One Day Earlier
Serena had received a summons from her father after he found out about her graduation.
Since they lived in the sa house, the eting took place in the living room.
Between them was a tray of snacks and warm tea, prepared by her mother.
Despite the cozy setting, the father and daughter exuded an intense atmosphere as they began their conversation.
"It’s not too late to go to college. You can complete an MBA in Seoul, and I’ll set up a position for you in the company so you can start learning the business. You’re only twenty-three—it’s not too late."
His proposal was always the sa.
There were many paths where she could be successful,
so why waste ti on sothing as unstable as the idol industry?
"Even if it was a short experience, I’m sure you’ve learned a lot working in the industry.
Honestly, I think the biggest takeaway is that you now understand artists.
In our business, a company can’t succeed unless the artists grow with it."
Serena let out a small laugh.
If she had ever wanted an ordinary life,
she would have grabbed onto the lifeline her father had given her back when she was an idol trainee.
"I’m not quitting VTubing, Dad. I appreciate that you always look out for , but I still want to challenge myself a little longer on my own."
"You’re continuing as a VTuber?
Then why are you graduating?
At your age, even becoming an idol trainee is difficult these days."
"Ugh, you make sound ancient."
"I’m just being realistic. There are thirteen-year-old trainees now."
"Agh."
Her father took a sip of his warm coffee and wiped the steam off his glasses.
"So. You’re returning as a VTuber? Where do you plan to debut this ti?
Is it Parallel? They’re the hottest group right now."
Serena absentmindedly peeled a mandarin orange, her fingers tearing into the rind.
"Yeah. But not right away.
I want to gain more experience solo and apply next year.
I just won an award in the recent event, so I have a title I can brag about."
Na Hyun-gon clicked his tongue.
"Going indie for now... Fine.
If you ever want to release a song, I can at least attach you to a decent label."
"No thanks. I don’t need your help.
I’ll do it on my own, so just stop interfering."
"Do you have any idea how many people would kill for even a fraction of the connections I can offer you?"
But Serena was just as stubborn as her father.
Back when her idol debut kept getting delayed due to rival trainees scheming against her,
she had chosen to stay silent—
because she refused to succeed on her father’s influence alone.
"Yeah, I know!
But I don’t want to end up like the current Operations Team Leader—
hated by everyone as a blatant nepotism hire.
Watching that guy was the perfect lesson on why I should avoid it."
"You sure take after in that independent streak."
"Ahem."
Despite their bickering, Serena still split the peeled mandarin in half and handed the first piece to her father.
The Real Question—Why Parallel?
"So why Parallel?
If you’re not going to work under ,
why not apply to BachuuBachuu this ti?
It’s not like you’re bad at singing or lack broadcasting experience."
"You make Parallel sound like a weak company."
"That’s not what I’m saying.
I’ll admit, their recent growth has been impressive,
but from my perspective, they’ve only just taken their first steps.
They’re still a small company."
"T-They’re going to get big soon!"
"And what exactly makes you so confident about that?
I’ve reviewed plenty of industry reports,
but you’ve actually worked as a VTuber—
so you should know the real situation better than I do."
Na Hyun-gon already had a guess.
Parallel’s CEO had zero business experience, yet the company had still grown rapidly.
And it was clear that one particular person had played a significant role in accelerating that growth.
"Is it because of that person?
Magia, or whatever their na is."
Serena blinked.
"How do you know about her?"
"My dear daughter seems to forget what I do for a living."
"I know you’re a big na in the music industry.
But knowing a manager at a small VTuber company?
That’s a bit much."
"That just ans our company is keeping a close eye on the VTuber market."
Artists who didn’t want to show their faces had always existed, regardless of the era.
People who feared the spotlight but loved music too much to let it go.
In the past, the only way for them to beco stars was through ntal training to overco stage fright.
But as the internet and streaming platforms developed,
they no longer needed to be physically on stage.
This led to the rise of utaite—
singers who chard audiences through pre-recorded performances on platforms like YouTube.
But recently, more and more utaites were turning into VTubers.
It gave them the sa level of anonymity,
but with interactive engagent with their fans.
The industry had exploded as a result.
SB Entertainnt, which had been in a neck-and-neck competition with CAT Entertainnt,
had overtaken them in market share for two years straight—
all because they partnered with BachuuBachuu and dominated the Korean VTuber scene.
They had cornered the market with their first-mover advantage,
attracting top-tier artists like a magnet.
CAT Entertainnt had realized this too late,
but they were determined to find the right partner to catch up.
At first, Lapits was a strong candidate.
But poor talent managent had ruined their reputation,
leaving Parallel as the next best option.
And now, one particular person was constantly making headlines.
Soone Na Hyun-gon had been digging into.
"To be honest, I’m curious about this Magia person, too.
You did inherit my ability to spot talent."
Serena pouted.
"That’s a huge stretch."
"It just ans I trust your judgnt."
She tapped her chin, deep in thought.
"Hmm... In that case, should I arrange a eting for you?
You can talk to Gia directly."
"You can do that?"
"Of course. I’m super close with her.
I also found out her schedule thanks to a friend,
so it won’t look weird if I show up suddenly.
We’re tight."
Honestly, if Na Hyun-gon wanted to evaluate soone,
he wouldn’t need to set up a eting—he could do it with a single phone call.
But since his daughter was offering to set up an introduction,
there was no reason to refuse.
Sotis, seeing things in person was different from reading reports.
...Besides, this was a rare chance to spend ti with his daughter.
"Alright. Set up the eting."
This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.
"But before that, I should show you a picture first.
Can’t have you getting too shocked when you see her in person."
"You do know it takes a lot to shock , right?"
"Sure, sure. Just look."
Na Hyun-gon took one glance at the photo of Magia—
Serena and her sitting together in a café—
and imdiately frowned.
A tiny girl, barely looking older than an elentary schooler, stood next to Serena.
He was visibly caught off guard.
"...I was expecting at least an executive-level figure.
This is... completely different from what I imagined."
"Looks don’t matter, right?"
"...You’re right. That was my mistake."
He rubbed his chin, studying the image carefully.
Then Serena delivered the final blow.
"Oh, by the way—she’s older than .
She’s twenty-four."
***
Back to the Present – UTU Records Conference Room
[Na Hyun-gon]
[CAT Ent. / Chief A&R Producer]
Magia absentmindedly fidgeted with the business card in her hands, hesitant to speak.
There were two suns in the Korean entertainnt industry—CAT Entertainnt and SB Entertainnt.
And that "C" in "Chief" stood for the sa C used in CEO and COO—
aning this man was the top of his field.
She had expected to eventually cross paths with record label representatives,
but she never imagined that her first encounter would be with a final boss-tier executive.
Still, since he had introduced himself,
it was only proper for her to do the sa.
Thanks to her habit of carrying business cards ever since the year-end party,
Magia imdiately pulled one out, handed it over, and gave a slight bow.
[Magia]
[PARALLEL / Streaming Part Leader]
"Hello, I’m Magia.
By any chance... was it because of you that my recording session was moved earlier?"
"That’s right.
My daughter told you were recording today,
so I asked UTU to adjust the schedule.
I know the director here, so I took a bit of a shortcut.
Apologies for the inconvenience."
"Oh, no, not at all.
I just feel embarrassed that you ca all the way here in person.
You could’ve just sent an email, and I would’ve co to your office myself."
1 point for staying composed and speaking confidently.
1 point for being respectful but not overly submissive.
She had barely spoken a few words,
but Magia was already racking up favorability points with Na Hyun-gon.
With the corner of his lips slightly raised,
he spoke again.
"There’s sothing I want to do with Parallel.
To persuade our CFO,
I need to prepare supporting evidence in advance.
That’s why I took so shortcuts.
Thanks for understanding."
"I’m grateful that you’re even extending a hand to us.
But may I ask—what exactly is your proposal?"
"Music production, of course.
I want our company to directly produce songs for Parallel’s VTubers."
"Ah."
The mont he ntioned sothing related to the mbers,
Magia’s blue eyes flashed sharply.
"All of Parallel’s future songs...?"
"Not all of them."
"Ah. Right.
I’m sorry, I got ahead of myself.
But even one song—
I’ll do whatever it takes."
From what Na Hyun-gon had observed,
Magia’s competence in practical operations had already been proven.
Ever since she had stepped forward,
Parallel’s growth trics had skyrocketed.
Her stream managent had minimal mistakes,
and in cases of incidents,
her response speed and handling were impeccable.
However, from a macro business perspective,
she still seed inexperienced.
If she wanted to hold a higher executive role,
she would need to learn more about business strategy.
But despite that,
her genuine desire for the mbers’ success was more than enough to leave an impression on him.
A talented and passionate subordinate—
There were few things more valuable than that.
And to top it off,
she knew exactly how to say things the right way.
"I need evidence to persuade the other executives."
"Ah.
So it’s a budget issue.
I don’t know much about that field,
but I do know that any business plan needs budget approval—
my CEO has ntioned that before."
"Glad we’re on the sa page.
Then you also understand that to get a large-scale budget approval,
we need solid, visible data to support it."
Magia’s expression brightened,
her hands clasping together.
"So you’re saying we need to start small,
prove results,
and gradually scale up to a bigger contract.
To put it simply—
if we get a good outco from this first song,
it will lay the groundwork for future deals."
"Exactly."
"Hmm...
But why are you talking to about this instead of going to my CEO?"
"I wanted to see how involved you were in Parallel’s music operations.
Since you’re close to CEO Cheon Do-hee,
I thought you might have influence over company decisions.
But I see now that’s not the case."
"Ah. Right.
As my business card says,
I’m more involved in streaming operations.
For music-related discussions,
it would be best for you to speak with our CEO directly.
I can arrange a eting for you right away."
"No need.
As I said, this isn’t an official visit."
"Ah. Understood."
"Then, for today—
let’s talk as if I’m addressing you as an artist."
Artist?
Magia tilted her head in confusion.
Na Hyun-gon placed his tablet on the table and played a video.
It was the 1st-gen anniversary song "One Other."
But not the original version—
it was the illegal duet version that Magia had sung.
The very song she was here to record today.
"My daughter told that F Contestant was actually you.
She recognized your VTuber movents and how you handled the song."
Magia had completely forgotten
that sotis her real self and her VTuber avatar moved the sa way.
So much for anonymity.
No wonder the community kept insisting F was Magia.
"That’s...
Well, I’m not an artist."
"Don’t dismiss it just yet.
Hear out."
"Ah. Yes."
"There’s a group chat with all our label producers.
I’m in it as well.
Soone shared this video there and asked—
‘What if we produced an official five-person track?’"
"Yes?"
"If a song were to be produced,
this producer would be the one in charge.
I’ve learned a lot from my daughter,
but even I wouldn’t claim to know more than him."
"I see..."
"Anyway, the producers in that chat are all extrely picky about music.
What do you think their reaction was?"
Magia expected at best a "decent" response.
She had deliberately avoided overlapping with the mbers’ voices,
so as not to disrupt their harmonies.
But the reality was the complete opposite.
"Most of them were excited.
Your voice blended so naturally between the four mbers that they felt—
whether we adjusted parts and re-recorded
or created an entirely new song—
it would still work perfectly."
Internally,
Magia was already doing a victory dance.
CAT Entertainnt was willing to officially collaborate with Parallel.
If that wasn’t a cause for celebration,
then what was?
But there was one problem.
The first step in this partnership was to produce a test track—
and Magia was expected to be a part of it.
That conflicted with her personal rule of not standing alongside the mbers.
"But... rejecting this..."
It was madness.
That would be like winning the lottery
and throwing the ticket into a fire pit.
"Should I stall?
Wait—can I even afford to stall on this?"
She couldn’t reject it.
She couldn’t delay it too much either.
But she also didn’t want to be grouped with the mbers.
After fifteen seconds of intense ntal debate—
Magia finally spoke.
"I need to discuss this with my CEO.
Would you be willing to give a day to think it over?"
Na Hyun-gon grinned.
Her answer was a perfect 10-pointer.
"She must be itching to secure an unofficial verbal agreent and rush back to report it to her company, ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ but she’s holding back well."
There were plenty of employees who stood out like a sharp blade no matter where you placed them.
But what companies truly valued most were the ones who could stand out without overstepping their authority.
Magia was exactly that kind of employee.
No matter how much of a pillar, ace, or trusted leader an employee might be,
major decisions like this should never be made alone.
Right now, what she needed to do was suppress her impatience
and gather the CEO and key personnel for a proper discussion.
... But just one day was too short.
He could sense her urgency—
So, -5 points for that.
Still, 5 points for her composure, so in the end, it balanced out.
Na Hyun-gon let out a satisfied smile.
"I’ll give you a full week.
Take your ti and discuss it thoroughly with your CEO."
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