The room was dimly lit, the hum of the café's air conditioning providing a subtle backdrop to the tension that filled the air. Jiang Han sat across from Haris Ridwan, his mind calculating every word, every subtle movement of his adversary. Haris was an enigma—stoic and unreadable, his sharp features betraying nothing.
But Jiang knew better than to underestimate his target. As the son of Dato' Muzaffar Rahim, Haris had inherited not just wealth but also the cunning necessary to survive in a world of ruthless power plays.
Haris leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he finally broke the silence. "You're bold, Jiang Han. I'll give you that. But you're also treading on dangerous ground."
"Danger is relative," Jiang replied, his tone calm. "What's truly dangerous is allowing Tengku Hanafiah Zahid and Danish Afiq to act unchecked. They're building an empire that could crush anyone in their way—including your family's interests."
Haris tapped his fingers on the table, considering the implications. "You make a compelling argument, but you're asking me to betray alliances that have taken years to build. Why should I risk that for you?"
"Because loyalty is a two-way street," Jiang said. "Do you genuinely believe Tengku Hanafiah or Danish value their alliances? They're using you, Haris. The moment you're no longer useful, they'll cast you aside."
Haris's lips twitched, but whether in agreement or annoyance, Jiang couldn't tell. "You seem awfully confident for someone in your position."
Jiang leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Confidence isn't the same as arrogance. I've done my homework, Haris. I know what's at stake—for both of us."
Mission Update: Establish Trust with an Unlikely Ally
Progress: Haris Ridwan is intrigued but unconvinced.
Next Step: Provide evidence of Tengku Hanafiah's betrayal to sway Haris.
Reward: Negotiation Skill (Expert).
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
The conversation ended on a tentative note, with Haris agreeing to meet again after Jiang could provide concrete evidence of Tengku Hanafiah's duplicity. Jiang knew he was walking a tightrope—Haris's cooperation could tip the scales in his favour, but failure would mean turning a potential ally into a formidable foe.
Returning home, Jiang activated the Begging System, searching for clues that could aid him.
System Notification:
Mission Enhancement Available: Investigate Tengku Hanafiah Zahid's Dealings.
Objective: Uncover evidence of Tengku Hanafiah's underhanded tactics to present to Haris Ridwan.
Reward: Enhanced Negotiation Skills.
Failure Consequence: Haris Ridwan's trust will be irreparably damaged.
Jiang's mind raced. The system's directive was clear, but uncovering tangible proof would require careful planning and precise execution. He couldn't afford to make a single misstep.
The next day, Jiang enlisted the help of Wei Lun and Mei Ling, briefing them on the delicate situation. "We need to find something concrete—emails, contracts, anything that shows Tengku Hanafiah is double-dealing."
Mei Ling frowned. "That's a tall order. People like Tengku Hanafiah don't leave trails unless they're confident no one can find them."
"Which is why we're going to think like him," Jiang said. "If he's smart, he'll have hidden his dealings in plain sight, protected by layers of plausible deniability. But every move leaves a trace—we just need to follow it."
Wei Lun nodded. "I know someone who might be able to help. There's a tech whiz at my cousin's university who specialises in digital forensics. If anyone can dig up dirt, it's him."
"Good," Jiang said. "Reach out to him and let me know what he needs. Time is of the essence."
Over the next two days, Jiang and his team worked tirelessly. With the help of Wei Lun's contact, they traced suspicious transactions linked to Tengku Hanafiah's enterprises. The breakthrough came when they uncovered a shell company registered under a pseudonym—a company that had been funnelling funds into questionable ventures.
"This is it," Mei Ling said, her eyes lighting up as she analysed the data. "These transactions tie back to one of Tengku Hanafiah's business associates. If we can connect the dots, we'll have what we need."
Jiang's lips curved into a rare smile. "Great work. Let's compile this into a report Haris can't ignore."
The following evening, Jiang met Haris at the same café, his briefcase in hand. Haris arrived a few minutes late, his expression unreadable.
Jiang wasted no time, sliding the compiled evidence across the table. "This is what you need to see."
Haris opened the folder, his eyes scanning the documents with increasing intensity. The further he read, the darker his expression grew.
"This…" Haris muttered, trailing off. "Where did you get this?"
"Does it matter?" Jiang asked. "The point is, Tengku Hanafiah is playing everyone—including you. These transactions prove he's been diverting resources from his allies for his own gain."
Haris closed the folder, his jaw tightening. For a long moment, he said nothing, the weight of the revelation settling over him.
"You've given me a lot to think about," he finally said, his tone measured. "I'll need time to process this."
Jiang nodded. "Take all the time you need. But remember—every moment you hesitate is a moment Tengku Hanafiah gains the upper hand."
As Jiang walked away from the café, he felt a surge of satisfaction. The meeting had gone as well as he could have hoped, but he knew the battle was far from over. Haris's cooperation was only the first step—much larger challenges lay ahead.
Back at home, the Begging System chimed, signalling the completion of his mission.
System Notification:
Mission Complete: Establish Trust with an Unlikely Ally.
Reward: Negotiation Skill (Expert).
Bonus Hidden Reward: Insight Ability (Enhanced Perception).
Jiang Han's mood was uncharacteristically light as he exited the café. His gamble with Haris Ridwan had, for now, played out in his favour. The newfound Negotiation Skills (Expert) from the system gave him sharper insights into reading people, which had proven invaluable during the conversation. Still, he knew better than to celebrate prematurely—alliances forged in shadows often carried unforeseen costs.
Two days later, Haris Ridwan reached out to Jiang. His voice was curt and controlled, but Jiang sensed an undertone of urgency. "Meet me tonight at the old warehouse on Jalan Petraling. Come alone."
Jiang frowned at the cryptic message. Was Haris ready to solidify their partnership, or was this a trap? He checked the Begging System for a potential update, but it remained silent as if urging him to rely on his instincts.
Despite the risks, Jiang prepared carefully. He informed Mei Ling and Wei Lun about the meeting, ensuring they would be nearby in case things turned sour. Armed with the enhanced perception of his bonus reward, Jiang felt cautiously optimistic.
The warehouse was dimly lit, its metallic walls echoing every movement. Haris stood at the centre of the room, flanked by two imposing men who eyed Jiang suspiciously. Their presence wasn't a surprise—Haris wouldn't come unprotected.
"You're prompt," Haris said, his voice carrying an edge of approval.
"I make it a habit not to waste anyone's time," Jiang replied evenly.
Haris gestured for Jiang to come closer. "I've reviewed the evidence you provided. You were right—Tengku Hanafiah has been siphoning resources for months. I confronted him yesterday, and he didn't even bother denying it."
Jiang smirked. "He probably didn't expect you to find out."
"Exactly," Haris said, his tone darkening. "But exposing him comes with its own set of risks. If I move against him openly, I risk losing more than I gain. My family can't afford that."
"And you think I can?" Jiang asked, raising an eyebrow.
Haris shook his head. "I don't need you to take him down. I need you to weaken him—create enough chaos that his other allies turn on him."
Jiang crossed his arms. "That's a tall order, Haris. You're asking me to fight your battles while you sit back and watch."
"Not quite," Haris countered. "You'll be compensated. Tengku Hanafiah owns several logistics companies—one of which has been strangling your family's business with unfair competition. Help me dismantle his empire, and I'll ensure your family gets exclusive access to key supply routes."
The offer was tempting, but Jiang's instincts warned him of hidden dangers. He needed time to weigh the pros and cons, but Haris was watching him intently, waiting for a response.
"Give me 48 hours to decide," Jiang said finally. "This isn't a decision I can make lightly."
Haris nodded, his expression unreadable. "Fair enough. But don't take too long—Tengku Hanafiah is already suspicious. We need to act before he consolidates his power."
Mission: Topple Tengku Hanafiah Zahid's Logistics Monopoly
Objective: Identify and expose Tengku Hanafiah Zahid's illegal business practices.
Reward: Market Domination Skill (Intermediate).
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: Loss of influence among Malayuna's business elite.
Back at his apartment, Jiang gathered his team for an emergency meeting. Mei Ling reviewed the mission parameters with a critical eye, while Wei Lun tapped furiously on his laptop, compiling a list of potential leads.
"This is risky," Mei Ling said, her tone grave. "Tengku Hanafiah has connections everywhere. If we fail, the fallout could be catastrophic."
"I know," Jiang admitted. "But this isn't just about helping Haris. This is a chance to level the playing field for my family. We can't afford to pass it up."
Wei Lun leaned back in his chair. "I've identified three potential avenues we can exploit: financial irregularities, labour violations, and environmental breaches. Tengku Hanafiah's operations are massive—he's bound to have skeletons in his closet."
"Good," Jiang said. "Focus on the financial angle first. Money is the foundation of his power—if we destabilise that, everything else will crumble."
Over the next 48 hours, Jiang and his team worked tirelessly. With Wei Lun's technical expertise and Mei Ling's analytical skills, they uncovered a series of questionable transactions tied to Tengku Hanafiah's logistics firm. The transactions suggested he was funnelling money through offshore accounts to evade taxes—a discovery that could devastate his credibility if made public.
"This is gold," Wei Lun said, grinning. "If we leak this to the right channels, Tengku Hanafiah won't know what hit him."
Jiang nodded but remained cautious. "We need to be strategic about this. A direct leak might backfire if he traces it back to us. Let's create a diversion—make it look like the information came from one of his disgruntled employees."
The plan was set in motion the following day. Using an anonymous email account, Jiang's team sent the incriminating documents to a prominent investigative journalist known for exposing corruption. Within hours, the news spread like wildfire, and Malayuna's business community buzzed with speculation.
Tengku Hanafiah's name was dragged through the mud as government officials announced an official investigation into his practices. His allies, wary of the scrutiny, began distancing themselves, leaving him vulnerable.
Jiang watched the events unfold with satisfaction, but he knew this was only the beginning. Tengku Hanafiah wouldn't go down without a fight, and Jiang needed to stay one step ahead.
Mission Progress: Tengku Hanafiah Zahid's reputation has been severely damaged.
Next Step: Capitalise on his weakened state to secure Haris Ridwan's full cooperation.
Reward Unlocked: Market Domination Skill (Intermediate).