The Petraling Jaya skyline sparkled under the mid-morning sun. Jiang Han had spent the better part of the night strategising over the system's new challenge. As he sipped his kopi O, he pondered how to approach the task. The notification still glowed in his mind.
[System Alert! Mission Activated.]
Objective: Convince Hafiy Zafran to collaborate on a business project.
Failure Penalty: Reduced influence in the local business community (-10%).
Reward: Negotiation Skills Enhancement (Advanced Level).
Hafiy Zafran was a name synonymous with prestige. As the son of Dato' Seri Zainuddin Adnan, a titan in the logistics industry, he was known for his cold demeanour and sharp tongue. Jiang Han smirked, knowing full well this would not be an easy task.
"The art of begging is persuasion dressed in humility," Jiang reminded himself, mentally quoting the system's cryptic advice.
Jiang arrived at an upscale café in downtown Petraling Jaya where Hafiy Zafran often conducted informal meetings. The young heir sat at the corner table, flanked by two bodyguards. Dressed in a tailored suit, Hafiy's presence was magnetic and intimidating.
Jiang approached with an air of confidence, masking the slight nervousness gnawing at him.
"Good morning, Mr Zafran," Jiang began, bowing slightly. "May I have a moment of your time?"
Hafiy barely looked up. "Do I know you?" His tone was clipped, designed to discourage conversation.
Jiang smiled disarmingly. "Not yet, but I believe we could work on something mutually beneficial. I've reviewed some reports on your company's logistics arm and—"
"Stop right there," Hafiy interrupted. "You think you can just walk up and pitch to me?"
The two bodyguards exchanged amused glances. The tension in the air was palpable. Jiang forced himself to remain calm.
As Jiang retreated to another table to regroup, the system chimed in his mind.
[System Tip: Approach with an offer they can't refuse.]
Jiang reflected on the system's advice. It's not just about asking—it's about offering. Pulling out his tablet, he quickly sketched a framework for a project that would merge his father's logistics business with Hafiy's state-of-the-art technology network.
After an hour of refining the presentation, Jiang stood up again, determined.
"Mr Zafran," he began, this time holding out his tablet. "If you're not interested in wasting time, I believe this will intrigue you."
Hafiy raised an eyebrow and took the device. As he scanned the document, his expression shifted. Jiang had anticipated every concern Hafiy might raise, addressing them with compelling statistics and solutions.
"Hmm," Hafiy said after a long pause. "Interesting. But what makes you think your family's modest operation can handle something of this scale?"
Jiang anticipated the insult. "We may not have your resources, Mr Zafran, but what we lack in scale, we make up for in precision and adaptability. Combine that with your cutting-edge tracking systems, and we'd create an operation unmatched in Malayuna."
The café grew quiet. Even Hafiy's bodyguards seemed impressed.
"Fine," Hafiy said, leaning back. "You've got my attention. But you'll need to convince me further."
The system's timer showed Jiang had only two days to solidify the deal. He knew Hafiy's reluctance wasn't just about logistics—it was personal. Hafiy had a reputation for mistrusting outsiders.
Jiang reached out to a mutual acquaintance, Luqman Irfan, who was known for his connections to both social and business circles.
Over a cup of teh tarik, Luqman chuckled. "Hafiy is like durian—tough on the outside, but if you approach correctly, you'll get the reward."
"Any tips?" Jiang asked.
Luqman leaned closer. "He values loyalty above all. Show him you're willing to go the extra mile."
With Luqman's words in mind, Jiang orchestrated a second meeting with Hafiy, this time at the Zafran family estate. Jiang arrived with a presentation model and his father, who spoke passionately about their company's dedication.
Hafiy listened intently, but his scepticism lingered. "Why should I trust you?"
Jiang stepped forward. "Because I'm not here to beg for a handout. I'm here to earn your partnership. Give me a week, and I'll prove our capabilities."
The challenge was accepted.
Over the next week, Jiang worked tirelessly to prepare a trial run of the proposed collaboration. He streamlined his father's logistics operations, integrated digital tracking systems, and ensured every package delivered under their name arrived flawlessly.
Hafiy's representatives monitored every step, scrutinising every detail.
On the seventh day, Hafiy received the final report. Jiang's efforts had not only met expectations but exceeded them, delivering efficiency gains of 20%.
When Jiang met Hafiy again, the latter extended his hand. "You've proven your worth. Let's move forward."
As they shook hands, Jiang felt a surge of triumph. The system chimed again.
[System Update: Mission Complete!]
Reward Unlocked: Negotiation Skills Enhancement (Advanced Level).
Jiang Han lingered outside the Zafran estate, letting the cool breeze carry away the tension of the week's gruelling work. His heart was light, but his mind was already whirring with plans for what lay ahead. The partnership with Hafiy Zafran was a milestone, but it also marked the beginning of a new battlefield.
As Jiang walked down the street, his phone buzzed. It was his father.
"Han, you've done it again," his father's voice was filled with pride. "The trial run has already brought in inquiries from other clients. Your grandfather would have been so proud."
Jiang smiled softly. "It's just the beginning, Dad. We'll keep building."
His father's voice turned serious. "But remember, success attracts envy. Be cautious."
Those words lingered in Jiang's mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that Hafiy's acceptance might trigger resentment from others in the industry, especially competitors unwilling to lose their market share.
As Jiang returned home, the system chimed unexpectedly.
[System Alert: New Mission Available.]
Objective: Investigate Luqman Irfan's sudden financial struggles.
Failure Penalty: Loss of 50 system points.
Reward: Insight Skill Upgrade (Intermediate Level).
Jiang frowned. Luqman was a key ally, but his financial struggles were news to him. He quickly recalled their conversation from earlier in the week. Luqman had seemed his usual cheerful self, yet there had been subtle signs—hesitations in his speech, distracted glances.
"Why would the system care about this?" Jiang muttered.
But he trusted the system's direction. If there was an issue, it wasn't just a personal matter—it could ripple into their delicate network of alliances.
Jiang spent the next day piecing together fragments of information. Through quiet conversations and discreet inquiries, he discovered Luqman's financial troubles were linked to a failed tech venture. The news hit Jiang harder than expected. Luqman's credibility and influence were integral to his own growing network.
Determined to help, Jiang arranged to meet Luqman at their usual café.
When Jiang arrived, he found Luqman already seated, his usual vibrant energy dimmed. Jiang slid into the seat across from him, breaking the silence with his characteristic humour.
"I didn't know you were auditioning for a drama role, Luqman. The brooding look suits you."
Luqman chuckled weakly. "If only it were a script, Jiang."
Jiang leaned forward, his tone turning serious. "I heard about the venture. Why didn't you tell me?"
Luqman hesitated before admitting, "It wasn't something I wanted to burden anyone with. And besides, who wants to listen to a failure?"
"Failure isn't the end," Jiang said firmly. "It's just a detour. What happened?"
As Luqman explained the missteps in his tech startup and the debts looming over him, Jiang's mind raced with ideas.
Jiang knew this situation wasn't just about helping a friend—it was another opportunity to refine his craft. Begging wasn't just about asking; it was about creating opportunities for others to help themselves.
"I have a plan," Jiang said finally. "But it will require some shamelessness. Are you in?"
Luqman raised an eyebrow. "I'm intrigued."
Over the next few days, Jiang worked to position Luqman's failed venture as a potential revival project. He reached out to Hafiy and other influential figures, pitching it as a collaborative opportunity that could yield significant returns. Each conversation was a delicate balance of persuasion and humility, with Jiang leveraging every ounce of his system-enhanced negotiation skills.
By the week's end, Jiang had secured enough interest to re-launch the project with a fresh injection of capital.
When Jiang met Luqman again, he handed him a folder containing the details of the new investors.
"This is your second chance," Jiang said. "But don't forget—success is built on resilience, not luck."
Luqman's gratitude was evident as he shook Jiang's hand. "I owe you, Jiang. Not just for this, but for reminding me what's possible."