Undefined (3)
A week had passed. I'd showered the gallery with a whopping 100 hamburgers. These bastards kept sucking up whenever I tossed burgers, but if I didn't, they'd just bitch endlessly. No clue what to do anymore.
This had spread as a gallery trend, with upvotes reversing periodically on recommendation posts. I resented why this bait never died down, but I had one guess.
'No content.'
Before broadcasts, there were GTX servers or big concerts, but now everything was done. The gallery had no fresh bait—just rocks. Other big events were just rehashes of the usual.
'I don't get it...'
For a guy like me whose hobby was sponsoring empty broadcasts, it was hard to relate. Deep-sea exploration alone generated this much content—what was the problem?
'It has meaning too.'
Sure, there were a few landmines, but plenty of decent folks. I'd sponsored over 20 in a week, after all. Was the haul better than before? Eh, questionable.
'Can't eat meat side dishes every meal.'
I idly clicked the mouse, browsing the gallery more. It was sneakily fun.
Most posts were about me. Surprisingly, no real backlash.
'Maybe 'cause they say not to name-drop on streams and it promotes hakko?'
Yeah, after going anon, every post came with gift icons tossed in. Plus, I wasn't pushing myself forward—just adding novelty. That probably helped.
'Dunno how long it'll last.'
A week might be the max. Another big server was opening soon anyway.
VTuber server. Or VerServer for short. A reheated RP roleplay from a common GTX game, but with a twist.
'Hakko can join too.'
Wonder what gems I'd find this time. Good thing I'd set up six monitors—they'd finally pay off. Overlapping sounds got tiring, so I'd stuck to one before.
...Tsk. Reactions weren't great.
'Bedtime.'
I turned off my phone and crashed.
Ten days later.
"Wemi."
The gallery was in meltdown. Because... the server had crashed.
'200 participants.'
The max-player aggro was solid. Issue was no broadcast experience check. Too many people meant folks skipped rules—murders, terrorism, bugs, cheats, every variable hit.
The killer blow? The admin's words.
Fair point. Multi-player servers are hard to manage, especially fun ones. Can't not resent rule-breakers.
But servers crashing wasn't new, and after hyping it, the admin just played without handling shit. Folks enjoying the big-server novelty ragequit before day 3.
Result? Promised a month, shut down in 10 days. Server lord declared a break.
...Sigh. The server meant to judge my hakko potential tanked. Felt weird.
'Back to daily checks, I guess.'
Still bummed. Day 1 had fun moments. Gallery concept posts on VerServer hit 10 pages. Folks barely scraping 20 viewers now had 300+, some even relaying.
'Should I run a server myself?'
I pondered, then shook my head. Fun reactions from sponsoring, but more aggro? Nah, too much.
*Tap, tap.*
I drummed the innocent desk. No good ideas.
Grabbed my phone, called one person. After rings, connection.
[Yes. What is it?]
"Secretary. Know any VTubers?"
My dedicated secretary.
[VTubers...?]
She paused, grasping it.
[...Somewhat. Virtual avatars? Streaming with those on?]
"Oh, you know. Secretary, ever thought of doing VTuber?"
[Pardon?]
"VTuber. No interest?"
[...No.]
I nodded at her reply, a bit disappointed. Closest person for a proxy was easiest, and she had mid-tier growth potential at least.
"Who to hire then... Hiring for fun feels off."
Starting a company just for kicks? Ex-commoner me felt the weight.
'Sponsoring cash is different from hiring people.'
Took a week to pick her. A company? Stomach churned already. Gotta live comfy.
[Need people? Or what're you planning?]
"Lately, sponsoring VTubers while watching is my hobby."
Silence. She was quick usually... Probably bookworm life, no clue. Asked about idols once—no interest. Hobby was reading.
"Skip details. Server I watched crashed. Wondered if money could fix it."
[...Suhyun.]
First time she used my name.
"Yes?"
[Money fixes most things.]
"Oh, works? But hate putting myself front and center. Okay?"
[Why?]
"Too burdensome."
I wanna be the cash sprinkler, not the pusher. No real stake in success. Just didn't wanna meddle as a lucky rich orphan.
[How about starting an agency? Easier taxes as a business.]
"...Meh."
[Then what?]
"You do VTuber? I'll up your salary."
[...What VTuber? I know nothing.]
"100 million."
[Even with more money, it's hard.]
"1 billion."
[...]
"2 billion."
[...Phew, 100 million's fine.]
Saw a meme once: If no, maybe not enough cash. Glad it worked on her. Sorry—only got money to offer.
"Could take 2 billion."
[Current salary's already too much. Bonuses alone burden me.]
"Then come up for a meeting. Not out now?"
[I notify for outings. Means home.]
"Perfect. Come up."
[Right away.]
We hung up; she entered in under 5 minutes. Crisp suit, hair prepped in a neat long ponytail.
"...Ji-yeon. Why so fast?"
"Always prepared."
"First time calling you home?"
"True. Pays off."
No change in expression, bright smile.
"So, what do I do?"
Curious question. I slid over a laptop.
"One job. Become a newbie."