LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 59
Summer is slowly coming to an end.
The cicada sounds that had been waking me up every dawn, the nights when I couldn’t sleep from the heat unless the air conditioning was on, are all passing by.
The leaves are turning red, and now, as the sun begins to set, a pleasantly cool breeze flows in from the open veranda.
As the sweltering heat that caused everyone so much trouble begins to dissipate, we enter a season of reading and gourmet enjoyment with refreshing winds.
[The music video production just won’t end.]
The crew involved with the Celestial Realm Project is in a panic.
Didn’t they originally aim for a refreshing summer release? However, with the schedule falling behind, and autumn practically knocking on the door, the song hasn’t even been released yet.
Oh, this is going to be a late bloom.
Personally, I think the song is really good.
I’ve heard there have been some clashes in the music video production department?
“When’s it going to be released?”
[I’m not sure either… I’m doing my best to push them, but they’re all about the quality.]
All about the quality, huh… Well, that’s good, isn’t it? It means they take pride in their work.
Of course, they’re getting paid but can’t keep to deadlines.
“So they have the talent but aren’t professionals, huh?”
[Yes, that’s a great way to put it. They lack a professional awareness. Deadlines are so important in this industry!]
The manager spoke with a look of exasperation, but I didn’t think much of it. Honestly, there’s no way our song would be a massive hit even if it released in summer.
“At least we won’t be overshadowed by other summer hits, right?”
[In times like this, Miro seems a bit sharp with her comments. Our higher-ups are looking at Miro with expectations for this song.]
Oh, I really don’t want to know that. Why would they have expectations of me?
“Why? Should I let them know that I find that expectation burdensome?”
[Well, wouldn’t Miro herself do better at conveying that? Miro, you know better, don’t you?]
Is it because of Miro 24/7? That’s a viewer count I didn’t anticipate, which makes it quite concerning to use as a benchmark.
“This is tricky. I was thinking of significantly downscaling the viewer count.”
[Huh?? Why?]
The manager’s voice came through the phone, sounding bewildered at my suggestion to downscale the viewer count.
Tsk, this is why I shouldn’t just stick to desk work. Don’t they have any idea of the real situation on the ground?
“It’s just excessive.”
Whether it’s the viewers or other people.
Everyone believes I am a master at handling viewers, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Yeah, I do handle them better than most.
But I don’t possess any charisma or anything, I merely adjust to the viewers’ reactions as if conducting Taijiquan fluidly.
There’s a limit to that, though.
Honestly, even a few thousand felt like a lot, but now that it’s in the tens of thousands, the signs of strain are becoming apparent.
Moreover, in internet broadcasting, it’s not about the level you can achieve in such a short period.
What’s really important in internet broadcasting is having a concrete viewer base that will stick around, irrespective of whatever I do, right?
[Well, if Miro says so, I guess it’s true.]
“Not pushing back, are we?”
[Does pushing back even get heard? It’s more like Miro would know better than I do.]
Indeed, as an elite manager who has to deal with all six members, their capacity to take in information is quite impressive.
[By the way, you appeared on that variety show, didn’t you?]
“Oh, did you catch that?”
[I did. I made sure to catch it live since I knew you were on it.]
The manager seems to be one of the few who knew I featured in Hyeon-su’s song.
Speaking of which, my vocal academy lesson teacher even reached out saying they enjoyed it.
I stopped going there after moving, and I do regret not continuing.
[Ugh, it’s so disappointing, right?]
“Why’s that?”
[If we had just received approval back then, imagine how much interest there would’ve been for the upcoming Celestial Realm Project’s second album!]
Oh… If that were the case, the pressure would’ve been unreal.
“Well, I would’ve probably turned a blind eye to that pressure.”
[Miro feels pressure?]
“What? I’m human too, you know?”
[Your mental state has been anything but normal. Did you know? Till now, you’re the only member who hasn’t cried while speaking to me.]
“I cry when something truly touches me, like sad movies.”
As for broadcasting… I guess I generally don’t find the stress that overwhelming?
[Well, I suppose that’s to be expected. Still, I want to see it once.]
“Ridiculous, do you really wish for your affiliated artist to have sad experiences?”
[What I’m saying is teary joy.]
“Let’s roll with that.”
By the way, is the selection process for the second generation proceeding well?
Judging from the community reactions, it doesn’t seem like there are many people expecting much. I worry they may suffer from negative feedback after their debut.
After all, I want both my juniors and myself to do well.
“Are things going well for selecting the second generation?”
[The second generation? Ah… it’s a bit tough.]
“Tough? That’s unexpected. I thought you as a manager would say it’s all good.”
[It’s only because it’s Miro that I’m being honest. The other members seem really eager about it.]
Well, it’s true they’d likely be thrilled to welcome cute younger siblings onboard.
Though whether they’ll actually be younger remains to be seen.
“What’s the problem? You always provide counseling, so let me do the opposite this time.”
[What an honor. Miro providing counseling? Mirodan members will probably be envious.]
“Shall we make this a content piece later? By the way, you’re more than sufficiently part of Mirodan at this point.”
Didn’t you say you watched my broadcast while you worked? I wouldn’t be surprised if your viewing hours are considerable.
[Content sounds good. Whatever we do, Mirodan members will enjoy it.]
“They should enjoy it. Now tell me, what’s the problem with the second generation? Aren’t we still in the audition phase?”
Haven’t they said it would be out next year? Given the timing, they must be sifting through some rounds of closed auditions by now.
[The competition is good, but… it’s heating up.]
“It’s heating up, you say?”
[Since we announced the auditions for the second generation, the growth graph has been steadily rising, hasn’t it?]
“True enough.”
The Celestial Realm Project is one I’d want to be a part of myself.
They drew attention through auditions, and given the company has been supportive of streaming broadcasters, they’ve hit the mark as far as direction goes, and they certainly have an eye for talent to pick me, Miro.
Plus, for every cut taken, they do provide some value, and the best part is there isn’t much in terms of solid competition out there.
Originally, virtual YouTubers were primarily a culture in Japan or other foreign countries, but now with The Six’s Celestial Realm Project, they are gradually making strides in Korea and successfully attracting those just stepping into the world of virtual YouTubing.
[Plus, wasn’t that demonstrated with Miro 24/7?]
“Demonstrated, you say?”
[Yes, it shows that Korean virtual YouTubers can gather thousands of viewers just like the big broadcasters.]
Can it really be interpreted to that degree?
Sure, a particularly high number of viewers gathered, but I’m starting to worry if the company is overestimating it.
“Isn’t that overestimating?”
[One could also say it’s a happy delusion, right?]
Ah.
“So the company people and potential second-generation candidates are thinking that way?”
[Exactly, you catch on quickly. But to be honest, I’m also included in those people.]
If even the manager is so positively inclined to think that way, could it be true?
“Still, I’m not so sure myself.”
[What’s important is that those people believe there’s excessive competition going on. Those who need to be restrained are slacking off, thinking they’ll find someone even better.]
“Well, isn’t that a good thing? I mean, hot competition can have a lot of downsides, but the effectiveness is sure, isn’t it?]
The Celestial Realm Project is in its growth stage.
It’s the time where we need to endure some pain to select capable talents and propel our growth.
[That’s true. But creating one’s own uniqueness isn’t an easy endeavor.]
“Right? Finding and sharpening that uniqueness is tough.”
Aren’t I also showing my uniqueness, which is simply showing my true self right now?
[To win this competition, you can’t afford to spend time finding your uniqueness, so people tend to mimic the most successful cases, right?]
Surely…
Who would be that most successful case in the Celestial Realm Project?
Could it be Anna, who successfully built a stable broadcast?
Or perhaps Loa, who is completely overwhelming in charm?
No, if you ask someone else, they’d probably think that I, Miro, am the one with explosive viewership.
“Are you saying they’re mimicking me? Is that even possible?”
The first thought that came to mind when suggested that I could be imitated was doubt.
Isn’t Miro just… me?
[That’s why it becomes a problem, right?]
“Certainly, Miro can’t be created overnight.”
Can Miro really be imitated? This life experience is something nobody else has lived through before.
[Plus, what is Miro’s characteristic?]
The characteristic? If you ask about Kim Soo-hyun’s, that would be clear, but for virtual YouTuber Miro’s characteristics…
“Excellent eloquence and situational judgment, along with rapid responsiveness stemming from self-assurance.”
[I can’t believe you’ve assessed yourself like that all this time.]
“…Then what is it?”
[You’re a tightrope walker with the heart of a beast.]
Wait, that’s how you see me?
[Now it’s been cemented as your concept, but remember when you started? That was true high-stakes balance.]
“Well, it was a bit precarious, but I never crossed the line, did I?”
[That’s why you could continue broadcasting without a hitch up until now, but the aspiring second generation members auditioning now aren’t in the same boat.]
Ah, so there’s a risk of uncontrollable, unlucky Miro clones being produced.
[Moreover, even the existing talented individuals are gradually being influenced.]
It’s a complete case of “Miro-ism.” It’s practically an ideology.
That sounds pretty nice! Everyone turns into my followers and forms the Miro faction.
[I’m genuinely afraid that the people who become the second generation will learn that kind of thing too.]
“Don’t worry. People like me are not created; they are born.”
[Whoa, should I record that and play it for the audition participants?]
“Let’s hold off on that… But I do want to display some dignity as a senior.”
[Can I hang up now?]
“Haha, I hope your heart has calmed a bit.”
[Yes, only anger remains in this troubled heart now.]
“Good work.”
With that, I abruptly ended the call.
Indeed… Managers have their own share of struggles.
Plus, listening to what they have to say, it seems they hold responsibilities beyond just management; there are many thoughts to ponder.
I absolutely should not become a manager.
After all, living a life receiving care is definitely more comfortable and pleasant.
More importantly, it’s about time the manager does their job, right?
Since my parents haven’t returned yet, I spent some time playing with Bok-sil in the empty house before stepping into the soundproof booth.
I smoothly set up the broadcast and launched the pre-prepared game.
I had played the previous series as a guy, but I’m not too sure how the newly released series stacks up.
With everything prepared, I clicked to start the broadcast.
[Miro’s Civilization Teaser]
Since the last broadcast was Miro 24/7, viewers came rushing in more quickly than before as soon as I logged on.
– Hello, hello!
– What are we doing today?
– I became a fan after watching yesterday’s live broadcast!
– It’s my first time being a live broadcast observer!
Excited viewers, anticipating what we would do, were greeted by the start screen of quite a vintage game.
– ???
– What game is this?
– Meh.
– No way, not this again, lol.
– Please!
Is it because it’s a famous game? There seem to be quite a few who recognize it.
“Here’s the content we’ve prepared today.”
Alright, let’s see how it goes.
Let’s see how many can keep up with me!