Chapter 132: I Cup Women and E Cup Women, Part 5

September.

The 2022 AGC recruitment announcement was posted earlier than expected due to the pandemic.

With social distancing guidelines and the nature of large-scale offline events, there were many factors to consider, and securing investments could be difficult.

So, they decided to open the booth recruitment early.

“I should apply right away.”

The participation fee was 2 million won, and with booth expansion and stage rental, the costs added up. She had saved a little over 30 million won for this year’s AGC…

“I’ll have to sell some stocks to cover the merchandise production costs. About 3 million won for labor costs, and the rest for stage rental, promotion, and booth decorations…”

It was tight.

She could seek investment, but…

It wasn’t the best idea right now. While her budget was tight, she could manage with her savings.

Since she could afford it, she wanted to use BGG Company’s funds for now.

The golden age of Korean Vtubers would begin in 2023.

They would gain a foothold, and then, with the launch of a new domestic platform in 2024, they would truly take off.

In short…

“Let’s just endure this year.”

Investments would pour in next year, and then she could negotiate from a stronger position.

Even if the second generation—Seo Ji-woo, Baek-seol, and Jo A-yeong—didn’t perform as expected, having a successful debut concert at the 2022 AGC would be a valuable asset in negotiations.

It would be a concrete achievement in a market filled with vague talk of the metaverse.

“If we endure this year, we can rake in cash with Vtuber fever. Hiring more staff might be tricky, though…”

Even if the second generation only earned half of what Hong Seo-hyun was currently making, they would be in a much better financial position.

The original songs prepared for the concert would be released on music sites and YouTube, securing long-term revenue streams.

“We just need to get through this year. Next year, we’ll be self-sufficient…”

She shouldn’t worry about money and focus on making good merchandise.

Many Korean Vtuber companies had failed during the rapid expansion of 2023-2024, but those who survived solidified their positions at the top.

Survival meant a chance to establish deep roots in the industry.

She couldn’t miss this opportunity.

“Hello, Senpai, it’s me.”

Hayoon called Do Jin-ho.

“You have all the merchandise designs, right?”

–Yes.

“Please place orders for everything according to the original quantity estimates. I’ll transfer the budget to the company account after this call.”

–Okay, so the plan is to focus on Scarlet’s merchandise while including some for the new members?

“Yes, the final, final, final, final version. Not the one before that.”

–Okay, got it.

They would be placing bulk orders in units of 100, and the manufacturers had their own schedules.

They had to order in advance to avoid delays.

“I’ll leave the merchandise to you. And I’m planning to release some information through Seo-hyun Unnie. You’re okay with that, right?”

–Well… AGC doesn’t impose embargoes on participating companies, right?

“So, I’m planning to have her subtly hint at it, like, ‘We’re preparing new merchandise. You might have a chance to see them up close at the end of the year. Look forward to it.’”

She planned to ask Hong Seo-hyun to promote it extensively.

–Why? The original plan was to have minimal promotion for Hong Seo-hyun.

The initial plan was to have Scarlet make a surprise appearance at the concert.

“Honestly, I’m a bit nervous.”

Even Hayoon, despite her usual boldness…

Wasn’t reckless enough to pour tens of millions of won into a project without a safety net.

“We’ll be producing fewer goods for the second generation, and honestly, they might not even sell half of them. So we need to sell out Scarlet’s merchandise…”

–So you’re screwed if the merchandise doesn’t sell?

“Yes,… I’m investing 30 million won of my own money. I can recoup the costs through online sales later, but that means paying fees to the platform. I’m honestly really nervous…”

–Your language is a bit strong.

“Wouldn’t you be nervous? If this AGC project fails, I won’t be able to pay your salary.”

–That would be a problem.

“Right?”

–My anniversary event is next month.

“Ugh.”

Do Jin-ho was the same as always.

If the AGC merchandise didn’t sell and they ended up with boxes piled up in the studio, he would probably try to sell them himself, even without a salary…

But it was still annoying.

“Is your anniversary event more important than this?!”

–It’s everything to me. Got a problem with that?

“Just do your job. I’ll give you a bonus if the project is profitable. You’ll be selling Christmas and New Year’s packages in December. You need that money.”

–Hey!

“What…?”

–You know me too well. I’ll work hard.

“Okay, bye.”

After some idle chatter and motivating him with a bonus, she ended the call. Next was Hong Seo-hyun.

“Unnie.”

“Yes?”

She went to Hong Seo-hyun, who had just arrived at the Igloo for her stream.

“You know about the concert in December, right? The one you’re performing at.”

“Yes.”

“Please promote it extensively.”

“Promote it? How?”

“Tease the viewers.”

Show them glimpses of the merchandise designs.

Ask them what they think about a new mousepad.

Ask if they would buy her merchandise.

“Something like, ‘You might have a chance to see me up close. Look forward to the end of the year.’”

“Isn’t that too obvious?”

“Unnie…”

“…?”

Hayoon suddenly leaned closer and held Hong Seo-hyun’s hands, making her eyes widen slightly.

“I’m investing 30 million won of my own money in this. I need to at least break even. Please help me…”

“Ah…”

That one sentence made Hong Seo-hyun understand.

“30 million won…”

It was a substantial amount.

“I’ll try my best…!”

Seeing Hayoon’s vulnerability for the first time, she nodded resolutely, wanting to reassure her.

“Ugh…”

Hayoon had been screaming more often lately.

The financial stress was getting to her.

“Cut down on the coffee, you crazy… Do you even know how much money we need for the end of the year?”

Of course, losing 30 million won wouldn’t bankrupt her.

She had made some money from inverse leveraged ETFs, she had investments in various stocks, and most importantly, it was September 2022.

The US dollar had reached a record high of 1,400 won.

Just exchanging her dollars to won would be profitable.

However…

“Besides coffee, you need to save on transportation costs too. What are you, some kind of big shot? Why do you always take taxis?”

Saving money was one thing, but the stress of spending it was an inherent part of Hayoon’s personality.

Some people relieved stress by spending money; others were stressed by spending money.

Actually, Hayoon wasn’t necessarily stressed by spending money.

She wouldn’t have gone on a multi-million won staycation otherwise.

She was stressed by the large sum of uncertain investment.

“Let’s go dance!”

“Yes, let’s finally learn how to dance.”

Jo A-yeong, whom she met in front of the building in Dongdaemun, exclaimed cheerfully.

It was the day for their dance academy rematch.

‘We’ve been working out for two months, our stamina should be better… maybe it’ll be doable…’

She wasn’t worried about being able to dance, but about collapsing after two minutes like last time.

They had improved their stamina significantly.

‘People say dancing relieves stress, so let’s try it.’

She hoped to release her financial stress by dancing and sweating, using the stamina she had built up.

With this optimistic resolution, Hayoon entered the dance academy with Jo A-yeong.