The atmosphere in Jiang Han's office crackled with tension. A map of Malayuna's business districts sprawled across his desk, peppered with pins and notes. Jiang Yu stood nearby, holding a cup of tea, his brow furrowed in thought.
"Ge," Jiang Yu finally broke the silence, "are we really going to take on Tengku Hanafiah Zahid head-on? His family practically runs half of the logistics in this region. What chance do we have?"
Jiang Han sipped his tea calmly, his eyes scanning the map. "Chance? We're not looking for chances, Yu. We're creating opportunities."
Before Jiang Yu could respond, a soft chime echoed in Jiang Han's mind, accompanied by the now-familiar holographic notification.
System Notification:
Mission: Secure Strategic Alliance with a Key Player.
Objective: Convince Puan Sri Safina Zahra to endorse Jiang Han's logistics expansion plans.
Reward: Negotiation Skill (Expert Level).
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: Immediate withdrawal of regional support and reputational damage.
Jiang Han smiled faintly. The system always seemed to deliver challenges tailored to test his limits, but he welcomed them now. They were opportunities to refine his craft and hone his strategies.
"We need to refocus," Jiang Han said, standing. "Tengku Hanafiah Zahid may control logistics, but Puan Sri Safina Zahra controls him. She's the key."
Jiang Yu blinked. "The matriarch? Ge, she's... not exactly approachable."
"Which is precisely why she's the right choice. The most influential people aren't swayed by power; they're swayed by necessity."
The next morning, Jiang Han entered the lobby of the luxurious Azure Crown Hotel, where Puan Sri Safina Zahra was attending a charity gala. Dressed in a tailored grey suit, he exuded a quiet confidence that belied his student status. Jiang Yu, acting as his assistant, followed closely, carrying a portfolio filled with detailed logistics proposals.
As they approached the reception desk, the attendant glanced at Jiang Han's name tag. "Mr. Jiang, your entry is restricted. This is an invite-only event."
Jiang Yu hesitated, but Jiang Han remained unfazed. He smiled warmly. "Ah, of course. Could you kindly inform Puan Sri Safina Zahra that I have a matter of great importance to discuss? It concerns her foundation's supply chain efficiency."
The attendant raised an eyebrow, clearly sceptical, but Jiang Han's tone carried a weight that couldn't be dismissed. She picked up the phone reluctantly.
Moments later, the reply came. "Puan Sri Zahra will meet you in the Orchid Lounge in ten minutes."
Jiang Yu whispered, "Ge, how did you pull that off?"
Jiang Han smirked. "Anticipation, Yu. If you present someone with intrigue and urgency, they can't resist. Let's move."
Puan Sri Safina Zahra was a vision of elegance, her emerald-green silk dress shimmering under the light. She exuded an air of authority, her sharp eyes scanning Jiang Han as he approached.
"You've piqued my curiosity, Mr Jiang," she said, gesturing for him to sit. "You have exactly five minutes. Impress me."
Jiang Han nodded, sliding the portfolio across the table. "Puan Sri, your foundation does remarkable work, but its supply chain could be optimised significantly. I've identified inefficiencies in cost and delivery timelines that, if resolved, could save your foundation millions annually while expanding its reach."
Her brows lifted slightly as she leafed through the documents. "Interesting. But why should I trust a student with no formal corporate standing to handle such a large-scale initiative?"
Jiang Han leaned forward, his voice steady. "Because I've studied every aspect of your supply chain. I know where it falters and how to fix it. And unlike your usual consultants, I have no agenda other than proving my capabilities."
Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Confidence. I like that. But confidence alone won't secure my support. What's your angle, Mr. Jiang?"
Jiang Han paused briefly before replying, "Mutual benefit, Puan Sri. Support my family's logistics business, and you gain not just optimised supply chains but also a loyal ally in future ventures. Together, we can set a new standard for efficiency and impact."
Just as Puan Sri seemed to consider his words, the doors to the lounge burst open. Danish Afiq strode in, his father, Dato' Rahman Arif, trailing behind.
"Ah, Jiang Han," Danish sneered. "I see you're attempting to worm your way into yet another deal. Puan Sri, you shouldn't waste your time with amateurs."
Dato' Rahman added, "My son's firm already handles several logistics contracts. We can offer better terms and a proven track record."
Puan Sri's gaze shifted between the two parties, her expression unreadable.
Jiang Han, however, remained composed. "Ah, Danish. Always a pleasure to see you." He turned to Puan Sri, his tone calm yet cutting. "Puan Sri, with all due respect, I'd advise caution. The Afiq family's recent logistical projects have faced delays and cost overruns. I have the reports to substantiate this."
He slid another document across the table, detailing the failures of Danish's firm.
Danish's face reddened. "You little—!"
"Enough!" Puan Sri's voice cut through the tension. She turned to Danish and his father. "I'll review both proposals and make my decision. For now, leave us."
Reluctantly, they left, casting venomous glares at Jiang Han.
Once alone, Puan Sri chuckled softly. "You've certainly stirred the pot, Mr. Jiang. I like your audacity. But tell me, how will you handle the inevitable backlash from the Afiq family?"
Jiang Han's eyes gleamed with determination. "By staying one step ahead, Puan Sri. Always."
Two days later, Jiang Han received a call from Puan Sri's office. Her voice was crisp but approving. "Mr. Jiang, I've decided to endorse your proposal. Let's set up a meeting to finalise the details."
Jiang Han allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction. The system chimed again, its notification glowing brightly.
System Notification:
Mission Complete!
Reward: Negotiation Skill (Expert Level) Unlocked.
Bonus Hidden Reward: Tactical Insight Skill.
Jiang Yu clapped his brother on the back. "Ge, you actually pulled it off! What's next?"
Jiang Han smiled faintly. "Next? We solidify our position. This is just the beginning, Yu."
Jiang Han leaned back slightly in his chair, his fingers drumming against the edge of the table as he studied the situation unfolding before him. The lively hum of the banquet hall contrasted sharply with the sharp undertones of power and rivalry. Across the room, Rayyan Hakimi and Hafiy Zafran exchanged whispers, their gazes darting toward Jiang Han intermittently. Clearly, tonight's gathering wasn't just about celebrating partnerships—it was a calculated battlefield.
Jiang Yu stood at Jiang Han's side, his sharp gaze scanning the room with a vigilance that belied his age. "Ge, they're plotting something," he murmured under his breath, keeping his tone low enough for only Jiang Han to hear.
"I know, Yu," Jiang Han replied evenly, his expression calm but his mind already calculating the potential moves. "They'll make their play soon. For now, let's give them the stage they so desperately want."
Before Jiang Yu could respond, a familiar chime echoed in Jiang Han's mind, followed by the now-expected bold, italicised system notification:
System Notification:
Mission: Counter the Challenge at the Banquet
Objective: Outwit Rayyan Hakimi and Hafiy Zafran in a public confrontation without tarnishing your reputation.
Reward: Enhanced Charisma Skill
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: Damage to your standing among influential families.
The notification disappeared, but its weight lingered. Jiang Han's lips curled into a faint smirk. He had anticipated something like this; the system never missed an opportunity to turn pressure into progress.
Rayyan Hakimi took the first move, raising his glass to call for attention. His voice rang out, smooth yet laced with veiled arrogance. "Ladies and gentlemen, I must say, tonight's gathering is truly remarkable. It's rare to see such a mix of talent and ambition under one roof. And speaking of ambition," he added with a pointed glance at Jiang Han, "I've heard intriguing rumours about some... unconventional methods being used in the business world lately."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd as all eyes turned toward Jiang Han. Rayyan's words were crafted to plant doubt without direct accusations, forcing Jiang Han into a defensive position.
Jiang Han rose from his seat gracefully, his movement measured and deliberate. He met Rayyan's gaze with a steady calm that silenced the murmurs around him. "Rumours," Jiang Han said, his voice carrying the perfect blend of authority and nonchalance, "are often the product of envy or misunderstanding. But since you've brought up the topic, perhaps you'd like to elaborate?"
Rayyan's confident smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before he recovered. "Oh, it's nothing personal, of course. I simply believe in transparency and fair play in business. I'm sure we all do."
Jiang Han's response was swift, his tone light but laced with an edge that cut through the air. "Transparency and fair play are principles I hold dear. In fact, I'd be happy to discuss my strategies openly, provided you're willing to do the same. Shall we compare notes, Rayyan?"
The crowd erupted in laughter, the tables turned on Rayyan with Jiang Han's clever counter. The subtle jab left Rayyan with little room to manoeuvre without exposing himself further.
Jiang Yu chuckled softly beside his brother. "Ge, that was brilliant."
"Stay sharp, Yu," Jiang Han replied quietly. "This is far from over."
Hafiy Zafran, sensing his ally's predicament, stepped forward with a new angle. "Jiang Han," he began, his voice smooth and calculated, "it's impressive how quickly you've risen in the business world. Almost... too impressive. Would you care to share the secret to your success?"
Jiang Han smiled, his expression unreadable. "Success, Hafiy, is a result of hard work, resourcefulness, and adaptability. If you're implying there's more to it, feel free to enlighten me."
Hafiy's eyes narrowed slightly, realising his trap had been anticipated and dismantled. Still, he pressed on. "Surely, there's more to it than that. After all, not everyone has the... advantages you do."
Jiang Han tilted his head slightly, his smile growing. "Advantages? I'm flattered that you think so highly of me, but let me assure you, my only advantage is my ability to recognise opportunities where others see obstacles. Perhaps that's something we can all aspire to."
The room buzzed with murmurs again, the tide of opinion clearly shifting in Jiang Han's favour. His poise and wit not only deflected the attacks but turned them into opportunities to showcase his strength and credibility.
Suddenly, a waiter approached with a tray of glasses, offering one to Jiang Han. The subtle exchange of glances between the waiter and Hafiy did not go unnoticed by Jiang Yu, who leaned in quickly. "Ge, don't drink that."
Jiang Han took the glass but did not raise it to his lips. Instead, he held it up, his eyes scanning the room. "A toast," he declared, his voice carrying over the crowd. "To transparency, fair play, and the ability to recognise and rise above challenges."
The crowd raised their glasses in response, the toast diffusing the tension. Jiang Han placed his glass back on the tray without taking a sip, his subtle move not lost on Hafiy, whose expression darkened.
As the evening continued, the atmosphere shifted in Jiang Han's favour. Rayyan and Hafiy's attempts to undermine him had backfired spectacularly, leaving them scrambling to salvage their reputations.