The air was thick with tension as Jiang Han stood outside the imposing glass structure of the Petraling Jaya Business Alliance Headquarters. Syed Azlan Shah's initial interest in his proposal was a victory, but securing the sponsorship deal meant crossing uncharted waters. The stakes were high, not just for his family's logistics business but also for his reputation. Any misstep could spell disaster.
System Notification:
New Mission Assigned: Persuade Syed Azlan Shah to Approve the Sponsorship.
Objective: Ensure a deal that benefits both parties without compromising your integrity.
Reward: Negotiation Skill (Mastery).
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Jiang adjusted his blazer, took a deep breath, and entered the building. His mind raced as he replayed every detail of his pitch. This wasn't just about business; it was about proving his worth to someone who wielded significant influence.
Inside the boardroom, Syed Azlan Shah sat at the head of a long oak table, his aura commanding and impenetrable. His son, Syed Fariz, was seated beside him, his expression a mixture of smugness and disdain.
"Jiang Han," Syed Azlan began, gesturing for Jiang to take a seat, "I've reviewed your proposal. It's ambitious, but ambition alone won't convince me."
Jiang nodded, meeting the older man's gaze with calm confidence. "Dato' Syed, I understand your concerns. That's why I've prepared a detailed breakdown of how this partnership can enhance your existing operations."
He handed Syed Azlan a folder, which the man reviewed silently. Meanwhile, Fariz smirked, leaning back in his chair. "You think a high schooler can understand the intricacies of my father's empire? How naive."
Jiang turned to Fariz, his tone polite but firm. "Fariz, success isn't about age or status; it's about vision and execution. If my proposal lacks merit, I'm open to constructive feedback."
Fariz opened his mouth to retort, but his father raised a hand, silencing him. "Enough, Fariz. Let Jiang speak."
Jiang launched into his presentation, using visual aids and real-time data to illustrate the potential benefits of the partnership. His approach was meticulous, addressing potential risks and offering solutions.
"Dato' Syed," Jiang concluded, "this isn't just a business deal—it's an opportunity to set a precedent for innovative collaboration. Together, we can redefine logistics efficiency in Malayuna."
Syed Azlan leaned back, his expression unreadable. "You've certainly done your homework, Jiang. But what guarantees can you offer that your family's business can handle the scale of operations we require?"
Jiang anticipated the question. "With your backing, we'll have access to the resources needed to expand our infrastructure. Additionally, I propose regular performance reviews to ensure accountability."
The room fell silent as Syed Azlan considered Jiang's words. Finally, he nodded. "You've made a compelling case. I'll give you a trial period to prove your capabilities."
As Jiang left the meeting, his system chimed with an update.
System Notification:
Mission Complete: Persuade Syed Azlan Shah to Approve the Sponsorship.
Reward Unlocked: Negotiation Skill (Mastery).
Bonus Hidden Reward: Influence Tracker.
Jiang's heart raced as he reviewed the new feature. The Influence Tracker displayed a detailed map of his connections, highlighting potential allies and adversaries. It was a game-changing tool, one that could tip the scales in his favour.
Despite his triumph, Jiang returned to Divine Cross High School with a sense of urgency. Balancing his business endeavours with academic life was becoming increasingly challenging. During a break between classes, he gathered his closest allies, Li Ming and Zhang Wei, to discuss their next steps.
"Fariz won't let this slide," Jiang warned. "We need to anticipate his retaliation."
Li Ming frowned. "Do you think he'll try to sabotage the trial period?"
"Most likely," Jiang replied. "That's why we need to fortify our operations. Zhang, I want you to focus on improving our logistical efficiency. Li Ming, keep an eye on Fariz's movements."
"What about you?" Zhang asked.
Jiang's expression hardened. "I'll deal with Fariz directly if it comes to that."
As expected, Fariz wasted no time in plotting his revenge. Using his connections, he spread rumours about Jiang's family business, questioning their reliability and ethics. The whispers reached the ears of key stakeholders, threatening to derail the trial partnership.
Jiang confronted Fariz during a school assembly, his voice calm but resolute. "Fariz, if you have concerns about my family's business, why not address them directly instead of hiding behind rumours?"
Fariz smirked. "I'm just sharing the truth, Jiang. If your business can't handle scrutiny, that's not my problem."
Jiang stepped closer, his gaze piercing. "Be careful, Fariz. Lies have a way of backfiring."
Their exchange drew the attention of their peers, many of whom were captivated by Jiang's composure. Fariz, on the other hand, looked increasingly flustered.
Determined to silence the rumours, Jiang invited key stakeholders to tour his family's facilities. He showcased their operations, highlighting recent upgrades and innovations. His efforts paid off, as the stakeholders left impressed and reassured.
Meanwhile, Jiang used the Influence Tracker to identify Fariz's allies. He approached them one by one, presenting irrefutable evidence of his business's credibility. His strategic manoeuvring weakened Fariz's support base, leaving his rival isolated.
With the trial period underway, Jiang received an unexpected invitation from Tengku Hanafiah Zahid, a prominent figure in Malayuna's business community. The invitation hinted at a potential collaboration, but Jiang knew it could also be a test.
"Are you ready for this?" Li Ming asked as Jiang prepared for the meeting.
Jiang smiled. "I have to be. Each challenge is a stepping stone to something greater."
Jiang Han's confidence swelled as he reviewed the day's events in the quiet sanctuary of his family's office. Though the meeting with Syed Azlan Shah had been a success, he knew the real test was yet to come. The trial period wasn't just a litmus test for his family's logistics business—it was an opportunity to demonstrate his capability in the face of sabotage and adversity.
His system chimed, jolting him from his thoughts.
System Notification:
New Side Mission Assigned: Strengthen Operational Resilience.
Objective: Improve your logistics infrastructure to withstand external interference.
Reward: Logistics Skill (Advanced).
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Jiang smirked. "So, you're pushing me to optimise before the sabotage begins, huh? Fine, let's see how far we can go."
Jiang called for a meeting with his parents and closest allies. His father's face was a mixture of pride and apprehension. "Jiang, you've done well so far. But Syed Azlan Shah's reputation precedes him. He's not a man easily impressed."
"That's why we're not taking any chances," Jiang replied. "We'll streamline our processes, reinforce our distribution network, and ensure our performance exceeds expectations."
Using data from the Influence Tracker, Jiang identified potential weak points in their supply chain. He delegated tasks with precision, assigning Zhang Wei to oversee warehouse operations and Li Ming to monitor transport schedules.
"We'll need to work around the clock," Jiang said, his tone firm. "If we let our guard down for even a moment, it could cost us everything."
True to Jiang's prediction, Fariz was already scheming. He'd hired a group of rogue operators to disrupt Jiang's supply routes, targeting their most lucrative contracts. However, Jiang's preparations proved invaluable. The upgraded system alerted him to anomalies in real-time, allowing him to dispatch contingencies before any significant damage occurred.
Fariz's frustration grew as his attempts to sabotage Jiang's operations repeatedly failed. In a desperate bid to regain control, he leaked false information about Jiang's business dealings to the press.
Jiang held a press conference to address the allegations head-on. "Transparency is the cornerstone of trust," he announced, presenting financial records and customer testimonials that refuted every claim. His poise and evidence won over the sceptics, turning public opinion in his favour.
Fariz, watching from the sidelines, clenched his fists. Every move Jiang made seemed to elevate him further, leaving Fariz scrambling to keep up.
With their reputation bolstered, Jiang's family began receiving offers from other businesses looking to collaborate. Among them was an intriguing proposal from Luqman Irfan's father, Tan Sri Irwan Hakim. Though known for his ruthless tactics, Tan Sri Irwan saw potential in Jiang's innovative approach.
"Are you sure about this?" Li Ming asked, sceptical of the offer. "Tan Sri Irwan has a reputation for crushing his partners."
Jiang smiled. "That's why we'll negotiate on equal footing. If we play our cards right, this could be the partnership that takes us to the next level."