The aftermath of Jiang Han's encounter with Danish Afiq lingered like the scent of freshly brewed coffee—sharp, undeniable, and pervasive. Jiang's reputation soared within the influential circles of Petraling Jaya, cementing him as a rising force to be reckoned with. But as the saying goes, the higher you climb, the stronger the winds of opposition.
While Jiang relished his small victory, he remained aware that Danish wouldn't retreat so easily. For every step Jiang took forward, there was someone plotting his downfall.
System Notification: New Mission
Mission: Build a Strategic Alliance
Objective: Secure Dhaneshwar Ravindran's trust by helping him resolve a sensitive personal or professional dilemma.
Reward: Networking Skill (Advanced)
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: The Ravindran family's resources will become inaccessible to you.
Jiang closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. The Ravindran family, known for their dominance in legal and media circles, held immense sway in Malayuna's corridors of power. While gaining their favour was enticing, their reputation for ruthless efficiency made Jiang wary. One wrong move could cost him dearly.
Later that day, Jiang received an invitation from Dhaneshwar Ravindran himself. The venue was an upscale café in a quieter part of Petraling Jaya. Known for its exclusivity, the café catered to high-profile clients who valued privacy. Jiang arrived early, ensuring he had ample time to prepare mentally.
Dhaneshwar, or Dhanesh as he was often called, was a young man with sharp features and an even sharper gaze. Despite his polished demeanour, Jiang detected a flicker of unease in his eyes. The son of a legendary lawyer and a media-savvy mother, Dhanesh exuded an air of inherited authority mixed with personal ambition.
"Jiang Han," Dhanesh began, extending a hand. "Your reputation precedes you. It's rare for someone in our age group to command the kind of attention you do."
Jiang smiled, accepting the handshake. "The feeling is mutual. The Ravindran family is synonymous with influence. I'm intrigued to hear what brings us together."
Dhanesh leaned back, his expression turning serious. "I need someone discreet and resourceful. You've proven to be both."
Dhanesh explained his predicament. His mother, Subhashini Ravindran, had been embroiled in a public feud with a rival media executive. The situation threatened to escalate, with accusations flying on both sides. While his mother was no stranger to controversy, this time, the stakes were higher. If her rival succeeded in discrediting her, the Ravindran family's media empire could suffer irreversible damage.
"What exactly are you asking of me?" Jiang inquired, his tone cautious.
"I need someone to uncover the source of the smear campaign," Dhanesh replied. "Our internal team has been ineffective, and I suspect there's a mole within our ranks. Your expertise and... unconventional methods might be what we need."
Jiang agreed to take on the task, but not without clarifying his conditions. "I'll need access to your company's internal communications and a few trusted contacts to help me navigate the terrain. In return, I expect transparency and your support in future endeavours."
Dhanesh hesitated but eventually nodded. "You'll have what you need. Just ensure the job is done quietly."
Jiang began his work by reviewing the Ravindran media empire's recent projects and controversies. With access to internal communications, he focused on patterns of behaviour that seemed out of place. His Begging System activated as he delved deeper, offering subtle nudges and insights.
System Notification: New Subtask
Subtask: Identify the Mole
Objective: Find the individual leaking sensitive information from within Ravindran Media.
Reward: Analytical Skill (Intermediate)
Utilising his analytical skills and technological acumen from his past life, Jiang identified a series of discrepancies in email timestamps and file access logs. The evidence pointed to a mid-level manager with a history of unexplained absences during critical meetings.
With the evidence in hand, Jiang approached Dhanesh. Together, they orchestrated a discreet confrontation with the suspect, a man named Vignesh Kumar. At first, Vignesh denied any wrongdoing, but when Jiang presented the digital trail linking him to the rival executive, his composure cracked.
Under pressure, Vignesh confessed to leaking information in exchange for financial incentives. Dhanesh ensured the matter was handled internally, avoiding public scrutiny while severing all ties with the disloyal employee.
The resolution of the crisis brought Jiang closer to Dhanesh and, by extension, the Ravindran family. Subhashini Ravindran, initially sceptical of Jiang's involvement, personally thanked him for his discretion and efficiency.
"You've earned our respect, Jiang Han," she said. "Consider the Ravindran family a potential ally in your journey. But remember, alliances with us come with expectations."
Jiang acknowledged her words with a polite smile. "I understand, Mrs Ravindran. I value your trust and will strive to uphold it."
The successful mission unlocked a new skill for Jiang:
System Notification: Reward Unlocked
Networking Skill (Advanced): Your ability to forge and maintain influential relationships has been significantly enhanced.
More importantly, Jiang gained access to the Ravindran family's extensive network, a resource he knew would be invaluable in future battles.
As Jiang Han left the Ravindran estate, a sense of accomplishment coursed through him. The success of the mission had strengthened his confidence, but he knew better than to rest on his laurels. The world of Petraling Jaya's elite was a battlefield where alliances could shift as quickly as the tides, and Jiang understood the importance of vigilance.
While he walked toward the station where his next errand awaited, the Begging System chimed again.
System Notification: New Subtask
Subtask: Secure a Strategic Partnership with Hafiy Zafran
Objective: Convince Hafiy Zafran to collaborate on a tech-driven logistical solution for his family's business.
Reward: Innovation Skill (Advanced)
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Jiang paused mid-step, absorbing the mission. Hafiy Zafran, son of the influential Dato' Seri Zainuddin Adnan, was a figure known for his aloofness and sharp wit. Convincing someone like Hafiy to see value in a partnership would be challenging, but Jiang thrived on challenges.
The first hurdle was locating Hafiy. Jiang's research led him to a high-end golf course frequented by Malayuna's elite. Hafiy was renowned for his competitive nature in sports, often using games as a proxy for business negotiations. Jiang decided to meet him on his turf, both literally and figuratively.
Arriving at the golf course, Jiang observed Hafiy engaged in a game with a group of similarly wealthy individuals. Jiang waited until the game concluded before approaching him with a calm demeanour and a slight smile.
"Hafiy Zafran," Jiang greeted. "I've heard about your sharp game, but I suspect your business acumen might be even sharper."
Hafiy glanced at him, his expression a mix of curiosity and scepticism. "And who might you be?"
"Jiang Han," he said, extending his hand. "I believe we share an interest in innovative solutions for logistics. May I have a moment of your time?"
Hafiy, intrigued but wary, gestured for Jiang to join him at a nearby table. Over a glass of iced tea, Jiang outlined his vision for a tech-driven logistics solution that would streamline operations and reduce costs.
Hafiy listened intently, occasionally interjecting with pointed questions. Jiang welcomed the challenge, using his responses to highlight the feasibility and potential profitability of the proposal.
"What's in it for me?" Hafiy finally asked, leaning back with a calculating gaze.
"A significant competitive edge," Jiang replied confidently. "And the opportunity to lead the market rather than follow it."
Hafiy smirked. "Bold words. I'll consider it."
Jiang nodded, recognising that this was as close to a victory as he could achieve in a single meeting. "I'll follow up with a detailed proposal. Until then, I appreciate your time."
As Jiang left the golf course, the Begging System chimed again.
System Notification: Progress Achieved
Hafiy Zafran is considering your proposal. Further actions will determine mission success.
Jiang smiled. The game was far from over, but he was determined to see it through to victory.