I was acting crazy in North America, and all the crazy people there took it seriously.

Chapter 50: Small Losses are Wins, the Art of Winning is Born (Please read on, please vote!)

The people of Europe sent congratulatory messages to America—no, I mean, they sent messages of condolence!
The result of the first round of the "battle" was like a bombshell, with shockwaves emanating from Chicago and instantly sweeping across the globe.

European journalists were beaming with excitement, American journalists were cursing and swearing, while journalists from other countries were wide-eyed with amazement and wrote with divine inspiration.

The telegraph machines clattered, transmitting back to their respective newspapers a series of frontline reports, some humorous, some satirical, and some astonishing!
As a result, European newspapers were practically celebrating Christmas.

The Times' front page was quite arrogant—"We had a very high opinion of the U.S. military in the European war, not because they were so great, but because they improved so quickly from being 'noobs'... But the U.S. military didn't have an accurate understanding of this, and actually thought they were invincible! They didn't know that an improved 'noob' is still a 'noob'!"

"This is a slap in the face, telling America that you should be more humble to Europe and stop dreaming of seizing global hegemony."

The Parisian newspaper Le Figaro took a more "romantic" approach, publishing a satirical cartoon:
A bloated "Uncle Sam" wearing a top hat with the Stars and Stripes was lying on the ground with a bruised and swollen face. A "European veteran" wearing a German military cap and holding a sniper rifle was elegantly standing on his back, opening a bottle of champagne with a huge corkscrew, spraying the wine all over Uncle Sam's head and face.

The title is: "Freedom in the New World always depends on the help of the 'Old World'!"

The French, who had contributed greatly to the American Revolutionary War, burst out laughing!
The Italian news agency was not to be outdone, stating, "Is this Europe's 'domestic violence' against America? No, it's an education in love. Americans should learn to be grateful, grateful that we only sent a few hundred volunteers this time."

Even the government got involved.

In contrast to the newspapers' lack of respect, governments around the world were genuinely "consoling" their little brother, the United States—

Downing Street, with British support, stated: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the setbacks your country's law enforcement operations have encountered, and we are deeply saddened by the casualties in the conflict. We sincerely advise both sides to exercise restraint."

If needed, Great Britain can help mediate.

The German government, in a very low-key manner, stated: "It is understood that some of the volunteers participating in the anti-French protests are retired citizens of our country. If your country believes that the existence of such personnel is unfair, or feels that it is beyond its capacity, we may consider issuing a 'recommended recall' in order to resolve the situation peacefully."

The translation is: Our German soldiers seem a bit too powerful. If you can't beat them, just say so. We'd be happy to call them back so you don't look too bad.

Logan laughed heartily when he saw the congratulatory messages from various countries collected by the newspaper!

Having overwhelming force means you can talk tough!

A hundred years from now, the situation will be exactly the same as it is now, except that the positions of the two sides will be reversed. It will be America saying to Europe, "What are you? You think you're worthy to stand here and talk to me?"

How hilarious! You two are truly a family. The strong "abuse" the other, and then demand that the victim be grateful that the other wasn't so ruthless this time.

Of course, Americans don't consider themselves family with these old European dogs.

These reports and comments traveled across the ocean, and aside from the soaring blood pressure of American politicians, ordinary Americans were absolutely furious, and the curses of gamblers who lost money and face resounded throughout the sky.

At this time, American newspapers displayed astonishing patriotism, calling on Americans to unite and fight back against the Europeans!
The dignity of America must not be trampled upon!

Yes, this has absolutely nothing to do with any force trying to prevent the betting pool from collapsing, absolutely nothing!

And the leading patriot is still the Chicago Sun-Times, which never disappoints and is known for its unwavering commitment to life!
The US military is winning!

The Sun stated, "Throughout America's great military history, which glorious victory didn't begin with an initial, temporary setback?"

In the War of Independence, the great Washington suffered more defeats than victories.
During the US-Canada War, the great US military was driven so far that even the White House was burned down.
In the European war, the great American army was initially beaten badly.
But in the end, the great U.S. military won!

"Therefore, from a macro perspective, the US military can improve by suffering small losses, and these improvements can lead to big wins. So, small losses equal big wins, and the US military is moving towards a massive victory!" "The myth of the US military's invincibility has not been shattered! They were just careless and didn't dodge!"

So Americans, you must firmly bet that your country will win!

Needless to say, this version's advanced logic must have come from Logan.

Upon seeing this, Comrade Richard expressed deep skepticism—even if Americans are brain-dead, they wouldn't be fooled like this, would they? Losing is winning? Is there such an absurd "winning theory"?

Logan then chuckled and made a $100 bet with him.

—He doesn’t even want to say it directly, isn’t your American “Manifest Destiny” the biggest winning strategy?
—What's this talk of small losses being considered wins? America is destined to win, and they can only win!
Logan knew very well that Americans were a bunch of gamblers with no sportsmanship; they could only win and couldn't afford to lose.

If they lose, they'll do what those lawless cowboys of the West used to do: flip the table, shoot the other gamblers, and take all the money.

Winning is a necessity for the United States!

Sure enough, as soon as this bizarre article was published, media colleagues across the United States were like toads struck by lightning, utterly stunned, before croaking, "We've learned something! We've learned something!"

A brand-new school of journalism called "American Winning" emerged and was rapidly popularized by major newspapers.

"The U.S. military is firmly on the road to victory!"

"Although the US military suffered a defeat, it actually won. Now, please watch for a major victory for the US military!"

"Losing is for a bigger win! The US military's invincible foundation remains, and its ultimate moves are still cooling down!"

"The Europeans are completely wiped out..."

The European media colleagues, who had been all smiles, were collectively petrified, their minds reeling with a thousand thoughts: "This is fucking possible?!"

That’s true!
Under this combination of "winning strategies" in their propaganda, the initially angry public was gradually persuaded.

Yes, our US military is so powerful that Europe needs us to save it. How could we possibly lose?

We didn't lose, we just won in a different way!
The gamblers, who had lost badly, rekindled their hopes and placed bets on the US military's next counterattack, which would also be their own counterattack!
A collective, self-hypnotic optimism has once again enveloped America.

From a beaming smile to utter astonishment, and then to a blank stare, Richard couldn't understand and silently gave Logan a hundred dollars.

Colonel William, who had been swept 1-0, or more accurately, 2-0 by the Chicago gang, and was preparing to apply for discharge to take on the greatest responsibility, turned around to find the whole country cheering for him, saying he was winning big...

In a daze, I couldn't tell whether I was in defeat or in triumph.

He stared blankly at John Kramer, who had come to greet him: "Sir, what's wrong with this world?"

John Kramer lit a cigarette and said in a weary voice, "Ever since Chicago, I've had no idea what's wrong with this world!"

……

(End of this chapter)