Chapter 96
Chapter 96
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 96
Chapter Title: Beyond the Idol (6)
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In a secluded corner of the cafe, hidden behind partitions from prying eyes, we sat facing each other.
I took off the mask and hat I'd bundled up in, revealing her striking bare face.
Low twin tails dyed in a white-pink two-tone. Artificial eyes that sparkled in a rainbow of lights.
It was a flashy look, but considering Rico's real personality, it suited her perfectly.
She truly lived up to her fame as a virtual reality idol with millions of fans.
But the girl sitting across from me now seemed far quieter and more awkward than before.
"......"
The reason was likely the man seated behind her.
Rico kept glancing nervously at him, the man she'd introduced as her manager.
It bothered me immensely, but since she didn't seem to want me pointing it out, I held back for now.
Instead, she desperately changed the subject to urge me on.
"Eve, you said you had some concerns about streaming? What is it? Tell me! I'm dying to know!"
And so, I got straight to the point.
It was about the virtual reality worship service I'd been agonizing over.
Rico listened quietly for a while, then tilted her head with question marks in her eyes once I finished explaining.
"Wait, hold on, Eve. So... you don't want donations? Why? Isn't interacting with viewers what makes streaming fun? You make money too!"
"This is... like I said, it's a real worship service. Interruptions midway would be a problem. Our church isn't just a concept—it's real..."
I patiently explained the situation again, but Rico still looked skeptical.
She couldn't quite wrap her head around the idea that a stream's purpose could be an actual religion.
It was like asking why the Earth is flat and tilting her head in confusion.
Even so, she knew the answer I needed. After pondering for a moment, Rico spoke up.
"Hmm... If it's like you say, there's an easy way to fix it."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Super simple. Sign an exclusive partner streamer contract with Lucid Connect. That unlocks a ton of restrictions. Sure, you'd have to agree not to stream elsewhere, but if you're closing donations and ads like you said, that should work fine."
Rico paused to catch her breath, then added, "But."
"Of course, not just anyone gets an exclusive deal like that. You need solid brand value—like a near-celebrity mega-streamer—for them to even consider it. Those kinds of people have such massive fanbases that their streams alone bring in huge fixed viewership to the platform. Even without donation cuts, the company profits. Heck, the streamer ends up advertising the platform for them."
"......."
But I'd only just started streaming, so this felt pointless for me.
Just as disappointment started to sink in, Rico unexpectedly shook her head.
"Sure, your channel isn't there in terms of scale yet... but that growth rate is insane. The platform might already rate you highly. If you negotiate smartly, it could work. So—"
That's when a gravelly voice cut into our conversation.
"Haha, that's what it was?"
Rico's shoulders flinched at the sudden interruption.
The intruder was none other than her manager, Barnes.
The rough-looking man grinned broadly, a stark contrast to his earlier grumpy expression.
"That's why agencies exist. Right, Rico?"
"......."
Rico instinctively averted her gaze.
Ignoring her reaction, the man fixed his eyes on me and continued.
"I've watched a few of your streams—this one's so good, I had no idea you were indie. Haha. From what I heard, going through an agency would make negotiating with the platform way easier. So, how about contracting with our company? We can offer the best terms for a newbie. We've already got Rico here, and you two are friends. Perfect match."
Rico forced a smile and tried to intervene.
"Ahaha, Manager! Eve should shop around and compare options first! Right, Eve?"
A flicker of unease passed through her eyes. Something was definitely off.
"You heard her, Manager. Eve's not taking donations or ads from now on. It's just a hobby stream, no money involved. Contracting with her would be a loss for us. A loss."
"Well, who knows what the future holds? Hahaha. If her stream blows up more, she might change her mind."
Even now, Rico was shooting me pleading glances.
Desperately signaling something behind the manager's back.
"........."
Missing it entirely, the man chuckled and launched into his pitch.
"You might not know as a newbie, but opportunities like this are rare. Know how many big streamers are under Prism Studio? Just collab with them a few times consistently, and your viewers will skyrocket—tens of times what you have now, easy. The company's giving you the fastest growth plan as a VR streamer. Once you're famous, forget platform ads—you'll shoot real corporate CFs. How's that? Life blooming from there."
Finishing his spiel, he leaned in conspiratorially, voice dropping to a sly whisper.
"Oh, not supposed to say this, but... our agency has connections at Lucid HQ. We can push platform promos and official events hard. That's how Rico got this big. Right, Rico?"
He whipped around to her, and she nodded weakly, her face pale and drained.
Watching the whole scene, I just played dumb with a bright smile.
"...Oh, really? That's amazing! I've always wanted to be a VR idol like Rico!"
"Haha, great. Skip this—let's head to our agency right now and talk more."
Rico fidgeted anxiously, glancing my way.
I ignored her naturally and beamed at the man.
"Yes! I'd love to check it out!"
Yeah.
You'd been bothering me from the start.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Prism Studio, Rico's agency, was a management company of sorts.
They supported and managed individual streamers and influencers on online platforms, sharing the profits. They handled the messy stuff like taxes, events, and ad bookings.
And as everyone knew, Omega Detroit was an ultra pro-corporate city.
Corporate taxes were basically nonexistent, so many streamers funneled their massive streaming income through agencies as corporate revenue to dodge income taxes.
Manager Barnes rattled off the company's perks nonstop while driving his beat-up minivan.
I half-listened, noting through the window how the scenery shifted toward the city outskirts.
We arrived at a quiet neighborhood's five-story mini-mall.
As we climbed the dated building—no elevator, just dingy stairs—Barnes explained it was the studio HQ.
I thought to myself while ascending.
'Looks like your typical small-time agency.'
Finally, the third-floor office.
There we met a man in his forties named Kevin.
He introduced himself as Prism Studio's president—surprisingly gentlemanly, articulate too.
"Eve, right? I heard the situation. Lots of streamers start as a hobby. No worries. Our job is supporting talented artists and helping their dreams bloom."
With a smooth smile, he laid out appealing proposals.
"You might decide to go pro later. Better to plan with an agency from the start than scramble then. We get first dibs on raw talent like you as reward. But hey, stick to hobby? Fine too. Even without direct revenue, a hot topic like you mingling with our artists boosts our company's weight class."
He paused, then drove the nail home.
"And as your stream grows, unexpected issues will pop up. That's when an agency's power shines—easy fixes. Like this one."
It sounded like a solid deal.
All upside, no burden for me.
"......"
But I knew better.
Every corporation's raison d'être was profit.
No exceptions.
If not chasing max gains, it wouldn't exist as a company.
Charity groups do support and philanthropy—not corporations.
So they were always hungry for the biggest cut.
Yet the contract terms dangled before me were suspiciously generous and clean.
It reeked of something fishy.
Then Kevin asked.
"Oh, and if it's not rude—one thing I've been wondering. Who's the lady next to you, Eve?"
His eyes flicked to Esty beside me. I answered casually.
"My cousin. She helps out with streaming in various ways."
Esty now read my intentions from a glance alone.
Thanks to her, we'd reached here without drama despite Barnes's rudeness at the cafe.
"Ah, got it."
Kevin nodded naturally, no more questions.
As conversation lulled, I pretended to scan the contract.
The terms held up under scrutiny—impeccable.
Even the penalty fee was low, allowing easy exit anytime.
"......."
So I picked up the pen and quietly signed my name at the bottom.
Kevin watched with a pleased smile.
"Perfect. Welcome to the family."
"Yes! Looking forward to working with you!"
Truth was, I'd come here for one reason only.
Rico had solved my issue, but I still knew nothing of hers.
Blind goodwill from ignorance helps no one.
I just wanted to dig deeper into her situation.
'If this isn't a misunderstanding...'
I glanced at the freshly signed contract.
If they'd slipped something shady in, they'd regret it—not me.
No way these small-fry scamming girls from a dumpy building...
Outmatched a ex-finance exec wielding astronomical capital.
Hiding those thoughts, I spoke to Kevin in an innocently naive tone.
"Um, could I tour the company facilities today? Barnes mentioned a practice room in the basement on the way... I wanna sing like Rico too."
Kevin grinned.
"You'll improve fast. Eve, you'll be a bigger star than Rico. We'll make it happen."
I beamed back.
"Wow! Can't wait!"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Crack—!
A sharp burst echoed from behind the building, in a filthy alley.
Rico crumpled to the ground from the man's brutal slap.
She clutched her swelling cheek with hollow eyes.
Her manager, Barnes, loomed with a savage scowl.
He spat on the ground and snarled.
"You bitch. Thought I wouldn't notice? Winking like hell at her earlier? What, 'run away~'—sending signals?"
He approached the fallen Rico, squatted, and yanked her hair.
"Wanted to play hero for that naive little girl? Huh? Worry about your own ass, you dumb slut. Forgot it's thanks to me you're eating here? Want me to spill all your old dirt and ruin you?"
The merciless tirade continued, but Rico said nothing.
The vibrant, optimistic idol with millions of fans in the virtual world was gone.
Only a tearful girl from reality remained, weeping silently.
"......."