Chapter 8: The Value of Patience
The next morning was typical for Jiang Han, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that the day would bring new challenges. He had grown accustomed to the system's constant demands, and while he no longer dreaded its missions, he remained wary of the unexpected situations it could create.
Upon entering the classroom, Jiang Han noticed an unusual buzz among his classmates. Several students were huddled around a desk near the front, speaking in hushed tones. Curious but unwilling to draw attention to himself, he quietly made his way to his seat.
This revision slightly rephrases the opening for variety and ensures smoother readability while addressing potential clarity issues.
"Jiang Han," Wang Jia Qi called from across the room, waving him over.
He hesitated for a moment before walking over. "What's going on?"
Jia Qi leaned in and whispered, "Apparently, the principal has organised a special competition for all the students in our grade. It will begin with a written test, and the top scorers will compete in a public quiz battle next week."
Jiang Han's eyebrows lifted slightly. "A quiz battle? What's the prize?"
"They said it's a scholarship fund and extra credit points," Jia Qi explained. "It's a big deal. Everyone's talking about it."
Jiang Han nodded, his mind already racing. A competition like this would be a perfect opportunity to test his skills and solidify his growing reputation. But more importantly, it was a chance to learn and improve.
As Jiang Han returned to his desk, the familiar chime of the Begging System echoed in his mind.
[System Alert! Situational Mission Triggered.]
Mission: Ask Derek Lim to join your study group, even if it means swallowing your pride.]
Failure to comply will result in a deduction of -60 system points.]
Reward: Teamwork Coordination Skill (Intermediate Level).]
Jiang Han let out a quiet sigh. He glanced over at Derek, who was chatting animatedly with a group of friends. Derek was smart, but his laid-back attitude often got in the way of his potential.
"Why him?" Jiang Han muttered under his breath. "This is going to be a challenge."
During lunch break, Jiang Han made his way to the cafeteria, where he found Derek seated at a table surrounded by his usual crowd. Taking a deep breath, Jiang Han walked up to him.
"Hey, Derek," Jiang Han began, keeping his tone calm but friendly.
Derek looked up, surprised. "Jiang Han? What's up?"
"I heard about the upcoming quiz competition," Jiang Han said. "I'm putting together a study group to prepare, and I thought you might want to join."
The table fell silent. Derek raised an eyebrow, his expression sceptical. "Me? Study group? You must be joking."
"I'm serious," Jiang Han replied. "You're good at science, and I think we could learn a lot from each other. Besides, it'll be more productive than studying alone."
Derek laughed, leaning back in his chair. "You're really desperate if you're coming to me for help."
Jiang Han's pride bristled, but he kept his composure. "It's not about desperation—it's about teamwork. Think about it: the competition will require more than just individual knowledge. Coordination and collaboration will give us an edge."
Derek studied him for a moment, clearly intrigued. "Alright," he said finally. "I'll join your study group. But only because I'm curious to see if you're as smart as everyone says."
[Mission Complete! Reward Unlocked: Teamwork Coordination Skill (Intermediate Level).]
Later that evening, Jiang Han gathered his study group in the library. The group included Derek, Sheng Hui Qi, and Jia Qi, each bringing a unique strength to the table.
"Alright," Jiang Han began, spreading out their materials. "The written test will cover maths, science, and general knowledge. Let's divide the subjects and focus on each one systematically."
The group nodded, and they got to work. While Derek was initially distracted, Jiang Han's methodical approach quickly drew him in.
"You're surprisingly organised," Derek admitted, flipping through his notes.
"It's all about preparation," Jiang Han replied. "Success doesn't just happen—it's built step by step."
As the hours passed, the group found a rhythm. Hui Qi's analytical mind helped them tackle complex problems, Jia Qi kept the sessions lively with enthusiasm, and Derek's unconventional thinking provided fresh perspectives.
By the end of the evening, they had made significant progress, and Jiang Han couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
The day of the written test arrived, and the atmosphere in the school was tense. Students filled the exam hall, their faces a mixture of determination and anxiety.
Jiang Han sat in his assigned seat, his mind sharp and focused. The test papers were distributed, and the teacher gave the signal to begin.
The questions were challenging, covering a wide range of topics. But Jiang Han approached each one with precision, his previous rewards from the system enhancing his problem-solving abilities.
When the test ended, he felt confident, though he knew the real challenge would come if he made it to the quiz battle.
A few days later, the results were announced. Jiang Han's name was listed among the top scorers, along with Derek, Jia Qi, and Hui Qi. The group celebrated quietly, knowing the hardest part was yet to come.
The public quiz battle was scheduled for the following week, and the pressure was mounting. But Jiang Han felt a quiet confidence. With his team and the lessons he had learned from the system, he was ready to face whatever came next.
One evening, as the group prepared for the quiz battle, Derek grew frustrated with a particularly tricky set of questions.
"This is pointless," he muttered, throwing his pen onto the table. "Why do we have to do all this?"
Jiang Han leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Because growth isn't always easy. Sometimes it feels tedious or frustrating, but every step adds up. The effort you put in now will pay off later."
Derek frowned, but Jiang Han's words seemed to resonate. He picked up his pen and returned to the questions, his determination renewed.
As they continued studying, Jiang Han realised something: patience was just as important as skill. Whether it was working with others, facing setbacks, or navigating the system's missions, success required steady persistence.
That night, as Jiang Han walked home, he thought about the past few weeks. The system's missions had pushed him to confront his weaknesses, but they had also given him the tools to thrive.
"Humility, teamwork, and patience," he thought. "These aren't just skills—they're foundations for something bigger."
He glanced up at the stars, their distant light a reminder of how far he had come and how much further he could go.
"This is only the beginning," Jiang Han murmured, a small smile playing on his lips.
With the quiz battle approaching and new challenges on the horizon, he felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.