The warehouse echoed with tension as Jiang Han, Mei Ling, and Wei Lun analysed their next move. Tengku Hanafiah Zahid's empire was teetering on the edge, but Jiang knew that dismantling a giant wasn't as simple as toppling a single domino. The game had only just begun, and Haris Ridwan's cryptic calls made Jiang wonder how deep the shadows would stretch before dawn arrived.
The next day, Haris summoned Jiang to a secluded bungalow in Bukit Malayuna, a location as secretive as its owner. The lavish, marble-floored home seemed an odd place for a meeting about logistics sabotage, but it suited Haris' personality—opulent yet shrouded in mystery.
"Ah, Jiang, punctual as ever," Haris said, offering a seat by the window. The view overlooked the Malayuna skyline, a sprawling expanse of commerce and ambition.
"I'm here because I assume this is urgent," Jiang replied, ignoring Haris' smirk.
"It is," Haris confirmed. "Tengku Hanafiah's name is mud in the public sphere, but privately, he's preparing to consolidate his remaining power. If we don't act decisively now, he'll emerge stronger than ever."
"What do you need?" Jiang asked, though he already had a hunch.
Haris leaned in. "I need you to infiltrate a business meeting he's hosting at his private estate tomorrow evening. He'll be gathering his remaining allies to strategise a counterattack. I want you to disrupt their plans."
"And how exactly do you expect me to do that?" Jiang raised an eyebrow.
"Charm, persuasion, and if necessary, some misdirection," Haris said, sliding an envelope across the table. "This contains everything you'll need—an invitation forged by one of my contacts and some background information on key attendees."
Jiang took the envelope but hesitated. "This isn't exactly my forte."
"Perhaps not," Haris admitted. "But you've proven resourceful before. I trust you'll find a way."
Mission: Sabotage Tengku Hanafiah Zahid's Alliance Meeting
Objective: Attend the meeting and sow discord among Tengku Hanafiah's remaining supporters.
Reward: Deception Skill (Intermediate).
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: Tengku Hanafiah's influence will recover, and his retaliation will escalate.
Back at his base of operations, Jiang shared the mission details with Mei Ling and Wei Lun. The team reviewed the guest list, searching for potential weaknesses.
"This one looks promising," Mei Ling said, pointing to the name Dato' Rahman Arif. "He's one of Tengku Hanafiah's closest allies but has a reputation for being easily swayed if personal profit is involved."
Jiang nodded. "If we can convince him that sticking with Tengku Hanafiah will cost him more than it's worth, he might abandon ship."
"What about leverage?" Wei Lun asked. "Do we have anything on him?"
"Not yet," Jiang admitted. "But we can keep it simple. Highlight the risks of association and dangle an alternative partnership. Sometimes fear is a stronger motivator than greed."
The next evening, Jiang arrived at Tengku Hanafiah's estate, dressed in a tailored suit Mei Ling had picked out to help him blend in. The sprawling mansion was a testament to wealth, its high walls and guarded gates emphasising exclusivity. Flashing the forged invitation, Jiang gained entry without issue.
Inside, the air buzzed with tension. The guests were a mix of old-money elites and corporate sharks, each nursing a drink while exchanging whispered theories about Tengku Hanafiah's recent misfortunes. Jiang scanned the room, spotting Dato' Rahman near the bar.
"Dato' Rahman, a pleasure to meet you," Jiang said, extending a hand.
The older man gave a perfunctory smile. "And you are?"
"Jiang Han," he replied smoothly. "I represent a rising logistics firm interested in potential collaborations. I've heard a lot about your sharp business acumen."
The flattery seemed to work, and Rahman's stance relaxed. "Well, Jiang, you've caught me at an interesting time. What exactly can I do for you?"
Jiang leaned closer, lowering his voice. "I couldn't help but notice the precarious position Tengku Hanafiah finds himself in. A man of your calibre must surely have considered the potential fallout of remaining aligned with him."
Rahman's eyes narrowed. "Go on."
"Public scrutiny is a dangerous thing," Jiang continued. "And when someone like Tengku Hanafiah becomes a liability, his allies often bear the brunt of the consequences. But there are opportunities for those willing to pivot early."
Rahman sipped his drink thoughtfully, his silence encouraging Jiang to press further.
"My firm is looking to expand, and we value partners who prioritise foresight over loyalty. If you're open to a discussion, I believe we could offer something mutually beneficial."
Rahman's lips twitched in a half-smile. "You're bold, Jiang Han. I like that. Let's see how this evening unfolds."
Jiang spent the next hour weaving through the crowd, planting seeds of doubt among Tengku Hanafiah's allies. By the time the man himself appeared to address the group, the atmosphere had shifted noticeably.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Tengku Hanafiah began, his voice commanding despite the strain in his features. "I won't deny that recent events have been challenging. But challenges are merely opportunities in disguise."
As he outlined his recovery plan, Jiang noted the scepticism on several faces. Rahman, in particular, seemed less engaged, his gaze occasionally drifting toward Jiang.
When the speech concluded, Jiang seized the opportunity to approach Rahman once more. "Well, what did you think?"
Rahman sighed. "He's a compelling speaker, but words don't fix reputations or balance sheets. I might just take you up on that discussion, Jiang."
Mission Progress: Tengku Hanafiah Zahid's alliance has been weakened. Key supporter Dato' Rahman Arif is reconsidering his loyalty.
Next Step: Follow up with Dato' Rahman to solidify the partnership.
Reward Unlocked: Deception Skill (Intermediate).
As Jiang left the estate, his phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. "You're playing a dangerous game, Jiang Han. Be careful, or you might find yourself on the losing side."
He frowned, tucking the phone back into his pocket. The warning only solidified his resolve. The game might be dangerous, but Jiang was determined to play it to win.
The warning message lingered in Jiang Han's mind as he strode away from Tengku Hanafiah's estate. The gravity of the game he was playing was becoming clearer with each passing encounter. This was no longer just about acquiring donations or fulfilling the system's whimsical missions. Every action, every word carried weight, a ripple effect that could alter his trajectory—and that of those around him—irreversibly.
As Jiang stepped into the bustling streets of Petraling Jaya, his phone buzzed. It was an unknown number, but he instinctively knew it wasn't a telemarketer. With a steadying breath, he answered.
"Jiang Han," a crisp male voice greeted. It was sharp, calculated, and exuded authority. "This is Dato' Rahman Arif."
The name sent a jolt of adrenaline through Jiang Han. Danish Afiq's father? Why was he calling now? Jiang quickly adjusted his tone, layering it with a polite deference. "Good evening, Dato' Rahman. How can I assist you?"
"I've heard about your meeting with Tengku Hanafiah," Dato' Rahman began, his words slow and deliberate. "And your sudden interest in the logistics sector. You seem... ambitious for someone so young."
Jiang chuckled lightly, masking his nerves. "Ambition keeps us moving forward, doesn't it, Dato'? Especially in a competitive city like Petraling Jaya."
A brief pause followed before Dato' Rahman's voice dropped an octave, carrying a veiled threat. "Be careful, Jiang. The circles you're stepping into don't tolerate carelessness or overreach. Ambition without prudence leads to ruin."
The call ended abruptly, leaving Jiang staring at his phone. His mind raced. Was this a warning? A challenge? Or merely an attempt to intimidate him into backing down?
The System Notification chimed, slicing through his thoughts like a blade:
System Notification: New Side Mission Unlocked.
Mission: Gain Dato' Rahman Arif's Approval.
Objective: Secure Dato' Rahman's goodwill by demonstrating competence and resilience under pressure.
Reward: Networking Skill (Intermediate).
Hidden Bonus Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: Reputation among influential tycoons in Malayuna will decline drastically.
Jiang sighed heavily, gripping the phone tighter. "Networking skill, huh?" he muttered to himself. "The system really has a knack for throwing me into the fire."
He flagged down a passing taxi and directed it towards his next destination. Sitting back, Jiang replayed the day's events in his mind. Tengku Hanafiah had presented an opportunity, but also a challenge. Dato' Rahman's sudden interest added another layer of complexity. And yet, beneath it all, Jiang sensed the faintest spark of exhilaration. The stakes were higher than ever, but so too was the potential for growth.
"I'll show them," he murmured, his gaze hardening. "No matter how impossible it seems, I'll rise."