chapter_0102

102 – Why a Humble Person in a Precious Place (3)

102 – Why a Humble Person in a Precious Place (3)

Thirty minutes earlier.

As Serena’s passionate singing came to an end, silent cheers erupted in the chat room.

[Thank you for your support! Happy New Year!

— Hehe

— Wow wow wow wow wow

— Encore encore encore

— Finally, I’ve hardly seen anyone sing this well since Maru haha

— Ah, I really like it

— That’s the one, right? ㅋㅋ

— Who is it?

— Who is it?

However, among the more than 60,000 viewers, there were some fans of Serena.

This meant that the number of people who knew about Serena’s participation would gradually increase.

The Boss said he would handle it, but I didn’t want to just pass it all off to him.

So, I decided to check in with Serena first by grabbing my phone.

The message was sent from her main account, not the secondary account she created for illegal duet participation.

[Me: We’re doing our content today]

[Me: It’s crazy to see someone like Serena singing Maru’s song]

[Me: Please check it out later]

It didn’t take long for a reply to come back.

[Serena: I’m already watching it ㅋㅋ]

[Serena: But do you know?]

Suddenly, she seemed to be gearing up for a serious conversation.

And then she hit me with a straight ball.

[Serena: That person is graduating early next month ㅋㅋ]

Though she didn’t show it in her expression or gestures…

…I was genuinely surprised.

[Me: What?]

[Serena: I’m not talking about myself, why are you surprised?]

[Me: Still]

[Me: Every graduation of a Virtual Youtuber is a heartbreaking event]

[Serena: Hahahahaha]

[Serena: As expected of Jia]

[Serena: That warm-heartedness is the best]

They say that among those who have many complaints about the company, those who are completely silent have a higher turnover rate.

That’s what the HR manager told me.

In other words, those who don’t say anything in the company tend to leave quickly, while those who talk a lot tend to stay.

Serena hardly communicates with the Rapitz management.

This makes her a high-risk candidate for resignation.

I had thought it wouldn’t be strange for her to quit at any time, but I didn’t expect her to talk about graduation so soon.

[Me: But what will that person do after graduation?]

[Serena: Who knows? Maybe become an idol?]

[Me: Right, that person originally dreamed of being an idol]

[Serena: I don’t know though]

[Serena: They might be a bit too old to be a trainee]

[Serena: Maybe they’ll take a break first?]

Perhaps it’s because Korea emphasizes early education.

The average age of trainees has been getting younger, and I remember seeing somewhere that it’s around 15 years old now.

Since Serena appeared to be in her early twenties, it’s understandable that she feels it’s late.

… In a way, it’s a heartbreaking story.

In an era where people live close to a hundred years, being in your twenties is just the beginning of truly living your life.

The only relief is that Serena seems to be somewhat at ease.

[Serena: I think I can finally take a break]

[Serena: I haven’t had a moment of peace since high school]

[Serena: … Hmm]

[Serena: But it’s a bit sad that I won’t be able to meet my favorite fans]

[Me: The fans probably feel the same]

[Serena: That’s true…]

It seemed she had considerable attachment to the fans she would soon have to part with.

But she was resolute about the reason for leaving.

[Serena: But that person leaving will help the younger siblings]

[Serena: There’s a stone stuck in the company]

[Serena: And when I tried to remove it, I found out the person who put it there is the president of the parent company]

[Serena: Obviously, it’s hard to just remove it, right? It’s a parachute]

[Serena: So that person decided to graduate]

[Serena: To raise awareness that if the stone isn’t removed, the group will struggle more]

She spoke in a roundabout way because it was an important topic.

To summarize, it seems that a parachute was inserted by the parent company (VIRDESS).

This parachute has been causing a lot of disruption to their activities.

So, by leaving, she seems to be warning the company that “if this continues, they will lose all their artists.”

However, after hearing all this, I couldn’t help but think.

‘Does her father really have some power?’

Unless her family circumstances are exceptionally good, it’s impossible to graduate with such a firm resolve without fighting tooth and nail with the company.

Considering Serena’s recent growth and the money coming in, it makes sense.

However, Serena had already made up her mind.

She wasn’t particularly worried about what would happen after graduation.

Given the calculating side she showed during Wicker Town, she couldn’t be just naive and positive.

Since she had previously said things like “if it were my dad” or “my dad evaluated it,” I suspect her family background is quite strong.

After that, Serena continued her ramblings, whether it was venting or complaining.

She kept saying things that were hard for me to respond to…

[Serena: When I asked if it would be harder for my peers and seniors if I left, they said it would be fine]

[Serena: They said even if the company collapses, they can just do personal activities]

[Serena: Honestly, I was confused about whether it was corporate or personal activities because the support was so sloppy ㅋㅋㅋ;]

[Serena: Anyway, they told me not to worry too much]

[Serena: And that person wanted me to convey this]

[Serena: “Please stay in Parallel, Jia”]

With that one message for me, the conversation abruptly ended.

[Me: I’m not going anywhere]

I sent a reply, but since Serena disconnected her main account to return as an anonymous participant, there was no response.

By the time the third participant’s song started, I informed the Boss about my conversation with Serena.

“Someone who knows Serena came to sing today. She’s graduating early next month.”

It seemed the Boss had already considered that Serena would graduate or transfer soon.

Perhaps that’s why he asked this question right away.

“She’s graduating, but didn’t you try to stop her?”

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Virtual Youtubers can disappear at any time. It’s common for them to quit broadcasting to achieve their dreams or for personal reasons.”

“Surprisingly, you’re handling it coolly…”

“Well, what can I do? The moment the graduation talk came up, her heart had already left. I can’t just go and argue with her because I know her real-life identity.

All I can do is treat her well while she’s here. Have you heard that saying? ‘Be grateful that your Favorite is still alive.’”

“I’ve heard that to the point of being sick of it.”

To be honest, the Boss is a very long-lasting Virtual Youtuber.

Usually, three years is a critical point, and if they pass that, it’s often seen as a countdown to graduation.

So, I’m thankful every day.

Even though things are hectic and the schedule is a mess, the Boss still doesn’t take a break from broadcasting.

“Well, if I return as a Virtual Youtuber, I might help out then. I’m just not interested in people who aren’t Virtual Youtubers.”

The Boss chuckled.

“That’s so you.”

After that, the atmosphere seemed to calm down a bit.

However, the chilly air in the broadcasting room was heated up again by the continuous singing participants.

Perhaps it was because they divided the fun award and skill award, but about half of the participants came out to earn entertainment points.

These people were insane.

From illegal duets with grandfathers and grandmothers to Japanese, Indian, Chinese, and American duets with various unique accents.

They were so funny that I couldn’t hold back my laughter.

So when the twenty-fourth participant appeared, both the Boss and I couldn’t help but cheer along with the viewers who were already quite excited in the chat.

The difficult song “Finally” by Maru appeared for the second time, and the refreshing tone revealed in the chorus was undoubtedly Lee Yura, who was singing.

**_[Dreaming of tomorrow, I’ll forget it…….— Wowww

— Wow wow wow

— Wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow

— Crazy, crazy haha

— This is definitely Lee Yura

— Wow, she sings so well, it’s insane

— She’s going to be successful

— The duet of Lee Yura and Maru just makes my heart swell

While Serena’s voice stood out for its aggressive yet soft duality, similar to Maru’s singing style, this time Lee Yura’s scratching technique was prominent, blending eerily well with Maru’s original voice.

[Thank you!]

— No way ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

— Are you trying to hide it? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

— Who is it?

— The greeting after the song is unmistakably Yura ㅋㅋㅋ

— Just so cheerful ㅋㅋ

As a result, in the skill evaluation score determined by viewer votes, only Serena and Lee Yura stood out.

Out of 60,000 viewers, half, or 30,000, participated.

Serena received 26,249 votes, while Lee Yura received 26,441 votes, making it a close call.

Considering that some people might have dropped out due to the extended broadcast, it makes sense that Lee Yura would be ahead.

Still, Serena had caught up significantly.

Because of that, the anticipation didn’t fade at all.

Everyone had shown at least one of their signature moves before leaving.

… And now it was my turn.

The number of viewers was steadily increasing, reaching 70,000.

Now, I could only pray.

That people would still be here listening to my song.

That they would come back for tomorrow’s content.

With my lips curving up unusually as if praying, I clasped my hands tightly together, and the Boss asked me.

“… You look really excited.”

“Look at the number of people. Of course, I’m excited. Just think about it; if only half of them come to tomorrow’s members’ singing contest.”

Parallel boom. First generation boom.

Let’s go for the second generation too.

However, the Boss didn’t seem to understand my feelings.

“Oh. You’re not excited because of the illegal duet?”

“You haven’t forgotten that you’re my Favorite, have you? And if I were excited because of the illegal duet, I would have jumped in between the members in the karaoke room long ago.”

“… That’s true.”

“Anyway, I hope everyone doesn’t run away after hearing my song.”

“Since I’ll be mimicking my voice anyway, they won’t run away if that’s the case.”

“I’ll just be singing in my own voice.”

“?”

The Boss looked puzzled, but that’s how I could trick the people.

“Since I mimicked your voice earlier, I have to sing in my own voice this time. If I follow you again, I’ll get caught.”

“Is that so?”

“Always act unpredictably. Chapter 1 of surviving as a villain. Remember that.”

“… What? I think the original was a hood.”

“Please don’t tease me after I finish singing.”

“Hmm?”

With a look on his face as if he had found an interesting toy, I shot him a stern glance.

It was a serious warning.

The moment he teased me, a set of ten villainous pranks I had been saving up would come flying his way.

Perhaps the Boss understood that, as he didn’t joke around anymore.

The twenty-fifth participant exited.

The Boss, holding the microphone, excitedly announced.

“Now, we have the highly anticipated final participant. Jia, please quickly introduce your song!”

“Yes. The final participant’s song choice is , the most recent group song from the first generation. Someone has sung another group song, but this is the first time for One Other, right?”

“That’s correct. Participant, are you ready?”

I gave a nod with my head to signal the Boss.

As the short interlude began.

The addictive beat made everyone want to dance.

I swayed my body to the rhythm, waiting for the melodies of the members to come.

The main singers were from the first generation.

I was a passenger who had hitched a ride in the trunk of the convertible car they were in.

As the first line began.

When Dora and Maru pressed the accelerator together and sang…

I naturally blended in with a frequency that didn’t disrupt their harmony.

“Addicted to this attraction, I’m falling in.

This love is so real, it’s taking me high.”

–

Cheon Do-hee was taken aback.

It was definitely Majiya.

“Our world, endlessly connected.

Together we shine, like stars in the sky.”

The usually lifeless, business-like tone suddenly transformed into a strong, resonant voice like an ajeng.

No one could recognize that it was Majiya.

Many people have different speaking and singing tones, but this was a twist of twists.

— ?

— Oh, what’s this

— There was someone like this…?

— Wow, it’s hitting my eardrums directly

— I thought the music was a bit loud, but it sounds great.

As the viewers said, Majiya’s rendition of the first generation’s song was a bit loud for a background track.

Yet, Majiya’s voice was clear and distinct.

Compared to the perfectly produced first generation, it couldn’t be said to be great, but the pitch and breath control were clean.

It was like seeing a seasoned newcomer’s singing ability.

It wouldn’t be fair to say it was just because the studio audio setup was good; Majiya stood out on her own.

Not overlapping with anyone else’s color was also a significant advantage.

I was curious about when this five-person album would be released.

And this wasn’t just something Cheon Do-hee felt…

Ziiing.

By the time the song was ending, my phone started ringing incessantly.

Not just once, but multiple times.

Composers. Lyricists. Producers.

Most of them had participated in creating original and cover songs for the first generation.

They were all bringing up similar topics.

[PITMAN: Do you know who the last participant is, Momo?Is that Jia?

Momo, I have a melody idea, it’s urgent

A word from the author (author’s note)

This is Jia having a happy Christmas…

Everyone, Merry Christmas!!