chapter_0088

88 – I’m Not That Great of a Person

88 – I’m Not That Great of a Person

I paused my steps toward KraeMang for a moment and immediately called the Boss to inform him of the situation.

[Did you say the Combative Tournament? It would be great to participate, right? It would promote Parallel too. Plus, your network will expand.]

“Is that so?”

[They even said it’s not a Battle Call but a Combative Tournament. If a new face like you shows up, people’s interest will definitely spike. Naturally, those who don’t know what Parallel is will start searching for it.]

The Boss was saying exactly what Rupko had said.

In fact, I also hoped to see new faces making an impact rather than the same people showing up every time I watched such tournaments.

… It’s just that I had never considered that I could be that protagonist.

Anyway, this confirmed it for Rupko, the Boss, and me.

The conclusion was that my participation in the tournament would definitely benefit Parallel.

[Let’s meet with KraeMang and have a chat with Rupko. By the way, I’m glad I brought you along, right? Amazing, Majiya? You came to the year-end party and immediately snagged some content?]

The Boss was so enthusiastic that I had to intervene and tell him to tone it down a bit.

“… It just happened that way. I was lucky.”

[Oh, the humility. Luck is also a skill. Anyway, shall I hang up? If anything like this comes up again, make sure to let me know~?]

“Yes.”

After finishing the call and informing Rupko of the outcome, he twisted his already long and unattractive face into a big grin.

“See, I told you, having a sister as the Boss means she knows how to see the big picture. I knew she would say yes.”

I tilted my head to the side and replied.

“Shall we talk more after visiting KraeMang? Aren’t you also participating in the tournament, Rupko?”

“What? The tournament? Oh, I’m not participating. I’m just providing support.”

“Huh?”

“Oh. Actually, I wanted to take a break this time, so when the organizers asked me to bring someone to fill in, I thought of you. Wow, I’m a lucky guy. I didn’t expect Majiya to take it on like this.”

“Wait, that’s different from what you said earlier—.”

“Anyway, since you’re going in my place, I’ll make sure to mention Parallel a lot while I’m at it. I’ll pump up the excitement, so do well, alright?”

What is this, I feel like I’m being used.

But it’s not like I’m losing out completely, so I decided to let it go.

If our World Cup video goes up on YouTube with a combined total of 3 million subscribers from Rupko and the Mad Dogs crew, the promotional effect will be significant, right?

If anyone questions whether I received backdoor deals, I can just say I was filling in for a tournament I was originally supposed to participate in and slip away.

In short, Rupko was clever.

Even if he barks like a mad dog on the broadcast, the rumor that he turns into a studious nerd analyzing and calculating right after the show might actually be true.

So, how did the conversation with KraeMang go?

Honestly, it unfolded at such a rapid pace that I barely grasped what was happening.

Let me try to organize it in chronological order.

As soon as I arrived, I started with a hearty compliment from KraeMang.

“Yahaha! Wait, is that really Majiya? Is it really you?”

“Hello, KraeMang. I’m Majiya, the representative of Parallel. I never dreamed I would come here to greet you. Please take my business card.”

“Yahaha! This is crazy. Nice to meet you. I thought you were using a cute character on purpose, but you’re just a cute person.”

“You flatter me.”

Not long after starting the conversation, we naturally transitioned to discussing baseball, and I successfully built rapport with my pre-researched baseball knowledge.

“By the way, it’s the off-season now, so there are no games. What are you doing to pass the time?”

“Wait, you know that? People who don’t know baseball don’t realize I’m dying of boredom these days.”

“I saw your recent broadcasts, and you were just lamenting about how there are no games.”

“Huhahaha! That’s right, that’s right. I’m always like that. Oh, those bastards. They should have games in winter so that someone like me has something to watch. They just don’t play because they’re resting~.”

“I can understand that. I’m still a fan of our Boss.”

“Oh, Momo. You did a great job being cute this time.”

“Ugh… Anyway, our Boss is busy and doesn’t stream often. It’s been unbearable because there’s nothing to watch.”

“Wow, a fellow comrade! A comrade without broadcasts.”

“Well, I’m better off. Even if the Boss is resting, there are other kids to watch. But you, KraeMang, don’t all the major leagues take a break in winter?”

“Wow, now I feel like I’m being attacked. You’re really sharp.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Yahaha!”

As we naturally chatted about broadcasts and the games he plays, I found out that, coincidentally, KraeMang was also participating in the upcoming tournament.

Maybe it was because it was both our first time doing Combative, but we clicked well.

After about ten minutes, we had developed a rapport to the point of sharing this kind of conversation.

“Just call me Uncle!”

“Hey, but this is the first time we’re having a proper conversation today.”

“Ah! It’s okay. I get burdened when I hear ‘oppa’ or ‘hyung,’ so I tell everyone younger than me by almost ten years to just call me Uncle. Call me Uncle.”

“Yes, Uncle KraeMang.”

“This might be a bit rude, but when my kids were four or five years old, they were just as pretty as Jia. Now they’ve all grown up and don’t even talk to their dad. They’re just sharp-tongued daughters. I’m so sad.”

“Well, they’re all grown-up girls, so it can’t be helped. I can occasionally play the role of an aunt for you.”

“Really? When will you come on our broadcast?”

“Ah. I’m a Virtual Youtuber company employee, so I can’t reveal my face…”

“I know, I know. Let’s watch a baseball game together while wearing those avatars. How about that?”

“How about the opening game of the 25th season? Oh, but you’ll have to watch it with the Makgeolli crew, so will that be tough?”

“Hey. I don’t need any Makgeolli. I’ll set up the appointment, and if they want to join, they can. For now, I’ll make plans with Majiya. Deal?”

“If you invite me, Uncle KraeMang, it’s a definite deal. But I’ll have to inform the Boss.”

“Okay! No changing your mind when we meet, alright? It’s either the 4th or 5th week of March, so remember that?”

“Sure.”

After that, I provided support for the baseball manager’s collaboration that I had promised with Rupko, and only then did the Makgeolli crew arrive.

The funny thing was that, having formed a rapport in the meantime, whenever the Makgeolli crew said anything, KraeMang would always throw in a comment to tease the members.

“What’s this? Where did you bring this kid from?”

“Hey, you little brat. Did you eat your manners with your rice? Is it proper to call someone a kid right in front of them?”

“Ahem. I’m sorry. I just thought you looked too young.”

“Uncle, it’s okay. Calm down. Hello, I’m meeting Hobang King and Baek Geun-chu for the first time, and Dingsam too.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you. But you look just like your photos!”

“It’s not a photo, you idiot. It’s a character.”

“No, look, hyung. You really look just like your photo!”

“Are you blind? You look similar, but the real thing is much better.”

“Oh dear. I’m sorry, Majiya. I was rude.”

“No, no, it’s fine.”

In the end, I had no choice but to say I was feeling embarrassed and needed to leave first.

Why are the Makgeolli crew members so sociable?

They were all people I was meeting for the first time today, but it felt like I was meeting old friends I hadn’t seen in years.

As I turned back toward the entrance of the party to find the Boss, Rupko looked at me, who was now a bit disheveled.

“What’s this? You look like a rag already.”

“I’m just tired… I’m not really good with crowds.”

“You made it all the way here.”

“Yeah…”

It had truly been a dizzying day.

Team Leader Rapitz had suddenly proposed a debut, Rupko had urged me to participate in the Combative Tournament, and I had even made a collaboration promise with KraeMang.

Still, I was glad I had gathered many things that could help the company.

Even though my phone was in my pocket, the conversation with Yeon Seong-muk was neatly recorded, which was a plus.

I always tell acquaintances who are getting jobs that if you’re an office worker, you should register a hotkey so that voice recording can be activated with just the side button; someday, you’ll definitely need it, just like I did.

Of course, my exhausting day didn’t end there.

“Wow. Is that really Majiya?”

“Majiya, wow….”

When I went to find the Boss, all eight of our kids and the members of Rapitz were gathered there.

Why were they all gathered here instead of mingling with the crowd?

A wave of anxiety hit me, and I tried to escape, but it was no use.

Rain, who was wearing leather pants, quickly stood up and grabbed me, pulling me into the circle formed by twelve people.

This is insane.

This primitive ritual is starting again.

And this time, Rapitz is involved too.

It would have been fortunate if the commotion ended there…

Most of the first-generation Rapitz members were people who were supposed to debut as idols in VIRDESS but were instead debuted with a focus on subculture, and they all had the vibe of being influencer types.

As for our kids?

Needless to say.

One of the things the Boss paid the most attention to when selecting members was self-management, so everyone had good basic looks and lines, and their styles were perfect.

And now, there were thirteen of them gathered.

I was caught in the middle of that.

What would the gazes of the people around me be like?

“Is that really Majiya? You came here?”

“Look, she looks just like her avatar.”

“What? No way.”

“Who is that person?”

“The Demon King of Wicker Town.”

“Oh, that. The evil Demon King?! Crazy.”

Among them, there were quite a few people who had noticed me when I crossed the banquet hall with Rupko.

After all, there was no one around who was as small as I was.

Iona’s words that she could recognize me as soon as she spotted me were forcibly proven by numerous people.

And those who confirmed that fact rushed toward us in turns.

Thanks to Parallel and Rapitz teaming up to create a double layer of protection around me, I was saved; otherwise, I would have been overwhelmed.

Giants were closing in from all sides, and I felt like I was the only one holding out like a soldier in the middle of a battlefield.

The Boss’s vast network was actually not helpful in situations like this; as one group left, another would come, and when that group left, a new one would appear.

After exchanging greetings and handing out business cards with about a hundred people, I was completely drained and had no choice but to collapse onto the sofa.

“Sister, are you okay? Hey, excuse me.”

“What should I do, Boss? Jia is dead.”

The Boss, who had already made several rounds of the banquet hall, clicked her tongue at me.

“Do you want to go home first? You look really tired.”

“… No. I’ll rest a bit and then get back up.”

The Boss crouched down and whispered right in front of my face.

“You’ve already made a collaboration promise with KraeMang for the tournament. What more do you want to do?”

Smack.

Her finger flew through the air and hit my forehead.

“Ouch.”

“You’ve already exceeded expectations, so rest. If there are people who recognize you, just get up and greet them.”

I nodded, lacking the strength to respond.

Ah, I’m drained.

I really don’t fit in places with so many people.

But even after pouring all my energy into this for the company, why does it still feel insufficient?

‘Is it because of that….’

I did manage to secure some work, but since the broadcasts are all led by Nara, it’s a bit tricky.

No, this should be something the kids should be taking on, so why is it always falling on me?

Both Rupko and KraeMang are big names, so I can’t just hand things over to the members as I please.

Trust is the most important stage right now.

‘For now, I’ve opened the door, so I can only hope it flows toward the members next.’

When I brought a hundred business cards with me today, I thought it was a bit excessive.

Not at all.

It was just barely enough.

They said there were about 300 attendees this year, slightly more than last year.

Out of those, nearly a third had seen my face and taken my business card.

Among them were streamers I didn’t know, industry insiders, and even complete strangers.

I did hand them out since they asked, but there were so many people that it was hard to keep track of who was who.

‘How many of them will actually reach out….’

Let’s just pray.

Please let the Boss and the first-generation members do well as much as I’m trying…….

“Jia~ squish squish~.”

“Jia’s cheeks are so addictive, right, sister?”

But as I tried to focus on my prayer, the members kept bothering me by touching my face and hair.

Maybe it was because I was so tired, but I reacted irritably without realizing it.

“Stop!”

As I shot them a fierce glare, the members flinched and stepped back.

Maru, who was closest, cautiously spoke up.

“I-I’m sorry. I bothered you too much while you were resting…”

It had been a while since I had pushed the members away so openly, so everyone looked surprised.

Oh no.

The fact that this moment reminded me of my past self isn’t just a feeling.

Our relationship used to be like this.

When I treated them a little better, they would approach me without caring about the surrounding gazes.

I hated it when things were said, so I drew a line firmly.

The wall between me and the members was formed through that process.

But imagine my favorite idol running up to me, squealing with delight.

Most people wouldn’t feel uncomfortable, but someone might turn dark and charge at me to kill me, right?

You might think that’s an excessive thought, but after three years as a Virtual Youtuber manager, it becomes a natural thought.

There was a reason I approached the members first only after I had shrunk.

… Still, I didn’t need to be that angry just now.

I looked at the cautious Maru and said.

“From tomorrow, it’s fine, but for today, let’s stop. If you touch me more, I’ll get angry.”

The members grinned and, as if they had made a promise, tapped my forehead.

As expected of a Virtual Youtuber, they always have to add an extra verse.

When the Boss turns on the broadcast tomorrow, I’ll have to pay them back with a hundred punches.

… ─ — Parallel (Virtual Youtuber) Gallery ─ ─ — …

[Yesterday’s broadcast witnesses’ accounts summarized]

–
Rupko – I won’t say more, just looks like Majiya.

–
Mugeon – Demon King? Just Majiya, really surprised.

–
Kamik – Interesting, that’s the vibe. But damn, I didn’t get to greet her properly today, haha, it’s driving me crazy.

–
KraeMang – She was cute. We decided to call each other Uncle and niece.

–
Ronje – Majiya was Majiya… I guess that’s how I can put it.

–
Rapitz – So cute! (Everyone just says this, but they add “really,” “totally,” and such in front.)

–

–

–

–

How come everyone has the same repertoire?

So, how does Majiya look like an avatar!!!!!!

[Comments]

— Parallel351: They said she looks like an avatar.

–
Parallel034 (author): Do you believe that? Haha.

–
Parallel252: Isn’t it possible?

–
Parallel034 (author): Just looking at it, it’s obviously just a cover-up.

–
Parallel034 (author): When I asked about the first generation last year, it was all hush-hush like this.

— Parallel481: Based on what someone said about their interview, they might be right.

–
Parallel034 (author): Was there such a thing? Why do you know only?

–
Parallel481: They said there was a kid back then, so if you combine the witness accounts, it might be roughly accurate.

–
Parallel944: ??? Is that how office workers look?

–
Parallel034 (author): I’m asking because I can’t believe it either, haha.

… ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ …

… ─ — Parallel (Virtual Youtuber) Gallery ─ ─ — …

[Breaking News]

Majiya will join the Combative Tournament instead of Rupko.

Additional) There are people who keep denying it, so I’m attaching a clip of Rupko.

https:https://clip.pazizik.com/roofkr/2024102400204913 [Rupko: Majiya is taking my place]

[Comments]

— Parallel931: For real?

— Parallel014: Is Majiya really participating in the Combative Tournament?

– Parallel735: This is betrayal…

— Parallel345: She hasn’t even debuted yet, but she’s doing everything, haha, collaborations, big servers, year-end parties, tournaments, haha.

–
Parallel242: Seriously, if this is how it’s gonna be, just debut them already lololol

–
Parallel885: True lol