Jiang Han's rise was like a firework in the night sky of Malayuna's business world—unexpected, dazzling, and impossible to ignore. But the brighter the light, the darker the shadows it cast. As his influence grew, so did the determination of his enemies to bring him down.
System Notification:
Mission: Counter a Coordinated Attack from Rayyan Hakimi and Danish Afiq
Objective: Prevent the sabotage of your family's logistics network by leveraging alliances and strategic plays.
Reward: Logistics Optimisation Skill (Expert Level)
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: A critical loss to your family's business operations.
Jiang sat back, his eyes narrowing at the notification. The stakes were clear, and failure wasn't an option. He tapped his pen rhythmically on the table, his mind racing to formulate a plan.
"Jiang Yu," Jiang called out. His loyal friend and assistant appeared almost instantly, holding a tablet. "I need details on Danish Afiq's logistics ventures and Rayyan Hakimi's family contracts."
Jiang Yu hesitated. "I was about to brief you on something related. Our sources report unusual shipping delays in our supply chain. It seems external pressure is being applied—likely their doing."
Jiang's smirk was devoid of humour. "Good. It's time to teach them that playing dirty has consequences."
Jiang decided to approach Rajveer Krishnan for advice. The seasoned lawyer had an uncanny ability to navigate legal grey areas, and Jiang suspected Rajveer's contacts could be crucial.
"Jiang, you're not dealing with amateurs," Rajveer cautioned when Jiang outlined the situation. "Danish is a master of plausible deniability, and Rayyan has deep pockets. You'll need something irrefutable if you want to pin them down."
Jiang nodded thoughtfully. "I don't need to take them down entirely, just redirect their focus. If they're busy putting out their own fires, they'll have no time to meddle in mine."
Rajveer raised an eyebrow. "Clever. What's your plan?"
Jiang leaned forward, his voice low. "We'll use their own tactics against them. Danish relies on external suppliers for a major project. I happen to know one of those suppliers—someone who owes me a favour."
Rajveer's grin was wolfish. "I like where this is going."
The next morning, Jiang met with Mr Ravi, the owner of a mid-sized logistics company. Years ago, Mr Ravi's business had been on the brink of collapse due to an unfair contract. Jiang had intervened, providing pro bono advice that saved the company. Now, Jiang was calling in that favour.
"Danish Afiq relies on your services for his new expansion," Jiang began, his tone polite but firm. "I need you to renegotiate those terms—strictly within legal bounds, of course."
Mr Ravi's eyes widened. "That's risky, Mr Jiang. Danish won't take kindly to delays."
Jiang smiled. "True. But I assure you, the gains of aligning with me far outweigh the risks. Think of it as an investment in the future."
After a moment's pause, Mr Ravi nodded. "You've helped me before. I'll do it."
Within days, Danish's expansion project began encountering unexpected hurdles. Delayed shipments and sudden supplier renegotiations created chaos. At the same time, Jiang discreetly leaked the disruptions to a local business publication, framing them as "management inefficiencies."
Rayyan, meanwhile, found himself under fire from an unexpected direction. Using Jiang Yu's research, Jiang quietly highlighted Tengku Hanafiah Zahid's questionable contracts with regulatory authorities. An audit was launched, forcing Rayyan's family to divert resources to address the investigation.
The two adversaries, so focused on retaliating against Jiang, now found themselves on the defensive. Jiang's family logistics network, meanwhile, resumed operations with enhanced efficiency thanks to Jiang's newly acquired Logistics Optimisation Skills.
As the dust settled, Jiang received an unexpected invitation to an exclusive gala hosted by Dato' Seri Zainuddin Adnan. The event promised to be a who's-who of Malayuna's elite, offering Jiang a rare opportunity to solidify his presence among the upper echelons.
At the gala, Jiang moved with calculated charm, engaging with influential figures while keeping an eye out for potential adversaries. It didn't take long before he spotted Hafiy Zafran, Zainuddin's ambitious son, watching him with thinly veiled hostility.
"Mr Jiang," Hafiy said, approaching with a polite smile that didn't reach his eyes. "You've been making quite a name for yourself. It's almost… disruptive."
Jiang returned the smile, equally polite. "Disruption is just another term for progress, Mr Hafiy. Perhaps it's time for some to adapt."
Hafiy's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Zainuddin himself joined the conversation. "Jiang Han! I've heard much about you. Tell me, how do you plan to keep up this momentum?"
Jiang met Zainuddin's gaze with quiet confidence. "By staying true to my values, Dato' Seri. Success built on integrity always endures."
Zainuddin chuckled, but his sharp eyes betrayed his assessment. Jiang was no ordinary player, and Zainuddin knew it.
As Jiang Han navigated the gala, a sense of calculated anticipation lingered in the air. The soft hum of violin strings provided a refined backdrop, but the undertone of competition and power struggles was palpable. Jiang understood the stakes—every conversation here was a potential alliance or conflict in disguise.
He approached a table adorned with intricately designed nameplates, each representing a figure of influence in Malayuna. One caught his attention: Dato' Rahman Arif. The father of Danish Afiq, Rahman was renowned for his sharp business acumen and an equally ruthless reputation.
"Mr Jiang," Rahman greeted him with a neutral expression. "Your recent ventures have been… fascinating."
Jiang inclined his head slightly, exuding confidence without arrogance. "I'm merely striving to contribute meaningfully, Dato'. The logistics sector in Malayuna has untapped potential."
Rahman's eyes gleamed with interest. "Indeed. Yet, your methods have stirred a hornet's nest. Danish, for instance, has found your tactics… inconvenient."
Jiang let a polite smile curve his lips. "Innovation often disrupts the comfortable. I trust Danish sees the value in healthy competition."
Before Rahman could respond, a tall figure joined them. It was Tengku Hanafiah Zahid, exuding an aura of authority. The man's arrival shifted the dynamics, drawing attention from nearby guests.
"Jiang Han," Hanafiah began, his voice deep and commanding. "I hear you've been making waves. Tell me, what is your endgame?"
Jiang met Hanafiah's piercing gaze. "Progress, Tengku. For my family's business and for Malayuna's logistics sector. Growth should benefit everyone, not just the privileged few."
A murmur rippled through the onlookers, Jiang's audacious statement cutting through the polished atmosphere like a blade. Hanafiah's expression betrayed no reaction, but Rahman's sharp intake of breath signalled that Jiang's words had landed a mark.
After the brief exchange, Jiang excused himself and retreated to a quieter section of the gala. Jiang Yu was waiting, tablet in hand, his expression reflecting urgency.
"Jiang, our sources confirm it—Rahman and Hanafiah have initiated a collaboration aimed at undercutting our logistics contracts."
Jiang's expression hardened. "They're moving faster than expected."
Jiang Yu hesitated. "What's the plan?"
Jiang's mind worked swiftly. "We'll preempt them. Leak news of our upcoming expansion plans to the media. Frame it as a groundbreaking initiative for sustainable logistics."
Jiang Yu frowned. "Wouldn't that reveal our strategy?"
Jiang's smile was razor-sharp. "It will. But it'll also force them to divert resources to counter an initiative that doesn't exist—yet."