The bustling streets of Petraling Jaya glimmered under the afternoon sun, a vivid reflection of the city's ambitions and conflicts. Jiang Han navigated the familiar chaos with measured steps, his mind preoccupied with the new challenges looming over him. His dual life as a high school student and an unofficial contributor at Dynamic Broadcast Studios was demanding, but the Begging System's relentless missions left no room for complacency.
As he passed through the gates of Divine Cross High School, Jiang overheard snippets of conversations about him. Some spoke with admiration of his surprising academic improvements, while others dismissed him as an opportunist. Jiang smirked inwardly. He had long since learned that people's opinions could only hold power if he allowed them to.
As Jiang entered the library to work on a school project, the all-too-familiar chime of the Begging System echoed in his mind.
[System Notification: Major Mission Triggered.]
Mission: Convince Danish Afiq to share the guest list for his father's high-profile business seminar.]
Failure: Lose the Persuasion Skill (Intermediate Level) for two weeks.]
Reward: Networking Mastery (Intermediate Level).]
Jiang's brow furrowed. Danish Afiq was not just any classmate—he was the eldest son of Dato' Rahman Arif, a prominent businessman known for his ruthlessness. Danish himself was infamous for his arrogance and his refusal to associate with anyone he deemed beneath his status.
"Networking Mastery..." Jiang whispered to himself. The reward was enticing, but the risk of failure loomed large. He had to tread carefully.
Jiang spent the next few hours discreetly observing Danish from afar, noting his habits and interactions. Danish's group of followers hung on his every word, a fact that only fuelled his superiority complex.
Jiang's analysis revealed two key points: first, Danish thrived on being the centre of attention; second, he had a soft spot for recognition and validation, particularly when it came to his family's achievements. Armed with these insights, Jiang crafted a plan.
The following day, Jiang approached Danish during lunch. The cafeteria was crowded, making it the perfect stage for his act. Jiang deliberately fumbled with his tray, spilling some of its contents near Danish's table.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry!" Jiang exclaimed, hastily picking up the mess. "I didn't mean to disrupt your lunch."
Danish looked up with mild irritation, his friends snickering. "Watch where you're going next time."
Jiang nodded humbly, his voice tinged with sincerity. "Absolutely, Danish. By the way, congratulations on your father's upcoming seminar. It's a remarkable achievement. Not many people can pull off such an influential event."
Danish's annoyance softened at the mention of his father's success. "Well, it's nothing new for us. My dad's been hosting these seminars for years."
"Still," Jiang continued, "it must be incredible to have such a legacy to inherit. I can only imagine how much insight you've gained from these experiences."
Danish leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the flattery. "Of course. I've learned more from my father than most people ever will."
Encouraged by Danish's openness, Jiang seized the opportunity to steer the conversation. "You know, I've been researching local business trends for my school project. Your father's seminar would be an invaluable case study. I'd love to attend—if it's not too much trouble, of course."
Danish's expression immediately darkened. "You? At my father's seminar? Do you even understand the calibre of people who attend? It's not some school workshop."
The surrounding students laughed, some openly mocking Jiang's audacity. Jiang felt a flicker of irritation but suppressed it. He couldn't let his pride jeopardise the mission.
"You're absolutely right," Jiang admitted, lowering his gaze. "I'm not at that level yet. But isn't learning from the best the first step to getting there? Besides, I've always admired your ability to connect with such influential people. It's inspiring."
Danish hesitated, his ego visibly grappling with Jiang's words. The compliment had hit its mark, but he wasn't ready to relent just yet.
Later that evening, Jiang devised a backup plan. If flattery alone couldn't sway Danish, he needed to showcase his value. Jiang accessed the Begging System to unlock a minor skill—Event Analysis (Elementary Level)—which allowed him to dissect the strengths and weaknesses of public gatherings.
The next day, Jiang approached Danish again, this time with a printed document in hand.
"Danish, I spent some time researching past seminars hosted by your father's company," Jiang began. "I noticed a few patterns that might interest you."
Danish raised an eyebrow but took the document. As he skimmed through the pages, his expression shifted from scepticism to intrigue.
"This is... detailed," Danish admitted reluctantly.
Jiang smiled. "I just thought it might be useful. Imagine how impressive it would be if you mentioned these insights during the seminar. It would definitely set you apart."
Danish glanced at Jiang, suspicion mingling with curiosity. "What do you want in return?"
"Nothing major," Jiang replied casually. "Just a chance to attend and observe. Consider it a learning experience for someone aspiring to follow in your footsteps."
At the seminar, Jiang finally saw the fruits of his efforts. Danish, emboldened by Jiang's analysis, delivered a stellar introduction that earned him praise from several attendees, including his father.
However, what Danish didn't anticipate was Jiang's subtle manoeuvring. Jiang had strategically networked with a few key attendees beforehand, planting seeds of curiosity about his own ideas. By the end of the event, several influential figures were more interested in Jiang's perspectives than Danish's scripted speech.
As Danish realised this shift, his smug demeanour cracked. Jiang, ever the picture of humility, thanked him sincerely for the opportunity.
"I couldn't have done it without your generosity, Danish," Jiang said, his words a subtle reminder of who had truly made the event a success.
Danish's friends, once quick to ridicule Jiang, now looked at him with a mixture of respect and unease.
That evening, Jiang reflected on the mission's outcome. While the Begging System had been instrumental, it was his ability to adapt, strategize, and learn from others that truly defined his success.
[System Notification: Mission Completed.]
Reward Unlocked: Networking Mastery (Intermediate Level).]
The system's chime was a satisfying conclusion to a challenging endeavour. Yet, Jiang knew that the road ahead would only grow more complex.
"Danish isn't the last hurdle," Jiang mused. "If anything, he's just the beginning."
With newfound skills and an unwavering determination, Jiang prepared for the next chapter of his journey—a path where even the smallest acts of begging could lead to extraordinary transformations.
The early evening sun cast long shadows over the bustling streets of Petraling Jaya, blending the energy of the city with the determination simmering within Jiang Han. Though his recent success with Danish Afiq's seminar mission earned him the coveted Networking Mastery (Intermediate Level), it also sparked a subtle shift in how people viewed him. He was no longer the "quiet oddball" who blended into the background.
Instead, Jiang Han had become someone worth noticing—and envying.
Back at Divine Cross High School, Jiang was met with curious stares as he entered his classroom the following morning. News of his attendance at the high-profile seminar had spread like wildfire.
"How did he get in?" whispered one student.
"Must have begged his way there," sneered another.
Jiang chuckled internally. They weren't wrong—he had begged, but not in the way they thought. While their comments dripped with malice, Jiang saw them as mere background noise. His focus remained on his next steps.
It wasn't long before one of his classmates, Lee Jun Wei, decided to confront him. "Jiang Han," he began, his voice carrying the smug confidence of someone seeking to humiliate. "I heard you attended Dato' Rahman Arif's seminar. Tell me, how did a nobody like you manage that?"
Jiang raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "Oh, I didn't realise attending a seminar was reserved for 'somebodies'. I thought it was about learning and connecting."
The subtle jab wasn't lost on Jun Wei, whose face darkened. "Don't act all high and mighty. Everyone knows you're just a desperate nobody clinging to opportunities you don't deserve."
Jiang leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping just enough to be audible only to Jun Wei. "Desperate? Maybe. But desperate people achieve what complacent ones only dream of."
The response left Jun Wei momentarily stunned, and Jiang returned to his seat, smiling to himself.
As Jiang sat down to review his notes, the Begging System chimed in his mind, interrupting his thoughts.
[System Notification: Situational Mission Triggered.]
Mission: Beg Luqman Irfan for mentorship in public speaking.
Failure: Lose Networking Mastery (Intermediate Level) for one week.]
Reward: Public Speaking Skill (Advanced Level).]
Luqman Irfan. That name carried weight. As the son of Tan Sri Irwan Hakim, a celebrated figure in the telecommunications industry, Luqman was not just wealthy but also renowned for his eloquence and charisma. Convincing someone of his stature to offer mentorship was no small task.
"Public Speaking Skill at an advanced level…" Jiang muttered under his breath. The stakes were high, but the reward was invaluable.
Luqman Irfan wasn't a student at Divine Cross High School. He attended Imperial Academy, a prestigious institution known for grooming Malayuna's elite. Jiang had never interacted with him directly, but he knew enough about Luqman's schedule through careful observation and networking.
The first step was to find a way to cross paths. Jiang headed to a nearby café where Luqman often studied after school. The café exuded an air of exclusivity, its clientele a mix of well-dressed professionals and students who could afford the steep prices. Jiang felt out of place but reminded himself that desperation often birthed ingenuity.
Spotting Luqman seated by the window, Jiang approached cautiously. He needed to tread carefully—Luqman's patience for interruptions was notoriously thin.
"Excuse me, Luqman," Jiang began, his tone polite but firm. "I admire your public speaking skills and was hoping you could share some insights."
Luqman looked up, his sharp eyes scanning Jiang from head to toe. "And you are?"
"Jiang Han. Just a high school student trying to learn from someone clearly ahead of the curve," Jiang replied, meeting Luqman's gaze without flinching.
Luqman smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Admiration is flattering, but I'm not a charity. Public speaking isn't something you learn from a quick chat."
Jiang anticipated the response and had prepared a follow-up. "You're right—it's not. That's why I'm not asking for a shortcut. I'm asking for mentorship and guidance from someone who's mastered the craft."
Luqman's amusement faded slightly, replaced by a hint of curiosity. But he shook his head. "I don't have the time."
The rejection stung, but Jiang wasn't ready to give up. "Then what would make it worth your time?"
Over the next few days, Jiang employed a mix of strategies to earn Luqman's attention. From showing up at his public speaking events to analysing his performances and offering constructive feedback, Jiang gradually proved his dedication.
One evening, Jiang intercepted Luqman after a seminar. "Luqman, I noticed that during your presentation, the audience's engagement dipped slightly during the second segment. Perhaps restructuring the flow could maintain their interest."
Luqman raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think you're qualified to critique me?"
"Because I'm your target audience," Jiang replied smoothly. "And as someone aspiring to learn, I'm uniquely attuned to what keeps me engaged."
The boldness of Jiang's response caught Luqman off guard. For the first time, he regarded Jiang with genuine interest.
Luqman eventually relented, agreeing to mentor Jiang on the condition that he prove his commitment by preparing a speech for one of Luqman's upcoming events. Jiang poured every ounce of effort into the task, leveraging both the Begging System and his own resourcefulness.
When the day of the event arrived, Jiang delivered a speech that left the audience impressed, even earning a nod of approval from Luqman himself.
[System Notification: Mission Completed.]
Reward Unlocked: Public Speaking Skill (Advanced Level).]
As Jiang left the event, he couldn't help but smile. The mission had been gruelling, but the reward was worth every ounce of effort.
That night, Jiang reflected on the experience. The journey had been as much about persistence and adaptability as it had been about begging. He realised that the art of begging wasn't just about asking—it was about understanding what the other person valued and presenting himself as someone worth investing in.
"Every challenge is an opportunity," Jiang thought, his resolve strengthening. "And with the system, even the impossible becomes achievable."
With new skills and a growing network, Jiang knew he was inching closer to his ultimate goal. But the road ahead promised even greater challenges, and Jiang was ready to face them head-on.