Jiang Han's recent triumph against Hafiy Zafran sent ripples across the business community in Petraling Jaya. The logistics performance test not only secured his company's reputation but also showcased his strategic brilliance. However, as Jiang knew all too well, every victory carried a price, and his enemies wouldn't let this loss slide.
The week following his victory was a whirlwind of new client inquiries and expansion opportunities. Jiang and his brother, Jiang Yu, spent long hours strategising on how best to capitalise on their growing momentum. But as they worked, Jiang couldn't ignore the feeling that a storm was brewing.
One evening, Jiang Han received a message from Rayyan Hakimi, son of Tengku Hanafiah Zahid. The message was polite yet intriguing:
"Let's meet. I have a proposition that could benefit us both."
Jiang leaned back in his chair, contemplating the implications. Rayyan Hakimi was a wildcard—a young businessman known for his charm and resourcefulness but also for his ruthless tactics. His family, one of the wealthiest in Malayuna, had the power to be either a formidable ally or a devastating enemy.
"Ge, do you think it's a trap?" Jiang Yu asked as Jiang shared the message.
"Possibly," Jiang admitted. "But ignoring it could also mean missing an opportunity. We'll meet but on our terms."
Jiang replied to the message, proposing a neutral venue—a well-known café frequented by entrepreneurs. To his surprise, Rayyan agreed immediately.
When Jiang arrived at the café, Rayyan was already waiting, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit. His confident smile didn't waver as Jiang approached.
"Jiang Han," Rayyan greeted, extending his hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet the man everyone's talking about."
Jiang shook his hand, his expression neutral. "Likewise, Rayyan. I hear you have a proposition for me."
Rayyan gestured for Jiang to sit before diving straight into the matter. "Your recent victory against Hafiy Zafran was... impressive. It's clear you're not just lucky—you're a strategist. And that's exactly why I think we should collaborate."
Jiang raised an eyebrow. "Collaborate? How?"
"My family is expanding into e-commerce logistics," Rayyan explained. "We're looking for a reliable partner to handle last-mile delivery. With your reputation and our resources, we could dominate the market."
It was an enticing offer, but Jiang's instincts urged caution. Aligning with Rayyan's family could provide immense benefits, but it could also make him dependent on their whims.
"What's in it for you?" Jiang asked, his tone sharp.
Rayyan chuckled. "Straight to the point—I like that. My family's logistics capabilities are... lacking. Partnering with you gives us credibility, and in return, you gain access to our network and capital. It's a win-win."
That night, Jiang discussed the proposal with Jiang Yu and their trusted team members. Opinions were divided.
"Ge, this could accelerate our growth significantly," Jiang Yu argued. "With their resources, we could expand faster than we ever imagined."
"But at what cost?" one of their senior managers countered. "Partnering with a family as powerful as theirs means losing some of our autonomy. They'll expect to call the shots."
Jiang remained silent, weighing the risks and rewards. After much deliberation, he decided to consult the Begging System for guidance.
System Notification:
Mission: Negotiate Terms with Rayyan Hakimi.
Objective: Secure a partnership without compromising your company's autonomy.
Reward: Strategic Negotiation Skill (Advanced).
Failure Consequence: Dependency on Rayyan Hakimi's family, leading to reduced control over your business.
Jiang exhaled deeply. The stakes were high, but he had no intention of backing down.
The following day, Jiang met Rayyan again, this time at a private office. Rayyan's confidence was palpable, but Jiang wasn't intimidated.
"I've considered your proposal," Jiang began. "But if we're going to work together, it has to be on equal terms."
Rayyan leaned back, his smile unwavering. "I'm listening."
Jiang laid out his conditions:
1. His company would retain full operational control over logistics processes.
2. Any decisions involving major changes would require mutual agreement.
3. Rayyan's family would invest as silent partners, with no interference in daily operations.
Rayyan's expression shifted, his confidence faltering slightly. "You drive a hard bargain, Jiang Han. But you have to understand—my family doesn't make passive investments."
"Then this partnership won't work," Jiang said firmly. "I've built this business from the ground up. I won't let it become a puppet for someone else's ambitions."
The room fell silent as Rayyan studied Jiang, searching for any sign of weakness. When he found none, he laughed.
"You're bold, I'll give you that," Rayyan said. "Fine. We'll proceed with your terms for now. But don't forget, Jiang Han, that partnerships require trust. Don't make me regret this."
With the deal finalised, Jiang wasted no time leveraging Rayyan's investment. He used the funds to upgrade their warehouse facilities and implement state-of-the-art tracking systems. Meanwhile, he ensured his team remained vigilant, monitoring Rayyan's involvement closely.
Jiang also took the opportunity to mentor Jiang Yu, teaching him advanced negotiation techniques and financial strategies. "If we're going to compete with families like Rayyan's, we need to think several steps ahead," Jiang explained.
Just as Jiang's partnership with Rayyan began to show promise, a new threat emerged—Rajveer Krishnan, the ambitious son of a prominent legal dynasty. Rajveer's family had recently diversified into logistics, and their aggressive tactics were causing disruptions in the market.
Rajveer reached out to several of Jiang's clients, offering them lucrative contracts to switch providers. While most remained loyal, a few were tempted by the promises of lower costs and faster services.
Jiang recognised the danger immediately. "Rajveer's family has the resources to sustain losses in the short term," he told Jiang Yu. "They're trying to bleed us dry."
System Notification:
Mission: Counter Rajveer Krishnan's Market Disruption.
Objective: Retain at least 90% of your current client base.
Reward: Market Analysis Skill (Advanced).
Failure Consequence: Loss of credibility and significant revenue decline.
Jiang devised a multi-pronged strategy to counter Rajveer's tactics. He strengthened relationships with existing clients through personalised service and exclusive benefits. Simultaneously, he expanded their client base, targeting smaller businesses that valued reliability over cost.
Rajveer, however, wasn't one to back down. He escalated his efforts, spreading false rumours about Jiang's company. When one of Jiang's potential clients confronted him about these rumours, Jiang responded with a calm yet firm rebuttal.
"Rajveer Krishnan can say whatever he wants," Jiang said. "But actions speak louder than words. Let our track record speak for itself."
The client was impressed by Jiang's composure and agreed to a trial contract.
As Jiang navigated these challenges, he couldn't help but reflect on how far he had come. Each obstacle tested his resolve, but they also honed his skills and strengthened his determination.
System Notification:
Mission Complete: Negotiate Terms with Rayyan Hakimi.
Reward Unlocked: Strategic Negotiation Skill (Advanced).
System Notification:
Mission Update: Counter Rajveer Krishnan's Market Disruption – Progress at 75%.
Jiang smiled. The path ahead was still fraught with challenges, but he was more prepared than ever to face them.