Chapter 16
Chapter 16
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: New Platform
-----------------------------------------------------------------
16. New Platform
Moving to a new platform.
Presenting a third option I had never even considered, Seoha noona spoke in a calm yet authoritative tone, like a capable CEO at a business presentation, steadily building trust with every word.
- Actually, Aver is launching a brand-new platform this time.
"Aver? You mean the Aver I know?"
- Yes, that's right.
Aver was the name of Korea's largest portal site.
These days, it had expanded into webtoons and web novels—content that people were really into lately—and was even pushing into overseas markets. It was a massive company.
The news of them creating an internet broadcasting platform was something I'd never heard before, so I couldn't help but express my surprise.
"How did you know about that, noona?"
- It's not bragging or anything, but I have some connections in that industry. I heard about it by chance one day. There'll probably be articles about it soon.
"Ah...."
In other words, there was going to be an official company announcement. That meant the new platform launch she mentioned wasn't far off.
- It seems like they've been working on developing this platform from the start.
"The timing lines up perfectly."
- In a way, yeah. Though it's unfortunate news for you, Cosmo.
It was bittersweet, but that was the truth. Whenever someone loses out because of something, someone else always gains.
In that sense, Aver's preparations for the new platform launch felt like a gift from the heavens.
- From what I heard, at least, they're building a system similar to Tweet's. They'll accommodate subscribers from there, and they're planning to reach out to streamers who had big audiences on Tweet, too.
"...But isn't this company confidential info? Is it okay to tell me?"
As I listened, it started to feel like she was sharing pretty detailed information that an outsider like me shouldn't hear, so I asked cautiously. Then, a small chuckle came from the other end of the line. "Pfft."
- It's info that's going public tomorrow anyway. That's why I can tell you, Cosmo.
"Ah, makes sense."
Yeah, Seoha noona didn't strike me as the type to carelessly leak another company's secrets. No matter how big a fan she was, she knew where to draw the line.
So, this was probably just her way of gauging my interest before it all became official. She'd watched my stream today and must have sensed my dilemma.
I felt a bit bad for worrying her.
- Anyway, that's why I wanted to ask you, Cosmo. There's still some time left, but it doesn't hurt to decide early, right? If you can secure a spot ahead of everyone else, that'd be even better.
"True. As long as the viewers follow..."
When a platform first launches, there'd be fewer streamers than on Tweet right now. Grabbing a spot early might make it easier to stand out.
But my main concern was still the viewers, like I'd mentioned before.
It wasn't just about my income dropping if numbers fell. These were the people who'd stuck with my humble little stream and cheered me on—I wanted to go as far as possible with them.
- Like I said earlier, they're supporting a system to migrate Tweet subscribers over. I don't think you need to worry about that part.
"That does sound appealing. Though I'd have to look into the details later..."
Based on what she'd shared so far, it was definitely a tempting offer.
Plus, since it was backed by Aver, it probably wouldn't devolve into heavy adult content like some minor platforms, diluting the overall vibe.
And assuming some integration with Aver's portal system, that wouldn't be a bad thing either.
The only lingering concern was that, as a new platform, it'd take time to settle in. If all the so-called "major corp streamers" jumped ship elsewhere, the market might shrink.
But that didn't bother me much. I wasn't in it for the big bucks anyway.
I'd be happy just to carry over the modest success I'd built so far.
"I'll think about going with that one. If you're recommending it this strongly, it can't be a bad choice..."
- R-Really? That's great...!
"...?"
As I sounded like I'd made up my mind, I heard what almost seemed like a sigh of relief from noona.
Did people usually say "that's great" in situations like this? I'd expect something more like "I think that's a good idea."
For some reason, it felt like Seoha noona hadn't just casually suggested it—she'd been hoping I'd move there all along.
- But Cosmo, this might sound weird coming out of nowhere...
"What is it?"
- Why do you trust me so much? If some random person came to you with this, you'd probably be suspicious...
>Huh? Was there something suspicious?
She wasn't claiming insider status to hook me up or anything shady. She was just sharing info that'd be public soon.
I had no idea why she was asking this now, but if she wanted a reason I trusted her...
"Good question. I don't really know myself."
- ...Pardon?
"I just want to believe you. Not because you said you're my fan, but because you're Seoha noona."
It might sound like the naive words of some clueless guy who'd get scammed in a heartbeat, but that's how I felt.
We'd only met twice, but she gave off this strange sense of comfort and warmth that no one else had.
Like she genuinely cared about me.
It might even be similar to the feeling I got from my own big sis.
That's why I decided to trust her. Simple as that.
- Thank you. I'll do my best...!
"Huh? Do your best at what?"
I tilted my head, wondering why she'd say something like that after the thanks, and a flustered voice came from the other side.
- Ahh...! I-I misspoke! I meant you should do your best!
"Haha, it happens. I trip over my words during streams all the time."
It was such a cute slip-up from the mature, reliable Seoha noona that I couldn't help but laugh.
After that, we set aside the heavy talk and chatted lightly about our days, letting the conversation bloom until we finally hung up and went to bed.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After hanging up with Cosmo and lying in bed, all the laughter I'd been holding back burst out at once.
- I just want to believe you. Not because you said you're my fan, but because you're Seoha noona.
"Ehehe, hehe...."
Even though it was over the phone, hearing those sweet words from Cosmo made it impossible to stop grinning.
How does he learn to say such pretty things?
Tap. Tap.
I wanted to fall asleep cherishing the sound of Cosmo's voice, but I had work to do first. I opened my laptop and pulled up the document I'd checked recently.
The title at the top read:
[New Internet Broadcasting Platform, Tentative Name 'Cheeze' Launch - Business Plan]
Truth be told, I'd told Cosmo it was just some info I'd heard, but discussions about Aver's new internet broadcasting platform had been going on for a while—and I was the one who'd heard the most about it.
That made sense, since I was the second-largest shareholder after Chairman Han Jongryul, Aver's head.
To be precise, Cheongsung Trading—which I represented as CEO—held 8.9%, and I personally owned 3.8%, making me basically the top shareholder both corporately and individually.
But I had no interest in meddling in operations, so I'd sold some shares to Chairman Han Jongryul, handed over the CEO seat, and just kept my name on a separated subsidiary.
Then, around last summer, business reports started discussing Aver launching a new internet broadcasting platform. At first, I was skeptical.
Safari TV and Tweet dominated as the top two platforms back then. I figured there was no room to squeeze in.
But the moment Tweet announced its Korea service shutdown today, I saw the opportunity and immediately called an emergency employee meeting via video call to share my thoughts.
Push it forward as fast as possible.
It was like dropping a bomb on the staff, but that wasn't my problem.
All I cared about was getting good news for Cosmo to hear and welcome ASAP.
'Knew he'd like it.'
From watching Cosmo so far, he seemed to value intangible things more than money.
Even in today's stream, he'd worried more about potentially parting with his viewers than his living situation.
That's why, in the meeting, I'd emphasized absorbing as many Tweet viewers as possible and prioritizing outreach to streamers who'd done well there—to claim that whole market.
It probably sounded like a solid plan to the employees, so they were on board. And I got elements that'd appeal to Cosmo.
Win-win, as they say.
'Gotta make sure subscriber icons carry over, too. Cosmo's are so cute.'
Hugging my pillow, I pictured Cosmo streaming on the new platform, and a smile slipped out.
It'd be best for him to settle in before Tweet shuts down, so I'd have to crack the whip on the team to speed up the launch.
If push came to shove, I'd drop by the company as majority shareholder.