I Want to Be a VTuber

“Sales have slightly increased compared to last week.”

“Wow, so it actually worked!”

Advertising Planning Team Leader Kwak Hyun-woo let out a sigh of relief.

It’s no wonder, he briefly pondered whether it was a mistake to sponsor [Sky Garden].

“I heard the ratings for the first day were 6 percent, and I was seriously freaked out.”

“Well, it bounced back the next day, right?”

The staff of the advertising planning office shared such conversations, sporting excited smiles.

After all, ‘Aids’ has seen a significant increase in sales recently.

Originally, Aids’ sales had been quite high.

The reason was humorously due to the ‘Joo Seo-yeon Challenge.’

The significant number of fitness YouTubers using Aids chairs seemed to have piqued the interest of users.

Especially.

“This chair is strong, I like it.”

“Honestly, I can’t really tell how it feels when I sit, but it feels good in supporting my back!”

And reviews just kept pouring in.

Before the new product was even released, the frame of ‘the chair is sturdy’ had been established.

This kind of positive image improvement is something money can’t buy.

Until now, there hadn’t been much talk about Aids’ durability.

“Do you think [Sky Garden] will really do well? But since sales have gone up, I feel this is enough.”

Kwak Hyun-woo nodded at Assistant Kim’s words.

That’s just how human greed works.

Sales had already increased significantly, and with the boost from [Sky Garden], it was already beyond their goals for the year.

Whether or not the sponsorship for [Sky Garden] was worth it, choosing Joo Seo-yeon as the advertisement model was a decision he didn’t regret.

“It’s going to do well.”

Kwak Hyun-woo said that confidently.

After all, Seo-yeon had mentioned something during the ad shoot.

“I think it would be great to air the ad when Episode 4 of [Sky Garden] is broadcasted.”

Seo-yeon had advised against airing the ad immediately.

When he asked for the reason.

“Looking at the script, it feels like things will start to pick up from Episode 4.”

Episode 4.

With Episode 2 airing this week, she meant to start from next Thursday.

From what he heard, [Sky Garden] has a total of 20 episodes.

If Episode 4 is past, it means they are just over the starting point.

Honestly, it did feel a bit ambiguous, but.

‘Will it really go as she said?’

While such thoughts crossed his mind, strangely, he found himself trusting Seo-yeon’s words.

It felt almost magical, as if her words would come true.

That’s the power of presence, probably.

“By the way, that rival drama airing on KMB aired their Episode 3 yesterday. How did it go?”

“Oh, that…”

At Kwak Hyun-woo’s words, the expressions of the other staff turned vague.

From their perspective, they hoped the ratings for [Grand Game], airing on Mondays and Tuesdays, would be as low as possible.

That way, the ratings for [Sky Garden], which they sponsored, would rise significantly.

“It’s doing incredibly well.”

Assistant Kim replied calmly.

Then, he opened his phone and showed it to Kwak Hyun-woo.

[[Grand Game] has once again significantly updated its ratings!! Ratings at 15 percent.]

[The terrifying upward trend of KMB dramas this quarter. [Grand Game] is heading for the year’s highest ratings.]

[Can it surpass [Dream Future], which just updated its highest ratings of the year?]

Fifteen percent.

That was a whopping 5 percent higher than the 10 percent ratings achieved by [Sky Garden] based on Episode 2.

*

“Congratulations, Mi-eun!”

“This is a win, right? We’re on the right track.”

“Thank you! It’s all thanks to everyone’s support.”
“That’s just how it is.”

The atmosphere on the filming set of Grand Game was really good.

And why wouldn’t it be? The ratings had hit a whopping 15 percent!

“Honestly, I was shocked when I saw the viewership for the second episode of Sky Garden. At this rate, we’re good to go.”

“Right? There’s no way it would go any higher from there.”

“It seems like the unique material attracted a lot of curiosity for the second episode.”

Those conversations floated around, coming from other actors on set.

Ko Mi-eun, smiling sweetly, was inwardly chuckling.

‘I won!’

Looking over the script, it seemed like there wouldn’t be any significant issues up to episode six.

The only thing nagging her was.

‘There seems to be a lack of romance.’

When she wondered about that with the director.

“Oh, don’t worry. We’re already discussing it up top.”

“Discussing it?”

Stunned by the mention of discussions, Ko Mi-eun quickly covered her mouth.

After all, it could easily sound like a complaint against the cinematographer.

“It seems they’re debating whether to add romance to the script or not. Of course, it needs to go in. We’re not amateurs.”

Commercial dramas ultimately follow public taste.

How many works aimed at artistry ended up failing and flopping?

‘Looks like it’s another case of the writer causing trouble.’

But wasn’t Grand Game written by a star writer?

“It’s not the writer, but it seems it’s not to PD Baek’s liking. That’s why they’re all trying to persuade him.”

“PD Baek Tae-soo?”

“Yeah. But he seems hesitant. He might be thinking since Sky Garden is doing so well, why not skip the romance for this one.”

But the director patted Ko Mi-eun on the shoulder, as if to say not to worry.

“It’s true that romance can ruin the essence of a work if done poorly, and I’m not a huge fan of it, but this script is really good. You don’t need to stress about it.”

The director chuckled heartily while tapping Ko Mi-eun’s shoulder.

Just stick to this and you’ll be fine.

It was as if he were saying that.

‘If the director is saying this, then there’s no major problem with the script.’

Then her victory was assured.

She had no intention of losing to Joo Seo-yeon, who was filming a bizarre drama like Sky Garden.

This year, she would crush even the biggest hit of the year, Dream Future, and make it her own.

And so.

While Ko Mi-eun was burning with ambition.

“I’ve got my mask.”

“A mask?”

“The one I’ll wear on Masked Singer along with my outfit.”

Seo-yeon was busy preparing to appear on the new variety show.

Masked Singer involves contestants wearing masks and competing against each other.

That meant there was quite a bit to prepare beforehand.

It was only now, weeks after deciding to take part, that the appearance date had finally been set.

“Is it okay to go on a variety show while filming a drama?”

Lee Ji-yeon looked at Seo-yeon, intrigued.

“Actually, it’s better to go on more while filming a drama. It appeals to the public more.”

“That’s true, but…”

Interestingly enough, the suggestion had come from the PD.

Ji-yeon had never experienced anything like this.

Honestly, just managing the drama filming was already tough for her.

‘Ironically, she’s always doing her broadcasts quite regularly.’

Of course, Seo-yeon knew exactly what Ji-yeon was thinking.

But Ji-yeon didn’t just avoid variety shows; she also worked really hard as ‘Ramiel’ on broadcasts.

Her days off were alarmingly scarce.

Plus, her content was always well-structured, so how she managed to pull that off time and again was a mystery.

‘If only she could just stop the collabs!’

That was one comment Seo-yeon didn’t dare send through Super Chat.
“I couldn’t send it through a super chat.

Such a remark could easily lead to misunderstandings.

A wizard.

Yeah, I can at least accept the wizard part now.

Seo-yeon is also getting a lot of help from [Masked Singer] this time.

‘But.’

Recently, another character has emerged alongside Ramiel.

Just as the wizard promoted Ramiel’s debut before, now Ramiel is promoting a new character’s debut.

The concept is roughly that of a villainous lady with cat ears.

I couldn’t help but think, ‘When were cat ears cool?’ but the acting is quite impressive.

Surprisingly, there are quite a few Vtubers with a noble lady concept.

The downside is that it requires a lot of RP, but the newly debuted cat nailed it.

‘It feels like a strangely familiar voice…’

Who could it be?

Seo-yeon was genuinely curious.

Anyway, even though it wasn’t to her liking, it was still entertaining, so she tossed in about 200,000 won in super chat.

「Hmph, this small change doesn’t matter to me.」

With that vibe, she completely ignored the super chat.

Seo-yeon’s super chat turned out to be the first and last one.

What the heck is going on?

Aren’t they trying to make money?

Who could it be…?

Seo-yeon’s mind was filled with questions.

Are they satisfied with the broadcast revenue alone?

Of course, the super chat is also related to communication, so it seems she plans to reopen it later.

However, she seems to be thinking of placing limits on the amount.

‘I can’t even ask.’

Seo-yeon glanced at Ji-yeon while pondering.

Even if she did ask, Ji-yeon wouldn’t be the type to give a clear answer.

She would probably just act aloof.

They’ve known each other for years, and Seo-yeon knows that much.

“But, isn’t it overlapping with ‘Ashen Crow’ when you go out?”

“The probability is high. It might be starting from next week’s broadcast.”

“Really?”

At Seo-yeon’s words, Ji-yeon was taken aback.

If that’s true, Seo-yeon might end up meeting ‘Ashen Crow’ in the final boss battle.

Typically, if someone defends their title about six times, they make it to the Hall of Fame.

Whether to take off the mask at that point or keep it on is up to them.

Timing-wise, if Seo-yeon wins everything in [Masked Singer],

then she would be facing ‘Ashen Crow’ in the final showdown.

‘I definitely know who Ashen Crow is…’

Ji-yeon knows.

There’s no way she wouldn’t, being a fan.

Given how she has continuously supported Ashen Crow, the finals would be a conflict for her.

Should she cheer for Seo-yeon or Ashen Crow?

Honestly, she wanted to cheer for Ashen Crow.

But.

‘She’s definitely going to sulk.’

If she cheers for Ashen Crow, Seo-yeon, with her personality, would definitely sulk.

She would probably just send some weird cat emoticons like she does to Jo Seo-hee.

And when they meet, she’d be sulking the entire time.

Such a bothersome girl.

“So, have you decided on a song?”

“The song? Ah, Na-hee helped me.”

The song that Seo-yeon would sing in the first week was ‘Summer Girl.’

It was a tribute of sorts from Seo-yeon.

After all, Na-hee would probably only be at Hoyeon Entertainment this year.

Naturally, she would be appearing in Summer Girl as well.

‘I have to make sure to bring her to Nova Entertainment.’

Cha Na-hee is an outstanding individual in many ways.

As an idol and an actress, her skills are quite remarkable.

Since she’s too good a talent to stay at Hoyeon, Seo-yeon desperately wanted to bring Cha Na-hee over.

“So what’s the next song?”
“What about the song?”

“I didn’t really prepare anything.”

“What?”

Seo-yeon had no words, even as Ji-yeon looked flustered and asked, “What?”

Well…

“There’s no way I can make it past the first round.”

Although her singing skills had recently improved significantly, it still didn’t feel like she had the ability to win in the competition of [Masked Singer] and advance to the upper rounds.

The insertion songs have been a hot topic lately, but they were crafted with the help of many experts.

“And it’s also a problem if I can’t take off the mask.”

“That’s true.”

Seo-yeon participated in the variety show for promotional purposes related to the drama. So, not being able to take off the mask was indeed a problem.

She could miss her timing easily.

Even the king’s match?

She hadn’t even thought about that.

From the beginning, the Ashen Crow seemed like a whole different level in Seo-yeon’s eyes.

“Then one song should be enough.”

Seo-yeon was confident about it.

Just up until a week later.

*

“The Ashen Crow claims victory in the King’s match once again.”

“Wow, that makes three times now.”

“If this goes well, we might have a new inductee in the Hall of Fame after a long time!”

As the host and the panelists spoke those words, the Ashen Crow sat on the throne.

In reality, she wasn’t interested in such comments.

The Ashen Crow.

To say it, Yeo-hee was lost in thought.

“I met Joo Young-bin yesterday.”

“Oh no.”

As she was about to take a sip of her beer, Yeo-hee almost knocked over her drink and fell over.

Thinking they would be having free meat today since they were finally meeting, the bespectacled guy brought that up.

“Hey, how have you been?”

“Probably well.”

“Oh? What does ‘probably’ mean?”

At Yeo-hee’s response, he narrowed his eyes and stared at her.

He always had that annoyingly disdainful look.

It was as if he viewed others as commodities, devoid of any emotion.

She used to think that way, but now she realized.

His eyes just looked like that.

“He’s probably just troubled with work or something. We’ll talk about that later.”

He said with a sly grin.

Honestly, he only appeared that way because he was in a good mood.

“I brought tickets for [Masked Singer].”

“Oh, speaking of which, [Masked Singer] was sponsored by the GH Group… But why?”

Is he trying to orchestrate a coincidence by suggesting I participate?

That guy, Joo Young-bin.

He’s thorough about these things. After getting involved with Suah, he simply took her and went from the countryside to Seoul.

It’s impressive that I chased after them, yet even more impressive that we hadn’t been in proper contact for 20 years.

“It’s not because of you.”

He said that and didn’t elaborate further.

Even saying that much felt like a special treatment.

Afterward, Yeo-hee pondered that reason for some time.

“No way.”

And only now could she barely figure out that reason.

“…Right?”

There was only one reason he would give tickets to Young-bin.

If a family member was participating in [Masked Singer].

And among Young-bin’s family, there was only one person fitting that description.

Joo Seo-yeon.

The actress currently making headlines.

The one who sang the insertion song for [Sky Garden].

Just as Yeo-hee suspected.

The following week.

“Alright, so your name is… Man-Lap Rabbit!! Wow, that’s cool!! Please introduce yourself briefly.”

As she called it cool, the Man-Lap Rabbit shrugged his shoulders.

The Ashen Crow nearly slipped from the throne right then.

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