Chapter 34: Unyielding Negotiations and Resilience

“What is going on? Why is the CEO with Yuseong? Ugh, my hair’s a mess from resting, and now they’re putting me on a video call all of a sudden. Seriously, they’re no help at all.”

I quickly pushed my phone aside and tidied my disheveled hair while glancing at the mirror.

“Hey, Songhyun. How do I look right now? Is my makeup okay?”

“Sis, did you commit a crime or something? Why are you suddenly whispering?”

“Ugh, you’re so clueless… geez.”

I adjusted the phone camera to my face, plastered on a warm smile, and greeted politely.

“Hello? This is Lee Seolhyun.”

[Ah, hello. This is Shin Yuseong.]

Wow, his voice is incredible. It’s even softer and more captivating than in his personal broadcasts or YouTube videos.

Now, what do I say next?

My mind feels like a blank slate. Nothing’s coming to me.

Why am I acting like this?

I’m used to formal greetings—it’s second nature to me—so why am I tongue-tied like some fool?

Oh, please, stop being so awkward!

[I’ve read a lot about you in online articles. It’s truly an honor to meet you.]

“Well, um, the camera doesn’t do me justice. I look way prettier in real life.”

[Of course, I’m sure you do.]

What the heck am I saying?! He says it’s nice to meet me, and I’m rambling about how I look in person?

I’m losing it. My heart’s pounding so hard I can barely think straight.

Alright, stop embarrassing yourself and take control of the conversation!

“Uh, so…”

[Yes?]

“Well…”

[Please, go ahead. Are you busy right now? If it’s inconvenient, we can talk later. Honestly, just being able to chat like this is an honor for me.]

Ding!

I couldn’t handle the embarrassment any longer.

Just seeing his face on the screen was enough to make my head spin.

Hastily, I pressed the end-call button.

Yeah, that was the right move. Better to cut it off now before things get worse.

“Ah! So embarrassing!”

I flopped onto the seat and squirmed in frustration.

No matter how much I struggled, this burning feeling of humiliation wouldn’t go away.

Then, suddenly, a thought crossed my mind.

“Wait a minute! If the CEO is with Yuseong right now, does that mean they’re in the middle of signing a contract?”

“I ended the call just now.”

“They’re probably busy with drama filming right now. Please understand, Yuseong.”

“Of course, I understand. But why were they on a call with that person?”

I handed the phone back to Misun while asking.

I could already guess the reason, but I needed a clear answer from her.

“BigStars TV can provide you with opportunities to collaborate with top-tier celebrities.

This is something no other MCN company can offer.”

As expected, she emphasized the advantage of being able to plan content with celebrities.

It’s certainly a powerful selling point.

Even someone like me, who isn’t particularly interested in celebrities, knows who Seolhyun is.

If I got to do a joint broadcast with someone that famous, the impact would be enormous.

Not only would it boost live viewership, but the YouTube views would skyrocket as well.

“I believe we’ve laid everything out for you, Yuseong. What do you think? Does it seem like we’re recklessly jumping into the streaming market with no plan, just chasing the scent of money?”

“No, not at all.”

Hasun stepped forward and spoke up.

Her expression was dead serious.

She looked like she was ready to make an offer right then and there.

Her gaze locked firmly onto mine.

For a moment, we simply stared at each other.

Then, she bowed at a full 90-degree angle.

Her voice was filled with sincerity as she spoke.

“I understand that you came here to carefully assess the situation, but why not sign the contract now? BigStars TV absolutely needs you, Yuseong!”

A direct recruitment proposal. Well, they’ve shown their utmost sincerity.

There’s no point in delaying the decision any further.

It’s clear that BigStars TV has prepared thoroughly for this.

Alright, let’s negotiate.

If I don’t like the terms of the contract, I can always reject it.

After all, I’m the one in the advantageous position here.

“Alright. Let’s proceed with the contract.”

In the BigStars TV CEO’s office, I sat with Hasun and a notary lawyer on the sofa next to the table.

The entertainment company’s CEO, Miseon, was not present.

I carefully reviewed the contract.

I paid special attention to clauses regarding image rights, account ownership, and video content rights.

There have been ridiculous cases where streamers lost their accounts after signing with MCN companies.

I wasn’t about to let that happen to me.

This part seems fine.

Now, the contract duration… Five years? That’s way too long.

The internet streaming market changes rapidly, and the risks are high.

“The contract duration will be three years.”

“We believe five years is a fair term considering the exceptional benefits we’re offering.”

“No, those benefits are concessions BigStars TV is making to win me over. That doesn’t justify locking me into a long-term contract.”

A heated debate ensued.

Seriously, people can’t be trusted.

They act like they’ll give you the world, but their attitude changes completely when it’s time to negotiate the contract.

“As you know, there’s no profit-sharing for the first year of the contract. That results in a loss for our company.”

“Why is that my responsibility? That’s an inevitable loss for a new company in this industry.”

The way they’re talking, they’re trying to make me feel guilty.

But I was never a trainee for this company, nor did I receive any kind of stipend.

What kind of investment have they even made in me to justify claiming a loss?

Why isn’t three years enough?

They’ll make plenty of profit in that time and then some.

It’s clear they’re just trying to tie me down with a long-term contract.

And the profit-sharing terms a year later?

I don’t like them either. A 7-to-3 split? Are they kidding me?

Sure, it’s a typical contract condition—Titanium TV made the same offer.

But for me, it’s incredibly disadvantageous.

How much do they think I’ll earn in the future to expect me to share 30% of my profits?

That’s just absurd and completely non-negotiable.

“If I’m going to cause you losses, then there’s no reason to sign the contract. I don’t want to impose on anyone.”

I stood up from my seat.

It’s infuriating how they’re treating me like just another ordinary streamer despite knowing my value.

They tried to sweet-talk me with all sorts of flattery, yet when it came to actual negotiations, they were as stiff as a rock.

I almost fell for their silver tongue.

If I had been less cautious, I would’ve suffered irreparable damage.

If they can’t meet my terms, then forget it.

I’ll admit that BigStars TV has the best conditions and facilities.

But it’s not like they’re the only MCN company out there.

I’m sure there’s a company out there that will accept my terms.

“Wait! Wait, Yuseong!”

Just as I was about to open the office door and leave, Hasun called out to me.

I turned my head, looking at her with a slightly irritated expression.

“The negotiation isn’t over yet. If there’s anything you want, just tell me. I’ll do my best to accommodate you.”

Hasun’s stiff attitude softened significantly.

Alright, now it feels like we can actually talk.

Still, my irritation hasn’t completely subsided.

“No thanks. Before we proceed with the contract, I suggest you properly evaluate my worth. Stop with the empty talk about how ‘precious’ I am.”

If you really want to recruit me, rewrite the contract with better terms. I’m not desperate.

I walked out, slamming the door behind me.

As I got on the elevator to go down to the first floor, a group of kids approached me.

They looked like trainees.

“Are you Yuseong oppa? Wow, you’re even more handsome in person.”

“Can we take a picture with you?”

Well, sure. It’s not their fault I’m in a bad mood.

I’m the adult here, so I shouldn’t take it out on them.

I took pictures with them as they requested.

“Did you come all the way up here just to wait for me? You could’ve just asked back at the restaurant earlier.”

“The CEO was there earlier, so we couldn’t even acknowledge you.”

“I see. Alright, work hard on your training.”

They must be under a lot of pressure. It’s admirable, yet it makes me feel even warier.

I need to stay alert.

If I let my guard down, I’ll get devoured.

I have to secure contract terms I can be satisfied with, no matter what.

One thing’s for sure: my blind trust in BigStars TV ends here.

“Sorry. I’m not in good condition today, so I keep messing up. Let’s try again, okay?”

“Let’s take a 10-minute break. You’re just tired.”

“No, just 10 minutes!”

How many times have I messed up today? This isn’t like me. I must be preoccupied with something else.

I wonder if Yuseong managed to finalize the contract.

Both our CEO and that lookalike sibling are no pushovers.

I’m worried he might’ve ended up signing a s*ave contract that bleeds him dry.

I got into the van, sat down, and immediately called the CEO.

[Oh! Seolhyun, what’s up? You’re the one calling first today.]

“Did you finalize the contract with Shin Yuseong? Did it go well?”

[You called just to ask that? No, it fell through. Unbelievable.]

“What?! Why?”

A failed contract? That’s unexpected.

I was sure those two pigs would’ve teamed up to sweet-talk him into submission.

How could this happen?

[He’s not easy. That guy’s a bit strange. Normally, someone would cave after a little back-patting.]

“Oh, I see. Alright, I’m busy, so I’ll hang up now.”

Honestly, it’s a relief. Now I can breathe easier.

I need to get closer to Yuseong so I can help him out, but I’ve been so busy I can’t do anything.

I’ll have to come up with a plan.

[“Q skill taking half their HP in one hit—is this for real?”]

[“Yuseong’s gameplay is so aggressive today. LOL.”]

[“He’s so cool. Damn sexy. Haha.”]

[“Ahh… That focused expression is such a turn-on.”]

[“When will Yuseong stop bullying weaker players?”]

Ezreal’s W and Q skills hit their mark, obliterating the enemy ADC.

The team fight was effectively over.

The final showdown at the enemy Nexus ended anticlimactically, with all our teammates surviving and the enemy team wiped out.

[Victory]

I secured my seventh consecutive win.

Finally, the tier jump I was waiting for—leaping from Platinum 4 straight to Platinum 2.

Diamond tier is now within reach.

While it feels good that the game went well, I still can’t shake off my uneasiness.

Maybe it’s because the contract with BigStars TV didn’t go smoothly.

I shouldn’t let it show during the stream, but it’s hard to hide.

[[God] RecklessOfficeWorker has donated 3,000,000 won.]

[“When are you going to show us a losing game?~^-^”]

“Oh wow! Moonhwa-nim, thank you for the 3 million won! Hmm, I don’t think you’ll ever see me lose. I’m just too good to lose!”

[“Ugh!”]

[“LOL.”]

[“He’s not losing anytime soon, at least until Diamond tier.”]

[“Agreed. His gameplay is insane.”]

[“Yuseong’s stream isn’t fun for trolling; he’s just too good.”]

Yeah, let’s just take solace in this financial therapy.

Hearing the donation notifications makes me feel a bit better.

Whatever. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just stream solo.

Who needs legal support or songwriters or whatever?

I’m already getting more love than I deserve.

“This is it for today’s stream. See you tomorrow!”

I reacted to the chat and ended the stream. Phew, another day over.

Am I pushing myself too hard? Each day feels more exhausting than the last.

I should take a few days off and recharge. After all, I’m only human.

Ding!

Huh? It’s Moonhwa.

What’s going on?

This is the first time she’s contacted me first.

I answered the call immediately.

“Yes, Ms. Hyejeong?”

[“Um, it’s nothing serious… You seemed a bit down today. Did something bad happen?”]