Being Open and Honest

Uh... Lance blinked in confusion, wondering if he had heard correctly.

Jake didn't notice Lance's reaction and instead flashed a big grin, turning toward Sue as she approached. "A running back is a position in football. It's really cool and strong! Even though the league doesn't focus on them much now, I still think running backs are the essence and soul of football, its most primal element."

As Jake kept talking, he scratched his head. "Ah, but you guys probably aren't that interested. Sorry."

Sue waved it off, setting a bowl of beef stew on the table. "Alabama University? My son goes there. You could ask him if he knows who you're talking about."

Jake's eyes widened as he turned toward Lance. "You go to Alabama too?"

Taking a closer look at Lance, Jake suddenly covered his mouth in shock.

Lance gave a sheepish smile. "Nice to meet you. Thanks for watching my games."

Jake froze, a chill running up his spine and spreading to his head, leaving him paralyzed with shock. "Jesus Christ!"

Just then, Alan came out of the kitchen, carrying two plates of stir-fried dishes. "Just a simple lunch for now, and we'll prepare a big dinner later."

Seeing Jake's stunned expression, Alan was puzzled. "What's up, Jake? What did you see?"

Lance had been thinking about how to talk to his parents about football, and now the opportunity had presented itself. He figured he might as well be straightforward.

"I play football at school. There are televised games, and Jake seems to have recognized me." Lance said casually.

Alan nodded in realization and looked at Jake. "Oh, that extracurricular activity of his, huh? So those games get broadcast nationwide?"

Back in the spring, when Lance joined the football team, he hadn't wanted his parents to worry. Unsure of how to explain the situation, he'd briefly mentioned that his coach had recruited him for some extracurricular football activities that he'd take part in during his free time outside of class.

Alan and Sue didn't think much of it—

When they heard "football," they thought it was soccer, so they didn't ask for more details.

At that moment, Jake's face looked as if he'd seen a ghost. "Extracurricular activity?" He couldn't believe his ears. "No, Lance is the best running back in college football right now. He's number one—number one in the whole country!"

Sue smiled proudly at Lance and teased him, "Wow, number one in the country? So, do you have a certificate to show for that?"

Jake: Jaw unhinged, heart stopped.

Oh, dear Lord, could someone please explain to Lance's parents how serious this is?

Jake stared at Lance, completely lost and overwhelmed, his mind a swirling mess as he wondered if he was dreaming.

At first, Lance had felt a bit nervous and unsure about how to bring it up. But now, seeing Jake's bewildered expression, he couldn't help but laugh, feeling more at ease.

Then Lance turned to Alan and Sue, waiting for them to sit down.

"Well, here's the deal."

"This semester, I've been playing for the university's football team, competing in the college league—you guys know about that. At first, I thought I was just helping out for a bit, but the coaches believe I have talent and am really suited for the sport."

"Now, they're suggesting I go pro and enter the draft in April."

Lance kept his explanation short and straightforward.

Jake gulped audibly, his mind going blank. He didn't know whether to be more shocked by how casually Lance described playing in the NCAA as a mere extracurricular activity or by the news that Lance was preparing for the draft. There were so many bombshells to process, he didn't know where to start.

Alan, who had been busy with something else, paused slightly. "So, you're keeping up with your classes, right?"

Jake nearly fell out of his chair: Seriously, that's not the point here!

Lance wasn't surprised, though. He nodded. "Yes, my schoolwork is all on track."

Sue, on the other hand, didn't seem particularly concerned. She clearly hadn't grasped the full picture yet as she stood by the table, serving rice. "So, is this what Jake meant by 'number one in the country'?"

Lance smiled. "Well, we did win the Southeastern Conference championship."

Sue chuckled. "You won the championship? We should celebrate that tonight."

Alan, however, had picked up on something important. "Wait a minute, you said you're going pro? Does that mean you're planning to become a professional athlete?"

Sue froze. "What do you mean, professional athlete?"

Lance nodded, meeting Alan's gaze. "Yes. The coaches want me to ask for your opinion on it."

"That's ridiculous," Alan's expression darkened. "Wasn't this just an extracurricular thing? How did it turn into going pro? What about your studies? What about your career after college?"

"You! You said you'd grown up and finally understood responsibility, but you're still a child. Do you even know what it means to be a professional athlete?"

"Sure, professional athletes look all glamorous, but the training is grueling. Just because you've dabbled in mixed martial arts doesn't mean you understand how hard it really is."

"Those pro athletes are on a whole different level. Each one of them is a genius, a monster. Professional sports aren't something just anyone can enter. You need talent and have to work harder than you can imagine."

"And don't even get me started on injuries."

"One injury, and all your hard work goes down the drain. This path isn't easy."

"I thought you went to college to study hard and become a journalist. Now you're telling me you're going to throw that away and try to become a professional athlete? What about mixed martial arts? You're just going to give that up and start playing football?"

"Do you think becoming a professional athlete is something that can happen just because you've been playing for half a year? People work their whole lives and still might not make it. Just because a few people praise you doesn't mean you're a genius."

A flood of words burst from Alan, harsh and furious. Though his words were jumbled and driven by anger, his message was crystal clear—Alan was far from happy.

Sue was stunned, finally beginning to understand what they were actually talking about.

Instinctively, Sue defended her son. "Why are you yelling? Lance is just asking for our opinion, he didn't say he's definitely going. Why are you getting all worked up?"

Alan glared at Sue. "You always baby him! No matter what he says, you think it's fine. 'Spoiled children end up useless,' and he's this way because of how you pamper him."

Sue wouldn't back down. "Spoil him? Lance has always been responsible and knows what he's doing. We never have to worry about him. At least listen to what he has to say before jumping to conclusions."

Sue turned to Lance, concern evident in her eyes, though she tried to stay calm. She softened her tone and spoke slowly.

"Lance, explain what's going on. We're listening."

There was a reflexive urge within Lance to push back and rebel, but he fought it. He knew he needed to keep calm and have a rational conversation.

Having gone through experiences like transmigrating and dealing with an unpredictable system, Lance had gained a more logical and detached perspective on things. He understood that beneath Alan's fiery temper and harsh words was genuine concern for his son's future.

For Alan and Sue, the idea of a stable, practical job was the right path in life. The world of professional sports felt distant and risky, like chasing an unrealistic dream.

They were simply worried for Lance.

This realization made Lance feel calmer, and his thoughts began to clear.

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Powerstones?

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