The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension, illuminated only by the soft glow of Jiang Han's laptop. His latest mission from the Begging System wasn't just a test of his wit; it was a complex game of strategy involving delicate negotiations with one of Petraling Jaya's most influential families, the Hakimis.
System Notification:
Mission: Negotiate a Key Donation from Tengku Hanafiah Zahid
Objective: Persuade Tengku Hanafiah Zahid to provide logistical support to your family's business.
Reward: Persuasion Skill (Advanced)
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: Reputation among key business players will decrease significantly.
Jiang Han leaned back, exhaling sharply. This wasn't just any mission—it was a direct challenge to face one of Malayuna's titans of industry, a man notorious for his unyielding nature.
"How am I supposed to persuade someone who's practically allergic to losing?" he muttered, his fingers tapping against the desk rhythmically.
The solution wasn't just begging in the conventional sense. The Begging System had taught Jiang Han that true persuasion involved careful strategy, humility, and a dose of boldness. If done right, it could leave even the most powerful figures respecting him.
Jiang Han dived into researching Tengku Hanafiah's recent business ventures. His logistics empire was vast but spread thin due to overexpansion into emerging markets. Jiang Han saw the gaps—opportunities that could turn the tables if leveraged properly.
"Alright, Tengku," Jiang Han muttered, "if you're as pragmatic as they say, this negotiation is going to be your undoing."
His plan began to form. Tengku Hanafiah was a man of logic; he valued returns. Jiang Han would appeal to his sense of practicality, positioning himself as someone indispensable rather than as a mere supplicant.
Two days later, Jiang Han found himself walking into the grandiose Zahid Mansion. The marble floors gleamed, reflecting the crystal chandeliers above. Jiang's crisp white shirt and neat tie stood in stark contrast to the opulence surrounding him.
Waiting in the living room, Jiang Han couldn't help but notice the silent but sharp gazes of the staff. This was the den of a lion, and every move was being scrutinised.
Tengku Hanafiah entered, his imposing figure wrapped in a tailored suit. His salt-and-pepper hair added to his aura of dominance. Beside him stood his son, Rayyan Hakimi, who smirked arrogantly upon seeing Jiang Han.
"Well," Tengku Hanafiah began, his voice calm but authoritative, "you're the young man with a peculiar request. Let's hear it."
Jiang Han stood, bowing slightly. "Tengku, thank you for granting me this opportunity to speak." His tone was respectful, but his eyes carried an undeniable spark of confidence.
"Straight to the point, then," Jiang continued, unfurling a map he'd brought with him. It displayed logistical routes in Petraling Jaya and surrounding areas. "Your expansion into the southern regions has been impressive, but it's evident there's inefficiency here."
He pointed at a cluster of highlighted routes. "This bottleneck causes delays, which, if optimised, could save you millions annually."
Rayyan scoffed. "And you think a high school student like yourself understands logistics better than our top analysts?"
Jiang Han didn't flinch. "Rayyan, it's not about understanding logistics better. It's about noticing what's overlooked. With my family's existing infrastructure, I can propose a partnership that not only solves this issue but enhances your market dominance."
The room fell silent. Tengku Hanafiah raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"You've done your homework," Tengku remarked. "But partnerships aren't charity. What's in it for me, and why should I trust a boy still wearing a school badge?"
Jiang Han smiled. This was his moment. "Because, Tengku, I'm not asking for charity. I'm offering you the chance to eliminate inefficiencies and dominate faster than your competitors. My family's logistics network complements yours perfectly, bridging the gap where you need it most."
Rayyan, clearly irritated, cut in. "Father, this is absurd. A boy like him—"
"Tengku Rayyan," Jiang interrupted, his tone firm but polite. "Respectfully, this is exactly the mindset that creates blind spots. Underestimating competition is how businesses falter. You should know that better than anyone."
The room froze. Even Tengku Hanafiah appeared taken aback by Jiang's audacity. Rayyan's face flushed with anger, but his father raised a hand, silencing him.
"I like boldness when it's backed by substance," Tengku said, leaning forward. "Continue."
Jiang Han pressed his advantage. "By partnering with my family's business, you'll secure a foothold in the south without the burden of additional investments. It's low-risk, high-reward. All I ask in return is a short-term support agreement to stabilise our operations."
"Hmm." Tengku Hanafiah rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "And what guarantees do you offer?"
Jiang anticipated this. "I've prepared a detailed report," he said, handing over a sleek folder. "It outlines projected savings and growth within six months. Additionally, I'm willing to personally oversee the integration process, ensuring seamless execution."
Tengku Hanafiah scrutinised the report while Jiang waited, his heart pounding subtly beneath his composed exterior. After what felt like an eternity, the elder businessman chuckled.
"You're either incredibly naive or genuinely brilliant," Tengku remarked, setting the report aside. "Either way, I admire your tenacity."
He extended a hand. "You have a deal. Don't make me regret this."
Jiang shook his hand firmly. "I won't, Tengku. Thank you for your trust."
Rayyan glared, his fists clenched. "Father, this—"
"Rayyan," Tengku interrupted, his tone sharp. "Learn to recognise potential when you see it. This young man may be our ally today, but imagine if he were our competitor tomorrow."
Rayyan stormed out, leaving Jiang Han savouring a sweet sense of triumph.
Mission Completed: Negotiate a Key Donation from Tengku Hanafiah Zahid.
Reward: Persuasion Skill (Advanced)
Bonus Hidden Reward Unlocked: Networking Edge – Unlocks subtle assistance from influential allies in the region.
Jiang's lips curled into a smile. "Another win," he murmured.
Jiang Han straightened his posture as he gazed out over the bustling streets of Petraling Jaya, his mind already calculating his next move. The stakes had risen considerably after his unexpected encounter with Rayyan Hakimi earlier in the day. He couldn't afford any missteps, especially with the system's latest directive weighing heavily on him.
System Notification:
Mission: Negotiate a Key Donation from Tengku Hanafiah Zahid
Objective: Persuade Tengku Hanafiah Zahid to provide logistical support to your family's business.
Reward: Persuasion Skill (Advanced)
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: Reputation among key business players will decrease significantly.
Jiang Han's lips tightened into a thin line as he reread the notification. Tengku Hanafiah Zahid wasn't just another influential businessman; he was a figure of immense stature in Malayuna's corporate and political landscape. Approaching him required precision, diplomacy, and a touch of boldness—all skills Jiang was slowly mastering through the Begging System's challenges.
He grabbed a notebook and began jotting down potential angles for the negotiation. While the system's prompt offered no roadmap, Jiang's mind churned through the possibilities. "The key," he muttered to himself, "is to align his interests with ours. Appeal to his pride, his influence, and his desire for control over key industries."
The notebook filled with ideas, Jiang decided to focus on three main strategies:
Positioning his family's logistics business as a valuable ally. Tengku Hanafiah valued efficiency and reliability, traits Jiang needed to highlight through data and reputation.Presenting a shared vision. By framing this deal as mutually beneficial for both families, Jiang could appeal to the patriarch's pragmatism.Leveraging emotional appeal. While Tengku Hanafiah was a shrewd businessman, Jiang had observed how family legacy often influenced his decisions. Jiang resolved to weave this into his pitch.
The next day at school, Jiang found himself unusually focused during his morning classes. While his classmates discussed mundane teenage gossip, his thoughts remained on the upcoming challenge. During lunch, Jun Kai approached him, his expression wary.
"Word is spreading about the incident yesterday," Jun Kai said, sitting across from Jiang. "Rayyan Hakimi isn't someone to trifle with."
Jiang raised an eyebrow, his tone calm yet pointed. "Did you think I trifle for fun? Some battles choose you, Jun Kai. The key is deciding how to win."
Jun Kai paused, weighing his friend's unusually resolute demeanour. "So, what's the plan?"
Jiang smirked. "Simple. I'll turn Tengku Hanafiah Zahid into an ally. That should suffice to counter Rayyan's tantrums."
Jun Kai's jaw dropped. "You're going after the big fish now? You really are shameless!"
"Not shameless," Jiang corrected, "strategic."
The bell rang, signalling the end of lunch, and Jiang made his way to his next class, his resolve solidifying. The looming shadow of Tengku Hanafiah's influence was daunting, but Jiang thrived on turning challenges into stepping stones.
Later that evening, Jiang arrived at a charity gala hosted by Tengku Hanafiah Zahid. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, the air heavy with expensive cologne and the scent of ambition. Jiang adjusted his blazer and strode into the grand hall, his youthful features masked by an air of maturity that belied his age.
Spotting Tengku Hanafiah surrounded by influential figures, Jiang hesitated for a moment. But before self-doubt could creep in, the Begging System chimed in once more.
System Notification:
Reminder: Tengku Hanafiah Zahid will be more receptive after observing your determination and resourcefulness.
Taking the hint, Jiang approached the catering staff instead of heading straight for his target. Borrowing a tray of hors d'oeuvres, he began weaving through the crowd, strategically placing himself within earshot of key conversations.
One particular exchange between Tengku Hanafiah and a logistics executive caught Jiang's attention.
"…our current supplier keeps missing deadlines," the executive complained. "It's unacceptable for a company of their stature."
Tengku Hanafiah's eyes narrowed. "Efficiency is the backbone of logistics. Without it, you're just haemorrhaging resources."
Jiang seized the moment, stepping forward with a polite bow. "Pardon my intrusion, Tengku Hanafiah, but I couldn't agree more. Efficiency is everything, and I believe my family's business has exactly what you're looking for."
The older man turned, his sharp gaze appraising Jiang. "And who might you be, young man?"
Jiang straightened his posture, meeting Tengku Hanafiah's gaze with unwavering confidence. "Jiang Han, representing Ling Logistics. I've come to propose a partnership that could resolve the issues you just mentioned."
The surrounding guests exchanged curious glances, some amused by Jiang's audacity, while others admired his nerve. Tengku Hanafiah, however, remained inscrutable.
"An ambitious claim," he said finally. "Convince me."
Jiang's lips curved into a small smile. "Allow me five minutes of your time. If I fail to pique your interest, I'll leave without another word."
Tengku Hanafiah considered this before gesturing for Jiang to follow him to a quieter corner. Jiang's heart pounded, but he pushed the nerves aside, focusing on the task at hand.
"First," Jiang began, presenting a sleek tablet, "here's our performance data over the past year. As you'll see, our delivery timelines surpass industry standards, even under adverse conditions. Second, our operational costs are significantly lower than our competitors, thanks to streamlined processes I personally implemented."
Tengku Hanafiah studied the data, his expression unreadable. "And what guarantees do I have that this isn't an isolated case?"
Jiang leaned in slightly, his tone confident but not overbearing. "You don't need guarantees. You need results. I propose a trial partnership—one month. No obligations beyond that. Let our performance speak for itself."
The room seemed to hold its breath as Tengku Hanafiah deliberated. Finally, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
"You've got nerve, Jiang Han. I'll give you your trial month. Impress me, and we'll talk further."
System Notification:
Mission Completed: Persuade Tengku Hanafiah Zahid to provide logistical support to your family's business.
Reward: Persuasion Skill (Advanced)
Bonus Hidden Reward Unlocked: Key Contact in Malayuna's Logistics Network
Jiang fought to keep his relief from showing. As Tengku Hanafiah walked away, Jiang allowed himself a small, triumphant smile. The game was far from over, but this was a victory worth savouring.