Now That I Have Become a Woman, I Am a Vtuber - Chapter 62

Appearing on a popular entertainment show holds much more weight than I had anticipated.

Television still wasn’t a relic of the old era. It meant that my image could be displayed in someone’s living room or a family’s den at any time—not because they wanted to see me, but simply because they pressed the remote a few times.

Earlier, I watched the video link that my manager sent me.

[The legendary performance everyone’s talking about! SlimGold Live (Feat. Ji-in)!! 500,000 views!!]

The video was an edited clip of the impromptu performance Hyunsoo and I had sung back in the studio. The view count was an astounding 1 million.

Even though it was a clip directly from the broadcast station, it hadn’t been that long since it was uploaded, and the number was unbelievably high.

It seems like the combination of Hyunsoo’s rising fame and word of mouth resulted in this outcome.

–Who is this woman? Her voice is insane.

–What’s with her gap moe? LOL.

–Wow, seriously amazing.

When I check the comments, I notice that many are about me.

Actually, quite a lot.

Maybe it’s because the video included not only the singing part but also the conversation we had beforehand?

There are some comments confused by my maze-like way of speaking, but overall, the response is positive.

–The way she casually talks nonsense is hilarious LOL.

–Anyone know this woman’s Instagram?

The compliments here feel a bit different from those on community forums, and I admit, it made me feel a bit better.

Is this what being a social butterfly’s pick feels like?

Right now, the comment section is proof that I, Miro, have the potential to become the top pick, loved by both the underground and mainstream audiences.

Well, regardless of that, my feelings are a bit complex.

I’m used to being talked about online as Miro, but it feels strange when it’s about Kim Soohyun.

In fact, it seems like there’s even more buzz around me as Kim Soohyun than as Miro.

Hmm, that’s not right.

Coincidentally, the manager sent me the link to the trending YouTube video earlier, along with some news.

The music video is finally completed.

Considering that we finished recording the song not long after I returned to my parents’ house, it’s clear that the process took quite a while.

Still, they say the quality turned out great, so maybe that’s some consolation?

Well, if they had missed the deadline and the quality was poor, The Six’s legal team wouldn’t have let it slide.

Although fall is almost here… we can still stretch it and say it’s the tail end of summer.

Looking at the group chat, it seems like everyone received the news, as messages keep popping up.

Anyway, I put aside all that and started getting ready to head out.

Last night, composer Kang Woohyun called, asking to record a new song.

Since moving, I’ve been gradually starting to record again.

Of course, each time I get called in, I endure what’s essentially an assault disguised as “feedback,” but I’m starting to get the hang of it.

When I walked into the living room, Madam Jang was watching TV.

“Oh, my celebrity daughter. Didn’t you have a broadcast yesterday?”

“No, I didn’t.”

I didn’t have a broadcast yesterday. I played Civilization until the morning… and I just decided to take a break to reset my schedule.

“That’s good, you need to rest to sing well.”

“I’m heading out.”

“Where are you going?”

“Work.”

“You have work?”

“You don’t need to know, Mom.”

Sensing that I might get teased again, I quickly left the house.

After being cooped up inside all weekend, Boksil, who was now back to playing in the yard, clung to me persistently as I tried to leave. I managed to shake him off and headed straight to the subway, on my way to the composer’s studio.

The studio was now a familiar place.

After all, I’d been coming in and out constantly for the Celestial Realm Project album and new song recordings…

I confidently entered, typing the door lock code without hesitation.

In the past, someone would come out to greet me, but now, finding it a hassle, they just gave me the code.

As I walked in, I saw composer Kang Woohyun sitting at the table.

Sitting across from him was a young, tall man… Who was that? A singer? An actor? An idol?

Since Kang Woohyun was such a famous composer, it wouldn’t be surprising if the guy was a well-known celebrity.

The problem was, I didn’t watch TV, so I didn’t know much about celebrities.

Honestly, I’d probably score higher in a Japanese anime character name quiz than a “guess the famous Korean celebrity” game.

As I got closer to greet them, both men turned their gazes toward me.

“Hello.”

“Oh, you’re here, Soohyun.”

“Yes, I’m here. But who is…?”

The man stood up from his seat, preparing to greet me.

As he stood, I realized how tall he was.

Around 190 cm? Even taller than Maho.

“Nice to meet you. I’m actor Moon Changsik.”

Ah, of course—another entertainment industry person. But why was an actor here?

“Ah, yes, I’m Kim Soohyun.”

After exchanging greetings, I noticed a question mark forming on the actor’s face.

Ah, right, I only introduced myself by name.

But what was I supposed to say? Hello, I’m Kim Soohyun, the first-generation VTuber from the Celestial Realm Project? That would be absurd, right?

As I silently held his gaze, the composer, unable to bear the awkwardness any longer, stood up and spoke to Moon Changsik.

“She’s someone I work with.”

“Oh! So, are you a singer? Or perhaps a trainee?”

Could I even call myself a singer?

As Kim Soohyun, I haven’t released any songs officially. But I’m certainly not a trainee either…

“Uh, no. I’m just an ordinary person.”

Anyway, I’m an ordinary person. Yeah, without Miro, that’s the only way to describe myself.

Sure, I could say I’m unemployed or a home security officer (aka staying home all day), but that wouldn’t work here, would it?

“I see…”

Actor Moon Changsik’s expression turned a bit complicated when I said I was an ordinary person.

Well, what’s he going to do about it?

Aren’t actors supposed to control their expressions? Is this a natural reaction, or is he just acting?

Whatever the case, it has nothing to do with me.

“Hmm, Soohyun.”

At that moment, the composer glanced between Moon Changsik and me and cautiously said,

“This might be sudden, but would it be alright if this guy watches us while we work?”

“Huh?”

“The thing is, he came to ask for my help for a role he’s been cast in.”

“A role?”

What did he mean by watching us work? I was confused, but Moon Changsik answered for him.

“I’m filming a movie soon… Ah, please don’t tell anyone about this, okay?”

“Sure, I won’t say anything.”

Not that I care.

It’s been a while since I’ve watched a Korean movie, anyway.

“My role this time is a young genius composer. So, I came to the most brilliant composer I know for some guidance.”

Ah, so that’s what this is all about?

But is it okay for the new song to be exposed like this?

Well, I guess it must be fine if they called me here.

“Alright, but on one condition—go easy on me today.”

“Hmm, sure, we can do that.”

Nice. Could I possibly finish an hour early today?

With that hopeful thought, I headed into the recording studio.

I casually placed my bag and coat on the familiar recording studio sofa and stepped into the recording booth.

This place feels cozy now.

“Alright, let’s get started.”

“Don’t I need to warm up my voice?”

I chuckled at the composer’s question.

“I warmed up on the way here. It’s not like this is my first time.”

Instead of a reply, the now-familiar melody of the new song started playing.

I’d practiced it a bit at home, too.

I wouldn’t get completely overwhelmed like last time.

“Ah~ Ah!”

With that resolve, I carefully delivered each word of the lyrics with all my effort.

How’s that? Pretty satisfying, right?

Even while singing, I thought it was going pretty well.

But then…

Stop.

The song cut off after about a minute.

“You’ve got a good vibe going, but you’re riding the flow too much in the middle. You’re stretching it when you should be cutting it off.”

“Got it. Can’t expect perfection on the first try. Let’s go again.”

“Great. Starting again, cue.”

I kept singing after that, but…

Stop.

“During that stretch… “

“Maybe it’s because I just woke up? Let’s try again.”

Stop.

“Try to make the pronunciation a bit more slurred…”

“Ah, my tongue’s a bit stiff right now. Let me drink some water, and I’ll go again.”

Stop.

“Are the high notes giving you some trouble?”

“No, it’s just… having someone watching me makes it a bit uncomfortable.”

“Excuse me?”

“No, never mind… let’s go again.”

We continued recording until almost noon, and finally, it was time to eat lunch—I was free at last.

“Ugh, didn’t you say you were going to take it easy on me today?” I said as I slumped onto the sofa. But more importantly, what should I eat for lunch?

“Haha, the more you get hit, the better the sound that comes out. How could I stop?” He replied with his usual dry laugh, but the words were a bit unsettling.

Can a family man even say stuff like that?

“Wow, that comment could really stir up some controversy,” I said in disbelief. He just shrugged.

“I might look like this, but I’ve never been involved in a scandal.”

“What about plagiarism disputes?”

“Well, it’d be weird if I didn’t have any of those.”

So he does have some. Well, these days, people pick fights over anything.

“Anyway, what are we eating today?”

“I’m fine with anything, but what about you? Do you have any preferences?” I asked Moon Changsik, who had been quietly standing by.

He blinked as if snapping out of a daze and smiled.

“This is nice.”

“Sorry?”

“Is this how it is between composers and singers? It’s stricter, yet more casual than I imagined.”

Wait, what? I just asked about lunch, and he’s off on a tangent.

“Is it always like this?”

“I don’t know what ‘like this’ means, but… it’s not that different from the usual.”

“Great… I’m really liking the vibe.”

What? He said that and seemed to drift off into his own world.

I glanced at the composer in disbelief, but he seemed used to it. He handed me his phone.

“Here, just order something on the delivery app.”

It looks like the actor’s having some sort of inspiration? Whatever it is.

Sigh, I guess I’ll have to pick the lunch menu myself.