Jiang Han sat in his shared study corner at Divine Cross High School, Petraling Jaya, tapping his pen against his notebook. Though outwardly calm, his mind raced. The system's recent missions had pushed him to beg in increasingly creative ways. He realised that each challenge wasn't just about the reward—it was about peeling back the layers of his ego and reshaping himself into a strategist capable of turning every disadvantage into a stepping stone.
Today, though, Jiang Han sensed a storm brewing. Rumours swirled through the school corridors about a guest lecturer—a prominent alumnus who had risen to power in the corporate world—arriving to deliver a motivational talk. However, Jiang Han knew better. The guest lecturer was none other than Luqman Irfan, the scion of one of Malayuna's most influential families. Jiang Han had crossed paths with Luqman's circle before, and those encounters hadn't been friendly.
As Jiang Han packed his bag after class, the familiar chime of the system rang in his mind.
[System Alert! Special Mission Triggered.]
Mission: Beg Luqman Irfan to gain access to his mentorship programme.
Penalty for failure: Permanent reduction of negotiation efficiency by 5%.
Reward: Networking Expertise Skill (Advanced Level).
Jiang Han groaned. "Networking Expertise? Advanced Level? Great, just what I need—to become a polished beggar at high society galas," he muttered sarcastically, though he couldn't deny the importance of the skill.
Jiang Han spent the next hour strategising. He couldn't simply waltz up to Luqman and grovel; Luqman would dismiss him outright. Instead, Jiang Han decided on a calculated approach. He jotted down his ideas, blending humour, humility, and wit.
The school hall buzzed with excitement as Luqman Irfan arrived. Clad in a sharp grey suit, Luqman exuded authority. His every move commanded attention. Jiang Han slipped into the crowd, watching the lecture unfold.
"Success," Luqman declared from the stage, "is about understanding value—what you bring to the table and what you seek in return. Without value, even the wealthiest beggar remains powerless."
The irony wasn't lost on Jiang Han. "A lesson in value from a man born with a silver spoon," he thought dryly.
When the Q&A session began, Jiang Han seized his opportunity. He raised his hand, locking eyes with Luqman.
"Yes, you at the back," Luqman said.
Jiang Han stood confidently. "Mr Luqman, you speak of value. Let's assume hypothetically that one starts from zero—no connections, no resources. What is your advice for someone who has to, well, beg their way to success?"
The audience chuckled at Jiang Han's phrasing, but Luqman smirked, his interest piqued. "A bold question," he replied. "I'd say such a person must first recognise their own unique advantage and then leverage it ruthlessly. But it's not easy. Not everyone has the resilience to rise from nothing."
"Would you be willing to mentor someone like that?" Jiang Han asked, his voice carrying a mix of challenge and vulnerability.
Luqman paused. "I only mentor those I see potential in. Why? Are you volunteering?"
The crowd erupted in whispers. Jiang Han met Luqman's gaze, undeterred. "I'd like to prove my worth, sir. Let me show you that even someone with no connections can bring value to your table."
Luqman chuckled, clearly amused. "Fine. Prove it. Here's your first task: secure a sponsorship for one of my ventures from someone in Malayuna's top ten richest families. You have three days."
The crowd gasped. It was an impossible task for an average high school student. Jiang Han's heart pounded, but he maintained his composure. "Consider it done," he replied, his voice steady.
As the crowd dispersed, Jiang Han sat down to strategise. His first instinct was to reach out to Tengku Hanafiah Zahid, the patriarch of Rayyan Hakimi's family. Jiang Han had once caught Rayyan in a public lie, earning a small favour. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
The next day, Jiang Han stood outside Tengku Hanafiah's office, palms sweating. He had prepared his pitch meticulously. The receptionist eyed him suspiciously. "Do you have an appointment?"
"No, but it's urgent," Jiang Han said, his tone sincere yet firm.
"Mr Hanafiah doesn't entertain uninvited guests," she replied curtly.
Jiang Han leaned closer, lowering his voice. "I know this sounds unorthodox, but if I fail to speak with him, I'll lose a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I promise I won't waste his time."
The receptionist hesitated before relenting. "Fine. Five minutes."
Inside the office, Tengku Hanafiah glanced up from his desk. "You're the boy who embarrassed my son in front of his friends, aren't you?"
Jiang Han bowed slightly. "I prefer to think of it as helping Rayyan learn a valuable lesson, sir."
Tengku Hanafiah chuckled, motioning for Jiang Han to sit. "You have five minutes. Speak."
Jiang Han launched into his pitch, combining honesty with charm. He explained Luqman's challenge, framing it as an opportunity for mutual benefit. "Supporting Luqman's venture through me isn't just philanthropy—it's a strategic investment. Imagine the headlines: 'Top tycoon mentors rising talent through unorthodox collaboration.' It's a story that writes itself."
Tengku Hanafiah raised an eyebrow. "And what's in it for me?"
"Beyond the goodwill? A direct line to Luqman Irfan's inner circle," Jiang Han replied smoothly. "Opportunities like that are rare, even for someone of your stature."
After a tense silence, Tengku Hanafiah nodded. "You're audacious, I'll give you that. Fine, I'll make the call. But if you fail to impress Luqman, don't think you can come crawling back to me."
Jiang Han exhaled in relief. "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down."
The next day, Jiang Han presented the sponsorship to Luqman, who was visibly impressed. "Well done," Luqman said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You've passed the first test. Let's see how far you can go."
That night, Jiang Han sat in his room, reflecting on the day's events. The system chimed, breaking his thoughts.
[Mission Completed!]
Reward Unlocked: Networking Expertise Skill (Advanced Level).
Jiang Han felt a surge of confidence. He realised that begging wasn't just about humility—it was about recognising value, building trust, and seizing opportunities. Each challenge honed his skills, preparing him for greater battles ahead.
As he drifted to sleep, Jiang Han knew one thing for certain: his journey from a godly beggar to a formidable force in Malayuna had only just begun.