Jiang Han leaned back in his chair, letting the satisfaction of the trial project's success settle in. But he knew that there was no time for complacency. The partnership with Syed Azlan Shah was only the beginning, a foothold into the upper echelons of Malayuna's business world. If he wanted to secure his family's future, he needed more than just one alliance—he needed an interconnected web of support.
As Jiang reviewed the day's events, the familiar chime of the system echoed in his mind.
System Notification:
Mission: Build a Strategic Alliance with Dato' Rahman Arif.
Objective: Convince Dato' Rahman to invest in your family's logistics business expansion.
Reward: Business Strategy Skill (Intermediate).
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: Risk of being undermined by Danish Afiq's network.
The mission parameters were clear, but Jiang couldn't help but groan. Dato' Rahman Arif, a shrewd and calculating tycoon, was known for his reluctance to partner with smaller businesses. Even worse, his son, Danish Afiq, had a reputation for sabotaging potential competitors.
Jiang stood, pacing the room. He'd need a solid plan to impress someone like Dato' Rahman. But first, he needed more information.
Jiang contacted his friend Amirul, who had connections within Malayuna's business community. Over a cup of strong kopi, Amirul shared insights into Dato' Rahman's preferences and weaknesses.
"Rahman is a pragmatist," Amirul explained, stirring his drink. "He doesn't care much for pleasantries or grandiose proposals. What he wants is guaranteed returns."
Jiang nodded, absorbing every word. "And his son? Danish?"
Amirul's face darkened. "A wolf in sheep's clothing. Danish is polite on the surface but ruthless underneath. He's sabotaged plenty of rising competitors, sometimes through legal manipulation, other times through outright deceit."
Jiang's jaw tightened. He'd dealt with people like Danish before, but it didn't make them any less dangerous.
Armed with Amirul's insights, Jiang arranged a meeting with Dato' Rahman at a high-end restaurant in the heart of Petraling Jaya. As he entered, Jiang felt the weight of the moment. The air was thick with the scent of roasted coffee beans and polished wood, and every patron seemed to exude an aura of wealth and power.
Dato' Rahman sat at a corner table, his posture as sharp as his tailored suit. His piercing gaze followed Jiang's movements as he approached.
"Mr Jiang," Rahman greeted, his tone neutral. "I trust this meeting will be worth my time."
"It will be, Dato'," Jiang replied, his voice steady. "Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
The two exchanged pleasantries before diving into the matter at hand. Jiang presented a concise yet compelling pitch, outlining his family's logistics business, its recent successes, and his vision for expansion. He highlighted how Rahman's investment could lead to mutually beneficial growth.
Rahman listened intently, his expression unreadable. When Jiang finished, the tycoon leaned back, steepling his fingers.
"Your proposal is interesting," Rahman said. "But interesting isn't enough. What guarantees can you offer me?"
Before Jiang could respond, a voice interrupted. "Father, are you seriously considering this?"
Jiang turned to see Danish Afiq approaching the table. Dressed impeccably, Danish carried an air of smug confidence that made Jiang's skin crawl.
"This is the young man I've heard about," Danish continued, his tone dripping with condescension. "The one who uses… unconventional methods to climb the ladder."
Jiang remained calm, even as Danish's words stung. He couldn't afford to let his emotions dictate his actions.
"Yes, Danish," Rahman replied, his voice firm. "And he's made a compelling case."
Danish smirked. "Compelling, perhaps. But is it trustworthy? Father, we've seen plenty of small players make grand promises only to falter when the stakes are high."
Jiang met Danish's gaze, his mind racing. He needed to turn the tables, to prove not only his competence but also Danish's underestimation of him.
"I appreciate your concern, Danish," Jiang said, his tone measured. "It's always good to have someone play the devil's advocate. But perhaps you'd like to test my capabilities yourself?"
Danish raised an eyebrow. "And how do you propose we do that?"
Jiang leaned forward, his confidence unwavering. "Let's run a trial. A high-stakes logistical challenge. If I succeed, your father will invest in my business. If I fail, I'll walk away, no questions asked."
Rahman's eyes gleamed with interest. "An intriguing proposition."
Danish hesitated, clearly caught off guard by Jiang's boldness. But he couldn't back down now without appearing weak. "Fine," he said. "I'll design the challenge myself."
"Agreed," Jiang replied, sealing the deal with a firm handshake.
System Notification:
Mission Update: Complete the Trial Challenge with a 100% Success Rate.
Hint: Use your negotiation skills to secure local support in remote areas.
Following the system's advice, Jiang reached out to local contacts in each delivery area. He negotiated with community leaders, securing their assistance in navigating the region's challenges. In one instance, he convinced a local mechanic to repair a delivery truck on-site, saving valuable time.
Despite the Danish's attempts to interfere—such as spreading misinformation to delay Jiang's progress—Jiang stayed one step ahead. His calm demeanour and quick thinking allowed him to adapt to every obstacle.
When the final delivery was confirmed, Jiang let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. The trial challenge was complete, and every hospital had received their equipment on time.
Back in Petraling Jaya, Rahman greeted Jiang with a rare smile. "You've exceeded my expectations, Mr Jiang. Consider my investment secured."
Danish, on the other hand, was livid. His attempts to sabotage Jiang had failed spectacularly, and his father's praise for Jiang only deepened his resentment.
System Notification:
Mission Complete: Build a Strategic Alliance with Dato' Rahman Arif.
Reward: Business Strategy Skill (Intermediate).
Bonus Hidden Reward: Danish Afiq's Hostility Unlocked.
Jiang knew that while he had gained an ally in Dato' Rahman, he had also made an enemy in Danish. But as he walked away from the meeting, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Each challenge brought him closer to his ultimate goal, and he was more determined than ever to succeed.