Godly Beggar

The sun hung low over Petraling Jaya, casting long shadows across the grounds of Divine Cross High School. Jiang Han walked briskly, a slight grin playing on his lips. Though the day had been filled with challenges, his recent achievements at Dynamic Broadcast Studios and the minor victories over his rivals had given him a confidence boost. However, the Begging System rarely allowed him to bask in his success for long.

As Jiang approached his locker, the familiar chime of the Begging System echoed in his mind.

[System Notification: Major Mission Triggered.]

Mission: Convince Luqman Irfan to provide insider guidance on his upcoming tech prototype presentation.]

Failure: Loss of access to system perks for one week.]

Reward: Negotiation Skill (Advanced Level).]

"Luqman Irfan?" Jiang muttered under his breath. He instantly recognised the name—Tan Sri Irwan Hakim's son, the tech prodigy and a notorious perfectionist. Convincing him to share his closely guarded presentation details was akin to asking a lion to share its prey.

Still, Jiang knew that failing the mission would severely hinder his progress. The Begging System didn't merely challenge his begging skills; it taught him lessons in humility, creativity, and resilience.

That afternoon, Jiang spotted Luqman in the school's tech lab, surrounded by a group of eager students. A large holographic display illuminated the room, showcasing a sleek design for a self-stabilising drone prototype.

"Luqman," Jiang called out, approaching the group with his trademark polite smile.

The students turned to stare, while Luqman, tall and aloof, raised an eyebrow. "Jiang Han. I've heard about your... unique talents. What brings you to the tech lab? Looking to beg for coding tips?"

Jiang chuckled, refusing to be baited. "Not quite. I couldn't help but admire your presentation. It's impressive—revolutionary, even. However, I noticed something about the drone's flight stabilisation system. May I offer a suggestion?"

Luqman's expression faltered for a moment, then hardened. "Thanks, but I don't need input from someone outside the tech circle. Stick to begging for scraps elsewhere."

The room erupted in laughter, but Jiang remained unfazed. He had faced worse humiliation before. He was here to win, and Luqman's condescension only fuelled his determination.

Jiang knew he couldn't approach Luqman head-on. To extract the information he needed, he had to adopt a more nuanced strategy.

First, he decided to study Luqman's project from a distance. Over the next few hours, Jiang used his advanced research skills to analyse the drone prototype's specifications. He identified a potential flaw in the design—a minor but critical detail that could destabilise the drone under high wind conditions. Armed with this knowledge, Jiang prepared his approach.

The next day, Jiang found Luqman alone in the lab. Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.

"Luqman," Jiang began, his tone respectful yet firm, "I know you're busy, but I wanted to point out something in your design. If the wind resistance calibration isn't adjusted, the drone might tilt during stabilisation."

Luqman frowned but didn't dismiss him outright. "How do you know that?"

Jiang shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "I've seen similar issues in other designs. Just thought I'd share. If it's not useful, forget I said anything."

Luqman hesitated. Jiang's casual yet confident demeanour had caught him off guard. "Fine. Show me what you mean."

Jiang walked Luqman through the flaw, suggesting a simple adjustment to the drone's algorithm. As Luqman tested the modification, his expression shifted from scepticism to grudging respect.

"This... works," Luqman admitted reluctantly. "How did you figure it out?"

Jiang smiled. "Just a keen eye and some experience."

Seeing an opportunity, Jiang continued, "Your project has incredible potential, Luqman. But every great inventor needs collaborators to refine their vision. What if we worked together to polish your presentation? You'd still take the lead, of course."

Luqman crossed his arms, studying Jiang intently. "And what's in it for you?"

"Just the chance to learn from a genius like you," Jiang replied smoothly. "Besides, if your presentation succeeds, it reflects well on Divine Cross as a whole. It's a win-win."

Luqman mulled it over before finally nodding. "Fine. But don't slow me down."

As Jiang worked alongside Luqman, he was struck by the younger man's brilliance. Despite his arrogance, Luqman possessed an innate talent for innovation. Jiang realised that while the Begging System had given him unique advantages, there was still much he could learn from others.

Through their collaboration, Jiang honed his technical acumen and refined his approach to teamwork. He also discovered that even the most difficult people could be swayed with the right blend of humility and strategy.

[System Notification: Mission Completed.]

Reward Unlocked: Negotiation Skill (Advanced Level).]

As the system's familiar chime echoed in his mind, Jiang felt a surge of satisfaction. The new skill would undoubtedly prove invaluable in future challenges.

Reflecting on the experience, Jiang realised that begging wasn't just about asking for help—it was about understanding others' needs and aligning them with his own goals. The process required patience, insight, and a willingness to adapt—all traits he was steadily developing.

Later that evening, Jiang returned to his studies. Balancing his responsibilities at the station, his schoolwork, and the Begging System's missions was no small feat, but Jiang thrived under pressure.

At Divine Cross, he remained a diligent student, leveraging his knowledge of the future to excel in subjects like mathematics and physics. His teachers often marvelled at his sudden improvement, while his classmates oscillated between admiration and envy.

Huiying, his closest friend, often teased him about his double life. "So, what's next? Convincing aliens to sponsor your projects?"

Jiang laughed. "Not yet. But if the system ever sends me that mission, I'll be ready."

As Jiang prepared for his next challenge, he couldn't help but wonder what the system had in store. Each mission, no matter how daunting, was shaping him into someone stronger, smarter, and more resourceful.

He was no longer just a high school student or a reincarnated software engineer. He was Jiang Han—the Godly Beggar. And his journey was far from over.