Chapter 33: A Rookie so competent that it’s Suspecious

It had already been about ten days since I started working with the new editor.

Although the YouTube channel hadn’t been set up yet, I had begun working in advance to fill it with some videos that

would be uploaded later.

“Shall we skip this part and move directly to the consultation scene?”

“Yes, that seems better. Also, the background music around 7 minutes and 10 seconds is a bit loud, so could you

either change it to something softer or lower the volume?”

• “Understood. I’ll contact you right after I finish the requested work, boss.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you.”

As usual, we finished the confirmation chat over Discord today.

Now that the editor would leave the Discord room, I thought I should take a break and then start working again,

leaning back in my chair, feeling completely exhausted.

But for some reason, the editor, who would normally leave as soon as the task was done, was still lingering in the Discord room.

“Um… Editor, do you have any further questions regarding the video?”

I cautiously opened my mouth, feeling a hesitant air from the rustling sounds coming from across the screen, unsure if it was just my imagination.

• “Ah, no. It’s not about work; I have something else I’d like to ask…”

“…?”

Then I received an unexpected reply from the editor.

If it wasn’t work-related, did it mean he wanted to ask a personal question?

That was a bit surprising. I thought he wouldn’t want to talk about anything other than work since he usually avoided

that kind of conversation.

“Yes, go ahead; I’m fine with it.”

Of course, we started off as work colleagues, but I figured that sharing some personal stories would help build

familiarity and make our future work together easier, so I nodded.

The editor then seemed to take the opportunity to open up.

• “May I ask what your relationship with Seoha is?”

“Seoha noona?”

This was yet another unexpected question.

Usually, when a guy asks such things, there’s only one intent behind it. So, I jokingly responded with a playful tone.

“Ah, Editor, are you perhaps interested in Seoha noona?”

• “What? How could you say something so ridiculous?”

“…I’m sorry; I guess that wasn’t it.”

I quickly apologized in response to the cold tone that returned to me.

Typically, if someone really was interested, they’d either seem flustered or hesitant at this point. However, there

wasn’t even a hint of that in the editor’s voice.

His tone seemed to convey disbelief, as if he was questioning why I would even ask such a ridiculous question, which

made me feel embarrassed for asking.

Ah, maybe that wasn’t the case? Then why did he ask that question?

• “I’m just genuinely curious about your relationship with Seoha. How did you get to know each other?”

“We met at the Twin Party. After that, we casually bumped into each other a few times.”

Since it was a topic I had mentioned during a stream, I felt there was no need to hide it and spoke candidly. The

editor then asked again.

• “Casually?”

“A little while ago, we ran into each other by chance at the AGP, and we also met coincidentally at the AVER meeting.

Oh, and I happened to find out that she was working part-time at a meat restaurant my friends and I visited.”

It was the first time I had used the word “coincidence” so many times in one answer, but it was the only way to express it.

• “Part-time?”

As I vaguely explained how I became acquainted with Seoha, the editor’s response was filled with clear astonishment.

No, it might have been more like disbelief than astonishment. At least that was my impression.

“Yes, the new boss there is a friend of noona, so she came to help for a bit.”

• “What’s that about… Ah, never mind. That’s quite the coincidence.”

“Right? I find it a bit fascinating too.”

I once joked that maybe Seoha was timing her visits just to meet me, but I quickly shook my head at the thought.

After all, why would such a pretty person chase after someone like me, a pathetic streamer stuck at home? If I

entertained such delusions, I’d probably get criticized for writing a bad story.

• “They say when coincidences happen in succession, it’s fate. Do you think you might have a chance with Seoha?”

While taking a sip of the water in front of me, I couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the editor’s casual remark.

Me and Seoha noona? That’s not even a possibility. Our statuses are worlds apart.

To put it bluntly, if I made a foolish move and confessed to Seoha noona, I’d probably lose a fan that very day.

People should know their place and maintain boundaries to last in relationships.

“Ah, I don’t know about that, but for noona, it would be a disaster.”

• “I don’t think it would be that way…”

“Excuse me?”

• “Ah, no. I didn’t say anything.”

I felt like the editor had just spoken informally, but considering how respectful he had been, I concluded that I must

have misheard him.

“Well, I still think it’s a somewhat special relationship. It’s closer than just a streamer and a fan, but not quite enough

to be called friends, you know?”

• “I see… I understand.”

I thought my expression was somewhat vague, but surprisingly, the editor seemed to nod in agreement with my expression.

“Is that all for today, then?”

• “Yes, thank you for your time, boss.”

“Don’t mention it. Let’s chat like this more often in the future. I’d like to hear about your dating life as well.”

• “It probably wouldn’t be that interesting for you. Ever since my girlfriend cheated on me three years ago, I’ve completely turned my back on that side of things.”

Ah, I didn’t know that…

I unintentionally touched on a trauma, and after belatedly apologizing, the editor calmly replied, “I’m fine now,”

before leaving the Discord room.

Next time we meet for a meeting, I should take him out for samgyeopsal and soju as a form of consolation and apology.

By the way, I’m still curious. If it wasn’t for that reason, then why did he ask about my relationship with Seoha? Was

he just curious as a friend?

In the end, unable to resolve my doubts, I had to turn on the stream at six o’clock, just like any other day.

[Seongmin Lee]

The name, stored in a formal three-character format, popped up on my phone.

As I was waiting for the broadcast of Cosmos, or rather, Wooju, to start, I felt a bit uncomfortable because it seemed

like an interruption, but since I was the one who asked him to contact me if he had something to tell me, I couldn’t

complain.

“Hello?”

• “Ah! Is this… Mr. Lee? I’m sorry to contact you at such a late hour.”

“It’s only six o’clock, so there’s no need to apologize. What’s the matter?”

The voice on the other end was filled with tension, and I responded flatly.

It was a business-like attitude, the same I used when dealing with executives and staff at work, nothing more, nothing less.

Perhaps my energy was overly high in front of Wooju. I’ve never been a particularly entertaining person.

• “Actually, I remembered you wanted me to call you after ten days… So, I’m contacting you for a report.”

“…Ah, that’s right. It’s already been ten days.”

Lately, I’ve been so busy with work that I must have lost track of time. Before I knew it, ten days had passed since

Seongmin became Wooju’s editor.

After looking at the calendar and realizing it, I mentally apologized to Seongmin. After all, I was the one who had

asked him to contact me today, and I had been placing the blame on someone else. That was careless of me.

“Ah, I see. That makes sense.”

“Besides, he used to personally help parents find their lost children. That’s a rare sight in today’s world.”

• “He definitely has a gentle impression.”

“Right? Especially his innocent eyes; they evoke such a protective instinct…”

I unintentionally found myself spilling out my admiration for Wooju, only to catch myself and quickly close my mouth.

Hmm. It’s best not to say such things, especially since Seongmin might not know about my feelings for Wooju.

Oh, by the way, the boss mentioned something about the director earlier…

“Really!? Is that true!?”

While trying to salvage my words, I was caught off guard by unexpected news and reflexively jumped up from my chair.

Did Wooju talk about me in my absence? Now I’m really curious!

• “Yes, really.”

“What was the story?”

Like a child pestering their parents for the ending of a fairy tale, I urged Seongmin for more details.

• “It’s a bit long, but to summarize, the relationship between the director and you feels much closer than that of a streamer and a fan, yet it’s also more special than just ordinary friends…”

“…!”

As the content of the secret conversation between the two men flowed into my ears, I felt as if my heart had stopped for a moment.

This was akin to a reward for me, a piece of information so valuable and precious that it felt like a gift.

“Is it really true?”

• “Yes, it’s what I heard directly from the boss.”

“Ah… What do I do? I’m so happy!”

Was I really the kind of girl who would make such a fuss over someone’s words? I didn’t think so.

But who cares! If I’m happy, that’s all that matters!

“Ahhh!”

• “I-Is this true?”

Thud.

In a moment of excitement, I forgot that there was still someone on the other side of the line and leaped onto my

bed, hugging a large pillow tightly and rolling around in joy.

I didn’t know how to express this joy.

I felt deeply grateful to Seongmin for bravely asking the difficult question that I couldn’t bring myself to ask.

Ah, but this isn’t the time for that! As the old saying goes, one should reward those who contribute appropriately.

“Seongmin.”

• “Yes, Director?”

“Please tell the secretary that this year, I’ll give a bonus that’s double what I promised. You’ve done me a great service.”

• “Oh! Th-Thank you! I’ll do my best!”

I could hear him gulping on the other end, followed by the sound of his clothes rustling as he likely bent over in appreciation.

Honestly, my first impression was a bit doubtful, but seeing how he brought in such remarkable results without me

saying anything makes me feel like I picked the right person.

I should give an additional reward to Secretary Kim later as well for bringing in such talent.

“I hope for more good news in the future. I have something urgent to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now…”

• “Yes! Have a peaceful night, Director!”

With that, as the call ended, I immediately clicked on the notification to enter Wooju’s live stream.

• “Welcome, everyone.”

Today, his voice felt exceptionally sweet, and I pressed my headset tightly to keep my excitement from spilling out.

Ah, I’m so happy.