Heavenly Company
Heavenly Trade Company
Park Haneul gestured to the chair across from him.
"Have a seat."
The moment I sat down, his gaze traveled slowly from my face downward.
His eyes lingered on my chest, waist, hips, and finally my legs.
I understood his intentions, but his stare was downright creepy.
"Wow, you're a perfect ten."
"That's..."
"I'd seen your face in photos, but your proportions are incredible too."
"That's rude."
"Come on, no need for formalities after coming this far."
"Shall we get straight to business?"
He pulled out a notebook from his pocket and clicked his pen.
"What's your real name?"
"...Do I have to give my real name?"
"Ah, worried about people recognizing you?"
"Don't sweat it. In this industry, money's all that matters."
Still, I couldn't bring myself to answer.
"...Shall we just go with Wolha then?"
"Sure."
"No criminal record or anything, right?"
"Excuse me?"
"With looks like yours, it wouldn't matter, but still better if you're clean."
Though he said it with a smile, my hands clenched until the veins stood out.
"I have absolutely nothing to do with that sort of thing."
"Ah, right right."
"Got it."
But Park Haneul clearly didn't believe me.
"Next question... any special talents?"
"Singing, dancing, reactions, mukbang, anything."
My last broadcast flashed through my mind.
Me freezing up, just staring at the camera awkwardly.
"..."
"Ah, I actually watched that last stream of yours."
You're asking even though you know?
"To be honest, no matter how good you look, you won't survive with skills like that."
I know.
"But don't worry."
"Our agency will train you properly."
Suddenly Park Haneul's demeanor changed.
The lecherous gaze from earlier gained a new intensity.
"You'll learn broadcasting techniques here, how to attract attention properly."
"Then you'll do well even with your own channel later. So..."
He pulled documents from his bag and shoved them toward me.
"Just sign here for now."
A contract.
Party B agrees to appear 15 times on Party A's broadcasts.
In return, Party A will pay Party B an advance of 10 million won.
At least they're not completely fraudulent about this part.
The payout ratio increased for top rankings,
and the incentive conditions seemed decent too.
Not bad?
As I picked up the pen to sign, I noticed something written on the back.
I flipped the contract over.
Park Haneul's expression stiffened.
Broadcast schedule and timing shall be determined solely by Party A.
Party B must wear only clothing provided or specified by Party A.
Prior approval from Party A required for appearances on other broadcasts.
Early termination by Party B requires repayment of 3x the advance.
What the hell?
Party A must pre-approve all Party B's SNS posts.
Party B's payments will be calculated after deducting studio fees and other expenses.
Party B's incentives apply only when daily donations exceed 100 million won.
This isn't a contract, it's a slave agreement.
What are the chances I'd actually see any of those payout ratios or incentives?
"It might seem unusual, but this is industry standard."
"You won't find many BJs as ethical as me."
Is that really true?
...No way, but still.
I couldn't bring myself to walk out.
I started reading the contract again from the top.
Slowly.
Line by line.
"There's no term clause here?"
"Ah, that? It automatically ends after 15 appearances."
"I'm a cool guy like that."
"But there's an auto-renewal clause here?"
"..."
"It says if written notice isn't given 7 days prior to termination, it renews under same conditions."
"Ah, that's just a formality..."
"Remove the clothing specifications and SNS approval."
"And reduce the penalty to 1x the advance."
Park Haneul's eyes narrowed.
"...I'll remove the clothing specs."
"But no compromise on SNS approval."
"If you cause trouble, we suffer too."
"What about the penalty?"
"1.5x."
"Let's be honest - all other agencies have similar terms."
"If you suddenly quit, I'd have to find replacements and deal with extra work."
Is he telling the truth?
I stared holes into Park Haneul.
At least this part didn't seem like a lie.
With trembling hands, I picked up the pen and signed.
"Excellent."
"The advance will be deposited right after your first broadcast."
"Come to the studio next Friday."
"Ah, since it's your first time, you'll need to wear our provided outfit."
"You don't know how to excel yet anyway, right?"
"Yes, understood."
I practically fled the cafe.
I couldn't stand being in that space any longer.
What ethical BJ are you?
If you had any ethics, you wouldn't have hidden those terms on the back.
...But still, just one broadcast means 10 million won.
One month's repayment amount.
With this, I've bought myself at least a month.
---
[Streamer Gallery]
Title: Haneul Company's new member announcement is up
ㅇㅇ: Wolha? Who's that
ㅇㅇ: That hakko who streamed on Pazijik
ㅇㅇ: 47 followers lol why recruit such a hakko?
ㅇㅇ: Her visuals are insane
ㅇㅇ: How good we talking?
ㅇㅇ: Holy shit
ㅇㅇ: ...why was she a hakko?
ㅇㅇ: Photoshop?
ㅇㅇ: Dunno we'll see on stream
Hakko Explorer: But she freezes up when showing face, probably can't excel
ㅇㅇ: Wait she didn't show face before?
Hakko Explorer: Yeah first face reveal 3 days ago, froze and ruined stream
ㅇㅇ: Lmao
ㅇㅇ: Must be heavy photoshop, no way someone that hot would go there
---
***
Back home, I placed the contract on the table.
...All I could do was sigh.
I went to the bathroom and turned on the shower.
As hot water hit my shoulders, the tension gradually eased.
The water stream flowed down my collarbone, disappearing between my breasts before droplets emerged below and trailed across my navel.
I lathered soap between my hands and washed my waist.
A waist so thin my hands could nearly encircle it.
...Come to think of it.
Turning off the shower, I roughly dried myself and stood before the mirror.
It's been ages since I last turned back into a man after the accident.
From waking in the hospital, to streaming, to today's interview and contract.
I've been female this whole time.
My body seems mostly recovered now - should I try reverting?
I closed my eyes.
— The moon is not yet fully formed.
...What?
I tried again.
— The moon is not yet fully formed.
It felt like being doused in cold water.
I opened my status window.
[Trait: Yin-Yang Person]
— The moon is currently forming.
Do I need to wait until this "moon" fully forms to change back?
There were never restrictions like this before.
Male, female.
Wasn't freely switching between them the whole point of this ability?
I can still turn back, right?
The woman in the mirror had no answers.
---
[Streamer Gallery]
Title: Anyone know Haneul Company's payment structure?
ㅇㅇ: Newbie here for Wolha, how do payouts work?
ExcelJukdol: Platform takes 20%, Haneul takes 80% of remainder
ㅇㅇ: Damn Haneul's brutal
ㅇㅇ: So how much from 10,000 won donation?
ExcelJukdol: Special treat for spoonfeeders - 1,600 won
ㅇㅇ: Lmao Haneul's a damn pimp
HaneulCompanyGoToHell: That bastard ruins lives by preying on desperate people
ㅇㅇ: Who's that?
ㅇㅇ: Someone who gave their all to Haneul then quit after reality hit
HaneulCompanyGoToHell: Change the damn payout ratio you bastard
ㅇㅇ: But this Wolha girl's getting attention despite being hakko
ㅇㅇ: Her facecam quality was trash before, should look better here
---
***
Friday.
I paused outside the studio building to adjust my outerwear.
So this is it.
Entering the building, I took the elevator.
7th floor.
The hallway was packed with women when the doors opened.
One fixing her hair at a vanity.
Another taking selfies.
Groups giggling and chatting.
At least the atmosphere seemed friendly.
But the moment I stepped forward, the hallway fell silent.
Sharp gazes instantly locked onto me.
"Is that the new girl?"
"No way that's unedited."
"My ranking can't drop further..."
As I tried avoiding eye contact to find a corner, someone approached first.
"You're Wolha, right?"
"I'm Lee Suyeon. Know me?"
Flawless makeup and perfectly styled hair.
A body-hugging dress that left nothing to imagination.
She embodied the quintessential female streamer look.
"Hello. This is my first time doing this sort of broadcast..."
"Sorry."
"Ah, first time excelling?"
"Yes."
"What brought you to Haneul Company?"
"..."
"Hmm, seems personal. Don't worry about it."
"Just think of it as a job."
"Ah, you look young - mind if I speak casually?"
"You can call me unnie~"
Though Lee Suyeon smiled, her eyes remained cold.
Her gaze quickly scanned my entire body.
Just like Park Haneul during the interview.
"Yes, nice to meet you."
Another woman approached.
"Wolha-nim, your skin is amazing~ Just basic care?"
"What products do you use?"
"Just lotion and toner."
"Nothing special really..."
The streamer's face momentarily twisted.
Lee Suyeon cut in with a laugh.
"Wow, we slather products but still can't compare."
"Some are just born lucky."
"Still, you should wear makeup."
"The studio lights will wash you out."
"I didn't bring any makeup. What should I do?"
The woman smiled and approached.
"I'll do it for you. Sit here."
As I sat, her hands touched my face.
Something felt off.
The foundation shade didn't match my skin at all.
"Wait, this seems..."
"Huh? What's wrong?"
"Maybe your skin's too nice for my products."
The smudge on my cheek was at least two shades darker.
She'd painted something bluish on my eyelids.
"...Please stop."
"Ah, sorry~ My makeup must not suit you."
Laughter spread among the women.
Lee Suyeon, now distanced, called over.
"Just breaking the ice with a prank."
"Don't take it to heart~"
"...Right."
I bowed and escaped to the restroom.
At the mirror, I scrubbed my face with water.
The foundation wouldn't come off easily.
I had to rub hard to remove it completely.
***
Returning to the waiting room, Park Haneul found me.
"Nothing difficult."
"Say your name, smile at camera, answer MC's questions."
"Easy, right?"
He handed me a sheet of paper.
Just basic greetings and simple reaction methods.
You said you had things to teach me.
...This is it?
"Order goes from lowest rank up, but you're new so go first."
First?
When viewership would be lowest?
Lee Suyeon approached with a smile.
"No big deal, just introduce yourself."
"Don't stress~ Fighting."
I crumpled the paper without realizing.
***
10 minutes to broadcast.
As I adjusted my hair, someone brushed past.
"Eek!"
"Oops, sorry! You okay?"
Coffee spilled across my outfit.
Brown stains spread over the white fabric.
I frantically dabbed with tissues to no avail.
Huh?
The hairband I'd left on the vanity had disappeared.
I definitely put it there.
"Oh no, what a mess."
"So sorry~"
Her tone held no remorse.
Lee Suyeon approached with something.
"Try scrubbing with this in the restroom."
"Should come right out."
Opening the bottle released a pungent chemical smell.
Acetone.
"...This will ruin the fabric."
Lee Suyeon froze momentarily.
"Ah, right? My mistake."
Was it really?
"I'm so distracted today."
"Accidents happen often before broadcasts."
"Let's both be more careful."
...You call this an accident?
5 minutes to air.
No time to clean it now.
So this is hazing.
Gritting my teeth, I adjusted my outfit as best I could.
I roughly tucked my hair behind my ears.
Just then, the broadcast ready alert sounded.
***
The broadcast began.
Under the lights, Park Haneul worked hard to hype the atmosphere.
But the monitor showed a calm chat.
Wiping sweat from my brow, I surveyed the room.
Everyone was watching me.
The camera crew, sound technicians, and assistants wore intrigued expressions.
The female streamers smiled while watching me struggle.
Coffee-stained dress. Bare hairstyle.
Face stripped of basic makeup.
"Let's start with our rookie!"
"Everyone, meet Wolha - a streamer I discovered from the depths!"
The depths...
With trembling legs, I stepped onto the stage.
Hot lights blasted straight into my eyes.
[Who?]
[Look how nervous lol]
[A baby]
[Damn she looks just like her pics]
[Haneul Company delivers!]
My mouth froze shut.
The studio plunged into silence.
Park Haneul frantically gestured off-camera.
As I struggled to compose myself and speak...
A chime echoed in my mind.
***
Ding.
— The moon is complete.
***
My racing heart stilled into calm.
The searing lights no longer burned.
The trembling in my legs vanished.
My spine straightened naturally as my shoulders relaxed.
...Why was I even nervous?
The corners of my lips lifted.
The weight crushing my chest disappeared.
The staring eyes no longer bothered me.
What exactly do they have over me?
Experience?
Since when did that matter?
Facing the camera, I swept my hair behind my ears.
Let me show you who owns this stage.
My gaze lowered slightly.
I'll show you.
"...Hello everyone."
"I'm streamer Wolha."
Silence continued.
But its quality had changed.
"From now on..."
My gaze slowly traveled past the camera.
To the waiting female streamers.
My eyes met Lee Suyeon's.
"You'll only have eyes for me."
Lee Suyeon flinched.
Listen well to Wolha from the depths.
"The extras after me probably won't even register."
The area behind the camera froze.
The chat exploded.
---
[Streamer Gallery]
Title: Watching Haneul Company live holy shit
SuyeonFan: When's Suyeon on?
ㅇㅇ: She won last time so goes last
ㅇㅇ: Others are so mediocre...
SuyeonFan: Others desperately try to rise but meh~
ㅇㅇ: So transparent!
ㅇㅇ: Lol too savage
ㅇㅇ: So who's first? Jisoo?
ㅇㅇ: Newbie
ㅇㅇ: That 47-follower hakko?
ㅇㅇ: Lol been dying to see her irl perfect timing
ㅇㅇ: Why photoshop so heavy when it'll show on air
ㅇㅇ: Guess they see themselves that way
ㅇㅇ: If she's ugly the gallery will explode
ㅇㅇ: She's on
ㅇㅇ: ??????
SuyeonFan: ...
ㅇㅇ: Wow
ㅇㅇ: So it wasn't photoshop....?