Godly Beggar

The next morning, Jiang Han walked to school with a renewed sense of focus. His recent victories, both in academics and personal growth, had made him more confident, but he wasn't about to let it go to his head. He understood now that every challenge the system threw at him was more than just a task—it was a lesson.

"Adaptation, humility, and perseverance," he murmured as he crossed the school gates. "These aren't just skills—they're survival tools."

The air was crisp, and the school grounds buzzed with the usual morning energy. Groups of students chattered excitedly, exchanging stories of their weekend adventures or complaining about upcoming tests. For Jiang Han, the chatter faded into the background. He had bigger things to focus on.

As Jiang Han settled into his seat, the familiar ding of the system echoed in his mind.

[System Alert! Situational Mission Triggered.]

Mission: Help Sheng Hui Qi with her mathematics revision, even if it means begging her to accept your help.]

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

Reward: Beginner Negotiation Skill.]

Jiang Han blinked, surprised. This was the first time the system had tasked him with helping someone else. Normally, it demanded he seek assistance or achieve personal growth through difficult means.

"Sheng Hui Qi," he murmured, glancing across the room.

Hui Qi was seated a few rows away, her head buried in a maths workbook. She was known for her quiet nature and for being a hard worker, but Jiang Han could tell she was struggling with something. Her furrowed brows and occasional sighs gave her away.

The challenge wasn't her academic ability—it was her stubbornness. Hui Qi was notoriously independent, never asking for help, even when she needed it. Convincing her to accept assistance wouldn't be easy.

During the lunch break, Jiang Han waited until most of the students had left the classroom. Hui Qi was still at her desk, flipping through her workbook with a frustrated expression.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Han walked over.

"Hi, Hui Qi," he said, his voice calm but friendly.

Hui Qi glanced up, her eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion. "Jiang Han? Do you need something?"

"I noticed you were working on some maths problems," Jiang Han began. "I was wondering if you'd like some help. I've been reviewing similar topics recently, and I thought—"

"I'm fine," Hui Qi interrupted, her tone brisk. "I can manage on my own."

Jiang Han expected the rejection, but it still stung. He knew the system wouldn't let him off the hook so easily.

[Reminder: Begging is about persistence. Use sincerity to achieve your goal.]

Jiang Han suppressed a sigh. The system always knew how to push him into uncomfortable territory.

"Hui Qi," he said, lowering his tone, "I know you're capable, but sometimes a second perspective can help. I've struggled with these problems before too, and it's only because of others' help that I've improved."

Hui Qi hesitated, her pencil tapping lightly against her workbook. She glanced at Jiang Han, her expression softening slightly.

"Fine," she said at last. "But just for a few questions."

[Mission Complete! Reward Unlocked: Beginner Negotiation Skill.]

As they worked through the problems together, Jiang Han realised something: Hui Qi wasn't as difficult as she appeared. Once she let her guard down, she was open to learning, and her sharp mind quickly absorbed the concepts he explained.

"You're actually really good at this," Hui Qi said after solving a particularly tricky equation. "Why didn't I notice this before?"

Jiang Han smiled. "Sometimes it's easier to see others' strengths when we stop focusing on our own weaknesses."

Hui Qi looked at him thoughtfully. "That's… a good point. Thanks, Jiang Han."

The interaction left Jiang Han reflecting on the value of teamwork. While he had spent much of his life-solving problems alone, the system was teaching him that strength also came from building connections.

"No one succeeds entirely on their own," he thought. "Collaboration isn't a sign of weakness—it's a way to grow stronger together."

The idea resonated with him deeply. He realised that the system's lessons weren't just about academics or personal growth—they were preparing him for something bigger.

As the day drew to a close, Jiang Han found himself facing another unexpected challenge. While walking through the schoolyard, he was stopped by Ang Xuan Ming and his group of lackeys.

"Well, if it isn't the rising star," Xuan Ming sneered, his arms crossed. "What's it like being everyone's favourite genius?"

Jiang Han remained calm, meeting Xuan Ming's glare with steady eyes. "I'm just doing my best."

Xuan Ming scoffed. "Let's see how good your 'best' really is. A quick challenge—if you win, I'll back off. But if I win, you'll have to run errands for me for a week."

Jiang Han studied Xuan Ming carefully. The challenge was clearly meant to humiliate him, but he also sensed an opportunity. If he played this right, he could turn the tables yet again.

"Alright," Jiang Han said. "What's the challenge?"

Xuan Ming grinned. "A three-minute mental maths duel. Whoever solves the most questions wins."

The challenge drew a small crowd, with students gathering around eagerly to watch. Jiang Han could feel their eyes on him, but he pushed the pressure aside.

The teacher overseeing the challenge explained the rules and then began firing off questions.

Jiang Han focused, his mind sharp from the system's recent rewards. The numbers flowed effortlessly, his answers precise and confident.

Xuan Ming, meanwhile, struggled to keep up. His overconfidence had left him unprepared, and his frustration grew with each question.

When the three minutes ended, the results were clear. Jiang Han had answered 12 questions correctly, while Xuan Ming had managed only 8.

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

"You got lucky," Xuan Ming muttered before storming off.

Jiang Han didn't respond. He simply turned and walked away, his composure intact.

That evening, as Jiang Han walked home, he reflected on the day's events. From helping Hui Qi to facing Xuan Ming's challenge, he learned more about himself and the people around him.

"Strength isn't just about winning," he thought. "It's about how you face the challenges that come your way and how you use those moments to grow."

He realised that the system wasn't just pushing him to succeed—it was teaching him to become a better version of himself.

With each step he took, Jiang Han felt more certain that he was on the right path. His journey was just beginning, but he was ready for whatever came next.