Chapter 92
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 92
Chapter Title: Contract
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The door opened, and a woman cautiously stepped inside, her face hidden behind a hat and mask.
She seemed taller than expected, standing around 165cm with a long, slender figure that immediately caught the eye.
Seok-il stood up and greeted her carefully.
"Hello, you're Ji-ming, right?"
The woman replied in a soft voice.
"Yes, that's me."
It was exactly the voice of Ji-ming from her streams.
Jin-seong watched the scene with curious eyes.
It was his first time meeting a streamer he'd only ever seen through her virtual avatar in person, which made it all the more fascinating.
Seok-il gestured toward the sofa, and Ji-ming sat down, removing her mask and hat with a relaxed expression.
"Hoo... It was so stuffy bundled up like that. Finally, I can breathe."
Without the hat and mask, Ji-ming's face was revealed—and it was as stunning as expected.
True to her idol trainee background, her sharp features and radiant aura drew the gaze.
She naturally turned her eyes toward Jin-seong, who was seated at the head of the table.
"Chairman?"
Jin-seong met her gaze with a warm smile.
"Yes, Ji-ming. It's our first time meeting in person. I'm really glad we could do this."
Jin-seong wasn't particularly handsome, but at 184cm tall with a well-built frame from working out and clear skin, he made a strong impression.
Meeting the chairman she'd only imagined before, Ji-ming felt a strange mix of curiosity and excitement.
He was practically her benefactor for pulling her virtual career out of crisis, and seeing him in the flesh for the first time made him seem almost haloed, like he'd been buffed.
Ji-ming widened her eyes as she looked at Jin-seong and said,
"Chairman, you're way younger-looking than I thought! I figured you'd be much older."
Jin-seong chuckled and replied casually.
"Haha, I'm pretty old. You saw right through me."
Ji-ming tilted her head with a puzzled look.
"Huh? You don't look it at all! More like early thirties. Are you older than that?"
Jin-seong laughed brightly, amused.
"Thanks. Feels good to hear that. But yeah, I'm quite a bit older—thirty-six."
Ji-ming gasped in surprise.
"Whoa! Really? You look so youthful! I never would have guessed!"
Jin-seong and Ji-ming laughed together, chatting easily to break the ice and ease the initial tension.
With the natural icebreaker done, they moved on to the main topic: the contract.
Seok-il pulled out the pre-prepared documents and placed them on the table.
"Ji-ming, this is the contract we prepared with our law firm. Let me give you a quick overview."
Seok-il began explaining the document in detail, showing it to Ji-ming with a serious expression.
"First, J.S. Studio will handle all your non-streaming schedules, taxes, and legal matters.
And for the core of your streams—VR tech support—of course, plus if you do music activities, we'll provide full sound and recording facilities."
Ji-ming listened quietly to Seok-il's explanation with a serious face.
"If you run a YouTube channel, we'll provide editors and even illustrators for thumbnails.
For external schedules or travel, the company will provide vehicles for convenience, and for a comfortable streaming setup, we'll handle high-spec computer builds too."
Seok-il continued earnestly once more.
"Finally, we'll directly secure lucrative external gigs like ads and sponsorships on a regular basis.
In return, for all this support, the company takes a 15% commission on your Americano revenue."
Ji-ming was inwardly shocked.
Typical MCNs charged at least 25-30% for mid-tier streamers.
And as a virtual streamer, she'd braced for 35-40% on debut.
15% was shockingly generous.
Seok-il paused to catch his breath before continuing.
"For all broadcast content and music created with our support, plus secondary creations, revenue splits are 80% to the company and 20% to you.
This might feel like the company takes too much, but the investment in VR tech, sound, and video editing is massive.
Since we cover all costs, we ask for your understanding on this."
Seok-il finished his calm, honest explanation and looked Ji-ming in the eye.
"If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask."
Ji-ming seemed lost in thought for a moment.
She'd never heard of an MCN offering such extensive support.
Especially the VR tech—it far exceeded what an individual streamer could access.
The revenue split had surprised her at first, but considering the support and costs, it made sense.
Ji-ming nodded, as if decided.
"No, you explained it so thoroughly. No other questions. Thank you."
After hearing Seok-il's explanation, Ji-ming briefly looked puzzled.
After a short silence, she cautiously spoke up.
"Um... but the terms seem too good. From what I know, MCNs usually take 20% or more from mid-tier streamers.
Compared to the support and benefits you described, 15% feels really low. Isn't the company losing out? Is this really okay?"
Ji-ming voiced her honest curiosity.
Seok-il smiled lightly at her concern and continued in a steady tone.
"Haha, actually, this is a very special deal only for streamers personally selected by the chairman.
He instructed us to offer better terms for those he's directly interested in contracting.
It's structured as a 'win-win' for both sides."
Seok-il paused, adding a slow elaboration to ensure she understood.
"That said, yes, the secondary copyright revenue split favors the company a bit more.
We'll invest heavily in costs and manpower to produce content, market it aggressively, and the resulting revenue will cycle back into building your brand value, merch, and more for you."
He took a breath, then continued with a serious gaze.
"Of course, you'll share in all that revenue too. Ultimately, with our investment, we expect big returns later from music sales, concerts, and such."
Seok-il clarified the contract term as well.
"The contract renews every two years by default, but if anything feels off or issues arise, we can negotiate and adjust anytime. No worries, Ji-ming."
With that, Ji-ming nodded without hesitation, fully convinced.
After hearing it all, Ji-ming smiled brightly, no more doubts.
"With terms this good, I'm grateful! Let's sign right away."
Seok-il looked relieved and pulled out the contract from the prepared folder.
He placed two copies in front of her—one for the company, one for her—and guided her kindly.
"Ji-ming, please sign both. One for us to keep, one for you."
Ji-ming signed neatly and handed them back with a smile.
Seok-il extended his hand with a proud smile.
"Congratulations on becoming J.S. Studio's first official streamer. We won't let you regret it."
Ji-ming shook his hand with a bright expression at his sincere words.
"Thank you! So I call you President now, right? Looking forward to working together!"
With the contract successfully wrapped up, Ji-ming turned to Jin-seong in the relaxed atmosphere.
"Chairman! Now that we've signed, don't you owe me a meal?"
Ji-ming teased him playfully with a smile.
Jin-seong nodded with a laugh.
"Of course. You're family now. I didn't expect things to blow up like this, but anyway, looking forward to it, Ji-ming."
Ji-ming grinned brightly and pouted a little.
"Come on, we're company family now—be casual! Chairman, my real name's Ji-min. Just call me 'Ji-min' from now on."
Jin-seong burst out laughing before replying casually.
"Haha, got it, Ji-min. I'll keep it casual."
Ji-ming finally smiled in satisfaction.
"Yes, Chairman! So you're treating us to something delicious, right?"
At Ji-min's cute whining, Jin-seong turned to Seok-il.
"Seok-il, I'm not great with Seoul spots. Could you reserve a nice restaurant nearby?"
Seok-il bowed his head immediately.
"Yes, Chairman. I'll book a great place right away."
Watching this, Ji-min laughed in amazement.
"Wow, you really feel like a chairman. It's kinda surreal!"