Chapter 89: Crossroads-3
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 89: Crossroads-3
My heart sank at the realization that she knew.
But then again, so what? Why should I feel like I’ve been caught cheating?
She was speaking so triumphantly that I think I suffered a momentary lapse of cognitive dissonance.
"Yeah, so what if I am?"
[Are you aiming for her?]
I was stunned by the unexpected question.
"What? No—before that, how did you even know I was watching the Lonely Trainer’s broadcast?"
[If you register someone as a friend, you can see what they’re watching.]
We were friends? I hadn't noticed because I never cared.
I didn't manage my friend list, so I had no idea such a feature existed. Why does an internet streaming platform even have a friend function?
Hana, seemingly thinking she had caught my Achilles' heel, spoke with a voice more animated than before.
[Are you embarrassed because you got caught trying to act nice to some small-time streamer just to get her number and hit on her?]
"Not really. It’s not even what you’re thinking in the first place."
[Ha, as if a dog could ever stop eating its own filth. You think I don't know you, Oppa? The horny Kang In-ho who donates to female streamers just to get their contact info so he can ask them out for a meal?]
"……."
[If you’re human, have some shame. Honestly, I’ve bled you for a lot too, but seeing you suddenly act all clean like you’ve mended your ways is seriously disgusting.]
"There’s the real personality. So, what are you trying to say?"
[I won't tell her about you. Just give me some money. Support me just until the end of this year.]
"You're so bold I'm actually speechless."
[It’s not like we’re in a position to act coy with each other anymore. I’m speaking business. I won't get in the way of you working her. Just lend me some money until the end of the year.]
When her "pity" strategy failed, she immediately switched to Plan B and attempted a renegotiation. I was honestly impressed by her skill.
This was a first for me; it felt like a new record for shock was being set every second.
[The messages you sent me... you wouldn't want others to see them, right? What kind of woman would like messages like those?]
When I remained silent, Hana continued to babble excitedly.
[So, I’ll keep my mouth shut. Help me out instead. Just close your eyes and do it this once.]
I’ve been feeling this lately, but since entering this dimension, I seem to be seeing a lot of the more loathsome sides of humanity.
"Whew..."
[You’ll do it, right?]
Taking my long sigh as a sign of consent, Hana pressed for an answer.
"Get lost."
[.......]
[You’re going to regret this.]
That was my last phone call with Hana.
"Ugh, my head hurts."
Perhaps because I had gotten worked up, my vision spun and the back of my neck felt stiff.
I tossed my phone far away onto the desk and dove straight onto the bed.
I really shouldn't be in this physical condition...
Let's just sleep. I'm tired. I don't even have the energy to eat.
*
The center was quiet again today. Garam sat at the desk, handling her administrative duties.
Her job was managing PT members.
Though her only PT client was In-ho, who was currently away in the East Sea, she was quite seriously contemplating his workout program.
Since she had heard the reason why In-ho went to the East Sea, she had decided she had no choice but to remove all high-strain exercises.
Just as she was debating how much to increase the repetitions to compensate for the lack of strength training, her phone buzzed.
"Huh? What’s this?"
It wasn't a text or a KakaoTalk message.
When she tapped the notification, the OceaniaTV app launched.
A chat window appeared on the screen.
>>hana(hanazzing): Hello. You’re the Lonely Trainer, right?
>>Lonely Trainer(LonelyTrainer): Yes, who is this?
>>hana(hanazzing): Ah, I’m a streamer named Hana. Do you happen to know me?
>>Lonely Trainer(LonelyTrainer): No... I’m not sure.
>>hana(hanazzing): Ah, I guess you don't ^^ I sent a DM because I have something to tell you, Lonely Trainer.
>>Lonely Trainer(LonelyTrainer): Oh, okay. What is it?
>>hana(hanazzing): Do you know a man named Kang In-ho? Or the ID Supreme Building Owner.
Garam’s hands faltered at the unexpected name.
How did this person know the President’s name?
An inexplicable sense of anxiety sprouted in the depths of her chest.
>>Lonely Trainer(LonelyTrainer): I know President In-ho.
>>hana(hanazzing): Ah... has he not said much to you yet?
>>Lonely Trainer(LonelyTrainer): Said what?
>>hana(hanazzing): Like, hasn't he asked to meet up or anything?
I see him almost every day, so is there a need to meet separately? Garam muttered to herself.
When Garam didn't reply, Hana sent a string of messages as if warning her.
>>hana(hanazzing): You seem like you just started streaming, so I wanted to give you some advice.
>>hana(hanazzing): That guy goes around every female streamer's room donating, getting their numbers, and hitting on them. He’s pretty famous in this circle.
>>hana(hanazzing): You need to be careful too. I was targeted pretty badly myself.
Garam furrowed her brows and tapped the keyboard irritably.
>>Lonely Trainer(LonelyTrainer): I don’t know how you know him... but I think this is a private matter between individuals.
>>Lonely Trainer(LonelyTrainer): Thank you for the advice.
>>Lonely Trainer(LonelyTrainer): But talking behind someone's back like this is a bit much.
*
"Alright~ shall we start the broadcast?"
Hana, dressed in thin pajamas, smiled brightly at the camera.
Beaming, she scanned the scrolling chat window.
"Huh? Why do I look gloomy? Oh, it’s nothing, I’ve just had a lot on my mind lately."
Hana answered a question no one had even asked yet.
As she set the stage and paused for effect, the topic of the chat began to converge on a single point.
"I mean, honestly, my ranking has been dropping lately. And I’ve had some trouble paying back what I spent on my business."
Then, she suddenly looked startled and waved her hands dismissively.
"Oh, I’m not trying to milk you guys for donations. Really. Truly. It’s just that things are hard. I should only show you my good side, but I’m being too weak. I’m sorry."
As she closed her eyes and bowed her head, donations started coming in.
Hana intentionally pulled the corners of her mouth down and looked up at the ceiling.
"I’ve tried everything to raise my ranking, but it’s not working out. The engagement on other broadcasts is insane these days too."
>>SmallStreamerHunter: Come to think of it, the Chairman hasn't been around lately either?
When the exact chat message she wanted appeared, Hana snapped it up like a shark snatching a victim.
"Ah, the Chairman? That’s... um..."
Sensing something was up from Hana’s reaction, the viewers began to press her, asking what had happened.
"There was... a bit of a misunderstanding with the Chairman."
>>ShukShukShuShuk: A misunderstanding?
"I think he stopped coming to the stream because he heard some bad things about me somewhere. But it’s all lies..."
>>Lazenka: ????
"Anyway, let’s stop there. I’m sure the Chairman will come back someday. Come on, let’s get on with the show."
Hana’s broadcast continued for four hours, during which she showed more enthusiasm and energy than she had in a long time.
Once the broadcast ended, rumors began to circulate in the internet streaming communities: Who was the person spreading false information about Hana?
"Exactly. Who told you to mess with me?"
Seeing the embers beginning to burn, Hana smiled as she scrolled through the community boards.
If a senior streamer gives you advice, you should be grateful. Who did she think she was, lecturing me?
"Anything that gets in my way... I have to crush it all."
Hana muttered to herself as she searched for her next donor on her phone.