Chapter 31

Before long, it was mid-late February.

The Ministry of Education had announced a long time ago that elementary, middle, and high school students would have their schooling delayed, and now wearing masks to go outside was the norm.

However, at least for now, there was no legal enforcement of social distancing or crowd restrictions.

And with a bit of inconvenience, it wasn’t too much of a problem to walk around outside.

“Need to finalize the recording studio contract soon.”

If active social distancing measures were implemented, it might become harder for studios to agree on contracts, but having a contract in place would actually strengthen their position.

“Hmm… Hmm…”

Hayoon was humming a tune while searching for a decent recording studio.

Since both voice actresses cast to voice the heroines mentioned that they could record near Seodaemun District, Hayoon was planning to look around this area.

“Is this one with decent reviews?”

Then, Hayoon found a recording studio where many current professional voice actors had been spotted.

It was only about three bus stops away from the café where Hayoon and Arin often met.

Professional voice actors visiting frequently meant the studio’s equipment was of good quality, and the owner was likely skilled in mastering and mixing.

Hayoon immediately copied the studio’s address link and sent it to the two voice actresses.

“Since this place has good reviews, I think I’ll contract here. But, if any of you have a preferred location, please let me know. As this is my first time handling this, I just wanted to confirm…”

-I’m fine with it.

In response, Park Jihye expressed her approval.

It was expected. Park Jihye only went to studios arranged by her company, knew little about them, and was not the type to remember specific places. Hayoon assumed Park Jihye wouldn’t mind and decided not to worry about it.

-Owner here is good.

-They’ve invested in the facilities, and the processing on the voice files is excellent, reaching A-grade quality.

This second voice actress, a senior to Park Jihye, seemed to have experience working at this studio, providing helpful feedback as if scratching an itch Hayoon didn’t know she had.

“Thank you. I’ll contract here and…”

Hayoon thanked both voice actresses appropriately.

The next step was…

“Onee-sama’s number…”

To call Arin, set the date, and go together…

“Hmm…”

Hayoon paused reflexively, scrolling back to look at the contact list.

[Do Jin-ho]

“This time, it feels like I should call him…”

Why had Hayoon previously brought Arin along for contracting?

Because an adult presence was needed.

Arin looked mature and had a good figure.

This time, though…

“If two women go, it might seem like we’re being taken lightly.”

Despite the studio’s good reputation, Hayoon was still worried they might get scammed, especially if they ended up anywhere near Yongsan.

Even Hayoon had suffered losses when visiting Yongsan for computer parts near her home.

Moreover, Hayoon lacked proper knowledge of the recording market.

It seemed wise to bring someone who could help prevent being scammed.

Since Do Jin-ho was on the bulkier side, this seemed like the perfect chance to involve him.

-Turrr, Turrr.

Decided, this was the first time Hayoon called Do Jin-ho outside their regular report schedule.

-…

The dial tone ended as silence set in.

The call was answered.

The voice that followed was…

-Hello…

Soft, like someone who had just woken up.

“It’s me.”

-Eh, Mi… Min Hayoon, uh… why…?

Hayoon, with a slightly harsh tone, briefly acknowledged her presence, causing a sense of chills to run through Do Jin-ho.

-Is it about work? The regular report isn’t it on Wednesday and Friday?

Initially, Do Jin-ho thought Hayoon had forgotten about the regular report, but today was Wednesday.

Since yesterday’s report had already been handled, there was no reason for today’s call.

“Do you have clothes?”

-Eh… what?

Hayoon unexpectedly began with casual conversation, which contrasted with her evident tension.

“Clothes. Clothes.”

-Why clothes…?

“Didn’t you know I was bringing Onee-sama to sign the contract with the voice actresses?”

-I heard that from the group chat.

“This time, you’ll be coming along, so prepare some suitable clothing in advance.”

-Ah, got it. I’ll dress up properly.

“Alright, dress…”

Hayoon paused, feeling chills at Do Jin-ho’s promise to dress up.

‘Is this person even capable of wearing clothes correctly?’

This was indeed a serious issue.

High school guys with no interest in fashion had catastrophic senses of style, something Hayoon had already experienced and felt self-pity about.

Instinctively, Hayoon sensed similarities with Do Jin-ho.

“Can you take a picture of what you’re planning to wear?”

-Picture? Sure. Hang on a sec.

After ending the call, a small amount of time passed.

[Picture]

When the picture of Do Jin-ho’s chosen outfit appeared…

“It’s as expected…”

No surprises. The outfit was everything Hayoon had feared: a dull blue-green checked pattern shirt, skinny-fit jeans whose waist size was wrong so he had to use a belt, resulting in an awkwardly protruding belt outline.

Everything looked wrong.

-How does it look…?

The added message, with subtle anticipation, almost triggered Hayoon’s frustration.

“By any chance, what color are your socks?”

-Gray.

“Hwaaaaa.”

Confirmed.

This kid was hopeless.

Maybe even worse than Hayoon’s high school self, who would ignore class and draw pictures.

“Starting now, buy and wear only the outfits I’ll send in links. Considering you’re on my team and expected to carry heavy Goodies Boxes at offline events, if even one of my recommended outfits doesn’t match my criteria, you’ll be kicked out.”

Hayoon decided to take a tough stance.

It wasn’t possible to keep bringing Arin for appointments, especially since Do Jin-ho was needed for carrying large items. Seeing him dressed so poorly while representing the team was unacceptable. Hayoon sent a series of links to clothing she frequently wore herself.

-But, 300,000 won worth of clothes is… this is…

“I’ll handle the expenses.”

-Thank you, boss.

Arin and Do Jin-ho were the only two members of Hayoon’s team.

She wouldn’t let them wander around looking like paupers and cause unnecessary problems. If their appearances improved with better clothing, it wasn’t unreasonable to assist with that.

“Send your account number.”

-Yes, ma’am.

As soon as Do Jin-ho’s outfit arrived, they would proceed to the recording studio to finalize the contract. Hayoon estimated it would take about three to five days.

#

A few days later, around mid-February.

“This is progressing faster than expected, so it seems that even the demo version can be recorded quite smoothly.”

With quicker-than-expected casting and a slower-than-expected increase in confirmed cases, Hayoon gained confidence that the demo version recording could proceed.

Of course, the studio contract wasn’t fully handled yet, but…

“Assuming a few delays, the contracts should be done this month, and finishing the demo’s recording should easily fit within two weeks.”

Good.

This meant there would be enough time to launch the demo in optimal condition.

The real challenge, though, was marketing.

This was Hayoon’s one and only chance to make at least 20 million won before school resumed. They were unclear about penalties for failure, so…

A definite plan was needed to ensure marketing strategies would generate over 20 million won in profits.

Earning 20 million won in time eliminated concerns about penalties, which were essential.

The key question was: what marketing techniques?

“Cosplay?”

Apart from fundraising, cosplay was one of the few available marketing methods Hayoon could implement. Distributing QR code printed flyers and physically promoting at events like AGC or Super Festival was effective, but…

“Issue is, there’s no real chance to use it.”

At least until the end of 2022, events like AGC or Super Festival were all canceled. Without them…

“Live streams?”

Begging viewers to make purchases during broadcasts?

While this had been an ongoing promotion, it might help slightly increase purchases, but it wasn’t significant.

“Weak…”

Hayoon was no streamer with tens of thousands of followers, and gaining meaningful buyers solely through live streaming was impossible.

To achieve this, they needed to increase the popularity of their stream. But ways to quickly increase their streaming audience were limited.

“Half-cam…?”

Expanding the camming area was an option.

But in Hayoon’s current situation…

“Too small…”

The young Hayoon was definitely not the type to appeal through her figure. Still in high school, there was potential for growth, but it wasn’t like a tight A-cup could become an F-cup within a month.

Then…

“Sell the fantasy…”

Breasts?

Not planning on exploiting them.

Trying to persuade people to buy by showcasing something she didn’t have would obviously not yield results.

The idea then evolved into…

“Using a cosplay book with only hands visible. The fantasy of the unseen.”

With her currently only showing her hands in cosplay book form, the implication was that she might be a cliff-dwelling A-cup who could, in reality, transform into an F-cup, voluptuous waist, dominating female cammer after buying her game.

Naturally, viewers could only see this fantasy by purchasing her game.

“Will it work?”

This was the best strategy Hayoon could currently devise. Given her existing audience demographic of younger viewers who consistently praised her cuteness…

This bluff would work without fail.

#

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