Chapter 84: Isn't This Pressure a Bit Too Much?

Inside the World Trade Tower, at the Stardust Platform headquarters, the executives gathered for their third meeting this month, all concerning the same issue—a first in the company's history, and hopefully the last. Judging by the commotion, though, that seemed unlikely.

"Manager Han, are you saying the new platinum streamer plans to broadcast a gaming session, specifically Assassin's Creed?"

"What nonsense! Does he not realize that Shadow Huang just streamed this game a few days ago? I'm not questioning his gaming skills, but why choose this particular title? Many are already comparing him to Shadow Huang. Isn't he afraid of messing it up?"

Yuan Feng slammed the table, his anger unmistakable. He had finally found a suitable candidate, only for the newcomer to court disaster by choosing Assassin's Creed for his debut. Though Yuan Feng had his grievances with Shadow Huang, he had to admit the man's gaming prowess was unmatched. It was precisely this skill that allowed Shadow Huang to retain massive popularity and fans, even as he repeatedly pushed boundaries.

"I tried to persuade Luo Chen, but he seemed quite confident, so..." Han Yinglan shrugged helplessly, implying she had done her best. Luo Chen, preparing for his debut, had high hopes from the Stardust Platform's leadership. Without intending to hide anything, he revealed his streaming plans under Han Yinglan's persistent questioning, only to be scolded thoroughly. In the end, he could only reaffirm his absolute confidence, and so the matter was set aside.

"Oh? So confident? This is a direct confrontation, after all. Truly the vigor of youth—I like it!" The speaker was Zhao Hong, head of the music division, the only one present who could afford to make such sarcastic remarks. No matter the outcome, it was a matter for the quirky and streaming divisions, not his concern. Zhao Hong was content to watch the spectacle, knowing that whoever won or lost, Stardust Platform would hardly collapse over it.

"I heard Manager Zhao had a rough time in front of our new platinum streamer the other day. So? Already recovered?"

Huokong, head of the streaming division, eyed the still gloating Zhao Hong and couldn't resist poking fun. Just days ago, Zhao Hong had looked crestfallen—had he already forgotten?

Zhao Hong, who had only just regained his spirits, immediately lost his composure upon hearing this. He shot Huokong a resentful look and lapsed into silence. He had gone in full of confidence, only to return in disgrace, nearly becoming the laughingstock of the entire platform. But it wasn't his fault—he'd encountered someone utterly unmoved by persuasion or pressure. How could he force someone to sign a contract against their will?

If only that incident hadn't been mentioned, they could have remained friends.

Yuan Feng found himself troubled. Was every talented streamer so difficult to handle? He had hoped that if Luoshui Tianyi performed well in her debut, he could recommend her to Xingyu Entertainment as the next idol star. According to Zhao Hong and Han Yinglan, she had great looks and potential. Unfortunately, she refused even to sign a streaming contract, let alone anything else.

"Since our new superstar is so confident, let's let him be. If he succeeds, everyone's happy; if he fails, it'll temper his ambition, right? General Manager Yuan, you wouldn't want your promising recruit to become another Shadow Huang, would you?"

"Our concessions—does no one think they've gone too far?"

After some thought, Huokong spoke calmly. The streaming division was his responsibility; one Shadow Huang was enough trouble, but if another emerged, it would be unbearable. "This is his first live broadcast, and with our substantial promotional push, if he fails—"

Han Yinglan didn't finish, but everyone understood the consequences. If the fans got the impression that Luo Chen was inferior to Shadow Huang, it would be hard to change their minds. That's why most executives opposed the plan—Shadow Huang had just streamed Assassin's Creed, and now Luo Chen was about to do the same. Even if it was only within the same franchise, it was undeniably a challenge to Shadow Huang, with considerable influence.

Judging by both streamers' fan bases, Han Yinglan wouldn't be surprised if millions tuned in. People loved drama, and a clash of titans would only heighten interest.

"We should reconsider. For a debut to be watched by nearly ten million, performing at all would be impressive."

"Exactly, it's not too late to switch games. He hasn't been notified yet, has he?"

"Rookies don't know the limits; we can't just let this slide. If he embarrasses himself before millions, his career as a streamer might be over."

Most executives voiced opposition, seeing no need for such risk. Winning might catapult him over Shadow Huang, but one must consider the consequences of failure.

"Enough. He's not a child; must we take responsibility for his decisions? If he crashes and burns, we'll just find another."

The glamorous Wu Qing surveyed the room, her tone mocking. Zhao Hong opened his mouth to retort, thinking the newcomer was indeed a child, but Han Yinglan nudged him. Catching Yuan Feng's expression, he promptly shut up. With the general manager's decision made, he had nothing more to say.

"Manager Han, Luo Chen says he's confident?"

Yuan Feng motioned for silence, then turned to Han Yinglan.

"He certainly is, but—" she began, only to be cut off.

"Confidence is good. Issue an announcement on the homepage. Publicly declare Shadow Huang versus Luo Chen. Since we can't stop it, let's make it a bigger event. If he's still confident after watching Shadow Huang's stream, he can't be a fool!"

After much deliberation, Yuan Feng decided to take a gamble. If this succeeded, it would greatly impact Shadow Huang's popularity. Even if Luo Chen's gaming skills weren't far behind, the platform's publicity could elevate him to equal standing with Shadow Huang, creating a balance that would maximize Yuan Feng's interests.

He had already planned tomorrow's homepage promotion.

Assassin's Creed, Assassin's Creed: the rising star challenges the pillar Shadow Huang. Who is the true assassin, by skill?

The executives exchanged glances—could this newcomer really withstand such immense pressure?

Thanks to readers River Deep No. 4, Simple Years, Xihu Bilu, for the reward of 100 Starting Coins—throwing confetti! Daily plea for recommendations!