Jiang Han's week was a blur of activity. His acceptance of Rayyan Hakimi's logistics pilot project had thrust him into a whirlwind of meetings, strategy sessions, and long nights of planning. The Begging System continued to provide subtle nudges and mission prompts, ensuring Jiang never got too comfortable.
Jiang's first task was assembling a reliable team. His classmates Mei Ling and Wei Zhong volunteered, impressed by his vision and determination.
"Logistics, huh?" Wei Zhong scratched his head. "I thought this was about begging, not corporate strategy."
Jiang smirked. "Begging is just the start, my friend. It's about turning the unthinkable into opportunity. Right now, we're selling trust."
Mei Ling tapped her notebook. "So, what's the plan?"
Jiang leaned forward. "We're building a micro-hub prototype. Sustainable, efficient, and scalable. If we can prove it works on a small scale, Rayyan Hakimi's logistics empire will have no choice but to take us seriously."
The three huddled around blueprints and data charts, brainstorming ways to optimise the flow of goods while minimising costs and environmental impact. Jiang's future knowledge gave him an edge, but the challenge lay in adapting those concepts to the present-day limitations of Malayuna.
As Jiang prepared for another late-night session, the system chimed.
[Mission: Convince a reluctant supplier to provide materials for the pilot project. Deadline: 7 days.]
Failure Penalty: Project delay and loss of credibility with Rayyan Hakimi.
Reward: Networking Skill (Intermediate Level).
Jiang rubbed his temples. "Of course, it couldn't be simple."
He quickly identified the supplier he needed—Mr. Chong was a notoriously stubborn businessman who controlled a critical component of their prototype. Approaching Mr. Chong required finesse, and Jiang's first step was gathering intel.
"Mr. Chong values loyalty and long-term relationships," Wei Zhong noted. "He's not one for flashy pitches."
Jiang nodded. "Then we show him substance."
Jiang arranged a meeting with Mr. Chong at his modest warehouse. The middle-aged man greeted him with a sceptical look.
"Another student with big dreams?" Mr. Chong grunted. "I don't have time for this."
Jiang didn't flinch. He extended his hand. "Mr.Chong I understand your hesitation, sir, but I'm not here to waste your time. I want to show you how we can grow together."
Mr. Chong crossed his arms. "Grow together? You've barely grown out of high school."
Jiang smiled, maintaining eye contact. "True, but that's precisely why I'm here. Every empire starts with a single brick, and I'd like you to provide the foundation for ours."
Mr. Chong raised an eyebrow. "And why should I trust you?"
Jiang's tone turned earnest. "Because I'm not asking for charity. I'm asking for a partnership. You provide us with the materials, and in return, you'll have exclusive rights to supply future expansions if this pilot succeeds."
For a moment, silence filled the room. Mr. Chong's calculating eyes betrayed a hint of intrigue.
"Exclusive rights, huh?" Mr. Chong finally said. "Bold words for someone who hasn't proven a thing."
Jiang nodded. "That's fair. If I fail, you lose nothing. If I succeed, you gain a foothold in a groundbreaking model."
Mr. Chong leaned back, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You're good at this, kid. Alright, I'll bite. But don't make me regret it."
[System Alert: Mission Completed!]
Reward: Networking Skill (Intermediate Level) unlocked.
Jiang walked out of the meeting triumphant, but not without a new understanding of the art of persuasion. Begging wasn't about pleading—it was about offering value.
As Jiang celebrated his small victory, Jun Kai was busy plotting his next move. News of Jiang's partnership with Rayyan Hakimi had reached him, and the thought of Jiang surpassing him was intolerable.
"He's just a fluke," Jun Kai sneered at his cronies. "We'll see how long his luck holds."
Jun Kai decided to sabotage Jiang's pilot project by spreading rumours that the materials Jiang had sourced were substandard. The whispers reached Rayyan Hakimi, who called Jiang for an urgent clarification.
"Jiang," Rayyan said, his tone icy, "I've heard some troubling news about your suppliers."
Jiang's heart sank, but he quickly steadied himself. "Sir, I assure you, the materials meet every standard. If there's any doubt, I'm willing to undergo additional inspections."
Rayyan's tone softened. "Alright. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt—for now. Don't disappoint me."
Hanging up, Jiang clenched his fists. Jun Kai's interference had turned a smooth path into a battlefield.
Jiang knew he couldn't let Jun Kai's meddling go unanswered. With the system's help, he uncovered evidence that Jun Kai had bribed a student to spread the rumours. Armed with this information, Jiang confronted him during a school assembly.
"Jun Kai," Jiang called out, his voice cutting through the chatter, "care to explain this?"
The hall fell silent as Jiang displayed screenshots of the incriminating messages on a projector. Jun Kai's face turned crimson as the evidence played out before everyone.
"This is slander!" Jun Kai stammered.
Jiang stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "It's not slander if it's true. You've been trying to undermine me, but your schemes end here."
The crowd erupted in whispers, and Jun Kai's reputation took a massive hit. Jiang's calm demeanour and precise execution had not only neutralised his rival but also elevated his own standing.
With the sabotage behind him, Jiang refocused on the pilot project. His team worked tirelessly, and the prototype logistics hub began to take shape. Each hurdle, from software glitches to supply delays, became a lesson in problem-solving.
Jiang also took time to mentor his classmates, sharing insights from his past life while encouraging them to think creatively. The camaraderie strengthened their resolve, turning the project into a collective effort.
The following week marked the final phase of Jiang Han's pilot project. Despite setbacks, his team had managed to create a functional micro-logistics hub. The hub was small but efficient, equipped with an optimised inventory system and streamlined delivery routes designed to cut costs and reduce delays.
As Jiang reviewed the setup, Mei Ling tapped his shoulder. "We've run the final diagnostics. Everything's operational."
Wei Zhong nodded. "All that's left is the demonstration. Are you ready for Rayyan Hakimi to see it in action?"
Jiang exhaled deeply. "We're as ready as we'll ever be. Now it's time to let the work speak for itself."
Rayyan Hakimi arrived at the hub with a small entourage, including his father, Tengku Hanafiah Zahid, whose presence raised the stakes considerably. Dressed impeccably, Tengku Hanafiah surveyed the hub with a discerning eye.
"Impressive initiative," Tengku Hanafiah remarked. "But let's see if it delivers results."
Jiang greeted the group with his usual composure. "Thank you for taking the time to see our work. This hub is a small-scale prototype, but it demonstrates the potential of an efficient logistics model tailored for scalability."
The presentation began. Jiang walked them through the hub's operations, from its real-time inventory tracking to its cost-efficient delivery scheduling. To emphasise its effectiveness, he showcased live data, demonstrating how the system optimised routes and reduced fuel consumption.
Tengku Hanafiah observed silently while Rayyan Hakimi asked pointed questions, testing Jiang's grasp of the technical details. Each time, Jiang answered confidently, blending his future knowledge with insights from the current logistics industry.
Just as the presentation neared its conclusion, Jiang heard the familiar chime of the system.
[Mission: Persuade Tengku Hanafiah Zahid to invest in the expansion of your logistics hub.]
Failure Penalty: Loss of credibility with the Hakimi family.
Reward: Negotiation Skill (Advanced Level).
Jiang straightened his posture, knowing this was a critical moment. Tengku Hanafiah, though impressed, remained non-committal.
"This is all very well," Tengku Hanafiah said, his tone measured. "But prototypes are easy. Scaling it to meet real-world demands is another matter."
Jiang nodded, anticipating the scepticism. "You're absolutely right, sir. Scaling up requires resources and commitment. That's precisely why I'm asking for your partnership. With your guidance and investment, this hub can evolve into a game-changer for Malayuna's logistics landscape."
Tengku Hanafiah raised an eyebrow. "And what assurance do I have that this isn't a gamble?"
Jiang stepped closer, his voice steady. "Because I'm not asking you to take a gamble. I'm asking you to bet on ingenuity and ambition. The data proves this system works. All it needs is a chance to scale."
Rayyan Hakimi observed the exchange with a mix of pride and curiosity. His father remained quiet, clearly weighing the risks. Sensing the need to tip the scales, Jiang added, "You've built an empire by recognising potential, sir. This is an opportunity to redefine the industry."
[System Alert: Mission Completed!]
Reward: Negotiation Skill (Advanced Level) unlocked.
Tengku Hanafiah finally smiled a rare and deliberate expression. "You're bold, Jiang Han. Boldness is a quality I value. Very well, I'll invest in your expansion—but I expect results."
Jiang bowed respectfully. "You won't regret it, sir."
News of Tengku Hanafiah's endorsement spread quickly, silencing Jiang's doubters and elevating his status among peers and rivals alike. Even Jun Kai, who had been scheming from the shadows, found himself at a loss.
During a school assembly, Jiang's success became the talk of the day. Teachers and students alike praised his achievements, much to Jun Kai's frustration.
"How does he keep pulling this off?" Jun Kai muttered to his lackeys.
"He's just lucky," one of them offered, though even they sounded unconvinced.
But Jiang didn't waste time basking in the spotlight. He used his growing influence to rally support for other student-led initiatives, further cementing his reputation as a leader.
Despite his triumphs, Jiang remained grounded. Over coffee, Mei Ling remarked, "You know, most people would let this success get to their heads."
Jiang chuckled. "I've had my share of falls. Success is sweet, but it's also fleeting if you don't stay sharp."
Wei Zhong chimed in, "Well, here's to staying sharp—and maybe taking a day off some time?"
Jiang smiled. "Deal. But only after the expansion plan is approved."
The light-hearted banter masked the deeper lessons Jiang had absorbed. Each challenge, from convincing suppliers to navigating corporate politics, honed his skills. The Begging System, once a source of embarrassment, had become an invaluable tool for growth.