Godly Beggar

The news that Jiang Han had been chosen to lead the monthly cultural showcase spread quickly throughout the station, eliciting a mix of admiration and envy. While his supporters celebrated his success, others, including Lim De Kang, saw it as another reason to undermine him.

Unperturbed, Jiang shifted his focus to the first mission handed down by the Begging System: securing a key sponsor for the showcase. The stakes were high, and failure would not only impact his relationship with the sponsors but also tarnish the reputation he had worked so hard to build.

[Mission: Persuade a key sponsor to support the upcoming cultural showcase.]

Reward: Negotiation Tactics Upgrade (Advanced Level).]

Failure Penalty: A 10% reduction in sponsor trust for future projects.]

Jiang took a deep breath. "Alright, system. Let's see how good I am at begging my way into a deal."

After reviewing the station's records, Jiang identified his target: Tan Liang, the managing director of a prominent local company known for sponsoring cultural initiatives. Tan Liang was a tough negotiator with a reputation for cutting deals only when he saw significant value.

Huiying noticed Jiang poring over the sponsor list and approached him. "Let me guess—you're going after Tan Liang?"

Jiang nodded. "He's the best fit for this project, but I hear he's not an easy person to convince."

"You've heard right," Huiying said. "He's turned down bigger names than ours. You'll need more than charm to win him over."

"Good thing I've got a little extra help," Jiang said with a knowing smile, though he didn't elaborate.

Jiang reached out to Tan Liang's office, requesting a meeting. After three days of polite follow-ups, he finally received a callback. The meeting was scheduled at a high-end café in Seladang City.

Dressed in his sharpest suit, Jiang arrived early to prepare. The café bustled with activity, its elegant interior humming with the clink of coffee cups and murmured conversations. When Tan Liang entered, his commanding presence turned heads.

"Mr Tan, thank you for meeting me," Jiang said, standing to greet him with a firm handshake.

"Make it worth my time," Tan replied curtly as he took a seat.

Jiang wasted no time, diving into a detailed presentation of the cultural showcase. He highlighted its potential to engage diverse audiences, promote local talent, and align with Tan's company's corporate social responsibility goals.

Tan listened quietly, his expression unreadable. When Jiang finished, he leaned back, folding his arms. "You've presented a compelling case, but what guarantees do I have that this will deliver the exposure my brand needs?"

Jiang expected this question and leaned forward slightly, his tone confident yet respectful. "Mr Tan, I understand your concerns. Let me propose this: if the showcase doesn't meet the agreed metrics, I'll personally ensure that your investment is reimbursed through additional promotional activities. I believe in this project enough to take that risk."

Tan raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "That's a bold statement. You're willing to stake your reputation on this?"

"Yes," Jiang said firmly. "Because I know we can deliver."

While Tan seemed impressed, Jiang sensed he wasn't fully convinced. Drawing on lessons from the system, he decided to add a personal touch.

"You know, Mr Tan," Jiang began, his tone softening, "when I was younger, my family ran a small logistics business. We struggled to keep it afloat, often relying on the support of others to survive. I know what it's like to need a chance, and I see this showcase as an opportunity for countless artists who may never get another platform like this. Your support could make that difference."

Tan's expression shifted subtly. The mention of Jiang's personal background struck a chord, and for a moment, his stern demeanour softened.

"I appreciate your honesty," Tan said after a pause. "It's rare to see someone speak so passionately about their work."

Jiang knew he was close but decided to go for the finishing blow. He leaned back slightly, his voice steady.

"Mr Tan, this isn't just about sponsorship. It's about building a legacy. This showcase will bring people together, inspire creativity, and leave a lasting impact on our community. I'm inviting you to be part of something greater than any one project—a movement that celebrates our shared culture."

Tan tapped his fingers against the table, his eyes narrowing in thought. Finally, he extended his hand.

"You've convinced me, Jiang. I'll sponsor the showcase, but I expect regular updates and a detailed performance report after the event."

Jiang shook his hand, his relief hidden behind a professional smile. "You have my word, Mr Tan. Thank you for believing in us."

As Jiang left the café, the familiar chime of the Begging System resonated in his mind.

[Mission Accomplished.]

Reward Unlocked: Negotiation Tactics Upgrade (Advanced Level).]

Jiang felt a wave of satisfaction. Each successful mission wasn't just about the rewards—it was a testament to his growing skills and resilience.

Back at the station, Jiang shared the good news with Huiying and the rest of the team. Their excitement was palpable, but Jiang couldn't shake the feeling that not everyone was pleased with his success.

In a dimly lit office, Lim De Kang sat with a sour expression. News of Jiang's deal with Tan Liang had reached him, and his envy boiled over.

"He's getting too confident," De Kang muttered. "It's time someone reminded him of his place."

Unbeknownst to Jiang, De Kang was already scheming his next move.

That evening, Jiang took a moment to reflect on his journey so far. The road had been anything but easy, filled with challenges that tested his patience, ingenuity, and perseverance. Yet, each obstacle had pushed him to grow, both as a professional and as a person.

"I've come a long way," Jiang thought, gazing out at the city lights. "But this is just the beginning."

With the cultural showcase on the horizon and new challenges looming, Jiang steeled himself for the battles ahead. He knew that true success wasn't just about winning—it was about learning, adapting, and never giving up.

The glow of success from Jiang Han's meeting with Tan Liang lingered as he returned to the station. Yet, a part of him remained cautious. He had faced enough challenges in both his lives to know that success often painted a target on one's back.

As the days passed, the team began working on integrating Tan Liang's sponsorship into the cultural showcase. The resources provided by Tan's company added a level of polish and reach that Jiang knew would elevate the event to new heights. But his intuition told him that storm clouds were brewing.

True to Jiang's suspicions, Lim De Kang wasn't idle. Frustrated by Jiang's growing reputation and his ability to secure high-profile partnerships, De Kang started spreading rumours among colleagues.

"He's just a lucky talker," De Kang sneered during a coffee break. "Tan Liang probably felt sorry for him. Jiang Han can't sustain this level of performance."

The rumours started subtly, but their effects rippled across the office. Jiang noticed a few colleagues who had previously been friendly and now hesitated to engage with him.

Rather than confronting the gossip head-on, Jiang chose a different approach.

That afternoon, Jiang called a meeting with his core team.

"I've noticed some tension in the office," Jiang began, addressing the group. "I know success can sometimes create misunderstandings, but I want us to stay focused on what's important—delivering the best cultural showcase this station has ever seen."

His sincerity resonated with the team. Huiying, who had become one of his staunchest allies, chimed in.

"Jiang's right. We've all worked hard to get to this point, and we owe it to ourselves to finish strong. Let's not let outside noise distract us."

Her words, combined with Jiang's steady leadership, helped reforge the team's morale. Slowly, the atmosphere shifted back to one of collaboration and mutual respect.

Late one evening, as Jiang reviewed the final presentation materials for the showcase, the Begging System interrupted his thoughts with a chime.

[System Notification: Hidden Mission Triggered.]

Mission: Seek guidance from an elder figure to strengthen your leadership approach.]

Reward: Emotional Intelligence Enhancement (Advanced Level).]

Failure Penalty: A 20% decrease in team productivity for one week.]

"Guidance from an elder figure?" Jiang muttered. The system had thrown cryptic challenges before, but this one felt particularly abstract.

He decided to reach out to an old acquaintance—Uncle Wong, a retired mentor who had once run a successful logistics company. Uncle Wong's experience in managing teams and navigating business politics made him the perfect candidate for advice.

The next evening, Jiang met Uncle Wong at a quiet teahouse in Petraling Jaya.

"Jiang Han!" Uncle Wong greeted warmly, his voice rich with wisdom. "I heard you've been making waves. What brings you to this old man tonight?"

Jiang smiled. "I need your advice, Uncle Wong. Balancing success, team morale, and office politics is proving more challenging than I expected."

Uncle Wong nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, the weight of leadership. Tell me, Jiang, how do you see yourself as a leader?"

Jiang hesitated before replying. "I try to lead by example and focus on collaboration. But lately, it feels like I'm always putting out fires—dealing with sabotage, gossip, and competing priorities."

Uncle Wong poured them both tea before responding. "Leadership isn't about having all the answers, Jiang. It's about knowing when to listen when to delegate, and when to stand firm. People will always test you, especially when they see you rising. What matters is how you respond. Be firm but fair. Build bridges where you can, but don't hesitate to burn those that lead to toxicity."

Jiang absorbed the words, feeling a renewed sense of clarity. "Thank you, Uncle Wong. I'll remember that."

Armed with Uncle Wong's advice, Jiang decided to address the issue of rumours directly but tactfully. He arranged a team-building session, inviting not just his core group but also colleagues who had seemed distant recently.

During the session, Jiang facilitated activities that encouraged open communication and collaboration. By the end of the day, the camaraderie among the team was palpable, and even sceptics began warming up to Jiang's leadership.

As the cultural showcase drew closer, Jiang poured his energy into ensuring every detail was perfect. The promotional materials were released, featuring Tan Liang's company as the main sponsor, alongside local artists who were gaining attention. The buzz around the event grew, drawing interest from media outlets and dignitaries alike.

Yet, Jiang knew the path ahead wouldn't be entirely smooth. De Kang's animosity hadn't waned, and Jiang suspected he was plotting something to disrupt the showcase.

That night, as Jiang sat by his window, watching the city lights twinkle, the Begging System chimed again.

[System Reflection: Adversity is the fire that forges resilience. Stay steadfast, Host.]

Jiang smirked. "Thanks for the pep talk, system. Let's see what De Kang throws my way."

With the showcase looming and tensions simmering, Jiang braced himself for the challenges ahead. Success wasn't just about reaching the top—it was about staying there.