Jiang Han stood at the gates of Divine Cross High School, clutching his satchel tightly. The morning air was brisk, and the schoolyard was buzzing with activity. Students chatted in excited clusters, their laughter mingling with the occasional ringing of bicycle bells. Yet Jiang Han couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation—like a storm was brewing on the horizon.
The system had been unusually quiet since his triumph over Luqman Irfan's challenge. Jiang Han knew better than to grow complacent. The calm before the storm often preceded the most difficult tests.
He pushed through the crowded hallways, nodding at a few familiar faces. When he entered his classroom, he was greeted with whispers.
"Is that Jiang Han?"
"Did you hear? He got a sponsorship for Luqman Irfan!"
"No way! He's just a high school student!"
Jiang Han smiled faintly as he took his seat. The disbelief in their voices didn't bother him. In fact, it fuelled him.
Before he could delve into his notes, the familiar chime of the system echoed in his mind.
[System Alert! Special Mission Triggered.]
Mission: Convince Hafiy Zafran to collaborate on an academic project.
Penalty for failure: Temporary reduction of persuasion ability (-10%).
Reward: Enhanced Analytical Thinking (Intermediate Level).
"Hafiy Zafran?" Jiang Han murmured. The name struck a chord. Hafiy was not just any student—he was the son of Dato' Seri Zainuddin Adnan, a prominent business tycoon in Malayuna. Hafiy had a reputation for being arrogant and dismissive of anyone he deemed beneath him.
Jiang Han leaned back, closing his eyes to focus. "Convince Hafiy? This will require more than just persistence. I need a strategy, tact, and maybe a little luck."
During lunch break, Jiang Han spotted Hafiy in the school canteen. The boy sat at the centre of a large table, surrounded by a group of sycophantic followers. Jiang Han observed for a moment, noting Hafiy's body language—relaxed, yet commanding. He decided to approach.
"Hafiy," Jiang Han said, his voice calm but confident.
The table fell silent. Hafiy looked up, his gaze sharp. "Jiang Han, isn't it? What brings you here?"
Jiang Han bowed slightly. "I wanted to discuss a potential collaboration."
Hafiy raised an eyebrow, leaning back. "Collaboration? With you?"
"Yes," Jiang Han replied without missing a beat. "The school science fair is coming up. Your background in engineering and my skills in programming could create something extraordinary."
The group at the table snickered, but Jiang Han stood firm.
Hafiy's smirk widened. "Why would I waste my time? I can win that competition on my own."
Jiang Han expected the dismissal. He nodded thoughtfully. "True, you could win alone. But imagine the impact of combining our talents. A project that doesn't just win but redefines what a high school team can achieve."
Hafiy studied Jiang Han for a moment before waving dismissively. "Not interested."
Jiang Han took a deep breath. He knew it was time to employ a more daring tactic. "You're right," he said, his voice tinged with mock resignation. "What could I possibly offer someone like you? I'm just a guy trying to make a name for myself."
Hafiy's followers exchanged puzzled looks. Jiang Han continued, "But isn't that the kind of underdog story people love? Hafiy Zafran, the genius, gives ordinary students a chance to create something remarkable together. The story practically writes itself."
The subtle flattery caught Hafiy off guard. He glanced at his friends, clearly intrigued but unwilling to admit it.
"And," Jiang Han added, leaning closer, "if it fails, the blame falls squarely on me. You have nothing to lose."
Hafiy's smirk faltered. He tapped his fingers on the table, weighing his options. "Fine," he said, at last, his tone nonchalant. "I'll give you one chance. But if you mess up, I'm out."
Jiang Han extended his hand, his smile genuine. "Deal."
As Hafiy shook his hand, Jiang Han felt the familiar thrill of turning the tables.
[Mission Completed!]
Reward Unlocked: Enhanced Analytical Thinking (Intermediate Level).
Over the next few days, Jiang Han and Hafiy met regularly to brainstorm their project. At first, the collaboration was tense. Hafiy was quick to criticise, while Jiang Han had to bite back his frustration. But as the ideas flowed, they found common ground.
"You're not as clueless as I thought," Hafiy admitted grudgingly one afternoon.
"And you're less arrogant than I expected," Jiang Han replied with a grin.
Their project—a robotic arm controlled via a smartphone app—began to take shape. The combination of Hafiy's engineering skills and Jiang Han's programming expertise resulted in a prototype that
Late one evening, as they put the finishing touches on their presentation, Hafiy turned to Jiang Han. "Why do you even bother with all this? Begging, convincing people—it's not exactly glamorous."
Jiang Han paused, considering his response. "Because it's not about the act itself. It's about what you learn from it. Begging teaches you humility, resilience, and the ability to see value where others don't."
Hafiy frowned. "Still, it's risky. What if people think less of you?"
Jiang Han smiled. "People will always judge. What matters is that you know who you are and what you're trying to achieve."
Hafiy nodded slowly, a hint of respect in his eyes.
The day of the science fair arrived. Jiang Han and Hafiy's presentation drew a large crowd, including teachers, students, and even a few visiting dignitaries. As they demonstrated the robotic arm's capabilities, the audience erupted in applause.
When the winners were announced, their project took first place. Jiang Han felt a surge of pride, not just for the victory but for the journey it represented.
As the crowd dispersed, Hafiy clapped Jiang Han on the back. "I'll admit, I underestimated you. Working with you wasn't half bad."
Jiang Han laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment."
That night, as Jiang Han reflected on the day's events, the system chimed once more.
[New Mission Unlocked.]
Details: To be revealed.
Jiang Han's lips curled into a smile. He was ready for whatever challenge came next.
Each mission, each victory, and each failure was shaping him into someone stronger, smarter, and more resourceful. The path ahead was still uncertain, but one thing was clear: Jiang Han was no ordinary beggar. He was a force to be reckoned with—a godly beggar rising to greatness.