Jiang Han arrived home late that evening, his mind abuzz with plans and strategies. The conversation with Hafiy Zafran had left him invigorated but aware of the hurdles that remained. Hafiy's tentative interest in the proposal was just the first step. Convincing someone of Hafiy's calibre to take a leap of faith required more than eloquent words—it demanded results.
As Jiang settled into his room, the Begging System chimed once again.
System Notification: Mission Update
Mission: Secure Strategic Partnership with Hafiy Zafran
Objective: Create a demonstration showcasing the potential of your tech-driven logistics solution.
Reward: Innovation Skill (Advanced)
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Jiang frowned slightly, the weight of the task settling on his shoulders. His family's logistics business had limited resources, and designing a prototype within such constraints would require ingenuity and determination.
"Time to roll up my sleeves," Jiang muttered, pulling out his laptop.
The next few days were a blur of activity. Using his knowledge from his previous life as a software engineer, Jiang began sketching the blueprint for a logistics management app. The app would streamline operations, track deliveries in real-time, and optimise routes to save time and fuel costs.
But Jiang knew that theory alone wouldn't suffice. He needed a working prototype that could demonstrate the app's capabilities in real-world scenarios. He enlisted the help of his younger brother, Jiang Yu, and divided the workload. Jiang Yu, still a high schooler but adept with numbers and algorithms, eagerly took on the challenge of coding some of the app's simpler features under Jiang's guidance.
"Ge, how did you come up with this idea?" Jiang Yu asked during one late-night session.
Jiang smiled. "Let's just say it's a combination of experience and necessity. Remember, the more we innovate, the closer we get to lifting our family out of this struggle."
Jiang Yu nodded, his eyes shining with determination.
As the prototype took shape, Jiang reached out to a small local logistics company for a trial run. The owner, an affable man named Mr. Wong, had been a long-time acquaintance of Jiang's father. Convincing him to test the app on a small scale was relatively straightforward.
"If this works as you say, Jiang, it could revolutionise my business," Mr. Wong remarked during their meeting.
"That's the goal, Uncle Wong," Jiang replied with a grin.
Over the next week, Mr. Wong's delivery team used the app to manage their operations. The results were promising—delivery times improved by 15%, and fuel costs decreased significantly. Mr. Wong, impressed by the outcome, agreed to endorse Jiang's app when he presented it to Hafiy Zafran.
"Your father should be proud of you, Jiang," Mr. Wong said, clapping him on the shoulder.
The following week, Jiang stood outside the towering office building that housed Zafran Logistics. The day of the presentation had arrived, and Jiang was determined to make an impact.
Walking into the sleek conference room, Jiang was greeted by Hafiy and a small team of advisors. Hafiy's expression was neutral, but Jiang could sense the anticipation in the room.
"Mr. Zafran," Jiang began, projecting confidence. "Thank you for this opportunity. Today, I'll demonstrate how our logistics solution can enhance your operations and strengthen your market position."
Jiang launched his presentation, showcasing the app's features and highlighting the trial results from Mr. Wong's company. He navigated questions from Hafiy's advisors with poise, addressing their concerns and providing data-driven answers.
As Jiang wrapped up, Hafiy leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "Your app shows promise, Jiang. But promise alone isn't enough in this industry. We need a guarantee of scalability and reliability."
Jiang nodded. "I understand your concerns, Mr. Zafran. That's why I propose a phased implementation. We'll start small, focusing on a single region, and expand as we refine the system."
Hafiy's lips quirked into a faint smile. "You're ambitious, Jiang. I'll have my team review the proposal and get back to you."
Leaving the office, Jiang felt a sense of relief tempered by apprehension. The presentation had gone well, but he knew Hafiy's endorsement was far from guaranteed.
As he walked to the nearby bus stop, Jiang's phone buzzed with a message from Jiang Yu.
"Ge, there's a problem. Our system's servers are down."
Jiang's heart sank. The prototype's servers were crucial to its functionality, and any downtime could jeopardise the entire project.
Rushing back home, Jiang found Jiang Yu frantically trying to troubleshoot the issue. "What happened?" Jiang asked, his voice sharp with urgency.
"Looks like a targeted attack, Ge," Jiang Yu replied, his fingers flying across the keyboard. "Someone's trying to sabotage us."
Jiang's mind raced. He suspected one of Hafiy's rivals, possibly Danish Afiq or Rayyan Hakimi, might be behind the attack. Both had reasons to undermine Hafiy and anyone associated with him.
"Let me handle this," Jiang said, taking over the keyboard. Drawing on his past experience in cybersecurity, Jiang implemented countermeasures to block the attack and restore the servers.
After two tense hours, the system was back online. Jiang Yu let out a relieved sigh. "That was close."
"Too close," Jiang muttered. "We need to strengthen our defences. This won't be the last time someone tries to bring us down."
A few days later, Jiang received a call from Hafiy.
"Jiang, I've reviewed your proposal with my team," Hafiy said. "We're willing to proceed with the phased implementation. Let's discuss the next steps."
Jiang's chest swelled with pride. "Thank you, Mr. Zafran. I won't let you down."
As Jiang hung up, the Begging System chimed.
System Notification: Mission Accomplished
Reward: Innovation Skill (Advanced)
Bonus Hidden Reward: Market Analysis Skill (Intermediate)
Jiang grinned. The path ahead was still fraught with challenges, but with each victory, he was proving that even a beggar could rise to greatness.
The victory with Hafiy Zafran invigorated Jiang Han, but he knew better than to bask in the moment for too long. Success brought scrutiny, and as Jiang's efforts began bearing fruit, his adversaries grew more aggressive. The sabotage attempt on the servers had only been the beginning. It was time to bolster not only his family's logistics business but also his personal defences.
Two days after Hafiy confirmed their collaboration, Jiang received an unexpected visitor at the family's modest office. A sleek black sedan pulled up, and out stepped Rayyan Hakimi. The son of Tengku Hanafiah Zahid, Rayyan exuded a calm yet commanding presence, his tailored suit a sharp contrast to the humble surroundings.
"Jiang Han," Rayyan greeted, his smile polite but devoid of warmth. "I've heard about your recent partnership with Hafiy Zafran. Congratulations are in order."
"Thank you, Rayyan," Jiang replied, matching his tone. "What brings you here today?"
Rayyan's smile widened, though his eyes remained calculating. "Let's just say I'm intrigued by your approach. Hafiy isn't known for being easily impressed. You must have quite the persuasive touch."
Jiang resisted the urge to smirk. "I wouldn't call it persuasive—just strategic."
Rayyan chuckled. "Strategic indeed. However, I believe we can both agree that business is a battlefield. And in this battlefield, alliances can shift."
The underlying threat wasn't lost on Jiang. Rayyan was here to gauge his intentions and possibly undermine his progress.
"I appreciate your advice," Jiang said, maintaining his composure. "But I've always believed that the strength of a business lies in its ability to adapt and collaborate."
Rayyan's expression hardened for a fraction of a second before he nodded. "Wise words. Let's see how well they serve you."
As Rayyan departed, Jiang couldn't help but feel a storm brewing on the horizon.
The moment Rayyan's car disappeared from view, the Begging System chimed.
System Notification: Warning
A rival is monitoring your progress. Fortify your defences and outmanoeuvre their plans.
Bonus Mission Unlocked: Expose Rayyan Hakimi's Motives
Objective: Gather evidence of Rayyan's interference to neutralise his influence.
Reward: Strategy Skill (Intermediate)
Jiang stared at the notification, a mix of frustration and determination brewing within him. If Rayyan wanted a battle, Jiang would ensure he was ready for it.
The following days were consumed with upgrades to the family's logistics operations. Jiang focused on two key areas: scalability and security. He worked tirelessly to refine the app's algorithms, ensuring they could handle increased demand as the business expanded. At the same time, Jiang Yu implemented additional cybersecurity measures to prevent further sabotage attempts.
"Ge, we should run a stress test on the system before rolling out the next update," Jiang Yu suggested during one of their late-night sessions.
"Good idea," Jiang agreed. "We can't afford any weak links."
The stress test revealed a few vulnerabilities, but Jiang and Jiang Yu resolved them quickly, ensuring the system was robust enough to withstand external pressures.
Meanwhile, Jiang discreetly began investigating Rayyan's motives. Using his growing network, he reached out to contacts who had dealt with Rayyan in the past. One such contact was Mr. Wong, the logistics operator who had helped Jiang test his app.
"Rayyan is shrewd," Mr. Wong warned during their conversation. "He doesn't make moves without a plan. If he's taken an interest in you, it means he sees you as a threat."
"Do you know of any recent ventures he's involved in?" Jiang asked.
"Word on the street is that Rayyan is eyeing a government contract for logistics services," Mr. Wong replied. "If your business continues to grow, it might complicate his bid."
Jiang nodded, a new layer of understanding forming. Rayyan's visit hadn't been about curiosity—it had been a pre-emptive strike to intimidate Jiang into backing down.
Armed with this knowledge, Jiang decided to confront Rayyan head-on. He arranged a meeting at a neutral venue, a high-end café frequented by Malayuna's elite. When Rayyan arrived, his demeanour was as composed as ever, but Jiang could sense the undercurrent of tension.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Rayyan asked as he took a seat.
"I thought it was time we cleared the air," Jiang said, his tone firm. "Your interest in my business is flattering, but let's not pretend it's purely out of admiration."
Rayyan chuckled softly. "You're bold, Jiang. I'll give you that. But in this world, boldness without caution can be dangerous."
"Agreed," Jiang replied. "Which is why I prefer transparency. If you have concerns about my operations, let's address them openly."
Rayyan's smile faded slightly, replaced by a steely gaze. "Very well. My concern is simple—you're encroaching on territory that's long been mine. And I don't take kindly to competition."
"Competition drives innovation," Jiang countered. "If your position is as secure as you claim, then my efforts shouldn't pose a threat."
For a moment, the two men stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken challenges.
"Be careful, Jiang," Rayyan finally said, rising from his seat. "You're playing a dangerous game."
"Only if you make it one," Jiang replied calmly.
As Jiang watched Rayyan leave, he felt a sense of clarity. The road ahead would be treacherous, but Jiang was determined to stay the course. With the Begging System as his guide and his own resilience as his shield, he knew he could overcome whatever obstacles lay in his path.
The next morning, the Begging System chimed once more.
System Notification: Bonus Mission Complete
Reward: Strategy Skill (Intermediate)
Jiang smiled. The battle with Rayyan had only just begun, but Jiang was more prepared than ever to face it.