Godly Beggar

The first week of Jiang Han's prime-time slot had been a resounding success, but success often attracts envy. Jiang's innovative approach gained traction and stirred tensions within the station. The whispers in the corridors grew louder, the glances sharper. Jiang remained calm, determined not to let the brewing storm derail his progress.

The Next Challenge

The Begging System chimed in just as Jiang sat down to finalise his plan for the next week.

[System Notification: New Mission Triggered.]

Mission: Convince a sceptical advertiser to sponsor your segment.]

Reward: Marketing Acumen (Intermediate Level).]

Failure Penalty: A reduction of engagement metrics by 10%.]

Jiang frowned. The stakes were higher now. Advertiser sponsorships weren't just about money; they represented credibility and trust. Securing one would cement his place as a valuable host in the station.

Jiang identified a potential sponsor, Wong and Sons Logistics, a mid-sized company looking to expand its reach. The owner, Mr Wong, was known for his cautious nature and reluctance to invest in untested ventures.

Jiang began by researching the company extensively. He noted their focus on reliability and professionalism, tailoring his pitch to align with their values.

Armed with his findings, Jiang approached Mr Wong.

"Good afternoon, Mr Wong. My name is Jiang Han, and I'm a host at the station. I'd like to discuss a potential partnership that could benefit both of us."

Mr Wong regarded him with scepticism. "You're the new guy, right? What makes you think my company would benefit from sponsoring your show?"

Jiang maintained his composure. "That's a fair question, sir. Here's what I can offer: my segment has seen a 25% increase in audience engagement within a week. Our listeners are diverse and engaged, providing an ideal platform for your services."

Mr Wong leaned back, unimpressed. "Numbers are just numbers. How do I know those listeners will care about logistics?"

Jiang smiled. "Let's make it relevant to them. We could create a mini-series about behind-the-scenes logistics, showing how vital companies like yours are to everyday life. It's not just about selling—it's about connecting with the audience."

Mr Wong raised an eyebrow, intrigued but unconvinced. "And if it doesn't work?"

"I propose a trial sponsorship," Jiang said confidently. "No long-term commitment. If the results don't meet your expectations, we part ways. But I'm confident they will."

After a tense pause, Mr Wong nodded. "Alright, you've got a deal. Let's see if you can deliver."

News of Jiang's sponsorship deal spread quickly through the station, further fanning the flames of jealousy. Lim De Kang, still smarting from the praise Jiang received, couldn't hide his disdain during the weekly staff meeting.

"So, the golden boy lands a sponsor," De Kang sneered. "I hope you're not setting the bar too high for the rest of us."

Jiang met his gaze with an easy smile. "Setting a high bar benefits everyone, don't you think? It pushes us to do better."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. De Kang's face flushed, but he said nothing more.

With the sponsorship secured, Jiang threw himself into planning the next week's segments. He worked closely with Mr Wong to design content that engagingly showcased the logistics industry. The mini-series, titled "Behind the Curtain: The World of Logistics," featured stories about real challenges and triumphs in the field, paired with live audience interactions.

On the night of the broadcast, Jiang felt the familiar mix of nerves and anticipation. As the segment unfolded, it was clear they had struck a chord. Callers shared their own experiences with logistics, and social media buzzed with discussions about the importance of the industry.

By the end of the hour, the numbers spoke for themselves: a 30% increase in engagement and glowing feedback from Mr Wong.

At the next staff meeting, the station manager, Mr Lim Choon Seng, commended Jiang once again.

"Jiang's segment this week was exceptional. The partnership with Wong and Sons Logistics was a brilliant move, showcasing the creativity and initiative we value at this station."

De Kang couldn't contain his frustration. "With all due respect, Mr Lim, it's easier to shine when you're handed prime opportunities. Some of us don't get those chances."

Mr Lim's expression hardened. "Opportunities aren't handed out—they're earned. Jiang has proven his worth through results, not complaints. I suggest you focus on improving your own performance."

Jiang remained quiet, but inwardly he savoured the moment. It wasn't just about proving himself—it was about showing that hard work and strategy always trump envy.

That evening, Jiang returned to his apartment, reflecting on the week's events. The system chimed in once more.

[Reflection Phase Activated.]

[Lesson: Building trust requires a balance of creativity, persistence, and accountability.]

Jiang nodded. "Trust isn't just about words—it's about actions. When people see results, they believe in you."

He glanced at his notebook, already brainstorming ideas for the next week. The journey was far from over, but Jiang felt more prepared than ever to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

After securing Mr Wong's sponsorship and earning another round of commendation from Mr Lim Choon Seng, Jiang Han felt the stakes rise even higher. Success came with its own set of challenges, and he knew the road ahead would only grow more complex. Still, he relished the challenge.

The next morning, Jiang started his day by reviewing the feedback from his audience and his new sponsor. He noted recurring themes in the comments: listeners appreciated the relatable content and Jiang's natural ability to engage.

His phone buzzed with a notification from the Begging System.

[System Reflection: Effective begging requires maintaining trust through consistency and innovation.]

Jiang chuckled at the system's ever-timely lessons. "Consistency, huh? Let's see how I can up the game without losing what makes the show work."

The next challenge came not from rivals like Lim De Kang but from the station's bureaucracy. A middle manager named Tan Kang Ming, known for his nitpicking ways, summoned Jiang to a meeting.

"Jiang, while your segment's performance is commendable, I've noticed you're deviating from traditional formats," Kang Ming began, his tone dripping with faux concern. "We have a way of doing things here, and it's important not to stray too far."

Jiang maintained a polite expression but inwardly bristled. "I appreciate your feedback, Mr Tan. However, the adjustments I've made are in response to listener engagement. The numbers suggest these changes resonate with the audience."

Kang Ming's lips thinned. "Numbers aren't everything, Jiang. We must uphold the station's reputation."

Jiang smiled calmly. "You're absolutely right, Mr Tan. Reputation matters, and innovation is part of maintaining it. If you'd like, I can provide a detailed report on how these changes align with the station's goals."

The offer caught Kang Ming off guard, and he waved Jiang off with a muttered, "Just be careful."

Jiang decided it was time to connect with his audience on a deeper level. He announced a live Q&A segment where listeners could call in and ask questions or share stories directly.

"This will either be brilliant or chaotic," Jiang muttered as he finalised the script.

The night of the broadcast, the phone lines lit up as soon as the segment began. The first caller, a young woman named Mei Ling, shared how her family's logistics business had struggled during the economic downturn. Jiang listened attentively, offering words of encouragement while tying her story back to the importance of resilience—one of Mr Wong's logistics values.

The next caller, however, posed a trickier challenge.

"I've been listening to your show, Jiang," the man said, his voice tinged with scepticism. "But isn't it all just marketing? Are you helping anyone, or is it just for show?"

Jiang paused for a moment before responding. "That's a fair question. Marketing is part of the job, but it's not the whole picture. I believe that stories—whether they inspire, inform, or entertain—have the power to create real connections. If even one listener feels seen or heard because of this segment, I think that's worth something."

The response seemed to resonate, as the sceptical caller murmured, "Fair enough," before hanging up.

As Jiang wrapped up the segment, a producer rushed into the studio, looking flustered.

"We have a problem," she whispered urgently. "De Kang is spreading rumours that you're using underhanded tactics to secure sponsors. He's even suggesting you're bypassing the proper channels."

Jiang's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to stay composed. "Let him talk. Lies have short legs."

"Still, it's creating tension among the staff," she said.

Jiang nodded. "I'll address it when the time is right. For now, let's focus on the work."

The opportunity to counter De Kang's rumours came sooner than expected. During a staff meeting, Mr Lim Choon Seng brought up the station's recent successes.

"I'd like to commend Jiang Han for his innovative approach," Mr Lim said, flipping through his notes. "Not only has his segment increased audience engagement by 30%, but it's also attracted valuable sponsorships. These efforts directly benefit the station's growth."

De Kang couldn't resist interjecting. "With all due respect, sir, shouldn't we verify that these methods align with station policies? I've heard concerns about bypassed procedures."

Mr Lim raised an eyebrow. "Are you accusing Jiang of misconduct, De Kang?"

De Kang hesitated, realising he'd overstepped. "I'm just saying we should be cautious."

Jiang stood, his expression calm but resolute. "If there are concerns, I'm happy to provide full transparency. Every sponsorship I've secured has gone through the appropriate channels, with documentation to prove it. I'd also like to suggest a review process for all hosts to ensure consistency."

The room fell silent. Jiang's measured response not only diffused the tension but also subtly turned the spotlight on De Kang.

Mr Lim nodded approvingly. "A review process is a good idea. Jiang, thank you for your professionalism."

De Kang's face darkened as the meeting moved on, his attempt to undermine Jiang backfiring spectacularly.

That evening, Jiang returned home, the weight of the day finally catching up with him. The Begging System chimed in once more.

[Reflection Phase Activated.]

[Lesson: Strength lies not only in defending against falsehoods but in turning them into opportunities for growth.]

Jiang smiled. "It's all about perspective. Every challenge is just another step toward the top."

He sat down with his notebook, jotting ideas for the next segment. With every success and setback, Jiang felt himself growing—not just as a host, but as a person.