Chapter 21
Chapter 21
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: A Chance(?) Meeting
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A bit startled by the rather blunt proposal right from the start, I scanned the other person's face before cautiously speaking up.
"Um, mind if I ask one thing?"
"Sure, sure, ask away."
The deputy manager, who had pushed a cup of warm tea my way and even offered some snacks, nodded with that good-natured smile of his. He somehow reminded me of the receptionist I'd seen earlier at the front desk.
"As you probably know, I'm not exactly a big streamer on Tweet either. So while I'm grateful for the offer, I'm also a bit curious about the reasoning behind it."
"I get that. That's exactly what I plan to explain from here on out."
I'd worried I might be pouring cold water on this rare good opportunity, but he just chuckled like he'd expected the question all along and pulled out a single blank sheet of A4 paper.
Here I thought he was jumping straight to the contract, but there was nothing written on it.
"As you're probably aware, Cosmo, the internet broadcasting scene these days is full of all sorts of unique concepts. From virtual streamers to folks cranking out their own original content."
"Yeah."
The internet broadcasting world had turned into a total red ocean, with competition fiercer than ever.
Just as the deputy manager said, most half-baked content had already been done to death by other streamers, and viewers wandered around endlessly in search of something fresh.
In a market like that, even I sometimes marveled at how I'd managed average viewers of 300 without any standout gimmicks.
"That's why we rate your broadcasts pretty highly. You must know this already, but most streaming content is trending toward more sensational stuff these days."
Established top streamers probably didn't care, but for newcomers trying to build an audience, the pressure to stand out meant pushing boundaries with edgier, flashier stunts.
That led some streamers to overly sexualized shows or broadcasts that could spark real social backlash.
The recent news articles made it all too clear.
"In that sense, your streams stand out as a rare gem in today's market. And the fact that you're pulling decent numbers with it makes it well worth watching."
"Hmm..."
Really? Viewers had occasionally called my shows unique, but I honestly couldn't gauge it myself.
There were other streamers out there focusing on advice sessions and similar content, after all.
It might not be commonplace, but was it special enough to warrant that label?
"Haha, looks like you're having a hard time buying it."
"Oh, sorry. You're just saying such nice things, it's throwing me off."
I snapped out of my inner monologue, realizing I'd zoned out right in front of him, and apologized belatedly.
He waved it off with his signature hearty laugh and spoke up again.
"Totally understandable. But take it as a sign of how positively we view you. To be blunt, we haven't made offers like this to other streamers with similar audience sizes."
"Ah..."
That explained why I hadn't heard much about streamers with viewer counts like mine visiting Aver. Even when they did, it was just talk about the new platform—no contract discussions, from what I gathered.
Maybe they just hadn't mentioned contracts publicly, but combined with what the deputy manager said, it seemed they probably hadn't gotten offers at all.
Clearly, they saw real potential in me.
"And I understand you don't have a YouTube channel set up yet, right?"
"Yeah, no. I thought about it but... streaming casually like this suits me better."
A fair number of viewers had nagged me to start one and post fun edits. But it felt like too much hassle, and I wasn't sure I could handle hiring and directing an editor, so I'd dropped the idea.
Getting called out on it made me sheepish, and I scratched my head without thinking.
"We see that as a positive too. As you know, YouTube and internet broadcasts often feed into each other these days. Fun live stream? Check the edits. Fun edits? Tune into the live."
"True. It's getting hard to find streamers who don't do YouTube."
People used to draw a line between YouTubers and streamers, but now they were basically treated the same. Plenty of YouTubers didn't stream, but hardly any streamers skipped YouTube.
Most jumped in for that virtuous cycle the deputy manager mentioned—not to mention the revenue.
"Which makes it all the more impressive that you're holding steady viewers without any YouTube presence. That's a hugely positive signal."
"You can read it that way?"
"Absolutely. There are a few other streamers and YouTubers pushing content like yours lately, and they're getting massive influxes from shorts and edits."
He jotted down names of streamers I recognized, backed them up with hard numbers on growth rates, and sketched out graphs right there.
Damn, it really did explode after they started YouTube. Impressively so.
"Once that influx turns into loyal viewers, you can branch into full games, variety content, whatever. Fans like that stick around not just for the content, but for you."
"That's wild..."
I couldn't help but blurt out admiration at how he'd laid out a growth roadmap I'd never even considered.
These folks were pros. Way sharper on the streaming scene than a casual like me could ever be.
"Anyway, I hope that shows how seriously we're watching you."
"Yeah, it's almost too encouraging—starting to feel the pressure."
"Haha, don't let it scare you off the deal."
The serious mood shattered in an instant, and with a grin, he pulled another paper from his folder envelope.
It was the Cheeze streamer partnership contract.
Here it comes, I thought, swallowing hard as I started reading it over while he walked me through every clause.
Truth be told, my mind was made up long before.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Take care on your way out, Cosmo! Looking forward to seeing you again. Hit up the contact on my card anytime with questions."
"Thanks. See you..."
I'd stamped the contract in the end. With a small bow, I glanced toward the conference room where Exit had gone in earlier.
Still deep in talks, huh. Made sense—a big-name streamer like that wouldn't wrap up quickly. Plenty to hash out.
Too bad. I'd have liked to say goodbye at least.
"Whew..."
With that major hurdle cleared, the tension drained away, and a sigh of relief escaped me.
My neck and shoulders had been rigid the whole time, leaving them stiff and sore now. Maybe hit a café nearby before heading home.
"Isn't that ASF's CEO?"
"Whoa, it is. What's she doing at the office? She's not a regular here..."
I dragged my heavy body down to the first floor when murmurs caught my ear.
Couldn't make out the words clearly, but they sounded shocked at the sight of someone.
I followed their gazes and spotted a stunning woman striding toward us through the revolving door.
...Isn't that Seoha noona?
"Shh...!"
"...?"
Seoha noona, heading for the elevators, seemed to glance around and gesture for quiet.
What was that? Someone she knows? Come to think of it, she mentioned knowing people here not long ago. Probably just met an acquaintance.
"Seoha noona!"
"Ah! C-Cosmo...! What a coincidence."
I waved happily, and suddenly it felt like every eye in the lobby was on me.
Probably just my imagination. I approached her with a grin and a warm greeting, but she waved back with a stiff expression and awkward tone.
"What brings you here?"
"A f-friend works here. Came to meet up, but she's out today..."
"Ah."
Must be the connection she'd mentioned before. Sucks she made the trip for nothing. Lucky me, though—I get to see her.
"S-So, you're done with your meeting?"
"Yep. Was gonna grab a coffee on the way out."
"Oh! Then let me buy one to celebrate. Join me?"
"Nah, you got me last time. My treat today. Let's go."
No way I'd let her pay on a day like this. I flashed a smile and insisted.
She lit up happily and started following... then...
"......"
She froze, scanned the area with sharp eyes, then hurried after me again.
What was that about? Just now.