The following morning began with an unexpected message for Jiang Han. His assistant relayed a phone call from Zenith Corporation's representative, Mr Khoo Wei Sheng, inviting Jiang Han to a meeting in the bustling business district of Petraling Jaya. The meeting was a critical step in the process of securing the collaboration Jiang Han had been strategising for.
"Mr Khoo is an important gatekeeper," Jiang Han explained to Jiang Yu over breakfast. "Winning him over is as crucial as impressing Zenith's board."
"You've handled tougher challenges," Jiang Yu replied. "This is just another chess move."
Jiang Han nodded, appreciating his brother's confidence. However, he knew this was more than a simple negotiation. Mr Khoo was known for his sharp eye for detail and an unrelenting demand for precision.
Before the meeting, Jiang Han meticulously prepared his proposal. He outlined every key point in the presentation, ensuring that every potential weakness was addressed. Jiang Yu reviewed the logistics reports, streamlining data to reflect maximum efficiency.
The Begging System chimed in:
System Notification:
Mission: Secure Mr Khoo's Endorsement
Objective: Convince Mr Khoo to advocate for your logistics proposal to Zenith Corporation's board.
Reward: Enhanced Analytical Skill (Expert)
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: Loss of Zenith Corporation as a potential client.
"Mr Khoo values hard facts and precision," Jiang Han said, noting the system's mission. "Let's focus on numbers and reliability."
The office of Zenith Corporation was located on the 25th floor of a glass-walled skyscraper. Jiang Han arrived early, dressed in a tailored navy suit that exuded professionalism without ostentation.
Mr Khoo greeted him with a firm handshake. "Mr Jiang, thank you for coming. I've been reviewing your company's profile, and I must admit, your reputation precedes you."
"Thank you, Mr Khoo," Jiang Han replied, maintaining steady eye contact. "I'm confident we can provide Zenith with the logistical excellence it needs to enhance its operations."
The meeting room was equipped with a large digital screen, where Jiang Han's presentation was projected. His slides were concise but impactful, with data points emphasising his family business's success in managing complex logistical networks.
As he spoke, Jiang Han noticed Mr Khoo's expressions shifting subtly. A raised eyebrow here, a slight nod there. It was clear that the man was both impressed and critical, weighing every word Jiang Han said.
"The numbers are promising," Mr Khoo said after the presentation. "But Zenith needs more than just promises. What contingency plans do you have for unforeseen disruptions—natural disasters, strikes, or supply chain bottlenecks?"
Jiang Han didn't flinch. "We have a three-tier contingency strategy. For instance, during last year's port closures, we rerouted 85% of our shipments through alternate channels within 24 hours, ensuring minimal delays for our clients. I can provide specific case studies if needed."
Mr Khoo leaned back, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Impressive. Few companies think that far ahead."
As the meeting was concluding, Jiang Han noticed movement outside the glass walls of the meeting room. A familiar figure—Danish Afiq—was standing in the lobby, speaking animatedly with someone Jiang recognised as one of Zenith's junior executives.
Danish's presence was no coincidence. He was likely here to undermine Jiang Han's efforts, leveraging his connections to sow doubt about Jiang's reliability.
The Begging System chimed in again:
System Notification:
Warning: Rival Presence Detected
Sub-Mission: Neutralise Danish Afiq's Influence on Zenith Corporation
Reward: Charisma Boost (Elite)
Failure Consequence: Reduced credibility with key corporate stakeholders.
Jiang Han's mind raced. Danish's appearance was a direct attempt to sabotage his negotiation. He had to act swiftly and decisively.
As Jiang Han left the meeting room, he approached Danish with a calm yet firm demeanour. "Danish, what a surprise. I wasn't aware Zenith was considering other logistics providers."
Danish turned, his smirk faltering for a brief moment before regaining his composure. "Jiang Han. Just here for a casual chat with a few acquaintances. Zenith's an old client of my father's."
"Of course," Jiang Han said smoothly. "It's always good to maintain relationships. By the way, I just concluded a meeting with Mr Khoo. He seems quite impressed with our contingency strategies."
Danish's smirk stiffened. He clearly hadn't anticipated Jiang Han's confidence.
At that moment, Mr Khoo exited the meeting room. Jiang Han seized the opportunity.
"Mr Khoo," he said, turning toward the executive, "this is Danish Afiq, a contemporary of mine. He's been quite vocal about his family's ventures. Perhaps he could provide you with some insight into their operations."
The subtle jab didn't go unnoticed by Mr Khoo, who looked between the two men with a discerning gaze. "Interesting. I'm always keen to hear about alternative perspectives. Danish, is it? What would you say sets your family's logistics apart from others?"
Danish hesitated, clearly unprepared for such a direct question. "Well, we, uh, focus on delivering high-quality service and, um, maintaining a personal touch with our clients."
Mr Khoo's expression remained neutral, but Jiang Han could sense the man's scepticism. Danish's vague response lacked the concrete data and confidence that Mr Khoo valued.
Jiang Han decided to press the advantage. "Danish, why don't you share some specifics about your contingency strategies? Mr Khoo was particularly interested in those during our discussion."
Danish's eyes flickered with panic. He stammered, "We, uh, handle disruptions on a case-by-case basis. Flexibility, you know?"
Mr Khoo's polite but curt nod was enough to signal his disinterest. "Gentlemen, I'll leave you to your conversation. Mr Jiang, I'll be in touch regarding the next steps."
As Mr Khoo walked away, Danish shot Jiang Han a glare. "You think you're clever, don't you?"
"I think I'm prepared," Jiang Han replied coolly. "Perhaps you should try it sometime."
That evening, Jiang Han received another system notification.
System Notification:
Mission Completed: Secure Mr Khoo's Endorsement
Reward: Enhanced Analytical Skill (Expert)
Bonus Hidden Reward Unlocked: Strategic Negotiator Badge
Jiang Han smiled. The rewards weren't just skills—they were validation of his ability to navigate complex challenges.
"Yu," he called out as he leaned back in his chair, "prepare the next phase of our proposal. Zenith's just the beginning."