Jiang Han's confrontation with Rayyan Hakimi had set the tone for the new challenges ahead. Though outwardly confident, Jiang knew he had to approach the situation with unparalleled precision. His adversaries weren't amateurs—they were heirs to empires, groomed to dominate from a young age. The stakes were growing, and Jiang had no choice but to grow with them.
As Jiang worked late into the night in the family office, the Begging System made its familiar chime.
System Notification: New Mission Unlocked
Mission: Secure a Strategic Alliance
Objective: Convince Rajveer Krishnan to enter a mutually beneficial partnership to outmanoeuvre Rayyan Hakimi.
Reward: Negotiation Skill (Advanced)
Failure Consequence: Immediate business losses and a major setback in logistics growth.
Jiang leaned back in his chair, considering the implications. Rajveer Krishnan wasn't a name to take lightly. Known as the heir to the Krishnaraj Bala legal dynasty, Rajveer had built a reputation for leveraging alliances to crush rivals. If Jiang could earn his trust, it might shift the balance of power in his favour.
But convincing someone as calculating as Rajveer wouldn't be easy.
Jiang spent the next two days researching Rajveer's motivations and weaknesses. Through his growing network, he discovered that Rajveer had recently encountered legal setbacks in a major case involving corporate fraud. His reputation, though still formidable, had taken a hit. Jiang saw an opportunity.
"Rajveer needs someone who can restore his standing," Jiang explained to Jiang Yu over dinner. "If I can present myself as a valuable ally, he might consider working with us."
"But how will you even get a meeting with him?" Jiang Yu asked.
"That's where strategy comes in," Jiang replied, a gleam in his eye.
Jiang reached out to one of his former schoolmates, Arif, whose father worked in a law firm closely associated with Rajveer's family. Using Arif as an intermediary, Jiang managed to secure an informal meeting at an exclusive club in downtown Petraling Jaya.
On the day of the meeting, Jiang dressed sharply but modestly, ensuring his appearance projected confidence without arrogance. As he walked into the dimly lit club, he spotted Rajveer seated in a corner booth, surrounded by a few associates.
"Rajveer Krishnan," Jiang said as he approached, extending his hand. "Thank you for agreeing to meet."
Rajveer looked up, his sharp features unreadable. "Jiang Han, the rising star of logistics. I've been hearing a lot about you lately."
"Good things, I hope," Jiang replied with a smile as he took a seat.
Rajveer's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "That depends on what you have to offer."
Jiang wasted no time presenting his pitch.
"I know you're facing challenges in the aftermath of the recent case," Jiang began. "Your clients need assurance that your firm's reputation remains unshakable. I can help with that."
Rajveer raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly would a logistics operator like you provide such assurance?"
"Through results," Jiang replied confidently. "If we collaborate, I can ensure that your firm's logistics and operational needs are handled with the utmost efficiency. Every successful outcome tied to your name will reinforce your credibility."
Rajveer leaned back, studying Jiang. "You're bold, Jiang. But boldness alone doesn't guarantee results."
"True," Jiang admitted. "But my track record speaks for itself. I don't make promises I can't keep."
For a moment, silence hung between them. Then Rajveer chuckled.
"You have my attention," he said. "But if I agree to this, I'll need guarantees. I don't take risks lightly."
"Nor should you," Jiang replied. "Let me propose a trial arrangement. Give me one small project to manage. If I deliver beyond expectations, we can discuss a larger partnership."
Rajveer nodded slowly. "You've got yourself a deal, Jiang Han. Impress me, and we'll talk."
The trial project involved coordinating the logistics for a high-profile corporate event Rajveer's firm was sponsoring. The stakes were high—any delay or misstep would reflect poorly on both Jiang and Rajveer.
Jiang threw himself into the project, meticulously planning every detail. He worked closely with Jiang Yu and their small team, ensuring no stone was left unturned. They anticipated potential issues and developed contingency plans, determined to exceed expectations.
The day of the event arrived, and everything went smoothly. Deliveries were on time, equipment was set up without a hitch, and the clients were impressed by the seamless execution.
When Rajveer called Jiang the next day, his tone was noticeably warmer.
"You delivered, Jiang," he said. "I'm impressed."
"Does that mean we have a deal?" Jiang asked.
Rajveer paused, then replied, "We do. Let's discuss the terms."
News of Jiang's collaboration with Rajveer spread quickly, drawing mixed reactions. While some applauded his ingenuity, others, like Rayyan Hakimi, saw it as a direct challenge.
During a business networking event a week later, Jiang crossed paths with Rayyan once more.
"I heard about your new partnership," Rayyan said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Aligning yourself with Rajveer Krishnan? Bold move. Let's hope it doesn't backfire."
"Boldness is often misunderstood as recklessness," Jiang replied calmly. "But I believe in taking calculated risks."
Rayyan's smirk faltered slightly, and Jiang continued, "By the way, how's your bid for the government contract coming along? I hear the competition is fierce."
The subtle jab wasn't lost on Rayyan, whose expression darkened. Jiang walked away, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
As Jiang returned home that evening, the Begging System chimed.
System Notification: Mission Complete
Reward: Negotiation Skill (Advanced)
Bonus Unlocked: Business Acumen Upgrade
Jiang smiled. With Rajveer's support and his growing skillset, he was better equipped than ever to tackle the challenges ahead.
Jiang Han sat in his modest office, tracing the threads of the intricate network he was beginning to weave. His partnership with Rajveer Krishnan was not just a victory; it was a stepping stone to something far greater. Yet, Jiang knew the success of this alliance would draw the ire of others. As he mulled over the details of his next steps, a knock on the door disrupted his thoughts.
Jiang Yu peeked in, holding a stack of documents. "The event's feedback is in. Rajveer's team is impressed with our execution, but there's something else you need to see."
Jiang took the folder and scanned the contents. His jaw tightened. "Rayyan Hakimi's family is using backdoor channels to disrupt Rajveer's upcoming court case," Jiang Yu explained. "If they succeed, it'll tarnish Rajveer's reputation—and ours by association."
The implications were clear: this was a calculated move to destabilise Jiang's growing influence by targeting his most recent ally.
Jiang's mind raced. "We need to pre-empt them. Jiang Yu, pull up everything we have on Rayyan's family business dealings. Let's see where their skeletons are hidden."
Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning to retaliate?"
Jiang smirked. "Not directly. But we'll ensure Rajveer has what he needs to handle this elegantly. Rayyan wants a war of influence; let's show him the art of precision."
Over the next few hours, Jiang and Jiang Yu dove into the data, identifying subtle inconsistencies in Tengku Hanafiah Zahid's logistics contracts. It was a thread Jiang could use to draw attention away from Rajveer's case while keeping his own hands clean.
Later that evening, Jiang called Rajveer. "I've uncovered something that might help with your case," Jiang began, outlining his findings. "This isn't just a defence; it's an opportunity to go on the offensive."
Rajveer was silent for a moment, then chuckled. "You don't just deliver results, Jiang. You change the game. Let's meet tomorrow to strategise."
Jiang hung up, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. This was no longer about merely surviving; he was beginning to shape the battlefield.
The next day, news broke that a key witness in Rayyan's plan had recanted their statement, citing "unforeseen legal complications." The strategic manoeuvre left Tengku Hanafiah Zahid scrambling to cover the fallout, while Rajveer's case gained renewed momentum.
At the same networking event where Rayyan had taunted him, Jiang found himself face-to-face with his rival once more.
"Interesting developments, don't you think?" Jiang said casually, sipping his drink. "It's remarkable how the truth always finds a way to surface."
Rayyan's eyes narrowed. "Don't think you've won. This is far from over."
Jiang met his glare with a calm smile. "I don't need to win every battle, Rayyan. I just need to keep moving forward."