Chapter 21: A Chance (?) Encounter

Surprised by the rather straightforward proposal right from the start, I glanced at the other person’s expression and

cautiously opened my mouth.

“Um, may I ask you just one thing?”

“Yes, yes, feel free to ask anything.”

The manager, who was offering me refreshments along with a cup of warm tea, nodded with a friendly smile.

Somehow, the image of the female employee I saw earlier at the desk came to mind.

“As you know, I wasn’t exactly a popular streamer on Twip either. So while I’m thankful for this offer, I’m also curious about the reason behind it.”

“Ah, I understand. I was planning to explain that point now.”

I was worried that I might be throwing cold water on what seemed like a good opportunity, but the manager just

smiled as if he had anticipated my question from the start. He pulled out a sheet of A4 paper, which made me

wonder if he was about to show me a contract, but it turned out to be blank.

“As you know, Cosmo, these days, there are a lot of diverse concept streams out there, right? From virtual streamers to those producing all kinds of content on their own.”

“That’s right.”

The streaming scene nowadays is fiercely competitive, like a red ocean. As the manager said, most streamers try

content that others have already done, and there are countless viewers lurking around, looking for something fresh.

Even I find it surprising sometimes that I manage to maintain an average of 300 viewers without any particularly special content.

“From that perspective, we hold your stream, Cosmo, in high regard. As you’re aware, most streaming content is becoming more provocative over time.”

True. For the top-tier streamers who are already established, it doesn’t matter as much, but for those just starting to

gather viewers, they tend to try more provocative and novel things to stand out.

As a result, some streamers end up broadcasting excessively suggestive content, or even shows that could be deemed socially inappropriate.

Recent news articles make that clear.

“In that regard, Cosmo, your stream stands out as something truly unique in today’s market. Moreover, the fact that you’ve achieved a certain level of success with it is something worth noting.”

“Hmm…”

Is that so? I’ve heard from viewers now and then that my stream is quite unique, but honestly, it’s hard for me to judge it myself.

There are other streamers who focus on similar content, like consultation streams, so I don’t know if it’s special

enough to warrant such praise.

“Haha, you seem a bit unconvinced.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Your words were so flattering that I got a bit flustered.”

Realizing I had been lost in thought while the person in front of me was waiting, I quickly apologized.

The manager waved it off and, with his characteristic friendly laugh, spoke again.

“I understand. But I hope you see it as a sign of how positively we view you, Cosmo. To be frank, we haven’t made this kind of offer to many other streamers with a similar viewer base.”

“Oh…”

That explains why I hadn’t heard of other streamers with similar viewer numbers going to Aiver. Even if they did, all

they mentioned was receiving a briefing on the new platform, without any talk of contracts.

Maybe it’s just because it was a general briefing and contracts weren’t discussed. But based on what the manager

said, it seems they didn’t receive any offers at all.

It’s clear they view me in a positive light.

“If I’m not mistaken, Cosmo, you don’t have a YouTube channel either, right?”

“Right, I don’t. I thought about starting one, but… I’m more comfortable just streaming casually.”

Some of my viewers have even suggested that I start a YouTube channel and upload edited highlights for fun. But I

found the idea of hiring an editor and managing that process too bothersome, so I gave up on it.

Being reminded of that, I scratched my head a little, feeling awkward.

“We see that as a positive as well. As you know, these days, YouTube and streaming often create a virtuous cycle. People watch streams, find them entertaining, and then check out the highlights, or they watch the highlights and get interested in the live streams.”

“That’s true. It’s hard to find streamers who don’t do YouTube nowadays…”

There used to be a clearer distinction between YouTubers and streamers, but nowadays, the lines are blurred. There

are quite a few YouTubers who don’t stream, but it’s rare to find streamers who don’t do YouTube.

Most of them jump into YouTube, aiming for that virtuous cycle the manager mentioned. Of course, the financial

incentives are part of it too.

“In that sense, the fact that you’ve maintained this level of viewership without any YouTube presence is a very positive sign.”

“Is that really how it looks?”

“Absolutely. There are streamers and YouTubers with content similar to yours who are drawing a significant number of viewers through shorts and edited highlights.”

The manager scribbled the names of a few streamers I might know on the paper, then showed me detailed graphs

illustrating their growth rates, as if he had thoroughly researched the data.

Seeing it all laid out like that, it was pretty surprising how noticeable the growth was after starting a YouTube channel.

“And once those viewers settle in as regulars, you could eventually broaden your content range—from variety games to various other topics. For these kinds of streamers, it’s not just about the content they produce, but also the charisma of the streamer themselves that keeps people coming back.”

“That’s fascinating…”

I couldn’t help but admire the manager’s insight as he presented a clear growth direction that I’d never even considered.

Startled by the direct proposal, I glanced at the person across from me before cautiously speaking.

“May I ask you something?”

“Of course, feel free to ask anything.”

The manager smiled warmly as they offered me a cup of tea and some snacks, reminding me of the female employee

I had seen earlier at the desk.

“As you probably know, I wasn’t a particularly popular streamer on Twip. So while I’m grateful for your offer, I’m also curious about your intentions.”

“Ah, I understand. I was planning to explain that in detail.”

I worried that my question might dampen the mood, but the manager seemed to anticipate it, smiling as they pulled

out a blank sheet of A4 paper.

“As you’re likely aware, there are a variety of new and unique concepts emerging in the streaming world these days—everything from virtual streamers to independent content creators.”

“That’s true.”

The online streaming world is becoming more competitive, to the point where it’s considered a red ocean. As the

manager said, many streamers repeat similar content, while viewers constantly search for something new and

exciting.

Even for me, achieving an average of 300 viewers without offering particularly unique content sometimes feels unbelievable.

“That’s why we value your stream highly. As you may have noticed, content is becoming more provocative as streamers try to stand out.”

Indeed, while this may not concern the top-tier streamers, those just starting out often resort to shocking or

provocative content to attract attention. Some even broadcast inappropriate material that could cause social

disruption, as evidenced by recent news articles.

“That’s why we see your content as refreshing and rare in today’s market. Plus, you’re already achieving solid results with it.”

“Hmm…”

Is that true? I’ve heard viewers occasionally say my stream is unique, but it’s hard to gauge that for myself. Other

streamers also do advice-related streams, so while my content might not be common, I’m unsure if it’s as special as

they’re implying.

“Ha ha, you seem a bit skeptical.”

“Oh, sorry! I’m just flattered by the compliments.”

Realizing I had drifted into my own thoughts, I quickly apologized. The manager waved it off with a hearty laugh

before continuing.

“I understand, but please take it as a sign of how much we value you. To be honest, we rarely make offers like this to streamers with a similar viewership.”

“Oh…”

No wonder I hadn’t heard much about streamers with similar audiences signing contracts with Aiver. Even those

who visited the company only received platform explanations, with no mention of partnership deals. Considering the

manager’s words, perhaps they weren’t offered such proposals in the first place.

It seems clear now—they genuinely see potential in me.

“As far as I know, you don’t have a YouTube channel yet, is that correct?”

“Yes, I don’t. I considered starting one, but I’m more comfortable just streaming casually.”

Some viewers had suggested I start a YouTube channel and upload edited highlights, but I found the idea too

troublesome. I wasn’t sure if I could manage hiring an editor and overseeing the work, so I gave up on it.

As the manager pointed this out, I scratched my head sheepishly.

“We also see that as a positive. As you know, nowadays, YouTube and live streaming often create a feedback loop. Viewers watch the stream and then check out edited videos, or they discover a stream after watching highlights.”

“Right. It’s hard to find streamers who don’t also run a YouTube channel these days.”

In the past, YouTubers and streamers were seen as separate, but now people often consider them one and the same.

While many YouTubers don’t stream, it’s rare for streamers not to have a YouTube presence.

Most streamers aim for this kind of synergy, not just for content but also for financial reasons.

“In that sense, it’s impressive that you’ve achieved your current viewership without any YouTube presence. It’s a very positive signal.”

“Does it really look that way?”

“Absolutely. Some streamers with content similar to yours have grown significantly by drawing viewers in through shorts and edited videos.”

The manager wrote down the names of several streamers I recognized and showed me charts illustrating their

growth after starting YouTube channels. It was surprising, to say the least.

“And once your audience grows, you can expand your content to include variety games or other activities. Viewers who are drawn in by the streamer’s personality tend to stick around.”

“That’s incredible…”

The manager’s detailed plan for future growth was far more thought-out than anything I had considered. I couldn’t help but be impressed.

It dawned on me that these people were far more knowledgeable about the streaming world than I, a mere streamer, could ever be.

“I trust this gives you a sense of how closely we’ve been watching your progress.”

“Yes, though all the attention is making me a bit nervous.”

“Haha, I hope it doesn’t make you too nervous. We wouldn’t want anything to go wrong with the contract.”

The serious mood lightened quickly as the manager pulled another sheet from the envelope—a partnership contract with Cheese Streamer.

Swallowing nervously, I scanned the contract while the manager explained the details. Truthfully, I had already made up my mind.

“Take care, Cosmo! Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions.”

“Thanks again. I’ll be on my way…”

Having signed the contract, I nodded politely and glanced toward the meeting room where Exit was earlier. It

seemed their meeting was still ongoing. Not surprising, considering the importance of such a major streamer’s

contract—there would be plenty to discuss.

It’s a shame I didn’t get to say goodbye to them.

“Haaah…”

Relief washed over me as I stepped outside, the tension draining from my body. I felt a stiffness in my neck and

shoulders, probably from holding myself so rigid during the meeting. I was tempted to stop by a café before heading

home.

“Hey, isn’t that the CEO of ASF?”

“Huh? It is! What’s she doing here? She doesn’t usually come around…”

As I reached the lobby, I overheard a commotion. Curious, I turned my head in the direction of the whispers.

A stunning woman was approaching from the revolving doors.

Wait, isn’t that Seoha?

“Shh…”

Oddly enough, Seoha raised a finger to her lips, signaling for silence as she glanced around.

Does she know someone here? Now that I think about it, she did mention being close to someone from this company.

Maybe she’s meeting with a friend.

“Seoha!”

“Ah! C-Cosmo…! What a coincidence.”

When I waved excitedly, I suddenly felt like all eyes were on me.

Pushing aside the discomfort, I walked up to Seoha and greeted her cheerfully. But something about her stiff smile

and awkward wave seemed off.

“What brings you here?”

“A friend works here, but they’re not in today…”

“I see.”

It must be the connection she mentioned before. It’s a shame she made the trip for nothing, though I’m happy I got to run into her.

“Did you just finish a meeting?”

“Yeah, I was thinking of grabbing a coffee on my way out.”

“Oh! Then let me buy you a celebratory drink. It’s on me.”

“Hey, I owe you from last time. I’ll buy. Let’s go.”

Grinning, I insisted on treating her, and she smiled back, following me. But then…

…

She suddenly stopped, scanning the area with sharp eyes before quietly resuming her steps.

What was that about?