The air in the conference room was thick with tension. Jiang Han sat at one end of the long table, his posture calm but his mind razor-sharp. On the other end was Dato' Rahman Arif, Danish Afiq's father and a formidable businessman with a reputation for ruthlessness. Between them was a fragile agreement that Jiang was determined to turn to his advantage.
Jiang had not sought this meeting lightly. Danish Afiq, a thorn in his side since the beginning of their school rivalry, had escalated his attempts to undermine Jiang. His father, Dato' Rahman, was rumoured to be orchestrating a series of calculated moves against Jiang's family business. The Begging System had assigned Jiang a mission that morning, and it was as clear as it was daunting:
System Notification: New Mission
Objective: Secure Dato' Rahman Arif as an ally while neutralising his ongoing efforts against your business.
Reward: Negotiation Skill (Expert Level)
Bonus Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: Loss of crucial business contracts.
Jiang opened the meeting with an offer that was, at face value, unassuming but carefully layered with implications.
"Dato' Rahman," Jiang began, his voice steady, "I understand that the logistics sector is highly competitive, and sometimes, lines are crossed. But instead of competing, why not collaborate? A partnership could yield better margins and reduce the risks inherent in undercutting one another."
The older man narrowed his eyes, leaning back in his chair. His silence spoke volumes—a test to see how far Jiang would go. Jiang met his gaze, unfazed.
Dato' Rahman finally spoke, his voice dripping with scepticism. "And why would I partner with someone whose operations are, let's say, underdeveloped compared to mine? What do you bring to the table that I don't already have?"
Jiang smiled. "A vision, Dato' Rahman. While others are focused on short-term gains, I'm building a future-proof model—integrating sustainable practices, technology-driven logistics, and community partnerships. With your experience and network, we could dominate the sector."
The words were deliberate. Jiang knew Dato' Rahman prided himself on being forward-thinking despite his cutthroat methods. Jiang's proposition wasn't just about business—it was about ego.
Dato' Rahman tilted his head, intrigued but not entirely convinced. "You talk a big game for someone so young. Tell me, Jiang, what makes you think you can keep up with players who've been in this game longer than you've been alive?"
Jiang suppressed a smirk. The system's predictive analysis skill had prepared him for this exact line of questioning.
"With respect, Dato' Rahman," Jiang replied smoothly, "longevity in the industry doesn't always equate to innovation. Your competitors are adapting, using emerging technologies and data analytics to gain an edge. My team has already developed prototype apps and systems that optimise route planning and resource allocation. This isn't just talk; I can demonstrate results."
He placed a tablet on the table and pulled up a demo of his logistics app. The interface was sleek, showing real-time tracking, predictive delivery times, and cost-saving measures.
Dato' Rahman leaned forward, visibly impressed despite himself. "This... is impressive," he admitted. "But how do I know it's not all smoke and mirrors? Prototypes are one thing; scalability is another."
Jiang had anticipated this scepticism. "That's where our partnership comes in. With your resources, we can scale this model regionally within months. The app is fully functional and tested with smaller clients. Imagine what it could do with your reach."
As Jiang and Dato' Rahman continued their discussion, Jiang's phone vibrated subtly. He glanced at the screen under the table—it was a message from one of his key suppliers.
Alert: Danish Afiq has contacted us and is offering better terms to switch.
Jiang's mind raced. Danish was clearly attempting to undermine this very meeting by destabilising Jiang's existing partnerships. This was no coincidence—it was a calculated attack.
Jiang looked up, his expression unchanged. "Dato' Rahman, if I may speak candidly, I believe this partnership benefits not just our businesses but also sends a strong message to those attempting to destabilise us."
The older man raised an eyebrow. "And who might that be?"
"Let's just say there are... overlapping interests between certain parties," Jiang replied tactfully. "But I believe a strategic alliance between us would make those efforts futile."
Dato' Rahman chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Ah, I see. You're playing the long game. Smart, Jiang. Very smart."
After the meeting, Jiang wasted no time addressing the supplier issue. He called Mr Low, the supplier who had alerted him.
"Mr Low," Jiang said, "I understand Danish Afiq's offer must seem tempting, but let me remind you of our history. We've weathered challenges together, and I've always ensured your business thrives alongside ours. Let me sweeten our deal—an exclusive contract for the next six months with improved terms."
Mr Low hesitated briefly before agreeing. "You've always been fair, Jiang. I'll stick with you."
With that crisis averted, Jiang turned his attention back to Danish.
Jiang orchestrated a subtle yet impactful retaliation. Using the Predictive Analysis skill, he identified key vulnerabilities in Danish's business dealings. One of these was a supplier heavily dependent on Jiang's family's logistics network. Jiang renegotiated their terms, offering them preferential rates in exchange for exclusivity. This move indirectly disrupted Danish's supply chain.
By the end of the week, Danish's frustrations were palpable. He confronted Jiang at school, his tone accusatory.
"You think you've won, don't you?" Danish spat.
Jiang's response was calm but cutting. "Won? Danish, this isn't a game. It's business. If you focus less on sabotaging others and more on improving your own operations, you might actually succeed."
Jiang Han strode through the school courtyard the next day, his expression serene despite the calculated chaos brewing beneath the surface. Word of his meeting with Dato' Rahman had already spread through certain circles, sparking curiosity and speculation.
Danish Afiq, however, was far from calm. Jiang had upended his plans with surgical precision, leaving him scrambling for control. The school was no longer just an academic battleground but a staging ground for a war of influence.
During lunch, Jiang received an invitation to meet Luqman Irfan, one of the wealthier students at Divine Cross. Known for his connections to powerful tycoons, Luqman had a reputation for brokering opportunities that always worked in his favour. Jiang accepted the invitation, intrigued but cautious.
The meeting took place in the school's exclusive lounge, a space reserved for its wealthiest patrons. Luqman sat casually on a leather sofa, his air of nonchalance belied by the sharpness in his eyes.
"Jiang," Luqman began, gesturing for him to sit. "You've been making waves lately. Negotiating with Dato' Rahman and securing your suppliers despite Danish's interference? Impressive."
Jiang raised an eyebrow, his tone neutral. "Flattery aside, what's your point, Luqman?"
Luqman's lips curled into a smirk. "Direct. I like that. Here's the thing—I've been observing you. You're ambitious, resourceful, and clearly not afraid to ruffle feathers. That's the kind of person I could work with."
Jiang leaned back, feigning indifference. "And what exactly do you have in mind?"
"A mutually beneficial alliance," Luqman said smoothly. "I have access to resources and connections you'll find invaluable. In return, I expect your... expertise in handling certain 'challenges' that come my way."
Jiang's instincts warned him to tread carefully. "What kind of challenges are we talking about?"
Luqman's expression darkened slightly. "Let's just say there are some competitors I'd like neutralised. Nothing illegal, of course. Just strategic persuasion."
As Luqman spoke, a familiar notification appeared in Jiang's mind:
System Notification: New Mission
Objective: Evaluate Luqman Irfan's proposal and decide whether to accept or reject.
Reward (If Accepted): Networking Skill (Advanced)
Reward (If Rejected): Resilience Skill (Intermediate)
Failure Consequence: Loss of reputation among influential circles.
Jiang suppressed a sigh. The system loved placing him in morally ambiguous situations. While the rewards were tempting, Jiang knew that aligning himself with Luqman could complicate his long-term goals.
He met Luqman's gaze, his tone thoughtful. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll need more details before committing to anything."
Luqman nodded, apparently satisfied. "Fair enough. Take your time. Just don't keep me waiting too long."
Leaving the lounge, Jiang's mind buzzed with possibilities. Luqman's offer was a double-edged sword, but Jiang saw an opportunity to use it to his advantage.
His first move was to subtly probe Luqman's rivals. Using the system's Predictive Analysis skill, Jiang identified key players in Luqman's network who might feel threatened by his growing influence. By aligning himself with these individuals, Jiang could position himself as an independent force rather than a pawn in Luqman's schemes.
One such individual was Hafiy Zafran, whose father, Dato' Seri Zainuddin Adnan, controlled a significant portion of the regional supply chain. Hafiy was known for his fiery temper and impulsive decisions, making him both a liability and an opportunity.
Jiang approached Hafiy during a break, his tone casual. "Hafiy, I hear your family's supply chain has been experiencing some... inefficiencies lately. Perhaps I could help?"
Hafiy looked at him warily. "Why would you help me? What's in it for you?"
"Let's just say I have a vested interest in maintaining balance in this ecosystem," Jiang replied cryptically. "And your success aligns with my goals—for now."
After a moment's hesitation, Hafiy nodded. "Alright. Let's talk."
Later that evening, Jiang returned home to find another notification waiting for him:
System Update: Hafiy Zafran's collaboration secured. Negotiation Skill has increased.
The progress was satisfying, but Jiang knew the real test was yet to come. Danish would not let his losses slide, and Jiang anticipated a direct confrontation.
Sure enough, the following morning, Danish cornered Jiang in the school library. His tone was low but menacing. "You think you've won because Dato' Rahman gave you a seat at the table? Don't fool yourself, Jiang. This isn't over."
Jiang's expression remained calm. "Danish, your problem is that you treat this as a zero-sum game. Success doesn't have to come at someone else's expense. But since you insist on making enemies, don't be surprised when you lose."
The subtle jab hit its mark, and Danish's face twisted in anger. "You'll regret this."
Jiang shrugged, unfazed. "Perhaps. But until then, I suggest you focus on improving your own game."