As Jiang Han stared at the system notification flashing before him, he felt the familiar surge of determination. The stakes were growing higher, and his success thus far had only invited sharper adversaries. Dato' Seri Zainuddin Adnan, a seasoned businessman known for his relentless tactics, had set his sights on dismantling Jiang's budding success. But Jiang wasn't about to back down.
System Notification:
Mission: Defend Your Network.
Objective: Retain at least 80% of your current client base while mitigating potential losses.
Reward: Defensive Strategy Module.
Failure Consequence: Reduced market credibility.
"This is going to require precision," Jiang muttered, pacing in his office. The weight of responsibility pressed against his shoulders, but he thrived under it. He wasn't just protecting his business; he was defending his family's legacy and his hard-earned reputation.
Jiang started by calling Zhang Wei into his office. "Any updates on Zainuddin's tactics?"
Zhang handed over a dossier, his expression grim. "They're offering our clients heavily discounted rates, even if it means operating at a loss temporarily. It's an aggressive move, but effective."
Jiang skimmed through the documents. "Classic scorched-earth policy. They're banking on the idea that we'll buckle under pressure."
"What's the plan, Boss?" Zhang asked.
Jiang's mind raced. He needed to think several steps ahead. "First, we secure our most valuable clients. I'll personally meet with our top five accounts to reassure them. For the rest, let's prepare tailored offers. Match or beat Zainuddin's rates, but only where necessary. Quality and trust will be our main selling points."
Zhang nodded. "Understood. I'll brief the team."
Jiang's first stop was a meeting with Tuan Adib, the head of a major logistics client that accounted for 15% of their revenue. The meeting took place in a sleek conference room overlooking the city.
"Tuan Adib, thank you for taking the time to meet with me," Jiang began, his tone respectful but confident.
Adib, a man in his late 50s with a no-nonsense demeanour, studied Jiang. "I appreciate your initiative, Jiang. But you know why we're meeting. Zainuddin's offer is... tempting."
Jiang leaned forward, his gaze steady. "I won't deny that Zainuddin has resources, but what we offer goes beyond numbers. Our team knows your business inside out. We've adapted our services to meet your unique needs. Zainuddin's firm can't replicate that level of personalisation."
Adib stroked his chin thoughtfully. "That's a fair point. But what about the cost? Their rates are significantly lower."
Jiang smiled. "True, but at what long-term cost to you? Zainuddin's strategy is unsustainable. Once the competition is reduced, their rates will spike. Meanwhile, we've consistently delivered quality without compromise."
After a moment of silence, Adib extended his hand. "You're convincing, Jiang. I'll stick with your firm, but I expect you to maintain the same level of excellence."
"You have my word," Jiang said, shaking his hand firmly.'
The system chimed as Jiang exited the meeting.
System Notification:
Update: Key client retained. Progress: 20%.
Jiang felt a flicker of satisfaction but quickly shifted his focus. This was only the beginning. He had four more critical clients to meet, each with their own concerns and demands. His strategy was consistent: address their worries, highlight his firm's strengths, and sow doubt about Zainuddin's long-term reliability.
With each successful negotiation, the system updated:
Progress: 40%... 60%... 80%.
By the end of the day, Jiang had successfully secured commitments from all five major clients. It was a significant victory, but he knew the battle wasn't over. Zainuddin wouldn't stop until he'd exhausted every avenue.
As night fell, Jiang convened a strategy meeting with his team. "Zainuddin's focus on aggressive pricing gives us an opportunity. While they're busy undercutting us, we'll target their weaknesses."
Zhang Wei frowned. "What weaknesses, Boss?"
Jiang pointed to a graph on the projector. "Their operational efficiency is poor. They rely on outdated processes that can't handle high volumes. If we optimise our logistics chain and highlight our reliability, we'll make their clients question their decision."
One of the junior executives raised a hand. "But isn't that risky? What if we overextend ourselves?"
Jiang nodded. "Good point. That's why we'll focus on incremental improvements. Our goal isn't to overtake Zainuddin immediately—it's to create doubt and disrupt their momentum."
True to Jiang's predictions, Zainuddin's firm began showing cracks under the pressure of its own aggressive pricing strategy. Delays and errors became common, and clients started voicing their dissatisfaction.
Jiang capitalised on the opportunity, sending his team to approach Zainuddin's dissatisfied clients with tailored offers. The move was both bold and calculated, and it paid off.
One particularly high-profile client, who had recently switched to Zainuddin's firm, called Jiang personally. "I made a mistake, Jiang. Can we discuss coming back to your company?"
Jiang maintained a professional tone, but the victory was sweet. "Of course. Let's set up a meeting to discuss how we can serve you better."
By the end of the week, Jiang's firm had not only retained 90% of its original clients but also gained several new ones. The system chimed once more:
System Notification:
Mission Complete: Defend Your Network.
Reward Unlocked: Defensive Strategy Module.
Jiang leaned back in his chair, allowing himself a moment of satisfaction. But he knew better than to grow complacent. Each victory only set the stage for the next challenge.
Jiang Han adjusted his glasses, his mind racing. The situation demanded precision, but more than that, it demanded heart. His next move would determine not just his progress but his worth as someone who dared to rewrite his destiny.
The small café buzzed with muted conversations. Across the table sat Tengku Zafri Hazim, a man whose presence filled the room with a sense of authority. The man's demeanour spoke volumes: composed, shrewd, and cautious. Jiang Han felt the weight of the mission: persuading this seasoned tycoon required navigating a minefield of calculated words and genuine intent.
"Mr Tengku Zafri," Jiang began, his tone earnest yet unflinching. "What I propose isn't charity—it's an investment in the future."
Tengku Zafri arched a sceptical brow. "Convince me then. Why should I stake anything on a high schooler and his family's business?"
Jiang took a deep breath. He knew this wasn't the time for preamble. Drawing from his system-enhanced persuasion skill, he leaned forward slightly, his words deliberate.
"Because this isn't just about logistics; it's about building a legacy that outlives trends. Your backing will ensure a pipeline of innovation and reliability in an industry poised for transformation. And unlike others, I have something unique—a foresight into solutions others haven't envisioned yet."
Tengku Zafri's fingers tapped rhythmically on the table. "Bold claims, young man. But ideas mean little without execution."
System Notification: Persuasion Check Triggered. Response Pending.
Jiang's heart raced. He couldn't let doubt creep in. With a calm smile, he added, "Ideas are fleeting unless backed by determination. My track record at such a young age proves that execution is my forte. I'm not asking you to take a leap of faith; I'm asking you to recognise the value of a mutually beneficial partnership."
A moment of silence hung between them. Then, Tengku Zafri chuckled lightly, his stern façade cracking just slightly.
"You remind me of myself at your age, bold yet methodical," he admitted. "I'll consider this... proposal of yours. You'll hear from my team soon."
System Notification: Mission Progress Updated. Reward Locked Until Final Confirmation.
Jiang exhaled quietly, a small victory in his pocket. Yet, he knew this was just the beginning.