Chapter 44: Surprise Visit

Yesterday’s streaming session ended more successfully than I had anticipated.

At the peak, there were over 2,000 viewers, and donations, which normally appeared sporadically, were now

frequent enough that I began to question if this was even my own broadcast. To show my gratitude, and as promised,

I concluded the stream with a grand bow. Even Exit made an appearance, commenting with a smile, “You’ve really

been well-raised.”

But more than anything, the true mark of the stream’s success arrived shortly after.

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[Sender] – C&N Entertainment

• Hello, Cosmo. I’m Jeong Ji-yeon, a director at C&N Entertainment. I enjoyed watching your stream yesterday. The reason I’m reaching out so suddenly is to ask if you might be interested in joining our MCN. At C&N Entertainment…

For the first time, I’d received an offer to join an MCN.

Although I’ve been streaming for over a year, it’s only recently that I’ve gathered a modest following of around 300

viewers. The idea of joining an MCN always felt distant to me. Of course, low viewership doesn’t automatically rule

out such offers, and I’ve heard that broadcasts with growth potential sometimes receive these offers.

However, I had always been the exception, having never received such an offer—until I woke up this morning and

saw this email, leaving me to question my own eyes.

It was both a bit thrilling and validating to feel like I was finally being recognized as a bona fide streamer.

Still, I wasn’t planning to jump on the MCN offer just yet. Each company has its own atmosphere, and more

importantly, I lack sufficient knowledge about contract terms and other fundamental aspects.

If offers come from other companies in the future, I’d prefer to compare them and choose the best fit. Jumping on

the first offer that appeared before me feels too risky.

“…Ah, laundry.”

With that dream-like day behind me, I set out to begin another routine day, as if on a hamster wheel.

Tap. Tap.

I vigorously shook out the laundry I’d just put through the washer, hanging it up carefully.

“Milk, let’s have a snack.”

“Nyaaang.”

After setting out Milk’s food and treats as usual, I collapsed onto the living room sofa, exhausted.

I hadn’t realized just how much energy yesterday took out of me. It was just a matter of having the camera on, but

managing my expressions and being mindful of so many things seemed to add up.

People who stream with their cameras on all the time are amazing. I wonder if it’ll get easier once I adjust.

As I stared blankly at the ceiling, my phone, lying beside me, began playing a ringtone, signaling an incoming call.

Who could it be? My sister said she’s in France, so it probably wouldn’t be her due to the time difference.

Mulling it over, I reached around to grab the phone from behind my head and brought it to my eyes.

[Seoha Nuna]

Seeing her saved name, I sat up reflexively.

Why would Seoha Nuna call at this hour? I heard she’s usually too busy before evening to even message.

Normally, she’d text first with a “Can you take a call now?” so I was a bit taken aback that she was calling outright.

I hope nothing’s wrong.

“Uh, Nuna, what’s the occasion?”

• “Ah, Woojoo. I’m sorry, did I call at a bad time?”

Her voice was full of concern, and although she couldn’t see me, I quickly shook my head.

Bad timing? I was just lying around like a slacker.

“No, it’s fine. I’d just fed Milk and was sprawled out on the couch.”

• “Pfft, but aren’t you forgetting your own meal, Woojoo?”

“…How did you know?”

Her words sent a chill down my spine, as if there were hidden cameras in my house and she could see right through me.

I really did need to eat lunch, but I was just too lazy and debating if I should wait until dinner.

• “I had a feeling. You’re always whining on stream about how it’s a hassle to feed yourself.”

“And every time, my viewers scold me for it.”

I’ve recently been trying to keep that complaint to myself, as they’d lecture me like they were my parents. Because of

them, I’d end up having to cook up some ramen as an example just to appease them.

• “Everyone’s just worried about you. I am, too.”

“Somehow, hearing you say it so straightforwardly is a bit embarrassing.”

• “Haha, are you a bit weak to words like that, Woojoo?”

I scratched my cheek at Seoha Nuna’s laughter, which seemed to tickle my ear.

With my older sister being so overbearing, I wasn’t quite sure how to respond to someone expressing concern or care for me.

It’s not that I dislike it; I just can’t seem to get used to that tickling feeling in my chest.

“So, why did you call?”

• “Well, I figured you probably hadn’t had lunch yet. I was wondering if you’d like to eat together.”

“Lunch?”

I’d be up for it, but isn’t she usually busy around this time?

Last time we ate together, she left in a hurry right after lunch, like she’d snuck out of work. I hope I’m not taking up her time again.

“I’d be happy to, but aren’t you busy today?”

• “I actually took the day off, so it’s fine. Besides, simple tasks… ah, I mean, other staff can handle them.”

“Oh, I see.”

It seems her company offers flexible off days even if it’s usually busy. If that weren’t the case, taking a day off as she

wished wouldn’t be so easy for anyone below a high position.

If that’s the case, I’m fine with it.

“If it’s alright with you, that’d be great. Where should we meet?”

• “Hm? Meet where?”

Seoha Nuna seemed puzzled by my question about where to meet.

Don’t tell me she plans to pick me up right at my door? That’d be a bit much, wouldn’t it?

Even though I don’t own a car, I have legs, and as long as there’s a bus or subway, I can get anywhere.

• “Woojoo, did you forget about the promise we made recently?”

“A promise? What… Oh.”

I tilted my head, wondering if we’d arranged a place to meet, then sighed in realization.

This Nuna, don’t tell me…

• “You said you’d cook! How about today?”

“……”

So instead of picking me up, she meant to come over and eat at my place.

And here I was, completely clueless… Good grief.

In preparation for the unexpected guest, I activated “Clean Mode” on myself.

According to her, it would take some time before she arrived, so I took advantage of that to clean up as much as

possible, vacuuming and mopping the place thoroughly. I also immediately took out the accumulated trash.

Just in case, I opened the fridge, and fortunately, there were enough ingredients to make a meal. I hadn’t stocked up

in preparation for this, but it worked out that I’d recently filled the fridge to the brim.

As soon as I finished cleaning, I dove straight into cooking, and managed to prepare a decent-looking meal just in time for her arrival.

Phew, moving around all of a sudden really worked up a sweat.

Ding-dong.

I was just about to tidy up the kitchen after wiping away beads of sweat when the doorbell rang from the living room.

Heading to the intercom, I checked the screen, and even with the camera’s low quality, I could tell that the woman

standing there was exceptionally beautiful.

She arrived later than I expected, but maybe that’s for the best.

Beep-beep. Click.

“Welcome, Nuna.”

As I opened the door, I was met with Seoha Nuna, dressed not in her usual elegant style but in a rather casual outfit.

This style suits her just as well. Proof that the real finishing touch to fashion is one’s face.

“Thank you for having me. I apologize for just showing up like this.”

“Apologize? If anything, I’m the one who should be sorry for not having more to offer.”

I was a bit flustered when she said she was coming over unexpectedly, but I didn’t consider her a bother. After all,

she’s done so much for me.

I’m just worried my humble cooking skills might leave a bad impression.

“Your place is really clean. I’ve heard that most single guys’ places tend to be messy…”

“Ah, I try to keep it reasonably tidy.”

Inside, she looked around at the spotless living room, voicing her low-key admiration. Her reaction, as if it was quite

different from what she’d imagined, pricked my conscience a little.

Sorry, Nuna. I usually live in chaos.

“Oh, right. This is a gift, as a little celebration for my first time here and to cover the meal cost. Didn’t you mention

that you sometimes drink alone?”

“Yes, but… is this wine?”

Nuna took out a sophisticated wooden case from a paper bag, and I accepted it, feeling a bit dazed.

I may be a lightweight, but I do enjoy the occasional beer with fried chicken. However, I’ve never tried wine. The only

time I had it was at that twin party.

“Yes, my father enjoys it, so I thought you might like it too.”

“Oh, thank you. But, since I don’t know much about wine, I’m not sure if I deserve something like this…”

I had a feeling she would comment on its taste, aroma, and whatnot. But I have no such refined sense.

I probably wouldn’t even know if it’s expensive. So, receiving this high-end looking bottle felt a bit overwhelming.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t know much about wine. I don’t either, honestly. I just drink it because my father enjoys it.”

“That’s unexpected. I thought you’d know all about wine, Nuna.”

“Haha, I get that a lot.”

She laughed and handed me the case, encouraging me to check out the contents.

Opening the lid, I carefully took out a bottle with a label in a language I couldn’t read.

What’s this? It doesn’t look like English… French, maybe? Romanée-Conti? The name sounded vaguely familiar,

maybe from some manga.

Other than the number 1990, I couldn’t make sense of it, so I put the wine back in the case and expressed my thanks.

I offered to drink it together, but she politely declined, not wanting to interfere with my streaming.

“By the way, something smells great. Is that doenjang jjigae?”

“Yep. I made a few things, though I’m not sure if they’ll suit your taste.”

“I’ll enjoy whatever it is. After all, you made it, right?”

Seoha Nuna clenched her fists in a cute show of enthusiasm.

Feeling grateful for her words, I headed straight to the kitchen and began carrying the prepared dishes on a tray,

bringing them one by one into the living room.

“Wow, this feels like newlyweds…”

“…?”

Watching me, she rested her chin on her hand and muttered softly with a satisfied look.

Anyway, she seems happy, so I’m glad.