Las Vegas is still young, with many undeveloped and unoccupied spaces. Gan Guoyang and his sports industry capital are constantly expanding here, reaching every corner and aspect of life.
Gan Guoyang’s sworn enemy, Christopher Costa, said in an interview: "Sunny Gan is becoming the king of Las Vegas. This city, symbolizing the American spirit, is becoming the possession of a Chinese person. He is extending his reach to every aspect and corner of the city, from casinos to real estate, from car fuel to supermarkets, even drinking water bears his mark. How, is he planning to establish his own country here?"
Costa’s words were obviously exaggerated. Gan Guoyang couldn’t control a city no matter how he tried, but his influence indeed permeated into various aspects.
As Costa mentioned, the purified water sold in Las Vegas supermarkets now bears Gan Guoyang’s photo, because that’s how well it sells.
This kind of attack had some impact but not much, because the current American political and military focus was not on China. The two sides were in a honeymoon phase, although there were some competitions behind the scenes.
After the 911 incident, America focused its military objectives on the Middle East, and in 2003, once again targeted Iraq and Saddam.
As early as October 2002, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution authorizing Bush to use military force against Iraq, claiming it was a response to the 9/11 attacks and part of a broader war on terror.
By March 2003, the war clouds once again loomed over the Persian Gulf. In 1991, Old Bush ordered a severe beating on Iraq and Saddam, reducing the "World’s Third" to a disgraced state, unable to recover to this day.
years later, Old Bush’s son, President George W. Bush, became president and was about to practice on Saddam again, but this time the reasons were not as ample and justified as before.
This time, Iraq had not invaded anyone. Their military was dilapidated, the Republican Guard was no longer what it used to be, and America’s excuse was that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction—laundry powder.
Of course, this was later mocked, as America always believed Iraq held large quantities of chemical and biological weapons, potentially for carrying out terror attacks. To settle the issue once and for all, the Second Iraq War was launched.
On March 19, Las Vegas Radiance was set to play against the Boston Celtics at home, a major game in the Eastern Conference.
The game was scheduled to start at 7 PM Pacific time, and at 6:30, both sides were about to carry out the entrance ceremony and sing the national anthem.
The arena manager suddenly received notice that the game would be delayed.
Gan Guoyang was in the player tunnel outside the locker room giving a pre-game pep talk to his teammates when General Manager Danny Ainge came over and said: "Pause, the game is going to be delayed, guys."
Gan Guoyang asked in surprise: "What’s the matter? Is there a situation?"
Danny Ainge replied: "Received notice that the President is going to give a national speech."
"Xie Te, the Iraqis are in trouble." Gan Guoyang was well-informed and had already heard America was preparing to act against Iraq.
He remembered the Iraq War took place in 2003, but couldn’t recall the exact month. In this timeline, Americans chose March 18 to act.
Both teams’ players came onto the court, the big screen paused the highlight footage and advertisements, switching the signal to the CNN live broadcast.
President George W. Bush delivered a national television address from the Oval Office saying: "Following my orders, the coalition forces have begun to strike targets of military significance to weaken Saddam Hussein’s capability for war..."
The Iraq War officially commenced, and Saddam’s regime entered its countdown.
However, the domestic American reaction differed from 1991.
In 1991, Iraq invaded Kuwait and America gained national civilian support with its righteous anti-aggression banner.
At that time on NBA courts, players supported the military striking Iraq, rescuing the Kuwaiti people, and maintaining world peace.
An intense patriotic atmosphere spread across All-America, as the coalition forces’ progressive victories and high-tech warfare stunned people.
Coupled with the previous Soviet Union disintegration and Cold War victory, America’s prestige and the pride and arrogance among citizens reached a pinnacle.
years have passed, and circumstances have changed significantly. America remains strong, but that sense of pride is fading.
Though the war was initiated in the name of anti-terrorism, it felt somewhat far-fetched, not exactly standing firmly.
Moreover, the Afghan war hadn’t achieved the desired success, seeming as if they were trapped in a war quagmire, now ready to open a new battlefield.
During the speech, most fans at the venue looked expressionless, arms crossed, responding in a defensive posture.
It’s said that in Houston and San Antonio, there were many cheers and applause, but in Vegas, Los Angeles, and Portland, the public’s response was much more tepid.
After the speech ended, some applause and whistling were heard on-site, without booing, but this time silence dominated the majority, with many citizens puzzled by the war outbreak.
Soon after, the arena DJ read the official NBA statement, saying the NBA season wouldn’t be impacted, hoping exciting games could provide a temporary distraction during this difficult period.
Gan Guoyang cursed inwardly, you go fight others, and then claim it’s a difficult period, relying on NBA games for distraction? What about the Iraqis?