StarLive Productions - the most prestigious vTuber agency in the world. They boast talents of numerous backgrounds focusing on the classic Japanese idol image. Their reign at the top of the industry has lasted almost a decade. I will admit that I was not a fan during their inception but their talents, their songs, their words eventually reached me. They inspired me to also reach out to others and, hence, I applied for their male branch, StarStrikers. And finally...
"Mr. Caelum Morgan. You've been accepted!..."
Finally!
"As another addition to the management team here at StarLive Productions!"
Well, I expected as much.
With practiced precision, I placed my palm to my chest, sighed, and smiled.
"Thank you very much. This means a lot to me."
"Of course, of course. You've been through a rigorous selection process and we believe you will be an excellent aid in managing our talents."
I flattened both my hands on my knees and lowered my head. A perfect cadence.
"It's an honor to help the talents shine on the world stage, sir."
"That's not right, Mr. Morgan."
I looked up at the face I never bothered to register with raised eyebrows.
"Say again, sir?"
Don't say it.
"We all shine on the world stage. Even us support teams."
"Oh, of course!"
He said it. He f****** said it.
I laughed with my hand behind my head unbeknownst to the board members that I was pulling a tuft of hair to prevent me from breaking character.
That's right. I, Caelus Morgan, failed two times in a row to be selected for StarStrikers and, on my first attempt, found myself as a manager for StarLive Productions.
===
I don't remember the two-week introduction training. Luckily, myself and the other two hires were given a pamphlet summarizing all the information. But the two-week death by powerpoint course was vitally important for my development as a talent manager. So was my aggressive consumption of highballs to liquify all the training in my head. I mean solidify. Solidify my training... Yeah.
"Good morning, Mr. Morgan! You have been assigned Lily Vanguard. Today, at Lily's favorite restaurant, noon, you will meet her and her manager that you will relieve"
"Wait, today?"
"You've finished your training, right?" My faceless boss chuckled. "Time to get to work!"
"Oh, of course. Ha. Ha. Lunch at noon. Got it."
"Yes, I'll text you the address. Any questions?"
"Umm... no. Not at this moment, sir."
"Here's a pro tip: First impressions are important!"
"I'll keep that in mind, sir."
I watched the talent manager manager walk back into his office. Pro tip, my a**. I sighed. Unfortunately, I did have a question but knew better than to ask. Even if there's no stupid questions, there are stupid people. And I am not stupid, so I didn't ask.
...
Who's Lily Vanguard?