Chapter 86
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 86
Chapter Title: Idol
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After staying up late into the night drafting several proposals, Ji-ming carefully organized the content and sent it off to Chairman Jin-seong.
The proposal outlined the following.
To start, they would create VR maps and feature mid-tier or higher streamers from AmeRica as figureheads, running a long-term project from idol auditions all the way through to actual debuts.
Ji-ming believed this content would let her vicariously achieve the dream she herself couldn't fulfill, and since it was a unique concept unseen in AmeRica, it had strong potential to draw attention.
Jin-seong received the proposal and read through it with keen interest.
"Hm? Idol production...?"
Jin-seong felt a spark of freshness.
The idea of adapting a broadcast TV idol debut storyline to internet streaming—and virtual streaming at that—was incredibly novel.
Moreover, since his connection with Ji-ming had begun as support for her unfulfilled idol dreams, this content perfectly checked every box in that regard.
After finishing the proposal, Jin-seong pondered for a moment before smiling lightly and calling Ji-ming right away.
They'd exchanged contacts a few times by now, so her number was already saved.
A moment later, Ji-ming's tense voice came through the receiver.
"...Hello?"
Jin-seong spoke in a relaxed tone.
"Ji-ming, I read your proposal. Looks like it'd be fun, doesn't it?"
At Jin-seong's positive response, Ji-ming brightened instantly.
"Really? Ah... What a relief!
It's worth all the late nights, Chairman."
Jin-seong probed a bit more specifically.
"In your view, who should I scout specifically, and how much support would work best?"
Ji-ming thought for a second before replying cautiously.
"Hm... I'm not aiming for major leaguers or anything.
Even just mid-tier streamers would be plenty.
But I don't have close ties with any streamers anymore, so direct scouting might be tough for me...
Are you handling the scouting yourself, Chairman?"
Jin-seong replied coolly.
"Yeah, it's just paying scouting fees to put them up front as figureheads. No big deal. Don't worry."
Ji-ming hesitated briefly before adding carefully.
"Ah... But Chairman, VR production costs more than I expected.
Factoring in music and music videos later, it might exceed the amount you mentioned..."
At the apologetic tone in Ji-ming's voice, Jin-seong chuckled lightly instead.
"Well, a hundred million is just talk—it could run higher, sure.
When else in my life will I get to produce an idol group firsthand?
It's a great experience for me too, and it'll be fun."
Jin-seong's sincere words moved Ji-ming deeply; she faltered for a moment before replying in a trembling voice.
"...Thank you so much, Chairman.
You always cheer me on, and now supporting content like this...
I don't know how to repay you."
Jin-seong laughed softly.
"Repay what? I'm supporting it because I think it'll be fun myself.
Anyway, get me exact figures on VR production, music costs, and such, then get back to me."
Ji-ming replied with joy.
"Yes, Chairman. Thank you so much!"
After hanging up, Jin-seong logged into AmeRica right away and began reviewing mid-tier and higher streamers one by one to find suitable candidates.
It was just the beginning, but Jin-seong already had a good feeling this project would yield intriguing results.
Jin-seong meticulously checked mid-tier streamers on AmeRica and sent cautious DMs to a few.
The messages read as follows.
From: Coin King
"Hello. This is Coin King. Ji-ming is prepping a long-term content project and we're looking for a streamer to serve as the figurehead.
If you're interested and have time, please reply."
It was still early, so few streamers were live, leaving Jin-seong to wait for replies.
About four hours later, responses started trickling in.
But not all were positive.
Some streamers already had conflicting long-term schedules.
For them, a scouting offer from Coin King was a huge missed opportunity.
Collaborating with a big spender like Coin King meant prime exposure and revenue potential for any streamer.
The replies were mostly along similar lines.
"Hello, Coin King! Thanks so much for the scouting offer!
But I'm already in the middle of another long-term project, so I can't join...
Sorry to miss out this time—hoping for next time! Really sorry ㅠㅠ"
"Whoa... Coin King scouting me personally! ㅠㅠ
Such an honor, but my schedule's packed starting next month.
Am I crazy for turning this down?"
"Really sorry, Coin King... I'm contracted on another project, so I can't participate.
Such a great chance—hate to miss it.
Hoping for another shot next time!"
The regret from the streamers who sent rejections practically leaped off the screen.
Coin King was already a legend among AmeRica streamers, so missing a collab chance with him stung badly.
Jin-seong calmly checked the messages and waited patiently for the rest.
No need to rush anyway.
This content was meant to be thoroughly prepped and executed properly—it was only the starting phase.
Streamer Young-su was a variety gaming streamer.
With his witty banter, solid hosting skills, and real gaming chops, he was a solid mid-tier talent.
He woke up in the afternoon after a late-night variety stream.
His body felt heavy as lead.
"Ah... So damn tired."
I slapped my shoulders and got out of bed.
The fatigue from last night's marathon stream hadn't worn off.
Still, as the breadwinner, I couldn't slack on streams no matter how rough it got.
Honestly, lately I'd been sensing a crisis as a variety gamer.
Trends were drifting away from variety gaming.
Viewership was dropping, no big viral moments, and income shrinking accordingly.
I'd guest on radio shows or one-offs now and then, but nothing sustainable.
These days, my routine was fretting over daily content, brainstorming ways to boost viewers and revenue.
I shook off the haze, sat at my streaming setup.
Checked work emails as usual, scrolled communities and DMs—then a familiar name jumped out.
"Huh? Coin King...? The Coin King I know?"
Heart skipping, I clicked the DM. It was him.
Ji-ming's long-term content scouting pitch.
"Hm... Long-term content, huh."
Thinking it over, I had no major scheduling conflicts.
Variety streams ran on daily improv anyway, so I had tons of free time.
Plus, Coin King only sponsored two streamers I knew of—no other ties.
I really wanted to build a direct connection with him through this.
I fired off a reply right away.
"Hello, Coin King! Interested in your proposal, so replying.
Could you share more details?"
I sent it cautiously and waited. Almost instant reply.
A phone number with a short note.
From: Coin King
"Call this number for more details."
My heart started pounding.
This wasn't an everyday thing, so the tension ramped up.
I took a deep breath and dialed.
The brief ringtone felt eternal.
"...Hello?"
A low, calm male voice came through.
I steadied my nerves and spoke slowly.
"Hello, this is streamer Young-su."
He replied brightly right away.
"Ah, yes! Nice to meet you, Young-su. Coin King here."
Quick greetings exchanged, I dove into questions.
"Coin King, I'd love more details on the content. Okay if I decide after hearing it?"
He agreed readily.
"Of course. You know Ji-ming's a virtual streamer, right?"
I recalled her stream I'd peeked at pre-call.
"Yes, checked it out before calling."
He explained patiently, step by step.
"We're prepping content with Ji-ming leading a virtual idol group project.
Thought you'd be great as judge and host to select members, so I reached out."
Thoughts raced.
A clear picture formed.
'Audition content... virtual idols too. Super fresh.'
No such virtual idol auditions on AmeRica yet.
Definite viewer pull, huge boost for my channel.
After a beat, I replied.
"I'm not super familiar with virtual stuff, but is the role hosting with Ji-ming to pick members and help plan content?"
He responded thoughtfully.
"If you're busy, just host—that's fine.
Planning help would be bonus.
But can you commit that time?"
I decided on the spot.
Variety gaming's future was murky lately.
Auditions were perfect for drawing crowds.
This was an unmissable opportunity for me.
"Ah, yes! Plenty of time.
Directly involved in planning like this? It's been my dream.
I really want in."
Silence on his end.
Tense wait—then his response.
"Hm... Thrilled you're so enthusiastic, Young-su.
Let's do it."
I whooped internally.
Hesitated, then asked.
"Ah! And the scouting fee—what'd you have in mind?"
I pondered deeply.
'One-off pay... or more?'
After a pause, I ventured.
"Coin King, any chance of a share in idol profits?
It'd let me dive in with full passion."
I'd gone all-in. Now, his answer.
Heart thumping again, the brief silence stretched long.