Clearly, Edward, Saul, and Sean didn't fully grasp the essence of the hype!
Currently, Edward's construction company is still relatively unknown, making it easy for competitors to take over projects. However, building a reputable construction company is no small feat. How often do you see a construction company advertising?
Sean wasn't initially interested in fame; it seemed too challenging. But when Peter made a suggestion, an idea sparked in Sean's mind, and he exchanged a knowing glance with Saul.
"Saul, if I want to make our construction company famous, what do you think is the quickest route? What would it cost?" Sean asked.
"I'm not sure how much a TV commercial costs, but I know it's a lot," Saul replied, deep in thought.
"Here's the plan: I'll have Peter send a legal notice to the company, suing them for wrongful termination or whatever fits. Don't worry about the lawyer's fees—I'll cover that," Sean said with a smile.
"Huh?" Peter was still confused, but Saul's eyes lit up as he slapped his thigh. "Are you suggesting we use a lawsuit for publicity?"
Sean smiled and gave Saul a thumbs up. "Exactly! You've got a knack for understanding this unscrupulous method."
Seeing Peter's confusion, Saul began explaining how to leverage a court case for publicity. The more intense and prolonged the lawsuit, the wider the company's name would spread.
"But doesn't that tarnish the company's reputation?" Peter interjected, still struggling to see the bigger picture.
"Not at all," Sean chimed in, pulling out a cigarette and offering one to each of them. "A construction company's key selling points are speed, quality, and technology. Internal disputes don't concern clients as long as deadlines are met."
"If we play this right, everyone will hear that we've hired a large workforce and improved efficiency, completing projects ahead of schedule. That's a major selling point for potential clients," Sean explained.
Peter was silent, starting to understand. Yes, the internal conflicts wouldn't affect client relationships as long as the work was delivered on time.
"But what's in it for me? You fired me; why would I help you?" Peter scoffed.
"Your thinking is too narrow," Sean replied, looking directly at Peter. "When I first saw you, I thought you'd be more suited to a political role than a construction engineer—a congressman, even! You have the respect of the workers and the courage to take responsibility. Instead of letting anger cloud your judgment, think about how this could position you."
"Am I really just a politician trapped in a construction job?" Peter asked, surprised.
"Under this strategic hype, the lawsuit will undoubtedly generate significant attention. Align yourself with the narrative, and you'll gain recognition. Remember, congressional seats are up for election every two years—next time, you could be a contender," Sean said.
"But I have no idea how to run for office," Peter admitted, feeling overwhelmed.
"Building a reputation is straightforward. Volunteer in community organizations, gain experience in municipal government—these will bolster your credentials in the construction industry. The rest is just media exposure, and you won't need to worry about campaign funding," Sean said dismissively.
Peter was left speechless. The sudden turn of events—being fired, being asked to sue, and now being pitched as a political candidate—felt unreal.
"Who would believe this?" he muttered, feeling the weight of the situation.
"Don't stress. I need an ally in politics, and your timing is perfect. Even if you fail, what's the worst that could happen? You've already lost your job," Sean reassured him. He stood up, giving Saul a wink. "Think it over; it's not urgent. Don't let work stifle your ambitions."
After Sean left, Saul turned to Peter, trying to persuade him further.
In the following days, positive developments unfolded. Under a mix of motivation and pressure, the construction crew's productivity surged. With a restructured work schedule, they began operating in three shifts, significantly increasing efficiency. Without nearby residents to disturb, the workforce grew fivefold, and according to Edward's calculations, the entire project could be completed in just a month and a half.
Sean was thrilled with the results.
Meanwhile, Peter wrestled with the allure of political power. After a couple of days of reflection, he decided to embrace the opportunity.
He began searching for a law firm to prepare the necessary legal documents and planned to send a lawsuit to Edward soon.
Yes, it would be Edward, not Sean, who would face the lawsuit since Edward was the legal representative and majority shareholder. If Peter didn't sue him, who else could he target?
"This dispute has nothing to do with you, Mr. Xiao!" Edward would later exclaim, oblivious to the unfolding drama.
"Supporting someone doesn't involve you, Edward. The fewer people who know, the better," Sean thought, keeping his plans under wraps.
When Edward received the lawyer's letter a few days later, he was stunned, unable to comprehend why Peter would sue him.
"What on earth is this about?" he exclaimed, incredulous. "Why is Peter turning against me?"
He felt betrayed, especially since he had been considering interceding on Peter's behalf. "None of these workers have any loyalty!" he muttered to himself.
Seeing Edward's frustrated demeanor, Sean couldn't help but intervene. "Don't let this ungratefulness get to you. I'll arrange for someone to take care of him—maybe even make him disappear!" he joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Please, don't! Calm down. Let's talk this through," Edward pleaded, clutching Sean's arm. "It's just a small lawsuit. I doubt he'll follow through."
"Calm down? How dare he provoke me? I'll make his whole family vanish!" Sean said, feigning anger while clearly enjoying the theatrics.
"Really, it's fine! I'm not angry at all!" Edward insisted, his voice rising in desperation.
"Are you sure?" Sean asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Absolutely! I'm totally fine!" Edward confirmed, nodding vigorously.
Sean smirked at the absurdity of the situation. "Alright then, just remember: this is your chance to learn and adapt. You'll need to handle this carefully."
As the days passed, the tension between Peter and Edward escalated, but the construction company's productivity soared. The project was progressing rapidly, and soon the buzz surrounding their legal battles began to attract attention from potential clients.
Sean, meanwhile, was keenly aware of the potential this situation had for all involved. He was positioning himself not only as a businessman but as a strategist in the political arena as well.
As Peter prepared to send out the lawsuit, he couldn't shake the feeling of stepping into uncharted territory. Was he really ready to embrace this new identity as a political figure? Despite his uncertainty, the allure of power and influence was undeniable.
With each passing day, the stakes grew higher, and the excitement surrounding their plans intensified. Sean was determined to ride the wave of this unexpected publicity, while Edward grappled with the fallout of his decisions, unaware of the larger game being played.
In the end, the drama would unfold in ways none of them could predict, setting the stage for a whirlwind of events that would redefine their futures.