Chapter 33: Exploring Opportunities: Facility Tour and Strategic Vision

“Yes, this is Jang Hasun, the CEO of BigStars TV.”

The CEO herself answered the call.

Considering the size of the company, its management system wouldn’t be poorly organized.

This meant I was receiving special treatment, which felt a bit burdensome.

But an important contract was still pending.

I couldn’t afford to appear unprofessional, so I greeted her as politely as possible.

“Hello? This is streamer Shin Yuseong.”

[Ah! Yes, Shin Yuseong! We’ve been waiting for your call.]

I had decided to sign a contract with the MCN company, BigStars TV.

The terms were astonishing—a one-year contract with no revenue sharing during that time. Truly groundbreaking.

Has it only been about ten days since I came to this world?

In that short time, I’ve already earned tens of millions of won.

Imagine what could happen in a year. With the company’s support, I’d be on a solid growth trajectory, making enough money to last a lifetime.

The revenue-sharing clause kicking in after a year was a minor downside.

But I planned to negotiate the terms carefully to avoid any disadvantages.

No company would just offer unconditional support after the contract expires—they weren’t a charity.

Regardless, they’d bring me more lucrative opportunities to increase revenue.

I had excluded Titanium TV from the final decision-making process.

While they offered the advantage of collaborations with top streamers, I didn’t need an MCN company to connect me with other streamers.

I could already broadcast with anyone I wanted.

With their only advantage rendered moot, my choice became straightforward.

“I have a positive view of BigStars TV. I’d like to tour your company—would that be possible now?”

[Of course! You’re welcome anytime.]

“Thank you. I’ll head over right away.”

[We’ll send a car to pick you up. You’re staying at Luxury The Hill, correct? There’s no need for you to come out; please wait inside. We’ll call when the car arrives.]

“You really don’t have to go to such lengths.”

[Please think of it as a token of our sincerity. You’re a valuable person who deserves to be treated well.]

I was touched by their thoughtful consideration.

Their words and actions showed how much they valued me.

Although I’d already made up my mind, I didn’t decline their kindness.

“Alright, I’ll be heading down. Please have the car wait in front of Building 102.”

About 20 minutes later, I received a call from an unfamiliar number.

It was the driver sent by BigStars TV.

Ending the call, I headed outside.

As I stepped out through the main entrance, I saw a luxury foreign car parked in front.

“Are you from BigStars TV?”

“Yes, please get in.”

The driver rolled down the window and nodded.

Should I sit in the back seat?

That seemed like the proper etiquette, but it felt a bit arrogant.

I decided to sit in the front passenger seat instead.

I could keep the driver company along the way.

Honestly, I was also curious to get a better look at the driver.

The driver didn’t quite give off a chauffeur vibe.

How should I describe it? Oh! Like a stunning bodyguard straight out of a movie.

How old could she be? It was hard to tell.

Her features were sharp and mature like a Western actress, but her pale, flawless skin gave her a youthful appearance.

Should I just ask? It wouldn’t hurt. After all, it’s not every day you meet someone like this.

“Excuse me, may I ask how old you are?”

“I’m twenty-one.”

“Wow! Really? You’re quite a bit younger than me. Did you start this job right after high school?”

“No.”

Well, it seemed I was the only one enjoying the conversation.

Her answers were curt.

I needed a better topic. Oh, right! Women in this world mostly serve in the military.

Bringing that up might catch her interest.

“When do you plan to enlist in the military?”

“I’m exempt.”

“Ah… I see.”

I regretted asking.

Why did it have to be exemption?

She looked perfectly healthy, so I assumed she’d be preparing for enlistment.

Was there an underlying health issue?

The atmosphere grew even more awkward.

It was clear she didn’t enjoy chatting while driving.

I decided not to disturb her further.

After all, she was taking the time to help me, so I should show some respect.

“Thank you. Thanks to you, I had a very comfortable ride.”

“You’re welcome. Take care.”

Even at the moment of parting, her words were few.

What an odd person. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being subtly ignored.

Oh well, it didn’t matter. It wasn’t like we’d meet again.

I turned to see a towering building standing majestically before me.

How many floors could it have? At least thirty, if not more.

[BigStars Entertainment]

The sign caught my eye.

Entertainment, not TV? That was strange.

I’d find out soon enough.

I stepped through the front doors into a spacious lobby.

As one of Korea’s top three entertainment agencies, the scale was truly overwhelming.

“Shin Yuseong, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Jang Hasun, the CEO of BigStars TV.”

The company’s CEO had come out to greet me.

A petite, chubby middle-aged woman with a bright smile.

Her youthful appearance made her seem adorable for her age.

But who was the person behind her?

She looked identical to the CEO in both appearance and build.

It wasn’t polite to think this, but they reminded me of twin piglets. Sisters, perhaps?

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you. I’m streamer Shin Yuseong. But… who is the person behind you?”

“I’m Jang Misun, the CEO of BigStars Entertainment. Surprised by how similar we look? We’re twin sisters.”

“Ah! Hello! I’m not surprised at all. Both of you are so beautiful.”

“Haha, it’s us who should be flattering you, Yuseong. Why are you complimenting us instead?”

I hadn’t expected the CEO of BigStars Entertainment to show up as well.

For them to treat me with such respect—it was beyond my imagination.

Their intense desire to recruit me was palpable.

Good.

That put me in a position of power.

I could negotiate from a favorable standpoint.

I would keep them on edge until they offered everything I wanted.

But I couldn’t let my guard down.

These seasoned veterans of the industry were sly foxes.

I had to remain cautious and approach this with even more care than I had for my apartment lease.

“Now we need to tour the facilities… Have you eaten?”

“No, not yet.”

I wasn’t the type to eat all my meals regularly, so I didn’t feel particularly hungry.

But I definitely had to check out the company cafeteria.

It’s essential to see how well the food is prepared and observe the expressions on the employees’ faces as they eat.

It’s one of the simplest ways to gauge the company’s welfare and satisfaction levels.

That’s why I replied that I hadn’t eaten yet.

“Enjoy your meal, CEO!”

“Sure, you all enjoy your meal too.”

We arrived at the cafeteria.

Kids who seemed to be in middle or high school stood up from their seats and bowed politely.

What are they doing? They all look like dolls, so cute.

Well, the boys are a bit underwhelming, but for this world, their looks are still quite high-tier.

“They’re trainees dreaming of becoming idols or actors, living a fiercely competitive life. Isn’t it impressive at their young age?”

“Oh, that’s admirable.”

So they’re trainees. No wonder they all look so radiant.

But where are the employees? I wanted to observe their expressions.

“Have the staff not eaten yet?”

“No, staff meals start at 12:30. I don’t usually eat at this time either. Our company policy prioritizes our agency’s entertainers in every aspect.”

“I see, that makes sense.”

It’s a shame. I should have arrived a little later.

Still, I got a good sense of the company’s atmosphere.

The structure is well-organized.

Even the CEO is standing in line behind the trainees.

That’s a positive sign.

“Thank you for the meal.”

“Did it suit your taste?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

The food was good. What impressed me most was the variety of menu options.

They had specific meal plans tailored for entertainers and trainees who are conscious of maintaining their figures.

Of course, I just ate sushi and udon.

How could I resist when my favorite dishes were served? It was a very satisfying meal.

“Shall we continue the tour now?”

BigStars TV’s CEO, Hasun, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward and led the way.

We got into an elevator.

Ah, so the 26th to 32nd floors belong to BigStars TV.

They’re located within the entertainment building.

A well-funded startup company.

I was curious to see what great facilities they had prepared for streamers.

“26th floor is the lobby. It has a large screen and various meeting rooms. If we move a little further, we’ll reach the merchandise exhibition space. As you can see, there’s nothing here yet. But if you sign a contract with our company, we’ll start producing a variety of merchandise items.”

Impressive. I hadn’t thought about merchandise.

Well, it makes sense since the parent company is an entertainment agency.

Selling fancy idol merchandise is standard for them.

We continued to the next floor.

“The 27th floor is the studio. It’s divided into areas for recording and photography.

As you know, the parent company is an entertainment agency, so if you wish, we can connect you with composers and assist in producing music tracks.

Naturally, we’ll also provide background music for your YouCube videos.”

They’re clearly aiming to dominate the internet streaming market.

When I read the contract terms, I wasn’t this impressed.

Seeing it in person, the scale of support exceeded my imagination.

What stood out most was that they had a separate recording studio exclusively for streamers.

This showed their commitment to keeping the entertainment and streaming markets completely distinct.

It might also be a thoughtful gesture for streamers.

“The 28th floor is the streaming studio. There are 24 private studios ready, and over here… there’s a large studio for public broadcasts.”

“What’s the purpose of creating streaming studios?”

I was curious.

Honestly, I didn’t see the need for it.

Most streamers prefer broadcasting from home.

How many would want to endure the rigorous commute-based broadcasting environment?

“All major streamers have already signed MCN contracts.

So, we plan to nurture new streamers with potential for growth.”

“But realistically, wouldn’t that be challenging? Everyone lives in different places.”

“We’ve prepared accommodations for streamers on the 31st floor. Does that answer your question?”

I’m impressed.

They’re not just thinking of recruiting a few big streamers to generate quick revenue.

They have a long-term vision and are moving with the ambition of building a dynasty.

I felt the facility tour was sufficient at this point.

Now, it was time to ask the directly relevant questions.

There was no need to beat around the bush with someone so brimming with confidence.

“Do you have a system in place to protect portrait rights and copyrights?”

“Of course. We have a dedicated legal team, and the manpower is sufficient.

If you wish, we can take down all illegal videos related to you on YouTube within a week.”

“What kind of content can BigStars TV provide me with?”

I felt like an interviewer at this point, probing into every detail.

Still, I needed to be thorough.

What could this company uniquely offer me?

I was curious.

“I’ll answer that myself.”

The entertainment CEO, Misun, spoke up.

She pulled out her phone and started dialing someone.

“Massage harder.”

“Noona, come on! Do you think I have the strength to do it harder?”

“You’ve gotten quite talkative lately. Want to go back to being unemployed?”

“Fine, fine! I’ll do it harder!”

Ah, that feels better. See? When you threaten them, they do it properly.

There’s nothing you can’t achieve.

Am I getting old?

My whole body aches after shooting action scenes.

I’m only 24, but being dragged around constantly has taken a toll on my body.

Ding!

“How does this person always manage to call right at lunchtime? Is it you again?”

“Don’t know. I’m busy, so don’t bother me.”

“You… sigh, whatever.”

Another call from the CEO.

Oh great, this time it’s a video call.

What on earth is she trying to explain?

There goes my precious break time.

Now I have to waste it staring at the face of an old plump granny.

Annoyance welled up inside me.

“Ugh, what now?”

[Oh! Seolhyun, there’s someone I need you to talk to. Hang on a second.]

What?

She called just for that?

I bet she’s trying to use me to flaunt her connections to someone.

She’s shameless as always.

“Huh?”

The CEO turned the camera, revealing the silhouette of a man.