I May Be a Virtual Youtuber, but I Still Go to Work - Chapter 134

The highly anticipated evening of May 6th, 8 PM.

A whopping 90,000 viewers tuned in for the successful release of the new song alongside the members.

The members’ singing was already proven, but the dancing of the two, excluding Rain and Dora, had me slightly worried. Thankfully, with CAT’s professional choreographers involved, they improved dramatically…

[🥔Nutube]

**Finish Line (피니시 라인) | 패러랠 어나더 (Parallel Another) (feat.Fan_C) – Official MV**

Parallel Official | 281K subscribers

Views: 620,000 | 3 days ago | #Parallel #CAT #finish_line

442 comments

@Giadan 3 days ago

Nice to meet you…

@Sonsainai_kioku 3 days ago

Ugh, my head.

@zolzak 2 days ago

What’s wrong with these people?

@red_drug 2 days ago

Fan_C = illegal duet contestant = Majia

@MJADISK 3 days ago

“Trying to stand at the starting line again for the next destination” — this lyric makes me think of someone making a fresh start…

@flareflaretantan 2 days ago

No wayyyyyy!

@dr.hirorok 2 days ago

When does someone think they will d*e…

In just three days, the video skyrocketed to trending status, surpassing 600,000 views. I could absolutely feel how the rate of views piling up was nearly double compared to our previous videos.

The official channel’s subscriber count also saw a significant change. Right after the new song with CAT was released, it shot up by 30,000 in just three days.

Comparing that to the six months of chaotic antics where we managed to gain 120,000 subscribers, this was simply unbelievable.

Our existing fans’ support was a given, but it appeared we were certainly attracting a new batch of fans who usually listened to real idol music.

… However, I felt a bit disappointed.

I had hoped that with CAT’s help, we’d create something even more explosive.

Since Bachu Bachu proved that VTuber idols could have global market value comparable to real idols, it was only natural that we were chosen by CAT. Yet, at the same time, it felt like our presence was slightly overshadowed by Bachu Bachu.

Honestly, I thought our new single should have already blown past a million views.

Bachu Bachu really is strong. They didn’t just get there by chance. Hitting a hundred million views a year isn’t something anyone can do.

“Chasing after the views immediately is obviously impossible.”

Additionally, thanks to Ena, who knows the music industry well because of her dad, I realized it wouldn’t be easy to remain overly optimistic.

At the beginning, it was expected since we released the track under CAT, but only if this trend continues can we barely exceed the break-even point.

It is a stroke of luck that the break-even point is about a third of the typical idols, since the resource investment is also lesser, sitting at about ten million views.

While most idol income comes from album sales, VTuber fans typically prefer downloads and streaming. So, while general idols say, “You need to surpass thirty million,” without considering album sales, for us, “You need to surpass ten million” means if we don’t hit that, we’re in the red.

So, things aren’t as laid-back as they seem. To put it bluntly, “We must somehow hit ten million…!”

We need to avoid making major mistakes moving forward.

We must actively seek out ads and work hard on cover song activities besides our new song.

It’s going to put a lot of pressure on the first generation, in terms of music activities.

But we’ve got to push through!

***

Of course, the members were unable to hide their excitement regarding the unusual and explosive view count that surpassed 600,000 in just three days.

When we released our anniversary song “<One Others>“, we had everything from the song and choreography to the music video perfectly in place. But this time, unlike back then when we struggled to pull everything together, the production process was remarkably smooth.

To put it metaphorically, it felt like walking on a smooth path covered with carpets after trudging down a rocky road.

Naturally, they couldn’t help but wonder, “Did we just hit the jackpot?”

Yet my role was to keep them grounded even in such circumstances.

So, before they got too carried away with the prospect of treating everyone to dinner, I stepped in.

Being the bad guy? Yeah, I’m used to it.

“… It’s all good, but we still don’t know. We mustn’t forget this is a test that CAT set for us.”

The response that came back was far from pleasant.

Everyone froze with their bustling utensils mid-air, staring at me with half-closed eyes.

A familiar response.

“Hey, do you really have to say that on a good day? You party pooper.”

“Ugh. How is it that the manager can’t say anything nice?”

Of course, even Dora chose that moment to half-back me up.

“Jia’s not wrong~ but don’t we deserve to enjoy the joy for a while~?”

As she naturally positioned herself behind me, I felt as if she was somewhat assuming the role of my protector.

“Wow. If Dora unnie sides with Jia, what are we supposed to do?”

“Betrayer! The rule for betrayers is to wipe out their clan!”

In the meantime, Komari countered their complaints, firing back a dose of truth at Rain and Maru.

Being more of a realist, her disposition leans towards the pessimistic side.

“Honestly, Jia unnie isn’t wrong, is she? In some ways, CAT also took a gamble, and if our song flops, I wouldn’t want to work on the next track either.”

This division had somehow formed between Komari/Dora and Rain/Maru, as they squared off against each other.

“Our song is actually pretty great, you know? Just look at the views rising—hey, we’re going to hit a million in no time!”

“Yes. Silent turd, shut up. We’ve already taken off!”

“Exactly! We still have ramped-up vocals left!”

“High expectations lead to great disappointments, they say~.”

“True. It’s time to be humble.”

Was it an internal schism right before an important step?

Heavens no.

This is just a typical day in Parallel Another.

Maru, the max empathy level.

Rain just enjoys the idea of flames, so she’s on board with Maru’s words.

Dora calmly acts based on her strong convictions.

And Komari slyly drops an objective fact as she hits Maru, initiating the conversation.

So heartwarming.

This is what it’s all about.

Knowing that no one’s genuinely fighting, it just looks cute, like they’re playfully hitting each other with cat paws.

Of course, I was the mastermind behind all this, so the conflict soon resolved, and all eight eyes landed on me simultaneously.

Maru, acting as the spokesperson, asked me.

“So, what suddenly got into you that you’re treating us? Are you finally feeling guilty for being distant from us all this time? Want to apologize?”

It’s pretty funny to say that after half-eating, Yewon Seok.

Had Maru not gotten cocky after that statement, he would have blurted out his true feelings right then and there.

But darn it, her words felt like a challenge, and my rebellious spirit kicked in.

“No. This is a heads-up to get ready for the joint stream this weekend.”

“… Heads-up? What?”

As the four of them looked perplexed, Komari quickly grasped the truth and asked me.

“Wait. Does that mean you’ll be hosting the weekend joint stream instead of the president?”

Nodding silently made Maru’s complexion turn pale.

“It’s crazy. Did the president really allow that?”

Their individual responses certainly expressed their personalities.

“Wooo! Fucking surprise! This is going to be fun!”

“Someone’s probably going to cry buckets this weekend~.”

“Ugh… I’m already worried about what that unnie is going to say…”

<We Are Really Close>.

As the title suggests, it’s a show to flaunt the members’ camaraderie.

But despite the intention to display camaraderie, what often ends up showing is their “fighting” side.

It’s more effective to show the eagerness to get on each other’s nerves than to force a show of being friendly.

Just like I laughed at the members squabbling a moment ago, fans enjoy it too as long as the punches are sincere but not aimlessly brutal.

If you’re not actually close, such trivial conflicts won’t happen at all.

A couple of examples from the content of <We Are Really Close> would be:

One. <Let’s Communicate from the Heart>. Trying to unify their thoughts around one keyword.

With four different personalities, it’s obviously impossible to align, and stories of each other’s habits pop up, sparking debates of “How could you say that?” and “Don’t you dare say that on air!” — chaos is guaranteed.

Two. <I Don’t Know Anything>. Guessing what show it was based on only a hint.

For instance, “Which episode did Maru cry for an hour?” If they guess correctly, it’s a miracle, and if not, it still brings laughter.

Surprisingly, there are instances where they bicker even if they get it right, like “Why do you only remember the day you cried and not other memorable celebrations?” — chaos is on!

The president trusted me with hosting since she’s seen how the members bicker during our anniversary trip.

When I join in this mess, it naturally elicits reactions of “Wow, they’re really getting along!”

Usually, when diving into these chaotic segments, topics that have been controversial in the community tend to be brought up for open discussion. Since our kids naturally argue among themselves, it often becomes handy.

Remember when there were rumors that Komari and Maru had a falling out?

They had shown it even while playing a duet game.

“Why can’t you do better?”

“Why are you talking like that?”

“Say something before you go in.”

“I did! …Oh, you were too mad to unmute it.”

They’d bicker back and forth throughout the gaming session, and just as it was about to wrap up, Komari suggested they go eat some cake, immediately reconciling and making it abundantly clear that, “Oh yeah, these kids always bicker, that’s just how they are!”

Right now, the stir in the community over my debut as an Utaite and that I’m leaving Parallel will likely play out similarly.

“By the way, for this broadcast, feel free to mention me as much as you want.”

Maru, who had been in a semi-panic all this time worrying about getting hit, snapped to attention as soon as she heard that.

“Really? Don’t you usually avoid focusing too much on the host?”

“The president allowed it. You don’t have to force yourselves to talk only amongst yourselves.”

I didn’t bring up the rumors of discord between us. The kids are so genuine and kind that they might overly mimic performance tones just to avoid damaging reactions.

The atmosphere we’re in while chatting right now feels just right.

I get to tease the members, who react in their own hilarious ways.

Plus, I want to subtly ride this content wave for promoting the first generation.

I didn’t want to lead with “resolving discord” as the main agenda.

After all, the stars of this broadcast should be the members anyway.

“Feel free to relax. The president seems to want some fresh changes by involving me, so go with the flow.”

Soon, the members exchanged glances, and Dora spoke up.

“Then how about adding a segment with Jia-nim as a special feature? Since this is your first time hosting, it wouldn’t be right to rush through without incorporating you… heehee.”

Once that suggestion came up, everyone pretended not to notice.

Honestly, it’s pretty evident that what the members wanted was to mess with me.

Having fallen victim to their relentless pranks, they probably want to finally strike back at me since I’ve come to their home turf.

Since content creation is the job of the president and the members, I had no intention of getting too involved.

Even if they tried to hide it, I’d know during rehearsal, and I wouldn’t have to worry about being greatly surprised on the day.

If we could create something fun with the members, it’d also be good for quelling existing controversies.

“Discuss it with the president and prepare it. I’d prefer to stay out of the loop.”

***

The next day, the four first-generation members gathered at a café near the company and seriously proposed additional content to Cheon Dohui.

Dressed in smart business attire, Maru, taking on the role of spokesperson, handed over a well-crafted file, almost like a project proposal, and Dohui was unexpectedly taken aback.

“So… you’re suggesting we add a few JIA-exclusive questions to <I Don’t Know Anything>?”

“Exactly!”

“What’s the intention behind that?”

“Each member will provide a challenging question, and every time someone gets it wrong, we set a schedule to collaborate with them for some bonding time.”

At its core, it sounded like they wanted to make it a quiz where they’d unavoidably get into the punishment rounds.

Even amid their busy schedules, having Majia willingly jump into a joint stream would show her fondness for the first generation.

Dohui stroked her chin and queried Maru.

“Is this because of the comments on Nutube? People are making a fuss about Jia quitting to become Fan_C?”

“Um… yes. Jia being Fan_C is a secret, and she doesn’t want that to be revealed. If things get out of hand, we might mess up during our streams later.”

“True, if those overly concerned types take the bait, it wouldn’t be hard to bring Maru down.”

“B-But… it’s better than before, right?! … But still, I’m so sorry.”

The members really dislike it when Majia ends up with baseless controversies.

They’ve relied on her quite a bit, and if all this builds up leading to her leaving, it would be the worst-case scenario.

So, this time around, it wasn’t just about roasting Jia, but genuinely trying to throw her a lifeline to escape the scandal.

Feeling impressed by their sentiments, Dohui offered her sincere advice.

“Got it. I understand where you all are coming from. However, there are some shortcomings.”

“Oh, what’s that?”

The thing is, this plan only works if Majia’s wrong answers lead to the amusing consequences.

The problem is that she’s the type who can easily answer difficult questions.

“We need to bump up the difficulty level on the questions, and provide just 1 second of hint audio. If any of you get even one question wrong, all of you will be collaborating.”

“Uh… that’s true, but wouldn’t one second be too tough? Some may find it unreasonable…”

“Then you’ll just have to suffer the consequences for making it too easy! Ultimately, the goal is to create chances for you and Jia to collaborate naturally, so it’ll be okay.”

This way, if Majia gets the answers right, it will shock viewers and create a narrative of “Did you suspect that kind of person?”

Even if she fails, the absurd difficulty will be comedic, ensuring that they still get to have joint streams, staying aligned with their goals.

Soon, deciding on what penalty they’d incur when they lost, Maru spoke up.

“How about a Black Warning? You know, that horror game where you collect scraps? We haven’t played it yet!”