Sean turned to Edward and said, "It's okay if you're feeling down. Regardless of how you feel, the situation is what it is. Why not try to look at it from a different perspective? You can turn negative experiences into positive outcomes."
He then shared a story about Coca-Cola. There was once an alcoholic who wanted a Coke, but the salesperson, too lazy to fetch one, mixed soda water into the Coca-Cola instead. Surprisingly, the alcoholic enjoyed it. This marked the birth of Coke and led to the creation of two giants in the beverage industry: Coca-Cola and Pepsi. This story is well-known in America.
Sean emphasized to Edward that winning or losing isn't what matters most; rather, it's how we can leverage this situation to promote the company.
Edward was taken aback by Sean's brilliant idea, realizing the potential for a clever twist on the situation.
With Sean's financial backing, local newspapers quickly picked up the story, even revealing the contents of a lawyer's letter.
One headline read, "Chinese Laborers Invaded America Again." The articles emphasized that Edward Construction Company was hiring a significant number of Chinese laborers at low wages, allegedly taking jobs from Americans and contributing to rising unemployment—an issue that could further harm the U.S. economy.
Sensationalism was key; the goal was to grab attention.
Interestingly, Sean's name would not appear in the coverage—Edward Construction would remain in the spotlight.
Sean knew that a one-sided narrative wouldn't attract interest. His aim was to subtly promote the company, so he ensured that a reporter who had received payment analyzed the situation from a human rights perspective.
The coverage explored racial discrimination through the lens of Edward Construction, highlighting the contributions of Chinese laborers during America's development and referencing the Chinese Exclusion Act, which was introduced to ease domestic tensions. Today, as the largest country in the world, the U.S. should confront its historical issues with a mindset of openness and tolerance.
The articles debated the local employment rate while also considering human rights, igniting fierce discussions in the press. In an era with limited entertainment options, this controversy quickly became a hot topic.
Many newspapers, eager to join the conversation despite lacking the full context, fueled the discussion, spreading the trend from Newark to neighboring areas, capturing the attention of more media outlets.
As the case moved to court, lawyers from both sides engaged in intense debates, with details leaked by an insider wishing to remain anonymous. The lawyers' expertise in legal matters far surpassed that of journalists, leading to heated exchanges over labor certifications, the distinction between work permits and green cards, and the social implications of employing large numbers of Chinese laborers.
As more details emerged, public interest surged, prompting major newspapers to follow up regularly.
This unexpected and uncontrollable trend caught the attention of both Republicans and Democrats. The Republicans rallied in support of local employment, while the Democrats championed human rights, freedom, and democracy, adding fuel to what began as a typical case.
Under Sean's strategic guidance, Peter was frequently interviewed by reporters, aligning himself with the Republican Party. A well-educated, pure-blooded white man with an impressive demeanor, Peter quickly gained traction among workers and soon found himself embraced by the Republican camp.
Sean was pleased with the outcome!
As the case gained popularity, Edward's original intentions were exposed: the company operated three shifts and enforced grueling 996 work hours to boost efficiency, without overtime pay. This sparked union activity as labor organizations sought to recruit Chinese workers for strikes, fighting for their rights against exploitative capitalism.
However, the unions quickly backed down after facing threats, illustrated by bullet casings found in their mail. The lack of tangible benefits made the risk unappealing.
Meanwhile, both legal teams were thriving. Winning or losing was secondary; the publicity alone bolstered their reputations.
Notably, Saul was absent from the legal proceedings, having been dismissed by Sean in a fit of frustration.
Ultimately, Peter successfully integrated into the Republican Party and was groomed as a promising new star. The party provided him with resources, and Sean helped him assemble a planning team to prepare for a future bid for the House of Representatives.
Sean's influence had established a foothold in the political landscape.
As the case unfolded, Edward Construction's reputation soared. Although they ultimately lost the lawsuit and had to compensate Peter, the public recognized the company for its large workforce, competitive pricing, and efficiency. Overall, everyone left happy.
Additionally, the security company, now known as 'X Security,' gained notoriety as the case stemmed from their involvement at the base. Sean had named the security company 'X Security'—the logo featured a black background with a striking blood-red 'X' that looked aggressive and edgy.
The only concern for Sean was that, as the case wrapped up, the security company was seeing less action. Nearby gangs had become unusually quiet, and the Lucchese family in New York had not made any moves. Even the Mexican drug cartel, led by Gustavo, was keeping a low profile, consistently paying rent without causing trouble.
With life feeling monotonous and the base quiet, Sean found himself at a standstill. He had a cadre of armed personnel at his disposal, yet there was no action to take, leaving him frustrated and itching for a challenge.
Sean realized he needed to find a new direction for the security company. It wasn't about financial necessity; rather, he understood that having a group of idle soldiers could lead to trouble. He had to devise a plan to keep them engaged and productive, ensuring that their skills didn't go to waste.
He began brainstorming options: perhaps diversifying the security services, exploring new markets, or even forming partnerships with local businesses that needed security solutions. He envisioned a proactive approach that would not only keep his team busy but also enhance their reputation in the community.
As he mapped out his ideas, Sean felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was determined to turn the situation around and capitalize on the momentum generated by the recent publicity. With the right strategy, he could transform 'X Security' into a respected name in the industry, providing valuable services while maintaining the loyalty and morale of his team.
With this vision in mind, Sean gathered his trusted team for a brainstorming session. They discussed potential ventures, including expanding into event security, private investigations, and even training programs for aspiring security professionals. Each idea sparked enthusiasm among the team, reigniting their passion for the work.
Sean knew that keeping his team motivated and engaged would be crucial for their success. He planned to implement regular training exercises, team-building activities, and community outreach programs to foster a positive environment.
As the discussions progressed, Sean felt confident that he could steer 'X Security' toward a brighter future. With renewed focus and determination, he was ready to take action and ensure that his company not only survived but thrived in the competitive landscape of the security industry.
The path ahead was clear: Sean would leverage the recent publicity, harness the energy of his team, and transform 'X Security' into a formidable force, ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.