Godly Beggar

The week after the maths quiz was a whirlwind for Jiang Han. Between the system's missions, revising for tests, and dealing with the likes of Ang Xuan Ming, his days felt like a never-ending cycle of challenges. Yet, through it all, Jiang Han felt himself growing stronger—not just academically, but as a person.

The system's missions had forced him into humiliating situations, but they always came with rewards that propelled him forward. He was beginning to understand that the system wasn't just a tool—it was a teacher.

However, nothing could prepare Jiang Han for the curveball the system threw at him next.

It was a calm afternoon, and Jiang Han was in the school library, flipping through a science textbook. The material was challenging, but he felt more equipped to tackle it thanks to the skills he had gained.

As he scribbled notes in the margins, the familiar chime of the Begging System echoed in his mind.

[System Alert! Situational Mission Triggered.]

Mission: Beg Sheng Hui Qi for tutoring help on chemistry concepts you already understand.]

Failure to comply will result in a deduction of -50 system points.]

Reward: Chemistry Knowledge (Advanced Level).]

Jiang Han stared blankly at the mission screen. "Beg for help on something I already know? Is this a joke?"

The system, of course, offered no response. Jiang Han leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Fine," he muttered. "Let's see how ridiculous this gets."

Sheng Hui Qi was seated at a nearby table, her focus entirely on her work. Jiang Han approached cautiously, clearing his throat to get her attention.

"Hui Qi?"

She looked up, surprised. "Jiang Han? What is it?"

"I need your help," Jiang Han said, his tone careful. "I'm struggling with some chemistry concepts. Could you tutor me for a bit?"

Hui Qi blinked, clearly taken aback. "You need my help? You're one of the smartest students in class. Why would you need tutoring?"

Jiang Han hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I'm good at maths and physics, but chemistry isn't my strong suit. I would truly appreciate your guidance."

Hui Qi frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. "You're serious?"

"Absolutely," Jiang Han said, keeping his expression earnest.

After a moment, Hui Qi sighed. "Alright. Let's go through it."

She pulled her chair closer, and they began reviewing the material together. As Hui Qi explained concepts Jiang Han already knew, he nodded along, occasionally asking questions to keep up the charade.

[Mission Complete! Reward Unlocked: Chemistry Knowledge (Advanced Level).]

The reward hit Jiang Han like a tidal wave. Information flooded his mind—chemical equations, reaction mechanisms, periodic trends—all becoming as clear as day. It was as though a veil had been lifted, and the subject now seemed effortless.

"Are you okay?" Hui Qi asked, noticing his sudden silence.

"I'm fine," Jiang Han said quickly. "In fact, the way you explained that last part was very helpful. Thanks, Hui Qi."

She smiled, a hint of pride in her expression. "You're welcome. I'm glad I could help."

Jiang Han stood, bowing slightly. "I owe you one."

As he walked back to his seat, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself. The system's missions were absurd, but they always delivered results.

The next day, Jiang Han arrived at school to find an unusual tension in the air. Groups of students huddled together, whispering in low tones.

"What's going on?" Jiang Han asked Wang Jia Qi as he approached his desk.

"You haven't heard?" Jia Qi said, her voice low. "Xuan Ming's spreading rumours about you. He's telling people you cheated on the maths quiz."

Jiang Han raised an eyebrow. "Cheated? With his calculator?"

Jia Qi nodded, a flicker of irritation in her eyes. "It's ridiculous, but some people are starting to believe him. He's challenging you to another quiz battle to 'prove' you're not a fraud."

Jiang Han sighed. "Of course he is."

It didn't take long for Xuan Ming to confront Jiang Han directly. He stormed into the classroom during lunch break, his entourage trailing behind him.

"Jiang Han!" Xuan Ming called out, his voice echoing.

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to them.

"Yes, Xuan Ming?" Jiang Han said calmly, not even bothering to look up from his notebook.

"I'm challenging you to a quiz battle," Xuan Ming declared. "If you're so smart, prove it. This time, no borrowed calculators, no tricks. Just you and me."

Jiang Han closed his notebook and stood, meeting Xuan Ming's gaze. "What's the wager?"

Xuan Ming smirked. "If you lose, you admit to the entire school that you're a cheater."

"And if I win?" Jiang Han asked.

"I'll publicly apologise and drop this nonsense," Xuan Ming replied, though his tone made it clear he didn't believe that would happen.

Jiang Han considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I accept."

The quiz battle was scheduled for the next day, and word spread quickly. By the time Jiang Han arrived in the classroom that morning, it was packed with students eager to watch the showdown.

The rules were simple: a series of rapid-fire questions covering maths, science, and general knowledge. The first to answer ten correctly would win.

As the quiz began, Xuan Ming started strong, answering the first two questions correctly. His smug grin only fuelled the tension in the room.

But Jiang Han remained calm, relying on the system's rewards to guide him. His Mathematical Application Skills and Chemistry Knowledge proved invaluable, allowing him to answer quickly and accurately.

By the halfway mark, Jiang Han had caught up, tying the score at five points each.

"You're not bad," Xuan Ming admitted grudgingly. "But let's see how long you can keep up."

Jiang Han smiled faintly. "Longer than you think."

The next few questions flew by, and Jiang Han's confidence only grew. His calm demeanour contrasted sharply with Xuan Ming's increasing frustration.

When the final question was announced, the score was tied at nine points. The tension in the room was palpable.

"What is the scientific name for the process by which plants release oxygen into the atmosphere?"

Jiang Han didn't even hesitate. "Photosynthesis."

"Correct!" the moderator announced.

The room erupted into cheers, and Xuan Ming's face turned red with humiliation.

As the crowd dispersed, Xuan Ming approached Jiang Han reluctantly. "I… I apologise," he muttered, barely able to meet Jiang Han's eyes.

Jiang Han nodded. "Apology accepted."

The victory wasn't just about the quiz—it was a reminder that patience, preparation, and humility could turn even the worst situations into triumphs.

That evening, Jiang Han sat by his bedroom window, watching the stars. The system's missions had been frustrating, even embarrassing at times, but they had taught him valuable lessons.

"Every challenge has a purpose," he thought. "It's not just about winning—it's about growing stronger."

As he closed his notebook, ready for another day, Jiang Han felt a quiet determination settle within him. The road ahead was still uncertain, but he knew one thing for sure: he wouldn't back down.

As Jiang Han packed his books into his bag, the hum of the day's excitement still lingered in the air. The victory over Xuan Ming had brought a surge of confidence, not just for him but also for those who had quietly supported him. Wang Jia Qi, Sheng Hui Qi, and even Derek Lim had all cheered him on from the sidelines.

The classroom was nearly empty now, most students had left for lunch or other activities. Jia Qi lingered by the door, a smirk tugging at her lips.

"You've certainly made a name for yourself, haven't you?" she teased.

Jiang Han chuckled softly. "I'd prefer a quiet life, but the system has other plans."

Jia Qi tilted her head curiously. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," Jiang Han replied quickly, shaking his head. "Just thinking out loud."

Jia Qi shrugged, leaning against the doorframe. "Well, whatever you're doing, keep it up. Watching Xuan Ming squirm was the highlight of my week."

As Jiang Han walked to the cafeteria, his thoughts turned inward. The quiz battle had been a turning point—not just in the eyes of his classmates but in his personal journey as well. Yet, despite his growing list of accomplishments, he couldn't shake a lingering sense of unease.

"What's the system's endgame?" he wondered. "Is it just about self-improvement, or is there something more?"

Before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, the familiar chime of the Begging System interrupted him.

[System Alert! Hidden Mission Triggered.]

Mission: Offer sincere praise to Xuan Ming for his efforts during the quiz battle.]

Failure to comply will result in a deduction of -50 system points.]

Reward: Social Influence Skill (Intermediate Level).]

Jiang Han stopped in his tracks, staring at the notification. "Praise Xuan Ming?" he muttered, incredulous.

The thought of complimenting the very person who had tried to discredit him felt absurd. Yet, he understood the system's reasoning. Building connections, even with adversaries, was part of the larger game.

Xuan Ming was sitting at a corner table in the cafeteria, his head lowered as he picked at his food. His usual entourage was noticeably absent, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Jiang Han approached cautiously, feeling the weight of the task. "Xuan Ming," he said, keeping his tone neutral.

Xuan Ming glanced up, his expression guarded. "What do you want now?"

"I just wanted to say… you did well during the quiz battle," Jiang Han said, the words feeling foreign on his tongue. "Your answers were sharp, and it was clear you'd put in a lot of effort."

For a moment, Xuan Ming stared at him, disbelief flickering across his face. "You're serious?"

"I am," Jiang Han said, his voice steady. "We both know the quiz wasn't easy. You held your own."

Xuan Ming's posture relaxed slightly, and for the first time, his expression softened. "Thanks," he muttered, almost grudgingly.

[Mission Complete! Reward Unlocked: Social Influence Skill (Intermediate Level).]

Jiang Han felt the reward settle into place, a subtle but powerful shift in his understanding of social dynamics. Words and gestures that might seem insignificant carried weight when delivered sincerely.

"See you around," Jiang Han said, turning to leave.

As he walked away, he caught a glimpse of Xuan Ming's faint smile.

Later that evening, Jiang Han found himself sitting by his bedroom window, the city lights twinkling in the distance. The events of the day replayed in his mind, from the quiz battle to his unexpected exchange with Xuan Ming.

"Connections matter," he thought. "Even with people you don't get along with."

The system's missions often seemed absurd on the surface, but they always carried a deeper lesson. Whether it was humility, persistence, or building bridges, each task pushed Jiang Han to grow in ways he hadn't expected.

He opened his notebook, jotting down his reflections.

The lesson of the Day: True strength isn't just about winning—it's about understanding others and finding ways to connect, even with those who stand against you.

With each step forward, Jiang Han felt more certain that his journey wasn't just about rewriting his own story. It was about learning how to navigate a world filled with challenges, allies, and adversaries alike.