Chapter 23: The Grand Spectacle Unfolds
1230 Words
"Why are you saying there’s no big spender? "You should be saying you don’t have a big spender yourself!"
"Just look at Christopher in my stream—he’s been topping the ten-thousand-dollar leaderboard for weeks without ever dropping off. Isn’t that the very definition of a big spender? And mind you, I discovered him among the sea of guest accounts; before encountering me, he had never spent a single cent."
The speaker was none other than the star attraction of the Glory Guild, a streamer by the name of Ashley.
She was also the highest revenue-generating host in the guild, bringing in a staggering $250,000 last month alone.
According to the tiered commission structure laid out by Sister Amy, any monthly revenue exceeding $200,000 entitled the streamer to 40%—meaning Ashley pocketed an impressive $100,000 last month.
She was the envy of every broadcaster in the Glory Guild, the shining example everyone aspired to emulate.
On the Tik’Y’Tok platform, half of every dollar spent on paid gifts by guest viewers went straight to the platform itself; only the remaining half was split between the guild and the streamer.
That Ashley could secure a 40% share was already an exceptional feat.
“Ashley is absolutely right! Anyone who’s been in the streaming world long enough knows one unshakable truth: never underestimate a guest account! Any one of them could be a hidden whale, just waiting to find a streamer worth supporting—or a moment worth spending on. That’s why we must exhaust every method to coax these silent titans out of hiding. Tonight, I’ve coordinated with two guilds—we’re going to war!”
Sister Amy declared confidently.
Among her roster of broadcasters, some had been streaming long enough to amass a modest following of loyal fans.
It was time to reap the harvest.
“That’s perfect—just yesterday, Christopher was bragging to me about the windfall he made in the stock market. If he decides to go all out for me in tonight’s guild war, my revenue this month could even surpass last month’s. "By the way, what’s the prize for the champion?” Ashley asked with a bright, mischievous smile.
“The champion’s reward is truly generous: a three-day front-page feature on the Star Show channel! "You all know just how rare that opportunity is—if there’s even the slightest chance to win, you must seize it with everything you’ve got,” Amy’s voice dripped with tempting promise.
For small to mid-tier streamers, a coveted spot on the channel’s top row was an irresistible lure.
Only by appearing at the very top of the feed could they attract the eyes of countless wandering viewers—some of whom could very well be big spenders in search of someone new to support.
Who knew? One of them might just set their sights on you.
“Ah, this has nothing to do with us small fry—we’re just here to make up the numbers and get knocked out in the first round, aren’t we, Alexis?”
Anna sighed, turning to glance at Alexis beside her.
“Exactly,” Alexis nodded emphatically.
At least Anna had a few modest patrons, with several hundred-dollar contributors on her leaderboard.
As for herself, Alexis’s leaderboard was a barren wasteland—aside from the few dollars Sister Amy threw her way, and that lone magic book Aaron gifted, which all together barely added up to five hundred dollars.
With what could she possibly hope to survive a guild war?
“You girls need to have dreams; otherwise, what sets you apart from driftwood floating aimlessly? The streaming world is one where miracles happen time and again—perhaps one of your guest accounts is a hidden tycoon, ready to shower you with tens of thousands of dollars in an instant. "It’s far from impossible,” Sister Amy scolded, half exasperated, half earnest.
Anna and the other fledgling streamers only pursed their lips quietly, hiding their skepticism.
Such tales were fine to hear, but to truly place one’s hopes on them was a surefire way to starve.
Glancing at her watch, Amy clapped her hands decisively: “Alright, the takeout I ordered has arrived—go eat. Afterward, head straight back to your streams. And remember, touch up your makeup before going live; look lively! Don’t give viewers the impression you’re starving. "We don’t want people thinking our guild is so stingy it can’t even feed its own broadcasters.”
“Wow, thank you, Amy! "You’re the best!” Anna beamed with delight.
She’d been with the guild for over a month and knew Amy’s routine well: after every meeting, there would always be something delicious as a small reward for everyone.
Tonight promised another tasty treat.
…
At seven o’clock sharp, Alexis went live.
Aaron also logged into his account—the one bearing his own name—to join the stream immediately. After all, his account served as Alexis’s moderator; punctuality was part of the job.
“Aaron, tonight’s the guild war! "I’ve never participated before—this should be fun. "Though, alas, I’m fated to be nothing but cannon fodder, destined for elimination in the first round,” Alexis said with bright enthusiasm. Despite her words of regret, not a hint of disappointment touched her face.
Clearly, she understood perfectly well that the event had little to do with her chances of victory.
“Who’s to say a hero clad in shining armor won’t suddenly appear, riding a rainbow cloud to carry you to the championship?” Aaron teased playfully.
“Should such a gallant knight truly materialize, this humble maiden would have no choice but to… chant ‘Bro666, Bro you’re flawless!’” Alexis replied impishly.
Aaron chuckled warmly. He’d never heard her say that before—it promised to be entertaining indeed.
…
A little past seven-thirty, Anthony started his stream early.
Normally, he went live at eight, but tonight he was anxious, his heart filled with restless anticipation—so he decided to begin half an hour ahead of schedule.
As soon as his stream launched, his subscribers began trickling in one after another.
“Whoa, what’s gotten into you, Anthony? Starting work early?”
“This is a rare sight, superstar—you’re usually the king of tardiness. Has this year seen its first early broadcast from you?”
“Did I wander into the wrong stream? Is that really you, Anthony? Blink twice if you’ve been kidnapped.”
His regulars couldn’t resist poking fun.
Anthony chuckled, rubbing his bald head. “Didn’t you see the title of my stream? ‘Defying Fate’—I wanted to give it a try! And that starts with putting in a little extra effort, so let’s begin by showing up early!”
He chatted casually with his viewers, though his eyes never strayed far from the stream’s chat window. He was waiting, scanning for that particular name.
But time passed, and still, there was no sign of them…
They’d said they’d arrive at eight—he must have been too eager and arrived early. Anthony could only console himself with that thought.
…
Meanwhile, in Alexis’s stream, the curtain was rising on a grand performance.
Tonight will be a night destined to go down in the annals of Tik’Y’Tok—and perhaps the entire history of livestreaming itself…
- Writer
