The rendezvous was set at the upscale Skyview Hotel, nestled in the heart of Petraling Jaya's business district. The shimmering skyscraper loomed like a symbol of power, wealth, and ambition—an appropriate backdrop for the tense meeting that awaited Jiang Han and Hafiy Zafran.
Jiang Han arrived precisely at 8:00 PM, his every step deliberate. He wore a tailored grey suit that exuded professionalism and authority. Beside him, Jiang Yu had opted for a subtler navy ensemble, a clipboard in hand with notes about the meeting. A small team of hired security personnel flanked them discreetly.
"Ge," Jiang Yu whispered as they ascended the elevator. "We have contingencies in place, but don't let him bait you into a corner."
Jiang Han nodded. "Trust me, Yu. This is about controlling the game, not falling into it."
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open to reveal the private dining room at the penthouse. A table was set near the floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a panoramic view of the glittering city below. At the far end of the room, Hafiy Zafran stood waiting.
Hafiy was dressed in a crisp white shirt and black trousers, a minimalist look that failed to mask the tension in his stance. His eyes were sharp, scrutinising every movement Jiang Han made.
"Jiang," Hafiy greeted, his voice cool. "Thank you for accepting my invitation."
"Let's not waste time, Hafiy," Jiang Han replied, taking his seat opposite him. "You called this meeting. What do you want?"
Hafiy leaned back, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "I propose a ceasefire. The back-and-forth between us is becoming… unproductive."
Jiang Han raised an eyebrow. "Unproductive? After you orchestrated multiple sabotage attempts on my family's logistics business? You're lucky I'm even entertaining this conversation."
Hafiy chuckled, a low, humourless sound. "Fair point. But you've proven your mettle, Jiang. I underestimated you. Let's say I'd rather have you as an ally than an enemy."
Jiang Han leaned forward, clasping his hands on the table. "Ally? That's rich, coming from someone who thrives on manipulation and deceit. Why the sudden change of heart, Hafiy?"
Hafiy's smirk faded, replaced by a hint of genuine frustration. "You think I'm doing this out of altruism? My father's breathing down my neck. He's furious that I've 'squandered resources' trying to outmanoeuvre you. If we keep this up, neither of us wins."
"Ah, so this isn't about diplomacy. It's about self-preservation," Jiang Han said, his tone cutting. "What's in it for me?"
Hafiy's gaze hardened. "A share in one of my family's new ventures. An exclusive transportation deal for your logistics business. I can guarantee you'll see profits double within six months."
Jiang Yu, who had remained silent until now, interjected. "Generous. But why should we believe you won't pull the rug out from under us once the deal is in place?"
Hafiy met Jiang Yu's question with a steely look. "Because my reputation can't afford another scandal. Betraying you would be the end of me in Petraling Jaya's circles."
Jiang Han studied Hafiy carefully. The offer was enticing, but it reeked of desperation. System Notification: Analyse Hafiy Zafran's Intentions. Use Emotional Insight (Intermediate). Jiang Han felt the system's guidance kick in, a heightened awareness sharpening his perception.
He observed Hafiy's subtle tells—the twitch in his fingers, the slightly stiff posture, the faint hesitation before his words. The system's insight flashed in his mind: Conclusion: Hafiy is genuine about the deal but harbours a fallback plan should it fail. Likely goal: maintain familial standing while mitigating risks.
"I'll consider your offer," Jiang Han said finally. "But you'll need to put it in writing and involve a neutral third party for oversight."
Hafiy's shoulders relaxed slightly, though his eyes remained wary. "Fair enough. I'll draft the terms."
As the meeting wrapped up, the tension in the room began to dissipate. Jiang Han stood, extending a hand to Hafiy. The gesture was symbolic, a tentative bridge between rivals. Hafiy hesitated before clasping it.
But just as Jiang Han turned to leave, the lights flickered. The room plunged into momentary darkness before the emergency lighting flickered on. A sharp crack echoed through the air, followed by the sound of shattering glass.
"Get down!" Jiang Yu shouted, pulling Jiang Han to the floor as another crack rang out—gunfire.
The hired security personnel sprang into action, forming a protective circle around Jiang Han and Jiang Yu. Hafiy had dived behind the table, his face pale with shock.
"What the hell is going on?" Hafiy yelled.
"Someone doesn't want us to leave this room alive," Jiang Han muttered grimly.
Through the shattered window, Jiang Han caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure on a rooftop across the street. Whoever was behind this attack had come prepared.
System Notification:
New Mission Activated. Mission: Escape the Ambush Safely.
Objective: Protect Jiang Yu and ensure Hafiy Zafran remains unharmed to secure potential future leverage.
Reward: Tactical Combat Awareness (Advanced).
"Ge, we need to move!" Jiang Yu urged his voice tight with urgency. He pointed to the service entrance at the far side of the room.
Jiang Han nodded, his mind racing. "Security, cover us! Hafiy, stay close."
The group moved in a tight formation, bullets ricocheting off the furniture and walls as the assailant continued their assault. Jiang Han's focus narrowed, the system's tactical insights feeding him real-time calculations.
"Three-second window to reach the exit," the system prompted. "Go now!"
Jiang Han grabbed Jiang Yu's arm, pulling him forward. Hafiy stumbled behind them, his earlier bravado entirely gone. They reached the service elevator just as another volley of bullets sprayed the room.
By the time they reached the ground floor, police sirens wailed in the distance. Jiang Han's security team ushered them into a waiting car, speeding away from the scene.
Hafiy sat in stunned silence, his face ashen. "Who... who would do this?"
"Plenty of suspects," Jiang Han replied. "But if I had to guess, someone sees our potential truce as a threat."
Jiang Yu frowned. "Or it could be a warning from your rivals, Hafiy. Looks like they're not too thrilled about you making peace with us."
Hafiy's jaw tightened. "If that's the case, they've just made a grave mistake."
Jiang Han paced the dimly lit room, his mind racing. The events of the last few hours had left him rattled, not just emotionally but strategically. If this was the level of danger he could expect as his influence grew, he needed more than just sharp wits and the Begging System. He needed security—real, tangible protection.
Suddenly, a System Notification appeared in front of him, breaking his thoughts:
System Notification:
Mission: Secure Your Safety Network
Objective: Establish a personal security team and hire an elite lawyer to defend your interests in all situations.
Reward: Strategy Skill Upgrade + Hidden Bonus
Failure Consequence: Increased exposure to personal risks and reduced reputation among key business players.
Jiang Han nodded. "It's time," he muttered, determination solidifying in his eyes.
By the next morning, Jiang Han was already working to put the pieces together. His first call was to Colonel Yusof Rahman, a retired military strategist known for his no-nonsense approach to operations.
"Colonel Yusof," Jiang Han greeted him over the phone, his tone respectful yet firm. "I'm looking to assemble an elite security team. A group of individuals who have faced combat, understand strategy and are willing to protect high-profile clients. You're the only person I trust to lead this."
The Colonel, now in his mid-50s but still sharp as a blade, chuckled. "You're diving into dangerous waters, young man. Why the sudden need?"
Jiang Han didn't mince words. "An attack happened last night. Firearms were involved. My family was in immediate danger."
Silence followed, but Jiang could hear the shift in Yusof's tone when he finally responded. "Understood. I'll gather the best. But this won't be cheap."
"I never expected it to be," Jiang replied. "Let's meet in two days to finalise the details."
While Yusof began his work, Jiang Han focused on the second part of the system's mission: securing an elite lawyer. His research led him to Mikhail Darmawan, a name whispered in legal circles for his ability to handle everything from corporate sabotage to high-profile criminal cases. Mikhail was renowned not only for his legal acumen but also for his connections within the judiciary and law enforcement.
Securing a meeting wasn't easy. Jiang Han's assistant informed him that Mikhail rarely took new clients unless they presented a compelling case. Undeterred, Jiang crafted a pitch that highlighted his expanding empire, his foresight about potential legal battles, and the financial security he could offer.
When Mikhail finally agreed to a meeting, Jiang was prepared.
Mikhail's office was as intimidating as the man himself—sleek, modern, and devoid of unnecessary distractions. The lawyer, a man in his early 40s with a chiselled jawline and piercing eyes, greeted Jiang with a handshake that conveyed quiet strength.
"I don't take on cases lightly," Mikhail began, sitting opposite Jiang at a glass desk. "Why should I represent you?"
Jiang leaned forward, meeting the lawyer's gaze without flinching. "Because you don't just handle cases; you win battles. And I don't intend to lose any."
Mikhail raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
Jiang outlined his vision, weaving in his recent brush with danger and his plans to grow his influence. "What I'm building will attract enemies. Not just rivals in business but those who play dirty—using the law or their connections to sabotage me. I need someone who can dismantle their moves before they even begin."
For the first time, Mikhail smiled faintly. "You're ambitious, I'll give you that. But ambition alone doesn't guarantee success."
Jiang didn't hesitate. "Neither does skill without a vision. You bring the expertise, and I'll bring the opportunities. Together, we'll redefine what power means in this city."
The room fell silent. Then Mikhail nodded. "You have my attention. I'll draft a contract."
Over the next week, Jiang Han's plans began to take shape. Colonel Yusof brought in a team of 12 highly trained operatives, each with a unique skill set. They were former commandos, cybersecurity experts, and counter-surveillance specialists. Jiang named the newly established security company Aegis Sentinel Corps, reflecting its dual purpose: to protect and to stand as an impenetrable force.
Meanwhile, Mikhail proved his worth almost immediately. When a fabricated police report led to Jiang being summoned to a station for questioning, Mikhail arrived with a swagger that turned heads.
"Gentlemen," Mikhail said to the officers, his voice calm but firm. "Before you proceed with any questioning, I'd like to review the evidence. Oh, and let's ensure my client's rights aren't trampled, shall we?"
Within an hour, Jiang was walking out of the station, the fabricated charges dismissed and the officers apologising profusely. Outside, Mikhail turned to Jiang with a smirk. "That's just the beginning. Stick with me, and they won't even think about touching you again."
Jiang Han stood on the balcony of his office later that evening, watching the city lights twinkle like stars. The events of the past week had been a whirlwind, but they had also solidified his resolve. He wasn't just surviving anymore; he was building a fortress—one brick at a time.
The System Notification appeared again, this time with a triumphant tone:
System Notification:
Mission Completed: Secure Your Safety Network
Rewards: Strategy Skill Upgrade + Hidden Bonus Unlocked
Bonus Reward: Enhanced Negotiation Skill
Jiang smiled. The challenges ahead would only grow, but so would he. With Aegis Sentinel Corps and Mikhail Darmawan by his side, he was ready for whatever came next.