Reading reports about the 20-year economic reversal between Japan and China, the first thing that comes to mind is what lessons this might offer to crypto investors. Twenty years ago, Japan's economy far surpassed China's; twenty years later, it has been overtaken by more than four times. There is a key turning point behind this—Japan's later years fell into a short-term利益怪圈 (interest trap). Private power companies, for immediate profits, preferred to maintain 36 million overhead power poles rather than invest in underground cables. As a result, the underground rate in Tokyo's core area is only 8%.

Compare this with China’s坚持长期思维 (adherence to long-term thinking). Ignoring short-term cost pressures, China has vigorously promoted infrastructure upgrades. By 2025, the target for core areas of cities above prefecture level is 85% cableization, and Beijing has already achieved 100%. What does this long-term investment ultimately bring? Comprehensive infrastructure leadership and a completely different foundation for economic development.

The story in the crypto world is actually similar. Short-term speculators chase after rising prices and sell off at the bottom, following whichever coin is hot without researching whether the project has real application scenarios. As a result, most get caught at high levels. In contrast, patient investors focus on project technology depth, ecological implementation, and long-term value, treating short-term fluctuations as noise. Over time, the differences in returns become evident.

To put it simply, the market always rewards those with patience. Short-term greed often comes at the highest cost.