In the construction site, the workers gathered around Edward, who returned with a frown. They were anxious to know what had happened. Had he been attacked? Was he being blackmailed?
When Edward revealed that 60% of the company's shares had been taken away, one worker cursed loudly, but his words were cut short by the sound of gunfire nearby.
"Can't we sue for threats?" someone suggested, but the reality hit hard. The consulting fees for commercial lawyers would exceed $100 per hour, and hiring a full legal team would be even more expensive. Without a competent team, winning any lawsuit was nearly impossible.
"Should we call the police?" another asked, but doubts loomed. "Do you really think they'd help us?"
Frustration hung in the air as the workers exchanged glances. Finally, one of them coughed and said, "Why don't we look at it from another perspective? Sean is our boss now, too."
As they mulled over it, someone added, "He wouldn't use violence against his employees, right? We're contributing to his success."
This realization shifted their focus away from Edward's troubles, and they began discussing their work and lives instead.
"Why should we, as workers, concern ourselves with the interests of capitalists?" they pondered, unaware that their thoughts were veering into dangerous territory.
Edward's lips twitched in frustration. "You really think Sean won't take action after acquiring the company? He's a savvy businessman who made millions in just a few months. You need to pick up the pace; your fortunes could be at stake!"
His words drew their attention back, and they began to realize the implications of their situation.
Meanwhile, after sending Edward away, Sean contemplated his next move. He picked up the phone and called Master Huang in New York's Chinatown.
New York boasts the largest Chinese community on the East Coast, and although the numbers are smaller in Newark, they are heavily influenced by the vibrant life of Chinatown. Despite the historical exclusion of Chinese Americans, Sean felt a sense of responsibility to help where he could—especially since establishing good relations could benefit him in the future.
"Master Huang, someone's looking for you," a young man said as he approached the elder in a traditional Chinatown building.
"Who is it?" Huang asked.
"It's from Newark, Kingtown."
Huang paused, then smiled as he picked up the phone. "Hello, Brother Wang."
After exchanging pleasantries, Sean shifted the conversation. "I've purchased a construction company and need a team of workers for expansion. I was hoping you could help."
"Oh, I see. Finding workers can be tough," Huang replied, realizing the implications. "Most of them don't have green cards, so…"
"Don't worry about that," Sean interrupted confidently. "It's easy to arrange work visas. I know Director Wells; a phone call is all it takes."
"Then I'll be sure to thank you for their help!" Huang chuckled.
After hanging up, Sean felt the weight of mutual benefit in this partnership. Huang's connections would allow him to hire laborers easily, while Sean's status would smooth the process.
Meanwhile, Lamb Wiley, an employee of PricewaterhouseCoopers, was summoned by Sean for a new venture. With the expansion of the fitness club, Lamb had gained his own office and team.
Edward arrived with company documents, and Saul was present as well. Under the watchful eyes of armed guards, they signed the equity transfer agreement. From this moment on, Sean was now a legal partner in Edward's construction company, which was rebranded as Edward Sean Construction Company.
With the paperwork finalized, Lamb's team would implement a professional structure and salary system for the company, elevating it from the ranks of small businesses.
In just three days, significant changes unfolded. The management was streamlined, which was crucial since the company had only 40 employees previously, all of whom were informed and waiting for updates.
However, chaos erupted when over 150 workers, sent by Huang, arrived. Known for their hard work and low wages, the influx of Chinese laborers caused immediate tension among the original employees, who feared for their jobs.
As tensions rose, Sean stepped in. "What's going on? Why have you stopped working?" His voice cut through the air, forcing the workers to part ways.
Sean approached the original employees, his demeanor serious. "Who told you to stop? Whoever is leading this, step forward."
Silence fell, and eyes darted nervously until Sean locked onto a tall, well-groomed white man. "It's me. We want to know if they're here to take our jobs."
The crowd murmured in response, uncertainty palpable. Just then, a gunshot rang out, plunging the scene into an eerie silence. The Chinese workers exchanged glances, fear evident in their eyes. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as they realized the seriousness of their situation.
Sean noted the trepidation among the new arrivals and stepped forward, projecting authority. "Listen up! I understand there's concern about job security, but let's not jump to conclusions. We're all here to work, and that's what matters."
The tall white man, still bristling, didn't back down. "But we don't want to be replaced! What's the plan here?" His challenge echoed through the crowd, stirring unease.
"Your jobs are safe—if you're willing to work hard," Sean replied, his voice steady. "This isn't about taking opportunities away; it's about expanding the company. We need all hands on deck, and that includes everyone here. The more skilled workers we have, the more successful we'll be together."
The murmurs among the original employees softened, and some began to reconsider their stance. They watched the new workers, who were quietly observing the exchange with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Just then, another gunshot fired in the distance, and the atmosphere turned tense again. The Chinese workers instinctively flinched, their fear escalating. "What's happening?" one whispered, glancing around.
Sean noticed their anxiety and spoke firmly. "We're not here to fight. We're here to build something great. But we must respect each other and work as a team. If there's any trouble, we'll handle it together."
The armed soldiers moved closer, their presence a stark reminder of the stakes involved. "This is a construction site, not a battleground," Sean continued, addressing both groups. "We need to unify, not divide. Let's get back to work and show what we can accomplish together."
Slowly, the workers began to nod, and the tension in the air started to dissipate. The original employees looked at one another, realizing that unity was their best option.
"Alright," the tall man finally said, his voice calmer. "If we're all here to work, let's show that we can do this together."
With a collective sigh of relief, the workers returned to their tasks, each group cautiously integrating with the other. Sean watched, satisfied that he had managed to diffuse the situation for now.
As the day progressed, the construction site buzzed with renewed energy. The original employees and the new workers began to share knowledge and skills, slowly fostering a collaborative environment. Sean knew that challenges lay ahead, but for the moment, they were moving in the right direction.
Later that evening, as the sun set over the bustling site, Sean reflected on the day's events. He understood that building a successful company required not just hard work but also the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. He felt a growing sense of responsibility—not just to the business, but to the people who depended on it.
With determination, he resolved to ensure that everyone involved would thrive in this new chapter. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with unity and hard work, they could overcome any obstacle.
"Tomorrow, we'll start fresh," Sean thought to himself, envisioning the progress that lay ahead. "Together, we'll build something remarkable."