Jiang Han sat in the dimly lit corner of a trendy café in Petraling Jaya, sipping on his lukewarm espresso. He had chosen this spot deliberately, out of sight yet close enough to observe the main players. The recent victory with Worldwide Cargo Nexus had propelled his family's business onto the radar of significant players in the logistics world. However, Jiang Han knew well that with opportunities came threats.
The Begging System had chimed not long ago with another mission:
System Notification:
Mission: Forge an Alliance with Dato' Seri Zainuddin Adnan
Objective: Convince the tycoon to partner with Jiang Logistics for expanded regional dominance.
Reward: Advanced Negotiation Skills
Bonus Hidden Reward: ???
Failure Consequence: Loss of regional credibility.
Jiang Han's lips quirked into a humourless smile. Zainuddin Adnan was known for his ruthlessness and unshakable ego. Convincing him would require not only diplomacy but a touch of Jiang Han's signature ingenuity.
Across the café sat Hafiy Zafran, Zainuddin's son. Hafiy was surrounded by his entourage, their voices rising over the soft hum of the espresso machine. Jiang Han couldn't make out the words but recognised the arrogant laughter and dismissive gestures. Hafiy had a reputation for flaunting his father's influence while underestimating everyone around him.
Jiang Han subtly adjusted the Bluetooth earpiece hidden under his hair. On the other end, Jiang Yu's voice came through softly.
"Ge, Hafiy's team is onto something. I intercepted some chatter—they're discussing potential blockades against Jiang Logistics in Klang Valley."
Jiang Han's eyes narrowed. He had anticipated resistance from Hafiy. It wasn't personal; it was a calculated move to maintain dominance. However, Jiang Han wasn't one to play by conventional rules.
"Good work, Yu. Stay on it. If they attempt anything concrete, we'll need to counter it swiftly," Jiang Han whispered.
"Understood. Be careful, Ge. These people don't play fair," Jiang Yu warned before the line disconnected.
Jiang Han leaned back in his chair, waiting for the right moment. When Hafiy excused himself and strode towards the washroom, Jiang Han seized the opportunity. Rising from his seat, he followed with a deliberate casualness.
"Hafiy Zafran," Jiang Han called smoothly as the other man washed his hands.
Hafiy turned, his expression flickering between surprise and disdain. "Jiang Han, right? What do you want?"
"To talk," Jiang Han replied, his tone calm but assertive.
Hafiy smirked. "About what? Your small-time logistics company? You're wasting your breath. My father controls this region, and there's no place for second-rate players like you."
Jiang Han's face remained impassive. "Perhaps, but even giants need alliances. Let's be honest, Hafiy. Expansion isn't easy, and your family's operations are hitting capacity. Jiang Logistics has what you need to fill those gaps. A partnership could be mutually beneficial."
Hafiy laughed, the sound echoing in the tiled room. "Partnership? You're delusional. Do you think you can walk in here and change the way things work? My family doesn't need scraps from yours."
Jiang Han allowed a faint smile. "We'll see, Hafiy. Just remember, sometimes even the smallest pieces can shift the balance."
Without waiting for a response, Jiang Han turned and walked away, leaving Hafiy fuming.
Later that evening, Jiang Han arrived at a private club where he was scheduled to meet Dato' Seri Zainuddin Adnan. The tycoon was a larger-than-life figure, his reputation cemented by decades of aggressive business strategies. Jiang Han knew the stakes were high—this wasn't just a negotiation; it was a test of his ability to play in the big leagues.
As Jiang Han entered the opulent lounge, Zainuddin's voice boomed from across the room. "Jiang Han! I've heard quite a bit about you lately. Come, sit."
Jiang Han approached with measured steps, bowing slightly out of respect. "Thank you for meeting me, Dato' Seri. I appreciate your time."
Zainuddin gestured for a server to bring drinks. "So, what's this all about? Why should I consider working with Jiang Logistics?"
Jiang Han launched into a succinct yet compelling pitch, highlighting Jiang Logistics' recent achievements, its strategic location, and the synergy their businesses could achieve. His tone was confident but respectful, carefully navigating the tycoon's towering ego.
However, Zainuddin's expression remained inscrutable. He leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes fixed on Jiang Han. "You make a good case, but why should I trust someone so young and inexperienced?"
Jiang Han met his gaze steadily. "Inexperience can be an advantage, Dato' Seri. I'm not bound by outdated methods or stagnant thinking. Jiang Logistics has the flexibility and innovation to adapt to your needs and drive mutual growth."
Zainuddin chuckled, stroking his chin. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But boldness alone won't cut it in this world."
At that moment, Jiang Han's Begging System activated again.
System Notification:
Skill Activated: Persuasion (Intermediate)
Jiang Han felt a surge of clarity, his words flowing with effortless precision. "Dato' Seri, boldness isn't all I bring to the table. I bring results. Let me prove it to you. Give me a trial partnership—one project. If I fail to meet your expectations, you lose nothing. But if I succeed, we both win."
Zainuddin's eyes gleamed with interest. He leaned forward, his voice low. "Alright, young man. I'll give you a chance. But remember one misstep and you're out."
Jiang Han nodded, a spark of triumph flashing in his eyes. "Thank you, Dato' Seri. You won't regret it."
As Jiang Han left the meeting, his phone buzzed. It was Jiang Yu.
"Ge, we've got a problem. Hafiy just announced a major logistics deal with a competitor. It looks like he's trying to cut us out entirely."
Jiang Han's jaw tightened. Hafiy's move was clearly a direct challenge, and it couldn't go unanswered.
"Prepare the team, Yu. If Hafiy wants to play dirty, we'll show him how it's done."
Within hours, Jiang Han's team had mobilised. Leveraging the new alliance with Zainuddin, Jiang Han secured a critical shipment that Hafiy's company had been banking on. The move disrupted Hafiy's plans and sent shockwaves through the industry.
The next morning, headlines blared:
"Jiang Logistics Secures Landmark Deal with Zainuddin Adnan"
"Hafiy Zafran Faces Setback as Jiang Han Rises"
Hafiy's fury was palpable, but Jiang Han remained composed. He knew the battle was far from over, but for now, he had the upper hand.