What Good Luck.
"Whoa. I might actually survive."
Watching the steam rise from the bubbling hotpot cauldron filled me with eager anticipation about how Dad would sort everything out.
He'd been overflowing with confidence, so I figured he'd handle it in no time. But with him grinding away at rehearsals with the general director and some girl idol these days, twisting his back in the process, I couldn't help worrying.
The tension from cranking my brain into overdrive for the exam just moments ago melted away in an instant. Jisu whipped up the sauce like a pro and set it down in front of me.
It was a chili sauce base mixed with minced garlic, oil, sugar, and peanut powder. I'd eaten hotpot plenty of times as Lee Haru, but I'd never quite adapted to the sesame sauce base, so this was always my go-to.
"Here you go. What kind of hotpot joint can't even make the sauce when you come in? You're always such a kid."
"Hehe... Thanks for the grace of Jisu the Helper."
"Eww... Cut that out in public. It's embarrassing."
Jisu actually seemed a little shy, avoiding my gaze, but a smile played on her lips. I dipped thinly sliced pork belly into the tomato broth, coated it in sauce, and shoved it into my mouth.
The tangy-sweet kick of the chili sauce blended perfectly with the tomato broth's aroma—delicious. Tomatoes on their own? Meh. But tomato egg stir-fry or tomato soup? Loved 'em. The irony.
"So, Haru. What're you planning now that exams are over? You've suddenly turned into a study machine—total opposite of your usual self."
Jisu's sharp question made my chewing jaw freeze mid-motion. How do I even answer that... The sudden study grind? Closest thing was realizing how crucial studying was, thanks to that guy's memories.
"Well... I'm a high schooler. Gotta study, right?"
"Study? Says the girl who partied through middle school, bombed her performance assessments, and barely scraped into high school."
"Whoa... Jisu, you just hit the core. You're one sharp cookie."
"...What's with the sudden AI speech pattern?"
"Those words of yours... so profound..."
Damn... She didn't even crack a smile at my killer drip. At school, she was all short answers and half-cold with everyone but me—practically the ice princess. Not that she's introverted or anything; she's safe enough.
I was tempted to fire off another zinger to crack her up, but nothing came to mind that'd land, so I washed the words back down with my drink.
Turned out to be a pretty cost-effective spot—no massive bill like I'd feared. My allowance was solid, but I still had expenses piling up: official Vocaloid Program someday, and more. Once NewTube monetization kicked in, plus Sora Group payouts, I'd be set, right?
"Haru, ace the rest of your exams tomorrow too!"
"Yeah..."
After seeing Jisu off, I started the walk home. Checking that no one was around, I hummed a Korean-adapted version of "Girl B"'s lyrics from that guy's memories.
"Ow. Tough to sing."
The original was Vocaloid Program-generated, so when the rap-like parts hit, my tongue tied itself in knots. Anyone belting this live? Impressive.
I fired up NewTube Studio for a quick check on views and subs, and the first thing that popped up was this:
Your NewTube channel monetization application has been approved.
This fast? I'd heard it usually takes 1-2 weeks, so I hadn't been banking on it. Unexpected bonus. NewTube eyeing my channel maybe?
Hmm...
Come to think of it, HALU had briefly topped the HYPE rankings for newbie channels. Fair enough.
What good luck.
That's what they taught you to think in these moments. If some unbelievable stroke of fortune hits—like a ridiculous windfall— just go "what good luck" and everyone's satisfied, no drama.
The channel's growth was on a steady upward curve overall. Monetization approved was just the start; more steps ahead.
From my research, once earnings hit $10, they'd mail a PIN to my registered address for verification. Then link a bank account, but payouts only after $100. Complicated process.
But hey, "the beginning is half the battle." Today marked the start of real earnings. Recreating songs from that guy's memories and getting paid for it.
Plus, it wasn't creating from scratch—just recreation—so way faster than actual songwriters. Meant bigger bucks. Total "Technologia!" infinite energy vibes.
"Hehe..."
Feeling great. On days like this, sake would hit... Oh right, underage. Bummer, but whatever. Grabbed an iced tea from the corner cafe, sipped it on the way home, and spotted Dad's shoes—unusual for this hour.
It's only 4 PM.
Mom must be out; her car's gone from the entrance, no clue where.
"I'm home."
"Oh, you're back? Perfect timing. Come sit."
Dad responded to my voice. Unlike usual, he looked dead serious, papers spread out in the living room. He pulled a few from the stack and laid them in front of me.
"First off... I had a contact, so I video-called the Japanese rep. They were puzzled at first when I reached out, but once I said I was the guardian for Haru's channel, they lit up. Chatted over lunch with their legal team's junior, tweaked the contract terms, and got it all squared away with the rep."
"Ooh... And?"
"Revenue split: you keep 20%, after fees. Covers group songs, plus the three tracks you've registered so far. Licensed for live use too."
The papers he showed were in Korean. Thoughtful—he knew I couldn't read Japanese and made it super clear, even for a legal newbie like me.
"And... I thought it was a poison pill clause at first, but the branch president left a note that threw me."
"What'd it say..."
"The first two tracks made with Vocaloid Program were great lyrics and MR, but free software held 'em back. But the one you sang? They loved it. Even considered recruiting you for the Korean branch later, but settled on just the contract."
Hmm... Me as a VTuber... Hard pass on that. The VTuber gallery was all "Korean branch pls," and they actually mulled it over? Spill that and I'd get concept-posted. Nah, they'd probably just call me weird and move on.
Becoming a "Mingnano Idol" VTuber? Even if mild interest is nice, that's way too much spotlight.
Especially in J-pop circles—VTubers, Korean ones especially, get hated on hard. Dad pulled me into a hug, cheering me on.
Honestly... I'd dumped so much on a working guy. Felt bad and grateful. Got a bit emotional; tears welled up.
"And that thing... what was it? They want to commission you for member original songs when you're free—come to Japan sometime. This week maybe..."
"Ooh! Japan trip!"
"They really dig you. Knowing their rep actually helped; they were thrilled I was involved."
Member originals, huh... Could I pull that off? And a potential Japan trip? Mood boosted. That guy's memories had plenty of VTuber originals, but matching them to members? Questionable.
"Hmm..."
"Oh, and I registered the copyrights too. New songs? Just tell Dad, I'll send 'em in. That prank function one you sang? Registered that too. Sounded great."
"Mmmph..."
Damn... Dad heard me singing. Black history unearthed.
VTuber originals need to fit their vibe. Like "Violet Sorceress" from his memories—tied to her demon mage RP. Whatever... Distant future; no need to stress now.
Sigh... Such is fate.
Tomorrow's integrated social studies and English—light study sesh. Contract done; now to become the super-genius beauty mastering J-pop, dual-wielding brains and brawn (real talk).