Chapter Seventy-One: The 200-Meter Preliminary Round

November 2nd.

Clear skies.

If one inhales deeply, a faint scent of fish can be detected in the wind, even though the Dongqing Stadium lies several kilometers from the sea.

The wind is strong.

Lu Suo is warming up before taking the field. When he was treated for a fever in the capital, the doctor advised him to stay active but avoid strenuous exercise. He followed the advice, yet continued with light training to maintain his form, about two hours each night.

Now, he feels in excellent shape.

Dong Zijian pins his number onto his chest. The badge has his country’s name in both English and Chinese, and in the center is his number for this event: 0815.

Coincidentally, this number is Lu Xiaoyu’s birthday. Thinking of that, Lu Suo regrets not bringing Lu Xiaoyu to Austown for this competition.

The stadium, holding ten thousand spectators, is packed to the brim. Lu Suo has to make an effort to spot Lu Jinrong, Guan Zhaoyue, and Shen Yingying in the front rows of the northeast stands. Their seats are excellent—tickets procured by Tian Shiwei through the coaching staff from the organizers.

Juno sits with Tian Shiwei, having sneaked into the inner field despite there being no high jump events today.

All of them have come for Lu Suo.

Those under Lu Suo’s gaze feel it, because they, too, are watching him intently. Though distance prevents conversation, they wave and shout encouragement.

Lu Suo receives their support.

He looks toward the track he’s about to step onto.

The track is cleared.

Staff are setting up the starting blocks.

Several cameras, bearing the logos of different national flags, are positioned along the track.

This is an international event; sports channels from nine countries will broadcast or record the race. If Lu Suo wins, his name will spread across half of Asia. The thought sends a shiver of excitement through him.

“You’re assigned lane eight,” Dong Zijian gives his final instructions before the race. “Don’t rush—run as you did in the capital tests, and you’ll make the finals for sure.”

Lane eight in the 200 meters isn’t ideal. Because of the curve start, the more interior lanes appear visually ahead, so runners in lanes eight or nine often unconsciously chase those on the inside, which can disrupt their mindset and form.

Of course, lanes eight and nine also have advantages: the curve is less sharp, balancing is easier, and stride frequency and length can be increased more quickly.

“Your opponents are the Japanese and Kazakh athletes. The Korean team is strong as well. All the top contenders for the 200 meters are in this group…” Dong Zijian continues.

He’d already discussed this with Lu Suo last night. The preliminary heats are divided into two groups, and Lu Suo’s group is particularly tough. Chen Tianfu’s group faces less pressure.

At that moment, Lu Suo and Dong Zijian see Li Yan approaching.

Seeing Li Yan, Dong Zijian continues speaking, but both their focus shifts. Li Yan’s presence is that commanding.

Li Yan stands there, listening to Dong Zijian’s words, then speaks: “20.80 to 20.85 seconds.”

Hm? Lu Suo and Dong Zijian both look at Li Yan.

“That’s the time you need to reach the finals and secure a good lane. Lu Suo, if you want to win, you must hit that mark,” Li Yan says.

When Li Yan speaks, Dong Zijian falls silent.

Lu Suo says nothing either, just keeps stretching—he’s in good form, perhaps doesn’t need a crown to perform.

Ordinarily, Lu Suo runs the 200 meters in about 20.85 seconds.

The “glass crown” should wait for the finals—it’s best not to use it in the preliminaries in case of injury.

“Lu Suo, the Dongqing Games’ 200-meter gold medal is an achievement your country has never attained in sports. If you win it, you might hear your name on the seven o’clock evening news. That is among the greatest honors an athlete can imagine, worth fighting for with everything you have,” Li Yan says.

Lu Suo glances at Li Yan, then walks toward the track.

He doesn’t need Li Yan to tell him—the significance of victory is clear.

Lu Suo doesn’t require motivation; he always inspires himself.

“Will he manage it?” Dong Zijian murmurs.

Li Yan says nothing. He isn’t sure either.

…

Lane eight.

Lu Suo focuses, feeling his body.

He has a few minutes left to adjust to the track and his starting blocks.

He activates his status bar.

The status bar flickers with words.

‘You are participating in an international event.

This is a competition with influence over your entire country and a good part of the world.

But few believe you will excel in the 200 meters.

So, in this race where most do not expect much…

Win!

Break records!

Run toward the setting sun!

Victory will earn you 1 attribute point.

Breaking the record will grant you a “skill.”’

Still only 1 attribute point for winning. Lu Suo thought international events would award 2.

Moreover, can this attribute point be added to his already “maxed out” stats? Theoretically, yes—otherwise, why would the status bar offer such a reward?

Thus, breaking the limit is worth a victory!

He shakes his head, pushing anxiety about the future aside.

Now, he faces only this track and eight opponents.

“Ready~”

The starter raises his pistol skyward.

Nine athletes assume the starting posture, their backs and waists forming bows about to launch arrows.

The anticipation is palpable!

True anticipation!

Ten thousand spectators hold their breath for this half-minute race.

“GO!”

Bang!

The gun fires.

Bang!

A second shot.

Someone has false started.

The referee indicates lane eight as the culprit; another false start and the athlete will be disqualified.

…

“Another false start!” In the stands, Lu Jinrong feels his heart leap into his throat and shouts. Guan Zhaoyue and Shen Yingying, seated beside him, are equally tense.

Seeing Lu Suo employ the false start tactic in such a crucial race, Lu Jinrong can’t help but marvel at this young man’s courage—it’s as vast as thousands of miles, too big for two barbecue racks… What am I thinking? Lu Jinrong stops his wandering mind.

“This is Lu Suo’s favored tactic, isn’t it?” Guan Zhaoyue asks.

After Tian Shiwei’s result yesterday in the southern province—though decent, sixth place wasn’t enough to celebrate—Guan Zhaoyue pins greater hopes on today’s 200-meter event.

“Yes, Lu Suo almost always false starts at major competitions. He uses this tactic to sap his rivals’ focus and concentration,” Lu Jinrong explains.

“A very bold strategy,” Guan Zhaoyue comments.