Jiang Han leaned back in his chair, the faint hum of the fan above him blending with the murmurs of his classmates. It was another typical day at Divine Cross High School, yet Jiang Han knew that the seemingly mundane routine wouldn't last. He had learned that tranquillity was often the prelude to chaos. The system rarely let him rest.
As if on cue, the faint chime echoed in his mind.
[System Alert: Situational Mission Triggered!]
Mission: Convince the unapproachable Hafiy Zafran to collaborate with you on the upcoming group project.
Failure Condition: Hafiy refuses outright, and you are assigned a random failing partner.
Rewards:
Negotiation Skill (Intermediate Level)Hidden Reward: Unlock upon successful completion.
Penalty: -50 System Points.
Jiang Han sighed. "Of course, it's Hafiy," he muttered under his breath.
Hafiy Zafran was a name that struck a chord in every student at Divine Cross. Known for his intimidating aura, affluent family background, and cold demeanour, he was the last person anyone would willingly approach. Yet, Jiang Han had no choice. The stakes were high, and the system had a way of making even trivial challenges seem monumental.
Jiang Han rose from his seat, his mind racing. Begging wasn't about literal supplication—it was an art. It required reading the room, understanding your target, and tailoring your approach. Hafiy wasn't someone who could be swayed with mere pleasantries.
Jiang Han decided to start with reconnaissance. Hafiy was seated at the far end of the classroom, engrossed in a book on advanced mathematics. The title alone made Jiang Han grimace—it wasn't a subject he enjoyed, but his curiosity piqued when he noticed Hafiy scribbling notes furiously.
"Mathematical theory… Interesting," Jiang Han thought. He approached Hafiy, his expression carefully neutral.
"Hey, Hafiy," Jiang Han said, his tone casual but respectful.
Hafiy didn't even glance up. "What do you want?"
Jiang Han smiled, unfazed. "I heard you're working on a theory for the Olympiad competition. That's impressive."
Hafiy's pen paused mid-air. "Why are you interested?" he asked, his tone dripping with suspicion.
"I've been working on similar problems for the district-level tests. Maybe we can exchange ideas?"
Hafiy looked at Jiang Han, his gaze icy. "Exchange ideas? With you? I doubt you'd understand half of what I'm working on."
The rejection stung, but Jiang Han had faced worse. He remained calm, tapping into his growing arsenal of skills. The system had taught him that persistence and adaptability were key. Instead of retreating, Jiang Han leaned in slightly, his voice steady.
"You're right," Jiang Han admitted. "I probably wouldn't grasp all of it. But wouldn't it be better to have someone who can manage the groundwork while you focus on the complex aspects? Think of it as a delegation."
Hafiy raised an eyebrow. It was a practical suggestion, one that appealed to his logical mindset.
"Delegation, huh?" Hafiy muttered. He seemed to consider it for a moment before his scepticism returned. "What's in it for you?"
Jiang Han smiled. "A chance to learn. And maybe… a shot at proving I'm not entirely useless."
Hafiy stared at him, searching for any sign of deceit. Jiang Han held his gaze, and his sincerity was evident. Finally, Hafiy relented with a curt nod.
[Mission Complete!]
Rewards:
Negotiation Skill (Intermediate Level) Unlocked.
Hidden Reward: Insight Boost (25% improved problem-solving skills for 48 hours).
Jiang Han suppressed a grin. The mission was done, but the real work was just beginning. As the two of them began discussing their project, Jiang Han found himself not only learning but also subtly guiding the conversation. The newfound negotiation skill made a tangible difference, allowing him to navigate Hafiy's complex personality with ease.
By the end of the session, Hafiy's frosty demeanour had thawed—slightly. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
The next day, whispers filled the classroom. Jun Kai, Jiang Han's perennial rival, had caught wind of his partnership with Hafiy. True to form, Jun Kai wasted no time in sowing discord.
"Really, Hafiy?" Jun Kai sneered during a break. "You're working with Jiang Han? I thought you had standards."
Hafiy's expression darkened, but Jiang Han spoke before he could respond.
"Standards?" Jiang Han repeated his tone calm but pointed. "You mean the kind of standards that rely on backstabbing and underhanded tactics?"
Jun Kai's smirk faltered. "What are you implying?"
Jiang Han stepped closer, his voice low but firm. "I'm implying that while you're busy undermining others, I'm actually learning and growing. Maybe you should try it sometime."
The classroom fell silent. Jun Kai's face turned red, and he opened his mouth to retort, but Hafiy cut him off.
"If you're done wasting everyone's time, Jun Kai, we have work to do," Hafiy said coldly.
The face-smacking moment was complete. Jiang Han didn't need to say another word; his actions had spoken louder than anything else.
As the day ended, Jiang Han sat by the school courtyard, reflecting on the events. The system had pushed him into yet another uncomfortable situation, but he had emerged stronger. The art of begging was evolving into something much more profound—a blend of strategy, humility, and courage.
"Begging isn't just about asking," Jiang Han thought. "It's about creating opportunities where none exist."
The insight was as humbling as it was empowering. With each challenge, he was not only gaining skills but also rediscovering parts of himself he had long forgotten. The journey was far from over, but Jiang Han was more determined than ever to see it through.
As Jiang Han left the school, a sleek black car pulled up by the gates. The window rolled down, revealing a young man with an air of authority. It was Rayyan Hakimi, the son of Tengku Hanafiah Zahid—a name synonymous with power and wealth in Petraling Jaya.
"Jiang Han," Rayyan said, his tone unreadable. "We need to talk."
Jiang Han's heart skipped a beat. The stakes were rising, and he knew that whatever came next would test him in ways he couldn't yet imagine.
The sleek black car remained parked by the school gates, its engine humming quietly. Jiang Han couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Rayyan Hakimi was no ordinary student; he was the scion of a family whose influence extended across Malayuna. Tengku Hanafiah Zahid, Rayyan's father, was a name associated with both awe and fear in the business world.
Rayyan stepped out of the car, his tailored uniform a stark contrast to the more casual attire of other students. His presence alone was enough to make heads turn and whispers ripple through the crowd.
"Jiang Han," Rayyan called, his voice steady yet commanding.
Jiang Han squared his shoulders, walking towards him with measured steps. The Begging System's missions had taught him not to cower before power but to navigate it with strategy. As he approached, he gave Rayyan a polite nod.
"What can I do for you?" Jiang Han asked, keeping his tone neutral.
Rayyan's lips curved into a faint smile, but his eyes remained calculating. "I've heard about your little 'stunt' with Hafiy. Convincing him to work with you was... unexpected."
Jiang Han shrugged. "Collaboration benefits everyone. I simply pointed that out."
Rayyan chuckled. "Modest, aren't we? Let's cut to the chase. My father has been watching the Olympiad closely, and he has an interest in... certain participants. You're one of them."
Jiang Han's brows furrowed. "Your father? Why would he care about a school competition?"
Rayyan's smile widened. "Let's just say he sees potential in those who think ahead. But the potential isn't enough. Prove yourself, Jiang Han. My family has resources that could make your little dreams a reality—or crush them entirely."
As Rayyan's words sank in, the familiar chime of the system echoed in Jiang Han's mind.
[System Alert: Mission Update!]
Mission: Impress Rayyan Hakimi by demonstrating your leadership skills in the upcoming Olympiad preparation meeting.
Failure Condition: Rayyan labels you as unworthy.
Rewards:
Leadership Skill (Advanced Level)
Hidden Reward: Unlock upon completion.
Jiang Han took a deep breath. The stakes were escalating rapidly, and he needed to approach this challenge with precision.
The Olympiad preparation meeting was scheduled for the next afternoon. Jiang Han spent the night strategising, reviewing his knowledge, and planning how to command respect in a room filled with brilliant but competitive students.
The system's earlier negotiation reward was proving invaluable. Hafiy, now less aloof, had agreed to share his notes, giving Jiang Han an edge in understanding the more complex problems. In return, Jiang Han offered insights that helped Hafiy refine his approach. Their unexpected synergy was already bearing fruit.
By morning, Jiang Han felt more prepared than ever. His nerves were steady, and his mind sharp. The classroom buzzed with activity as students trickled in, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. Yet, all eyes were on Rayyan, who entered with an air of authority, his presence dominating the room.
Rayyan took his seat at the head of the table but motioned for Jiang Han to address the group. It was a test—a chance to prove himself under scrutiny.
Jiang Han stood, his expression calm but focused. "Before we dive into solving equations, we need to establish a strategy," he began, his voice clear and confident. "The Olympiad isn't just about individual brilliance. It's about teamwork, leveraging each other's strengths, and managing time effectively."
A few sceptical glances were exchanged, but Jiang Han pressed on. "Hafiy, your expertise in advanced mathematics is unmatched. You'll lead the team in tackling theoretical problems. Emily, your quick calculations make you perfect for data analysis. And Jun Wei, your ability to break down complex problems into simpler steps will keep us efficient."
The room fell silent as Jiang Han assigned roles, his leadership evident in the way he balanced authority with inclusivity. Even Rayyan seemed intrigued, his sharp gaze fixed on Jiang Han.
"Any objections?" Jiang Han asked, meeting each student's eyes.
None came. Instead, a few hesitant nods of approval followed, growing into murmurs of agreement.
As the session progressed, Jiang Han's approach proved effective. Under his coordination, the team solved problems with surprising efficiency. Hafiy, initially sceptical, openly praised Jiang Han's insights. Even Emily, known for her independence, admitted that the structured plan was helping her stay focused.
But not everyone was impressed. Jun Kai, still nursing a grudge from their previous encounters, stood up with a smug expression.
"This is cute, Jiang Han," Jun Kai sneered. "But let's see how you handle real pressure."
He tossed a particularly convoluted problem onto the board, crossing his arms as if daring Jiang Han to solve it.
Jiang Han didn't flinch. Instead, he picked up the chalk, dissecting the problem step by step. The room watched in stunned silence as he not only solved it but also explained his reasoning with clarity that left no room for doubt.
"Anything else?" Jiang Han asked, his tone even but pointed.
Jun Kai's face turned red as the room erupted into applause. It was a classic face-smacking moment, executed with precision and finesse.
After the meeting, Rayyan approached Jiang Han, his expression unreadable.
"You did well," Rayyan said, his tone grudgingly respectful. "But don't get comfortable. The real test is yet to come."
Jiang Han smiled. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
Rayyan nodded, his gaze lingering for a moment before he walked away. It was a small victory, but Jiang Han knew it was only the beginning of a much larger game.
As the day ended, Jiang Han found a quiet spot by the school's courtyard. The events of the day had tested his resolve, but they had also reaffirmed his belief in the value of persistence and adaptability.
"The system keeps pushing me," Jiang Han thought. "But with every challenge, I'm becoming stronger. It's not just about begging or earning rewards—it's about becoming someone who can thrive in any situation."
The insight filled him with a renewed sense of purpose. Whatever lay ahead, Jiang Han was ready to face it head-on.