Godly Beggar

The studio buzzed with energy as Jiang Han prepared to present the final draft of the station's mentorship programme. He stood at the edge of the conference room, quietly rehearsing his points. The programme had become a flagship initiative, one that promised to bolster the station's reputation. However, Jiang had to prove his worth again—this time, not just to his colleagues but to the bigwigs of the broadcasting world.

Despite his youthful face and high school uniform, Jiang Han's abilities had already carved out a reputation for him at Dynamic Broadcast Studios. The station had initially questioned hiring someone so young, but Jiang's unmatched determination and sharp insight had spoken for him. Of course, this hadn't come easily.

The Begging System, with its relentless demands, had forced Jiang to "negotiate" his way into opportunities that most would find humiliating. But for him, begging wasn't about pleading. It was about understanding human nature and leveraging vulnerabilities.

Jiang recalled the first time he pitched his skills to the station manager. Armed with nothing but his knowledge of future trends and his knack for persuasion, he had delivered an unforgettable argument:

"Sir, high school may be where I sit, but my mind has walked further than you'd expect. Let me show you what I can bring to the table—no strings attached. If I fail, you lose nothing. If I succeed, you'll gain someone who'll make Dynamic Broadcast the industry leader."

Even then, the station manager had been sceptical, but Jiang's confidence, coupled with his futuristic ideas for audience engagement, won them over. Since then, every challenge had been another opportunity for Jiang to prove that experience wasn't just about age but ingenuity.

As Jiang entered the conference room, he caught sight of a familiar face—Danish Afiq, the ambitious heir to Afiq Networks, one of the most prominent media conglomerates in Malayuna. Danish was known for his arrogance, often flaunting his wealth and family connections. Today, Danish was a guest judge for the programme's pitch.

"Well, well," Danish drawled, leaning back in his chair. "I heard the wunderkind of Dynamic Broadcast was still in high school. I didn't believe it until now." His tone dripped with condescension.

Jiang offered a polite smile. "It's an honour to have your feedback, Mr Afiq. I hope my work meets your standards."

Danish smirked. "I wouldn't count on that. My standards are... high."

Before Jiang could respond, the familiar monotone of the Begging System rang in his ears.

[System Notification: Minor Mission Triggered.]

Mission: Convince Danish Afiq to personally sponsor a segment of the mentorship programme.]

Failure: Programme credibility diminishes by 10%.]

Reward: Communication Skill (Advanced Level).]

Jiang inwardly cursed. Danish was the type of person who wouldn't give a single cent without extracting twice its value in return. Convincing him to sponsor a programme he had no stake in? The system's sense of humour was cruel.

As the meeting commenced, Jiang's mind raced. He needed an approach that would disarm Danish's arrogance while showcasing the value of the mentorship programme.

When the discussion reached Jiang's turn, he stepped forward, confident yet humble. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed judges, today I present to you a programme that doesn't just shape broadcasters but also reshapes the way we tell stories. In a rapidly changing media landscape, we need storytellers who understand not just the craft but also the audience."

He paused, letting his words sink in before addressing Danish directly. "Mr Afiq, I've always admired Afiq Networks' pioneering efforts in the media industry. Your family's legacy is a testament to what vision and persistence can achieve. This mentorship programme seeks to inspire young minds to follow that example."

Danish raised an eyebrow, intrigued but guarded. "Flattery gets you nowhere, Jiang. Why should I, of all people, invest in this?"

Jiang leaned forward slightly, his tone measured. "Because this isn't just an investment in the programme—it's an investment in your legacy. Imagine the next generation of broadcasters, mentored under your guidance, carrying forward the innovation that Afiq Networks represents. It's not just sponsorship; it's shaping the future."

Danish tapped his pen against the table, considering Jiang's words. "You make a compelling argument, but what's in it for me? Recognition? That's hardly enough."

Jiang smiled. "Recognition is just the beginning. I propose a dedicated segment titled 'Afiq Insights', where your contributions are highlighted, and students engage with real-world challenges under your mentorship. It's branding, leadership, and innovation rolled into one."

The room fell silent as Danish pondered Jiang's proposal. Other attendees watched with bated breath, eager to see how the young student would fare against one of the industry's most formidable personalities.

Finally, Danish smirked, his previous arrogance giving way to reluctant admiration. "You're good, Jiang. Fine, I'll sponsor the segment. But you'd better make it worth my while."

Jiang's smile widened. "Thank you, Mr Afiq. You won't regret it."

As the meeting concluded, Jiang felt a surge of satisfaction. Convincing Danish hadn't just been about winning a mission—it was a testament to how far he'd come. The Begging System wasn't just a tool for earning rewards; it was a teacher, pushing Jiang to refine his communication, strategy, and resilience.

[System Notification: Mission Completed.]

Reward Unlocked: Communication Skill (Advanced Level).]

With the new skill, Jiang felt his confidence solidify. He wasn't just begging anymore—he was mastering the art of persuasion.

Later that day, Jiang returned to Divine Cross High School. Balancing his station responsibilities with his academic life was no small feat, but Jiang knew he couldn't neglect his studies. High school was more than just a stepping stone; it was a battleground where he honed his resilience.

During lunch, his friend Huiying nudged him. "So, how's your broadcasting empire coming along?"

Jiang chuckled. "Slow and steady. I had to convince a billionaire to invest today. No big deal."

Huiying gaped. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Maybe," Jiang said with a grin. "But impossible is just another word for a challenge."

As Jiang reflected on the day's events, he realised that every challenge, whether at school or the station, was shaping him into someone stronger. The Begging System might have started as a quirky annoyance, but it was becoming an integral part of his journey—a guide that forced him to confront his weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

The future was uncertain, but Jiang was ready for it. With his growing skills, expanding network, and unyielding determination, he was no longer just surviving—he was thriving.

And he was just getting started.