Upon assuming ownership of his new businesses, JacQuarius made sweeping changes by dismissing the existing staff and replacing them with illegal immigrants for inexpensive labor. While the California minimum wage stands at $16 per hour, these workers were often paid substantially less, with many receiving only around $2 per hour. JacQuarius exploited this situation, offering a wage of $7.50 per hour along with various benefits, drawing thousands of immigrants to apply for positions.
To assess their reliability, JacQuarius devised a test disguised as a delivery assignment. Viewing them with suspicion, he framed the task as a "training exercise," instructing them to transport a briefcase containing $100,000 in cash without opening or questioning its contents. Astonishingly, 85% of these workers failed this test.
Some succumbed to temptation and stole part of the money, while others opened the briefcase out of curiosity, disregarding instructions. A few didn't even attempt delivery, opting instead to return home upon glimpsing the substantial cash inside. JacQuarius responded decisively, eliminating any perceived disloyalty by killing those who failed and promptly hiring the most successful performers.
This overhaul in personnel and stringent evaluation process underscored JacQuarius's uncompromising approach to business management. By enforcing strict standards of trust and accountability, he sought to maximize efficiency and safeguard the integrity of his newly acquired enterprises.
JacQuarius's decision to eliminate disloyal immigrants was driven by a combination of factors aimed at mitigating potential risks to his business. Without conducting background checks and with workers from various backgrounds, JacQuarius harbored concerns about potential ties to criminal organizations like the Yakuza or Cartel. These fears led him to take drastic measures to prevent any association or threat that could compromise his operations.
Moreover, JacQuarius recognized the vulnerability of his business model, relying on a workforce of undocumented individuals paid significantly below legal wages. Fearful of these workers divulging information or jeopardizing his enterprise, JacQuarius opted for extreme measures to safeguard his business interests.
After assembling a team of trusted and mostly English-speaking employees, JacQuarius rewarded their loyalty with generous upfront bonuses and the promise of further incentives for exceptional performance. This strategy aimed to foster dedication and minimize the risk of internal leaks or disruptions.
Facing the challenge of securing his establishments, JacQuarius contemplated high-level security options but was deterred by exorbitant costs. The steep price tags quoted by Gold Rank Cultivators for a week of protection—ranging from 500 million to 1 billion—underscored the prohibitive nature of elite security services. JacQuarius's apprehension regarding the undisclosed rates of Platinum Rank services highlighted the anticipated financial strain associated with such elite protection.
JacQuarius, driven by a deep distrust of his workforce and a desire to secure his businesses, sought an unconventional solution by investing heavily in a mystical formation. The initial cost of 5 billion for the formations, followed by an additional 3 billion for activating the artifacts required to operate them, was just the beginning.
However, the outcome was far from satisfactory. The formations, intended for teleportation and linked to the artifacts, remained conspicuously visible on the floor of his establishments—a glaring oversight that left JacQuarius exposed to potential threats. When he confronted the builder about concealing the formations, he was met with a proposal to upgrade them at an additional cost of 2 billion. This upgrade, the builder claimed, would require dismantling and reconstructing the formations, incurring a staggering 10 billion in additional expenses.
JacQuarius, frustrated by the builder's lack of transparency and the escalating costs, questioned the necessity of such elaborate measures. He pressed for a simpler solution—an upgrade without dismantling—but the builder's evasive responses and unfounded justifications only deepened JacQuarius's sense of frustration and disillusionment.
JacQuarius, perturbed by the costly and suspicious dealings with the formation builder, began to suspect ulterior motives at play. Learning that the man had been recommended by the FBI raised JacQuarius's suspicions further, leading him to believe he was being targeted for exploitation under the guise of assistance.
Despite these setbacks, JacQuarius pivoted his focus towards revitalizing his businesses with a grand reopening, leveraging enticing promotions and innovative policies to attract customers. One notable offer—"Buy Two Artifacts, Get One Free"—initially captivated patrons, only to reveal a catch: the free artifacts were limited to a curated selection, predominantly comprising beginner and intermediate items. JacQuarius strategically showcased placeholders for advanced and god-rank artifacts, falsely claiming they were available on a "first come, first serve" basis.
The announcement of weekly restocks for the free artifacts ignited excitement among customers, including gang members who were particularly enthused. JacQuarius astutely seized this opportunity, leveraging the growing interest in cultivation among gang members by acquiring nearby shops to cater to their newfound pursuits. Witnessing the potency of cultivation versus conventional weaponry, gang members enthusiastically embraced artifact acquisition, illustrating the transformative impact of JacQuarius's strategic maneuvers on both commerce and community dynamics.
As the GEI continued to influence Los Angeles, transforming it into a hub of criminal activity and cultivation, JacQuarius observed the profound societal changes with a mix of intrigue and concern. The city underwent a dramatic shift, marked by increased crime rates and the emergence of a new hierarchy where broke cultivators, predominantly gang members, gained wealth through daring heists targeting luxury establishments and celebrity residences.
Despite the perplexing situation involving ongoing supply drops from the GEI, which seemed to exacerbate the chaos, JacQuarius found himself questioning the inaction of the US Air Force. Seeking answers, he approached the FBI for clarification but received ambiguous responses that left him suspicious yet somewhat accepting of their explanations.
Amidst this turmoil, JacQuarius recognized the need for reliable intelligence to navigate the evolving landscape. He devised a bold plan, spending seven consecutive nights on Figueroa Street—known for prostitution—rescuing women trapped in sex trafficking rings. This initiative demonstrated JacQuarius's proactive approach to addressing societal issues amidst the backdrop of escalating disorder and intrigue in the city.
JacQuarius's actions demonstrated both compassion and shrewd business acumen. By rescuing and supporting the women from Figueroa Street, he not only provided them with immediate financial relief and security but also transformed them into a highly effective team of private investigators. The generous compensation and resources he offered fostered their loyalty and motivated them to excel in their new roles.
With his team of private investigators in place, JacQuarius leveraged their unique abilities to gather crucial information throughout the city. He recognized the inherent advantage of employing women in this capacity, understanding the potential for leveraging interpersonal dynamics to extract valuable intelligence.
Having invested nearly a million dollars into this initiative, JacQuarius saw it as a worthwhile expenditure for the establishment of a reliable and dedicated information network. This strategic move allowed him to focus on his cultivation goals for the upcoming enlistment tournament, confident in the capability of his newly formed team to handle critical intelligence gathering in his absence.
In just over a week, JacQuarius had not only secured multiple sources of income but also established a formidable information ring—an essential asset in navigating the turbulent and increasingly unpredictable landscape of LA driven by cultivation and societal upheaval. With his plans in motion and resources allocated strategically, JacQuarius prepared himself for the forthcoming challenges with a newfound sense of assurance and purpose.