Chereads / Godly Beggar / Chapter 58 - Shadows of Sabotage

Chapter 58 - Shadows of Sabotage

The air at Jiang Han's family logistics centre was tense yet charged with energy. Recent victories in securing partnerships had bolstered the company's morale, but the looming threat from Fariz and his father, Syed Azlan Shah, was a dark cloud over their progress.

Jiang's phone buzzed with a new System Notification, pulling his attention from the spreadsheets on his screen.

System Notification:

Mission: Strengthen Your Hold on the Logistics Market.

Objective: Expand your distribution network to neighbouring districts to outmanoeuvre rivals.

Reward: Logistics Planning Skill (Elite).

Bonus Hidden Reward: ???

Failure Consequence: Your family's contracts with key clients will be at risk.

Jiang Han leaned back in his chair, letting the notification sink in. Expanding the network would mean securing more transport units, negotiating deals with local suppliers, and overcoming Fariz's sabotage attempts. It was ambitious, but Jiang thrived on challenges.

Jiang convened a meeting with his parents and key staff members. His father, Jiang Wei, furrowed his brow. "Expansion is a risk, Jiang. We're still consolidating our gains from the Syed Azlan deal."

"That's precisely why we need to move now," Jiang explained. "Syed Azlan and Fariz won't just sit idly by. If we don't secure these areas first, they will."

His mother, Mei Lin, nodded. "Your father has a point, but so do you. We'll need airtight planning."

Jiang outlined his strategy on the whiteboard:

1. Build partnerships with smaller local operators to gain access to neighbouring districts.

2. Create buffer stocks in key locations to prevent delays from sabotage.

3. Use data analytics to optimise routes and improve delivery speed.

"Li Ming," Jiang continued, "you'll negotiate with the smaller operators. Zhang Wei oversees the recruitment of additional drivers. I'll handle the tech upgrades and risk assessments."

While Jiang was rallying his team, Fariz was cooking up his own plans. Using connections in regulatory bodies, he ensured Jiang's expansion permits were delayed. At the same time, he bribed local suppliers to back out of deals with Jiang's company.

When Jiang received the news of the delays, his lips curled into a grim smile. "Fariz, you really think this will stop me?"

Jiang turned to his Influence Tracker and identified alternate routes to bypass the bureaucratic hurdles. He also reached out to a contact in the transport authority—a senior officer who owed him a favour after Jiang helped his son with a school project.

Within two days, the permits were processed, and Jiang had secured three new suppliers, cutting Fariz's influence off at the knees.

The next hurdle came in the form of a critical supplier meeting. Jiang needed a key player, Tan Sri Irwan Hakim, to agree to provide high-quality fuel at a discounted rate for their expanding fleet.

The meeting took place in Tan Sri Irwan's luxurious penthouse office. The man, with his calculating gaze and sharp suit, wasted no time getting to the point. "Why should I offer you a discount, Jiang? Business is about profit, not charity."

Jiang smiled, the confidence in his tone unwavering. "Tan Sri, I'm not asking for charity. I'm offering you market dominance. If you partner with us, your fuel will become the backbone of the most efficient logistics network in the region."

"But what if you fail?" Tan Sri Irwan countered.

Jiang leaned forward. "Failure isn't an option for me. I'll beg, borrow, and adapt until success is inevitable. You know my track record—once I set my mind to something, I don't stop."

The intensity in Jiang's voice made Tan Sri Irwan pause. After a moment, he nodded. "You've got guts, kid. Fine, I'll provide the discount—but don't make me regret this."

As Jiang's plans for expansion moved forward, Fariz grew desperate. One night, Jiang received an alert from his logistics app about unusual activity near their central warehouse. He rushed to the scene, finding several trucks with slashed tyres and graffiti sprayed across their sides.

Jiang called the police and set up security cameras to prevent future incidents. He also turned the incident into a PR opportunity, posting pictures of the vandalised trucks on social media with the caption: "When they can't outcompete you, they resort to this. But we're not stopping."

The post went viral, garnering support from clients and other businesses who admired Jiang's determination.

Despite the obstacles, Jiang's expansion plans began bearing fruit. New clients in neighbouring districts signed contracts, impressed by his resilience and innovative approach. His family's logistics business grew stronger with every passing day, and Jiang felt the weight of his responsibilities shift from survival to dominance.

The System Notification chimed again, marking his success.

System Notification:

Mission Accomplished: Strengthen Your Hold on the Logistics Market.

Reward: Logistics Planning Skill (Elite).

Bonus Hidden Reward: AI-Powered Route Optimiser.

Jiang grinned. "Fariz, I hope you're ready. This is just the beginning."

The following days were a whirlwind of activity as Jiang Han meticulously monitored the progress of his expansion strategy. Each piece of the logistics puzzle fell into place, but not without hiccups. Jiang's phone vibrated with an incoming call from Li Ming. Her anxious tone cut through the static of the line.

"Jiang, we've got a problem. One of our new partner operators just backed out of the deal."

Jiang frowned, his mind already working through possible scenarios. "What happened?"

"Word is that Fariz got to them. Promised them higher commissions and exclusive access to one of his supply chains," Li Ming replied, frustration evident in her voice.

Jiang's grip on the phone tightened. Fariz was relentless, but Jiang wasn't one to crumble under pressure. "It's time we remind these operators why working with us isn't just a business deal—it's a long-term investment."

The setback didn't derail Jiang's momentum. Instead, it fuelled his determination. Armed with the Logistics Planning Skill (Elite) he'd recently earned, Jiang set up meetings with the wavering operators. This time, his pitch wasn't just about numbers; it was about vision.

At a small café in Petraling Jaya, Jiang met Mr. Tan, one of the hesitant operators. The man was nervous, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

"Mr. Tan," Jiang began with a reassuring smile, "I understand Fariz has made you an attractive offer. But let me ask you this—do you want to be a pawn in his game, or a partner in shaping the future?"

Mr. Tan blinked, caught off-guard by the directness.

Jiang leaned forward, his tone firm yet inviting. "Fariz's deals are short-sighted. They serve him, not you. Work with us, and you're not just securing your present—you're solidifying your future. Our plans include technology-driven efficiencies that will give you an edge for years to come."

Mr. Tan hesitated, but the clarity in Jiang's argument made an impact. "Alright," he said, extending his hand. "I'll stick with you. Just don't let me regret this."

No sooner had Jiang secured Mr. Tan's partnership than another complication arose. A late-night phone call from Zhang Wei revealed that one of their critical transport routes had been blocked by a "random" road inspection—clearly orchestrated by Fariz's connections.

Jiang knew this was no coincidence. "Fariz is trying to buy time, but we'll show him that we don't need conventional routes to succeed."

He activated the AI-powered Route Optimiser, the bonus reward from his previous mission. The system instantly recalibrated their logistics, rerouting deliveries through alternative pathways while minimising delays. The quick adjustments not only kept operations on track but also strengthened Jiang's resolve.

The next morning, Jiang received an invitation to a business networking event hosted by Tengku Hanafiah Zahid. Fariz would undoubtedly be present, and Jiang saw it as an opportunity to make his next move.

Dressed in a sharp suit, Jiang entered the grand ballroom with confidence. He spotted Fariz smirking in a corner, surrounded by sycophants. Ignoring him for the moment, Jiang navigated towards Tengku Hanafiah.

Their conversation was strategic and engaging, drawing the attention of nearby attendees. When Fariz finally approached, Jiang didn't shy away from confrontation.

"Well, Jiang," Fariz sneered, "still playing the underdog? How's that working out for you?"

Jiang's smile was calm yet cutting. "Quite well, actually. Expanding our logistics network has been smoother than expected, thanks in part to your antics—they've sharpened my strategies."

Fariz's smirk faltered, and the surrounding crowd chuckled. The face-slapping moment was subtle but devastating.

Later that night, as Jiang returned to his desk, he reflected on the day's events. The sabotage attempts had tested his resilience, but they had also taught him the importance of adaptability and foresight. The Begging System wasn't just about acquiring skills—it was about transforming challenges into stepping stones.

System Notification:

New Skill Acquired: Adaptability (Intermediate).

Bonus: Foresight Booster.

Jiang grinned, knowing this was just the beginning.