Chapter 137 It's Not about Winning or Losing
The news about the competition between Evelyn and Jerry quickly spread throughout the base, causing quite a stir.
After all, everyone knew Jerry's abilities well. He had been in Theodore's squad for a long time, and both his strength and speed were top-notch; he performed excellently on missions.
Evelyn wasn't from a special forces background, so competing against Jerry would obviously be tough for her.
"Is this for real? They're going to compete? Are they joking? How can they even compete? How does Evelyn stand a chance?"
"Jerry just wants to put her in her place. After all, Evelyn only became commander because of her relationship with Theodore!"
"But Evelyn's abilities are clear for everyone to see. She really does have excellent leadership skills. Otherwise, they wouldn't have made her commander. Even without that connection, her performance would still be recognized!"
Opinions were divided. Some people supported Evelyn, while others supported Jerry.
Arthur was also worried about this, but not worried that Evelyn would lose. He was worried she might get hurt during the competition.
This type of competition would definitely involve some danger, and Jerry was very competitive. He didn't want Evelyn to ignore her safety just to win.
"Evelyn," Arthur walked over to Evelyn's side, wanting to give her some advice. "Actually, winning or losing really doesn't matter. I don't want to see you get hurt."
"What, you don't think I can win?"
Evelyn smiled slightly and turned to look at Arthur.
"Of course not," Arthur immediately denied it, but also voiced his concerns. "You should have noticed Jerry's style of doing things. If he plays dirty during the competition, you might not be able to guard against it. There's no need to fall into his trap just to prove yourself."
"This isn't just about winning or losing."
Evelyn answered calmly, "Jerry's thinking is wrong. I'll make him understand that there's not much difference between men and women. Whatever he can do, I can do too. Arthur, what he's doing is insulting me. If I don't make him see this clearly, I won't let it go."
She wasn't someone who liked making enemies, but Jerry had crossed her line.
She couldn't accept someone trampling on her dignity right to her face. What's more, Jerry wasn't just insulting her alone, but all women.
Arthur nodded with mixed feelings, knowing that Evelyn wouldn't change her mind.
"Okay, then I support you. No matter what the result is, you'll always be the best in my eyes."
Evelyn looked up and smiled at him, but in her heart, she was determined. She would never lose this competition. She would let her abilities speak for themselves and prove to everyone that he was wrong.
The competition format was officially decided to be a three-day combined mission competition.
It included four parts: route planning, tactical simulation, physical fitness assessment, and medical first aid.
This competition was quite difficult and would be a huge test for a newcomer like Evelyn.
Jerry had always been arrogant, and when he heard the competition would be combined missions, he immediately burst out laughing and started talking big in public.
"I really admire her. No wonder everyone says artists are idealists. Sure enough, she loves to dream. She actually thinks an outsider like her can beat me!"
Jerry leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs, swinging his right leg while mocking disdainfully, "Just a woman who thinks she's something special, wanting to beat me. I think she's been praised too much, so she's overestimating herself, thinking she can do anything!"
The people around him laughed together, all curious about the competition results.
"Who do you think will win?"
Someone asked, full of curiosity.
"Jerry, of course. You don't think Evelyn can win, do you?"
"Whether it's experience or qualifications, Jerry is way ahead. Evelyn has no chance!"
"How about this," the questioner suggested again, "let's make a bet on whether Evelyn will win or Jerry will win!"
Everyone immediately got interested and started placing bets, all favouring Jerry to win.
Seeing everyone's attitude, Jerry was quite pleased with himself. He had everyone's support. How could he possibly lose?
"Don't worry, I'll make sure Evelyn admits her mistake to me. Someone like her, what right does she have to show off in front of us and be a commander!"
Jerry laughed arrogantly and wildly, not considering at all what would happen if these words got out.
And these words, along with the betting, soon reached Theodore's ears.
He didn't immediately punish Jerry, but called Evelyn over, told her what happened, and said with a frown, "Evelyn, are you really planning to compete with Jerry? Honestly, I think this situation is already affecting the base's discipline!"
He naturally believed in Evelyn's abilities, so hearing Jerry's remarks made him uncomfortable, too.
He couldn't accept his subordinate talking trash about Evelyn, but since Evelyn had personally agreed to this competition, he wanted to ask her opinion.
"I know his mouth is dirty, and that's because he's prejudiced against me."
Evelyn calmly shrugged, seemingly not angry about this. Instead, she smiled and answered, "He doesn't just have a problem with me; he has a problem with all women. I want to change his thinking and make him understand that women are not to be messed with either."
"If they want to bet, let them bet. Isn't it quite interesting? I didn't expect these people who look so proper to actually be so rigid and difficult. It totally fits my stereotype of them."
Hearing her teasing tone, Theodore slowly sighed and didn't try to stop her anymore.
He understood Evelyn's temper better than anyone; once she decided on something, no one could change it. Rather than stopping her from competing, it was better to wait and see what would happen.
"Theodore, I know you're worried about me," Evelyn also saw through Theodore's thoughts and said with a smile, "but I have a family now, and children. I won't let anything happen to myself, don't worry."
She not only wanted to win this competition, but also to come out safe and sound.
"Okay," Theodore could only nod, "You must remember what you promised me. If anything happens to you, I won't be able to explain it to Mom and Dad."
She was Richard and Daisy's precious daughter, Theodore's own sister. He wouldn't allow anyone to have the thought of hurting her, and no matter what, he had to prevent any accidents from happening.