and reasons for sending Lu Hao to Sydney with the national team as a substitute player. At the same time, Coach Yang didn't forget to contact Lu Hao's mother, Qian Duoduo. When he heard her full support on the phone, Coach Yang's anxiety finally eased somewhat.
However, things rarely go as planned. Despite Coach Yang's best efforts, Lu Hao ultimately missed the opportunity to compete in Sydney because he wasn't a formally qualified athlete for the Olympics. This news struck Lu Hao like a bolt from the blue, plunging his previously high hopes into despair. During that period, Lu Hao became depressed and withdrawn, seemingly losing all hope for the future.
Just then, Lu Yuan stepped forward. Knowing the immense pressure and pain his son was enduring, he patiently engaged in a long, in-depth conversation with Lu Hao. His earnest and heartfelt words, spoken with the sincerity of a true man, imparted many life lessons to Lu Hao, encouraging him not to be easily defeated by setbacks, but to bravely face difficulties and rise again. Under his father's patient guidance, Lu Hao gradually emerged from his despair, resolving to strive for direct qualification for the 2008 Olympics through his own efforts. This became an important small goal in his current endeavors.
Meanwhile, Qian Duoduo, who was on a business trip far away, was very worried after learning that Lu Hao had failed to go to Sydney as he had hoped. Fearing that Lu Hao would be discouraged, Qian Duoduo did not hesitate to put down her work and immediately bought a plane ticket back to Beijing. After several hours of flight, Qian Duoduo finally arrived in Beijing.
At this moment, Lu Hao was in a state of confusion and helplessness. Since Coach Yang had already gone to Sydney with the national team for a competition, he was practically without guidance or management. Seeing Lu Hao like this, Qian Duoduo felt a pang of heartache. After thinking for a moment, Qian Duoduo softly said, "Why don't you come home with me for a few days, get some rest, and also stay with your grandparents for a while to adjust your mindset." She then looked at Lu Hao with concern, awaiting his response.
Lu Hao lowered his head slightly and slowly walked to sit down next to Qian Duoduo. He heard Qian Duoduo's gentle voice in his ear: "To be honest, I really miss you so much these past few years since you've been home." Just such a simple, everyday sentence made Lu Hao's heart ache instantly.
After pondering for a moment, he decided to ask his doctor and the track and field team leaders for leave. Once everything was arranged, he followed Qian Duoduo home without hesitation.
When they stepped into the house, they found that Lu Jin had already entered high school. Lu Jin and Lu Yu were overjoyed to see Lu Hao return. Lu Yu, in particular, excitedly grabbed Lu Hao and complained, "Second brother, come and see Third brother! He's not even human, he's a tireless devil! I'm only in my final year of junior high, and he's already about to take the college entrance exam! And Big brother, although he's on exchange in England, he'll be back for summer vacation. But he's at least a high school sophomore, while I'm all alone, pitifully still in junior high. Second brother, tell me, are they deliberately ganging up on me? It's good that you're here with me..."
Hearing Lu Yu's innocent yet slightly aggrieved words, Lu Hao couldn't help but chuckle. He gently patted Lu Yu's head and comforted her with a smile, "Don't worry, little one. Actually, your second brother is also actively preparing for the college entrance exam right now. Let's work hard together, okay?"
Lu Yu was stunned by Lu Hao's words, looking at him with a puzzled expression, and asked, "What exactly do you mean by that?"
Lu Hao smiled slightly and explained, "It's like this, our leaders have already made arrangements. If I can achieve the required score for a sports university in 2007, then I can become a formal sports university student! At that time, I can join the army."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yu's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at Lu Hao, saying incredulously, "You're already a sports star, why are you thinking of joining the army?"
Lu Hao gently patted Lu Yu's head and replied with a smile, "I've always felt that being a soldier is a wonderful and meaningful thing, and I like it from the bottom of my heart."
Hearing Lu Hao's resolute words, Lu Yu was momentarily at a loss for words. In his family, his second and third uncles had both served in the military and now held high positions. However, none of their children had chosen to join the army. Thinking of this, Lu Yu couldn't help but feel respect for Lu Hao. He knew he didn't have the talent or the courage to pursue a military career. He preferred artistic pursuits like singing and dancing.
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