Chapter 26: Showcase (3)

The next morning, I met with Yoon Taesoo, whom I had newly recruited.

He entered the penthouse study precisely at the appointed time.

In his hand was a report briefly summarizing the results of last night’s showcase and future plans.

“The showcase was successful. It recorded promotional effects and profits far exceeding expectations.”

Yoon Taesoo’s voice was calm and dry as always.

Last night’s fervent atmosphere seemed to have had no effect on him.

“Profit doesn’t matter.”

“Of course. However, the successful outcome will serve as a positive foundation for future activities. In particular, people’s expectations for the Starlight Project have risen significantly.”

“So then, what’s the next plan?”

I got straight to the point.

Yoon Taesoo, as if he had been waiting, began to brief me on the prepared content.

“First, finalizing the official contract procedures for Ajung-ssi and Rinne-ssi, and securing a stable broadcast schedule is the top priority. Planning follow-up content to continue the showcase’s buzz is also not a bad idea. We will establish a detailed roadmap in consultation with Jungyeon-ssi.”

“Good. Contract conditions should be top-tier in the industry… no, just make them the absolute best, without needing such things.”
“We are already preparing it with that in mind. And… I’ve looked into the company building as you instructed. These locations here have the best surrounding environments.”

Yoon Taesoo turned the tablet screen towards me.

The screen neatly displayed a list and information of state-of-the-art office buildings located in areas like Gangnam and Pangyo.

Details such as each building’s rent, area, and surrounding infrastructure were meticulously written.

These were factors that any normal company would naturally consider.

However, I had little interest in those numbers.

My gaze, quickly scanning the screen, stopped at one building.

It wasn’t a flashy place or located in a transportation hub like the other buildings on the list.

Rather, it was a newly constructed building, seemingly just completed, located slightly on the outskirts.

“What’s this building? There’s not much information compared to the others.”

“Ah, that place hasn’t officially started sales or leasing yet. It was originally built entirely for a specific company to use as its headquarters, but their plans recently changed, and it’s likely to come onto the market. It has the advantage of tight security and ease of internal structural changes, but the price is considerably high, and the surrounding infrastructure isn’t fully developed yet…”
Before Yoon Taesoo could finish his explanation, I made my decision.

“Let’s go with this one.”

“…Pardon? This building, you mean?”

“Yes. Don’t lease it, just buy the whole thing. The price doesn’t matter, so process it as quickly as possible and prepare for interior construction. Secure private practice rooms, rest areas, and so on, and… also, a top-tier motion capture studio in advance.”

At my words, Yoon Taesoo’s brow furrowed slightly.

He seemed to be calculating something for a moment, then quickly regained his composure and replied.

“Understood. We will immediately commence with the building purchase and preparations for interior design and construction. However, it may require more cost and time than anticipated.”

“The high cost doesn’t matter, but the fact that it takes a lot of time isn’t great. Please make it as fast as possible, even if it means spending more money.”

I said firmly.

Yoon Taesoo no longer raised any objections and nodded.

His eyes held not surprise at my unconventional decision, but rather a cold calculation of how to efficiently handle this massive project.

I had indeed picked the right person.

With the major issue of purchasing the building resolved, all that remained was to fill its interior.

---

While the acquisition of Xelnaga Entertainment’s new home base proceeded swiftly, Jungyeon and Ajung were spending busy days amidst the flood of attention following the showcase.

Thanks to handing over many aspects of company operation to Yoon Taesoo, Jungyeon could focus more on her primary role of VTuber management and content planning.

She scheduled Ajung’s and her own broadcasts and brainstormed various content ideas to continue the showcase’s momentum.

Moreover, having met in person and even streamed together at a motion capture studio while preparing for the showcase, the two had become quite close.

[Rinne (Yoo Jungyeon)]: Ajung-nim! You haven’t forgotten about recording our duet cover song tonight after your solo stream, right? I think it’ll get a good response if we upload it within this week!

[Ajung]: Yes, Rinne sunbaenim! I’ve memorized all the lyrics! But.. I still can’t quite believe it, so I’m a little nervous. Do you think I can do well?

[Rinne (Yoo Jungyeon)]: Ayy, what are you worried about! Your voice is so pretty, Ajung-nim! And just trust this Rinne sunbaenim next to you!

Jungyeon relieved Ajung’s nervousness with her unique bright and positive energy.

Ajung, having perfectly adapted to her new avatar and environment, had gained a lot of confidence since the showcase, but she still had a cautious and delicate side.

To such an Ajung, Jungyeon was becoming a reliable senior and friend.

Ajung shining in the best avatar and environment, and Jungyeon skillfully leading broadcasts while showcasing her own charm.

Everything was being perfectly realized as I had intended.

Viewer reactions were also explosive.

‘Starlight Project’ instantly became the most anticipated prospect in the VTuber scene.

However, I decided not to rush.

Although I had successfully filled the first and second shelves of my perfect display case, I judged it more important to solidify the stage and environment that would make the jewels I currently possessed shine even more perfectly, rather than hastily filling the next shelf.

“CEO Yoon, Jungyeon-ssi. Let’s talk for a moment.”

I called the two to the study again.

They stood before me with tense expressions, wondering what new instructions would be given.

“The showcase was successful. But this is just the beginning.”

I began.

Both their gazes focused on me.

“The next step… will be to focus on stabilizing the internal system and strengthening the capabilities of existing members.”

At my words, Jungyeon and Yoon Taesoo looked at each other in surprise.

It seemed they too had expected me to immediately order the recruitment of new members.

“Yoon, in addition to the ongoing building acquisition and construction, and corporate establishment, make it so we can properly function as a real corporate entity. Jungyeon-ssi, continue to focus on improving the quality of Ajung-ssi’s and your own broadcasts. Don’t just fill broadcast hours, but also try things you’ve wanted to do, things you haven’t been able to do. If you need financial resources for that, tell me. For the time being, our goal is not expansion, but internal strengthening.”

The two, momentarily flustered by my unexpected instructions, soon grasped my intention and nodded with serious expressions.

“Understood. I will look into corporate establishment immediately.”

Yoon Taesoo answered first.

“Yes, Sir! Ajung-nim and I will work hard on content development so we can show you our growth!”

Jungyeon also replied with an enthusiastic voice.

I was satisfied.

It is foolish to get drunk on the success of the showcase and hastily expand.

On a perfectly set stage and system, adding the best collection is always possible.

Now was the time to focus on creating that stage.

Of course, that didn’t mean I had completely stopped my ‘collection’ activities.

At night, I still sat alone in front of my monitor, browsing through various VTubers’ streams.

Their hidden selves, the ‘red pill,’ were still visible to my eyes.

‘Hmm… This one, she’s pretty good. Great game sense, and her voice tone is charming. The red pill… is also passable.’

When I found a gem I liked, I quietly recorded her name and characteristics on my personal list.

I wasn’t going to move immediately, but good prospects always needed to be kept an eye on.

When the time came, at the most perfect timing, I would neatly place them in my display case.

---

A few days later, I left a post on the community for the first time in a while.

---

[Ggizzik VTuber Gallery]
Title: My Ajung and Rinne Showcase + Corporate Entity Establishment Review.txt
■Zelnaga

Good to see you all, it’s been a while.

Been busy lately setting up a VTuber company and whatnot, so I couldn’t visit the gallery often.

Sorry to those who were waiting for burgers.

I’ll throw burgers later, so calm down and I’ll just write a review of what’s been going on.

First, the original avatar.

I tried contacting other artists through Rinne, but at first, they all refused, saying they were swamped with work.

So I just told them I’d pay triple if they made it right away.

Then they made it super fast. I’ll probably keep commissioning these artists for avatars in the future.

The quality is good, and communication is smooth, so I’m very satisfied.

And the showcase stage was, of course, outsourced, and unfortunately, we didn’t have motion capture ready, so we rented an external studio.

But we’re planning to build a top-tier domestic motion capture studio in the building we just acquired.

Only VTubers who join Xelnaga Entertainment will be able to use it in the future.

Now that the corporate establishment is done and the building is acquired, once the construction is finished, we’ll officially start the corporate entity.

Anyway, just came to say hi after a long time.

Now that the busy stuff is over, I’ll probably visit often.

Instead of burgers today, I’ll throw chicken after dinner, so don’t rush me.

ps. And you fckers, because of you, Rinne scolded me the other day for my way of speaking. You bstards, if you’re gonna teach me, teach me properly. What kind of disgusting way of speaking is that? She asked who taught me, and I couldn’t say anything.

• He’s here LMAO

• This crazy b*stard is writing a review on the gallery LMAO

• There’s a corporate entity whose CEO is a regular on this gallery??? LMAO

• Naga-hyung, the duet song those two sang this time was good, make more like that ㅇㅇㅇ

• So, are you not recruiting any more additional members??
  ㄴ ■Zelnaga : Not thinking about it right now. Gonna focus on Ajung and Rinne for the time being.
  ㄴ Kyaa, that’s right, f*ck.
  ㄴ Taking care of the original members first is the right thing to do ㅇㅇ.

• If you recruit additional members, will there be auditions?
  ㄴ ■Zelnaga : Nope. I’ll contact people I 100% like.
  ㄴ Haru <<<< She’s a bottom-tier I’m watching lately, her talent is insane, definitely check her out.
  ㄴ Ruby <<<<<<< Watch her first, you really won’t regret it.
  ㄴ These fcking bstards are shilling their bottom-tier VTubers here to try and get them a life reverse LMAO.
  ㄴ They’re crazy mofos LMAO.

• No, this guy got scolded by Rinne?? LMAO

• Ah, this guy was hilarious when he first appeared on Ajung’s stream LMAO
  ㄴ For real LOL
  ㄴ “Uhyoooooot” and sh*t LMAO

---

I did intend to leave a review of what had happened, but I wanted to say the last part the most.

A while ago, while chatting as usual on Ajung and Jungyeon’s stream, Jungyeon had scolded me.

I still remember that time vividly.

“Sir.”

“Yes?”

“Where on earth did you learn to speak like that?”

“……Uh, why?”

Jungyeon, approaching me with an unusually cold expression.

“No, it’s nothing much. It’s just… a bit too vulgar.”

“……Pardon?”

“It’s fine on my stream or Ajung-ssi’s stream…… No, wait. Please don’t speak like that on our streams anymore either.”

“……….”

It was my only pleasure.

Being denied that, my thoughts stopped.

“Earlier too. Things like ‘Baby milk dispenser, I wanna slurp slurp so bad lol’ and ‘Can I perhaps touch your butt once?’. You’re now the CEO of a corporate entity, Sir. You need to be a bit more serious.”

“……….”

“Answer.”

“………Yes.”

I, who had always been a somewhat difficult person for Jungyeon by extravagantly throwing money around, hit rock bottom that day due to that incident.