Chapter 1
Like the air conditioner's blast wasn’t enough to make her shiver, the HR’s gaze definitely had the power to freeze her in place. The longer the recruiter stared, the worse Mia’s anxiety got. She tried to keep her cool, but her mind was already racing with all the possible things this woman might say. She turned to her assistant, her thick ponytail swaying as she moved. She flashed the paper in her hand and laughed before shifting her gaze back to Mia. Then, with a smirk, she spoke, her tone dripping with condescension. “I have to admit, I’m impressed. Ang kapal ng mukha mo mag-apply kahit wala ka namang credentials,” she scoffed. “Pero kung ako sa’yo, hanap ka na lang ng mayamang AFAM na bubuhay sa’yo. Sayang naman yang ganda mo kung dito mo lang gagamitin.” With zero hesitation, she crumpled Mia’s resume and tossed it straight into the trash. The document Mia had worked on for hours—just like that, gone. She lowered her gaze, ashamed, fidgeting with her fingers as whispers filled the room. She wished she could disappear. The HR lady wasn’t done. “Ano? Hindi ka pa ba aalis? Sinasayang mo lang oras namin. Marami pang mas deserving kaysa sa’yo.” Mia lifted her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. “S-Sorry.” Hands shaking, she forced herself to leave. As soon as she stepped out, one of the other hiring staff sighed. “Sayang ang ganda niya. Bakit ang harsh mo sa kanya?” The HR lady rolled her eyes. “Exactly. She’s too pretty for this job. Alam mo namang ang ganyang mga itsura, ginagamit lang nila charm nila para umangat. I’ve seen it a hundred times. Hayaan mo na ako ang humawak sa ganyan.” Mia had no clue why this woman hated her. She never imagined someone would see her beauty as a bad thing. Back at her tiny apartment, she let out a long sigh. Another rejection. She was so exhausted from all these failed applications. This wasn’t the life she imagined after college. She used to think life would be all rainbows and butterflies. But reality? It was a slap in the face—cruel and unfair. Her classmates all had jobs they wanted. Meanwhile, she couldn’t even land a low-level position without being humiliated. Her stomach growled loudly, breaking the silence. She pouted and dragged herself to the kitchen, half-hoping for some food to magically appear. But of course, her fridge was as empty as her wallet. “Right… wala nga pala akong pagkain.” She had already finished her last pack of noodles for breakfast. No dinner. Again. But she couldn’t afford to go to another interview on an empty stomach either. With no other choice, she made herself a cereal drink. As she sipped, the HR’s words echoed in her mind. “Hanap ka na lang ng mayamang AFAM na bubuhay sa’yo…” Maybe that’s really how people saw her. Maybe that’s all her beauty was good for—to attract some rich guy who’d take care of her. Her friend had even joked about it before. Might as well, right? People were making money online just by being pretty. No harm in trying. She used to be too shy, but right now, she needed money more than dignity. Screw it. Mia grabbed her phone and installed Diamond Hub. As soon as the app finished downloading, she opened it. The Log In and Sign Up buttons stared back at her. She quickly created an account. The app randomly assigned her a username: Dragon Clarinet. After looking around, she found the live streaming section her friend mentioned. She watched a few streams first—so many gorgeous people, some showing off their talents, taking song requests, dancing. How was she supposed to stand out? All she had was her face. If she had any talents, maybe this wouldn’t be so hard. Despite being dubbed Campus Belle back in school, Mia still turned on the beauty filter. Her features sharpened, her skin looked smoother, and she appeared a little fairer. She stared at her screen. It was better than looking at her real face. At least this way, no one would recognize her easily. The solo live began. Even with the filter hiding her identity, her nervousness never faded. It wasn’t just that—she was new. She knew she wouldn’t get noticed right away, even if a few viewers were trickling in. For a brief moment, the numbers spiked. She smiled, hopeful… but then, one by one, they left. “Oh,” she mumbled. She glanced at her phone, propped up on the table. No movement. She sighed and got up to wash her mug. [Strawberry Lover entered the live chat] [Strawberry Lover: Where is the host? Why aren’t you in front of the camera?] She turned around just in time to see the comment. She quickly moved her phone and sat down. “Sorry, may ginawa lang ako.” [Strawberry Lover: You shouldn’t leave your live for too long. You might get a violation.] Her eyes widened slightly. “Talaga? Hindi ko alam ‘yan. First time ko kasi.” [Strawberry Lover: I can tell.] Then, out of nowhere, he sent her a gift. A yacht animation filled her screen with sound effects blaring. She quickly checked the gift section. The freaking yacht was worth 1,500 coins! [Strawberry Lover: Here, for starters.] Her mouth almost dropped. They just met, and he was already sending expensive gifts?! “Thank you so much, Strawberry Lover!” She made a heart with her hands and smiled. “Ang bait mo naman!” [Strawberry Lover: Not really, just helping out a newbie.] She couldn’t stop smiling. Her usually sharp eyes softened. [Strawberry Lover: Do you have any talents? Sing? Dance?] Mia shook her head, looking a bit down. “Wala eh. Hindi ako gifted sa ganun.” [Strawberry Lover: Sayang. You could use that here. But you can also just talk and entertain your viewers.] She chuckled. “Eh hindi rin ako magaling makipag-usap.” [Strawberry Lover: Good thing you’re pretty, then. That’ll work here.] He found her shyness amusing. While she rambled nervously, he scrolled through the gift section, looking for something else to send her. [Strawberry Lover gifted you a Champagne.] Her eyes widened again. Another one?! “Grabe ka! Salamat ulit!” she giggled. As she basked in his generosity, more people started joining. Some even sent small gifts. “Welcome po sa mga bagong pasok! Hope you enjoy my live!” she greeted cheerfully. A few guys started showering her with small gifts, and Mia was all smiles, thanking each of them. She even threw them a few flying kisses. [Sour Cream Cheese: Sayaw ka naman, Miss Ganda. Bibigyan ka pa namin ng marami! Ano ba gusto mo?] She read the comment and laughed nervously, shaking her head. “Sorry, hindi ako sumasayaw. Baka may ibang request kayo?” [Sour Cream Cheese: Pwede ka tumayo tapos mag-pose sa camera?] That seemed harmless, so she did it. True to his word, he sent more gifts. But some comments turned bitter—kesyo babae raw kaya ang daling kumita ng pera. Once the crowd thinned out, Strawberry Lover sent another message. [Strawberry Lover: Next time, don’t do that. They’re just sexualizing you.] #Chapter 2 Just when Strawberry Lover made that comment, new viewers flocked in her live and seemed to have enjoyed the teasing of other male hosts. [Matrimony Kiss: How much for a dance?] The others replied to him that Mia doesn’t dance which encourages him more to higher the amount. [Matrimony Kiss: If I give you a cruise ship, would you dance for me?] Nakisulsol ang ibang nakikinood sa kanila. Mia laughed it off while the man was serious on his offer. [Matrimony KIss: That’s five thousand coins you shouldn’t miss.] Natahimik na lamang si Mia habang nakakagat labi. It was so tempting. That’s an easy money. Sayaw lang naman ang gagawin niya. “Anong klaseng sayaw ba? Kahit ano?” sa huli ay tanong nito. [Matrimony Kiss: Sexy dance. You know “Love Me Like You Do?”] [Alpha of the Universe: O kaya kahit sa thirst trap song na lang. If you know any Denise Julia’s song or Al James…] Kahit ang mga hindi naman nagsabi na magbibigay ay nakikisali. [Matrimony K
Chapter 3 The PK has ended. Naiwan si Mia sa sariling live, at mayamaya ay nag-uumpisa ng magdagsaan ang viewers. Some were the original ones, those who were there even before they started the PK, some were Tom’s supporters na nandoon lamang para abangan ang pag-alis ang beauty filter ni Mia. [Pakita mo na totoo mong mukha, pangit!] [Girl, alisin mo na filter. Ang sakit sa mata.] [Kapal-kapal ng filter. Halatang mukhang tae in reality.] Those were just a few of what the people were saying. Normally, if it is about her other characteristics, masasaktan siya lalo na kung alam niya na totoo, but this was opposite. She was not feeling anything. In fact, she was feeling more confident to slap the truth to the bashers. Mia couldn’t figure out why they have to be this harsh gayong wala naman siyang ginagawang masama. [Ang bagal mo naman. Nasaan na ang hinihintay namin?] Mia forced a smile to the waiting audience. “Sorry, but I am waiting for Trojan Virus as this is a deal
Chapter 4 She was about to reply to what Tom said, pero nauna na itong umalis. She clicked his profile through his last comment. Doon niya nakitang finollow siya nito. His message appeared in her notification. Trojan Virus: Follow me back. Dahil mabait naman sa kanya si Tom ay sinunod nito ang sinabi niya. Pagkatapos ng ginawang iyon ay bumalik na ulit siya sa sarili niyang live stream. “Ang babait naman pala ng mga tao rito. Ang dami kung magbigay.” Strawberry Lover contradicted her statement. [Strawberry Lover: Not everyone is as kind as him. Mayaman lang ‘yon at bored kaya kung saan-saan ginagastos ang pera.] “Oh.” Her mouth slightly opened.”Gets.” Chineck niya ang account niya habang naghihintay ng kung anong mangyayari. Dumadami na ang followers niya. What a good start for a beginner, and with people like Tom na namimigay lang ng pera kasi gusto niya, that’s all she needs to search for in the application. She could get close with them, and maybe, after some time, become as
Chapter 5 ‘Fuck,’ Tom whispered to himself. ‘Ano ‘tong ginagawa ko?’ His question was not to stop himself, but more likely, to contemplate whether he was still doing the right thing. Why is he willing to spend so much money for this girl? ‘Ayos lang naman siguro, minsan lang naman ako gumastos saka kailangan ko na rin ng magagastusan. Kaya nga ako nagtatrabaho,’ pang-uuto nito sa sarili. He just recharged 500,000 coins for this live stream. Para lamang hindi matalo si Clarinet. SL also did the same. Parehas sila ng rason. Parehas sila ng pinoprotektahan. Magkasunod na nag-appear ang dalawang mamahaling regalo: isang triple cruise ship na nagkakahalaga ng 300k at isang carousel na 50,000 coins. [Tangina, ang yayaman ng mga tao. Hindi ko afford.] Nanlaki ang mga mata ng dalawang magkalaban. Both of them were not expecting this challenge to be this competitive. It was supposed to be a friendly game meant to also increase Mia’s popularity, pero ngayon, it was more than
Chapter 6Once again, Mia has finished another PK with a host, but this time, kitang-kita ang lamang niya sa resulta. Mia won; she killed another host Gaya ng sa mga laro sa video game, their screen displayed an effect. Sa side ni Mia ay nakalagay ang malaking banner na “Winner” with effects. Naglalaglagan ang confetti mula sa itaas ng kanyang screen, mas naging lively ang kulay ng kanyang itsura samantalang sa side naman ni Bunny ay nagkaroon ng kulay pulang banner. Nakalagay ang salitang “Loser” at may mga umiiyak at malulungkot na emojis na naglalabasan. Bunny’s side turned greyscale. It was as if someone died on her side. She didn’t notice this earlier nang natalo laban kay Tom.Nagliwanag ang mga mata ni Mia. “Wow, may paganito pala.”A moment passed at bigla na lamang naging black ang screen ni Mia. She was about to panic when it reverted back to solo live streaming. Marahan siyang natawa sa pagkatarantang naramdaman. [Ang cute talaga ng host, napakainosente kung umasta.][Kay
Chapter 6.2An entrance effect disturbed Mia’s attention to what Tom said. It was Taylor Reed! The guy who helped Trojan Virus won the PK. The leader of their guild.‘What is he doing here?’ Mia asked herself.He has no reason to be here. He only joined earlier because of the PK with her guild mate, so how come he found her live again?“Taylor Reed.” Hindi niya namalayang napalakas ang pagkakasabi niya that even her viewers heard her.[He’s the leader in Tom’s guild.]“Ah.” It’s as if a bulb lit up above her head. “The one who sent an expensive gift to help his friend won.”Tom, in his defense, commented. [I believe they are not friends. They’re just members in guild.]“Really?”Taylor Reed saw Tom’s comment and immediately sent a reply. [Yeah, he’s not my friend. We just met in that guild, and I’ve been helping him win because I don’t want a member of mine to look pathetic in front of others.]Napakunot ng noo si Mia. Hindi niya alam kung jino-joke time lamang ba siya nitong si Taylo
Chapter 7: Tom[Tiny Avenger: Your life is more important than any gifts.]She was just reading what he said when he typed in another. [Tiny Avenger: Don’t think about the amount of what I give you. You should worry less for my gifts and more from what you receive from others. I can assure you that I would not do something dangerous.]Habang ang iba ay kinilig, si Mia ay sinusubukang isipin kung bakit ganito na lamang kabait sa kanya si Tiny Avenger pati na rin si Strawberry Lover. She was lucky to find these two guys who were there to guide her as a beginner. Sigurado siya na ang ibang host ay hindi naman nakaranas ng ganito.“Ang bait talaga ni Tiny Avenger,” sabi niya. “Ayaw mo talaga mag-on ng mic para mas madali tayong makapag-usap?”It’s more convenient to chat with someone directly, without having to wait for them to input their reply and read it.[Hindi na. I prefer it this way.]Of course, Tom couldn’t afford to expose himself after what he did to her earlier.[Will you be p
Chapter 7.2: TomMia’s followers skyrocketed just for a few hours of being online. From having none to having one to almost half a thousand, and 50 of them are subscribed to her as a fan. She’s really off to a good start.“Mag-a-out na muna ako. Bye~” Nagpaalam siya sa kanila. “See y’all tomorrow.”She closed the live streaming and heaved a heavy sigh. It was both from exhaustion of having to chat and entertain them and also fun. Maswerte siya sa mga naka-interact niya ngayon.Naisipan niyang i-check ang income niya sa Diamond Hub. If she wanted to withdraw it now, she could, and with the amount she earned today kahit na ilang oras pa lamang nilaan niya, she thought to herself that she wouldn’t need to work eight hours a day in an office. Ngayon pa lang, ang katumbas na ng makukuha niya ay higit pa sa isang libo. She was relieved. She did not waste her time. Kumita na siya at nag-enjoy pa.“Thank you, Lord!” She brought her hands together, her palm firmly pressed against each other. “
Chapter 26: The Battle Between the Rich MenDragon Clarinet and her three rival hosts were fighting intensely. With the amount of gifts flooding all of their accounts, points ridiculously rising up that no one is getting left behind, and the consecutive arrival of other hosts and viewers in the Diamond Hub, their PK has topped the recommended live streaming in the homepage.Many whose intention was to hop from live-to-live found themselves being caught up in the battle between the rich men. Amazed by the amount of coins they were wasting just to prove something, their comments flooded the chat box like a river filled by the raindrops.Sa galante magpamigay ng dalawa ay iisipin ng mga hindi nagla-live na mura lang ang ginagastos ng mga ito. Although each peso has an equivalent, they have spent more than 10,000 pesos without even an hour passing by.[Taylor Reed gifted you a Caticlan x10.][Taylor Reed gifted you a Caticlan x25.]Caticlan was the most expensive gift available right now
Chapter 25.2: The War of the Century in the Diamond HubOne of the hosts allowed Rai to turn on his mic. Mula ito roon sa huli niyang naka-PK. "Like what I offered before, whoever loses will put a profile picture of trash bag with a label ‘I am a trash.’ You will not open your account ever again, and never, as in never, shall you come back to the Diamond Hub," his voice dripped with confidence while he said that, but some could sense the anxiety making its way in his arrogant behavior.[Taylor Reed: Clarinet, tell him this: He can fight alone or call others for help—he can gather as many as he want, whatever he wants, but I will fight him all by myself.][Galit na nga talaga si Taylor.][I'm getting chills.][Gaano kaya katagal aabutin nitong laban?][I have a feeling na ilang oras 'to. We can't really tell. This might even go indefinite.]Mia’s brows furrowed.What does he mean by indefinite time? Will they PK for more than hours? Will this take a day or a week or longer? Is that wh
Chapter 25: The Challenge"Hey," she called out, voice steady but firm, "Taylor was asking you, guys, for a challenge. It's me against you and the other hosts you conspired with earlier. Do you accept it?"Her tone was soft, but it carried a weight that demanded attention. Confidence radiated from her, a stark contrast to the nervous energy that had surrounded her just moments ago.[Oy, oy, heto na! Mangyayari na! Maglalaban na ang mga mayayaman! Ganito ba kapag bored kayo, Taylor Reed at Rai Charlie?][What? Anong pinagsasabi mo?][Anong ganap?]The news about Taylor challenging Rai has reached a lot of ears. Some just speculated that it wasn't true, but many rushed to the chanel. There were a lot of new people in Mia's live stream after they decided to follow Taylor's trail. May mga iba pang hindi naniniwala. Who would believe it unless they have seen it? The infamous Taylor Reed has been dormant for months. Ang akala ng iba ay gawa-gawa lamang ito upang makahakot ng mga manonood si
Chapter 24.2: Here Comes TaylorThe audience went wild; their chats expressed disapproval of her doing the punishment. Mia's face wasn't able to hide her sourness for her.[Trojan Virus Top Hater: Wow.][Good thing for Rai that he is rich because aside from that, he will have nothing. He has a bad attitude, small brain, and average face. Ayon lang talagang yaman niya ang maipagmamalaki niya kaya gamit na gamit niya.][Hindi ako si Rai, pero ako ang nasaktan. So much panlalait for him.][He deserves that.]The female host saw Mia's doubt to do the punishment. "If you don't want to do it daw, my top sponsor said that there is an alternative you can do."Nabuhayan ang loob ni Mia. She believed it would be something better. "Ano 'yon?""Do squats while saying 'Raiden is better than Taylor' for 30 times, and we're good."Instead of being happy that there was an alternative, hindi na maipaliwanag ang mukha ni Mia sa narinig. Maging ang mga nakikinood na supporter niya ay nalukot ang mukha.
Chapter 24: Taylor is a Coward"Thank you, everyone, sa mga beach ball! Ang dami na ninyong pinapamigay!" Her cute smile showed up as she giggled. "Dahil d'yan, this is the least I can do for you!"Mia placed both her hands up her head and formed rabbit ears. She closed her eyes and tried to make a bunny smile. After that, she draw a heart in the air using her forefinger and winked the camera. "Mwa!"She knew how much effort her fans were putting in just to support her. Kahit hindi niya hinihingi, they still showered her with gifts and cheers, and for that, she was immensely grateful. Kaya kahit papaano, she wanted to give them something in return, kahit simpleng fanservice lang. Alam niyang maraming nagtitipid at nagtitiis para lang makaambag sa kanya. The least she could do was to acknowledge their kindness and dedication. [Thanks for the love, honey bee!][Chill ka lang d'yan, Ganda!][Cute naman ng rabbit na 'to. Sarap iuwi. Pwede bang akin ka na lang?][In behalf of Dragon Clari
Chapter 23.2: Another DefeatThe screen screamed the timer going off.5.4.[Tiny Avenger gifted you a Shooting Star x1.]3.2.[Tiny Avenger gifted you a Triple Cruise Ship x1.]1.Gaining more than 500,000 points because of Tom, everyone gasped upon seeing the result.“Loser,” the app announced.She lost again.[How did that happen? One million points kung kailan patapos na?][This dark system! Akala ko mananalo na tayo.][Nai-imagine ko na nagwawala si Tiny Avenger.][Sinong hindi magwawala? Jusko, sarap umiyak!]The opponent stopped jogging barefooted. She inhaled for air while assisting herself using her chair to not fall in the floor. Kumikinang ang pawis nito dulot ng liwanag. Kita ang pagkaurat sa mukha sa halos limang minutong paggalaw. Natunaw lang ang sama ng loob niya sa halaga ng natanggap. Mapupunit na yata ang labi nito sa sobrang lawak ng pagkakangiti.“Kayo! Ang sasama ng ugali ninyo!” she scolded her viewers, still grinning. “Ipapanalo niyo naman pala ako, pero pinah
Chapter 23: Another DefeatMia accepted the PK invitation, and another female host appeared on half of the screen. She looked young, with full bangs and long black hair that complemented her gothic-inspired makeup.“Hi, hello!” bati ng dalaga, flashing a friendly smile.Mia returned the greeting but stiffened slightly when the other host leaned in closer to the camera, inspecting her face. “What’s that drawing in your face? Is it an apple?” tanong nito, amused.Mia lowered her head in embarrassment. “Yeah, isn’t it cute?”“Oo nga, ang cute.” The opponent giggled. “Punishment ba ‘yan sa ‘yo?”“Yes, natalo kasi amo sa huling PK ko.”The other woman nodded in understanding. “How about that’s also the punishment for ours? Pero during the game, kung sino man ang may mababang points, magja-jog in place.”Napakunot ang noo ni Mia, nagtataka. “Same punishment? Drawing sa mukha?”Um-oo ang kausap. She grinned mischievously. “Supposedly, etits sana para mas nakakahiya, pero okay na rin ‘yang
Chapter 22.2: Points’ Thief“Hi, welcome to my live for those who haven’tet me yet!” She waved both her hands at the camera, a wide smile beaming. “You may send gifts to me if you want, or kung gusto ninyo na tumambay lang dito, I hope you’ll enjoy here! By the way, a big shout out to my top sponsor, Tiny Avenger!”The gifts poured in.[Die With A Smile gifted you a Sports Car x1.][Tiny Avenger gifted you a Wand x10.][Ace of Spades gifted you a Teddy Bear x5.][Trojan Virus Top Hater gifted you a Jet Train x1.][Tiny Avenger gifted you a Love Letter x100.][Tiny Avenger gifted you a Carousel x1.][Excello gifted you a Mark of Tiger x3.]Expensive gifts rained down in the room. Tiny Avenger was working hard to make sure she ranks higher than the opponent. [Tiny Avenger: Don’t worry, Clarinet, I won’t let you lose face.][Tiny Avenger: Mukhang baguhan lang naman ang kalaban mo, baby. Ang onti lang ng nanonood sa kanya. Wala siyang ibabatbat sa atin. I think I can handle this even wit
Chapter 22: Points’ Thief[Trojan Virus Top Hater: You think that’s funny, host? How dare you fool me?]He was fuming, but Tom was enjoying himself. Panay ang pagpapadala nito ng mga nakakainis na GIF para lang lalong mapikon ang lalaki.[Tiny Avenger: Ano ka ngayon?][Tiny Avenger sends a GIF.]Trojan Virus Top Hater cursed under his breath. Before he could retaliate, Tom muted him again for five minutes. Their laughter filled the live chat as they continued bullying one of the audience members.[Ang sama ng ugali, Tiny Avenger.][Nakakainis ‘yong gano’n.][Tiny Avenger: Parang hindi naman siya naiinis. If he doesn’t like me muting him, he has the freedom to leave the room.]Many were talking about Tiny Avenger’s abuse of power as an administrator, but Dragon Clarinet came to his defense. “Sabi mo lang naman ay alisin sa pagiging admin. You didn’t specify that I couldn’t put him back to his role again.”Well, that makes sense. Mia was just following his words. She didn’t violate anyt