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 36.2: Sore to their EyesWhile the two of them were busy dancing, Strawberry Lover volunteered to give them compensation for losing.[Strawberry Lovee gifted Marjorie Vermouth a Castle x1.][Strawberry Lover gifted Sky Cruiser a Castle x1.][Strawberry Lover gifted Notorious Potato a Castle x1.][Strawberry Lovee gifted Lavender Grace a Castle x1.][Strawberry Lovee gifted Councillor Jinbai a Castle x1.]Hinahabol ng dalawa ang hininga nang matapos na ang sayaw. Habang nagpupunas ng pawis, nakita ni Lavender ang paglutang ng kastilyo sa kanyang screen at pinilit na magpasalamat. "Thank you, Dragon Clarinet, for the compensation!"Councillor Jinbai scrolled through his phone and saw the gifts. He nodded, amused. "Swerte mo kay Strawberry Lover, Dragon Clarinet. He is your number 1 fan indeed. I envy you."Mia noticed it late that Strawberry Lover was the one who sent gifts to her competitors. As she was fixated on seeing them enjoy the punishment that she thought it was Tiny Av
Chapter 36: Starlink, the Naughty HopperOnce again, for winning the game, she took the time to say her words of thanks to the people who made it possible. "Thank you, Baby Strawberry Lover. Thank you, Baby Tiny Avenger. Thank you, Baby Ice Ice Baby, Fayde, Hater ni Trojan Virus, and Starlink..."Inisa-isa niya talaga ang nasa listahan pati na rin ang mga naalala niya pang pangalan upang pasalamatan sila. Her mouth dried from talking, she had to drink water. She was careful this time, remembering the choking that happened earlier.Marjorie cursed at the wind. "Can't believe that I would lose in the end."The other hosts also expressed their gratefulness to their own supporters, but Marjorie, after that, was frustrated at the result of the PK. Compared to her competitors, siya itong may pinakamaraming pwedeng magbigay ng regalo. She was expected to win as she had the highest points until the last minutes, not when Dragon Clarinet overthrew her with the help of Fayde. That guy! Why did
Chapter 35: How can She Win?[Hey, Dragon Clarient, titig na titig?][That's why many viewers like Lavender. She's really sexy. Sinong lalaki ang hindi maaakit d'yan?][Host, dapat gayahin mo siya.]Lavender has rose to the ladder. She danced like the gifts were following her movements. Mia felt her disappointment. She aimed her attention at somewhere else only to realize that she's now at the bottom of the ranking. Si Sky Cruiser kasi, iba man ang kasikatan kumpara sa dalawang babaeng kasama nila, pero ang mga fan niya naman ay maaasahan talaga.Her sadness was obvious. "Mukhang talaga na ako, pero sino kaya ang mananalo? Aasa na lang ako sa compensation niya."[Dragon Clarinet, no giving up yet.][Kaya mo 'yan, host!][Excello gifted you a Red Apple x10.][Excello: I'll give you everything I have, Dragon Clarinet. Huwag ka panghinaan ng loob. Hindi tayo matatalo.][Tiny Avenger: I'll be right back, baby. Maghahanap ako ng mga tutulong sa iyo.]Her fans were really taking this small
Chapter 34: A Multiplayer PK with the Queen Sky Cruiser's delight couldn't be hidden when he heard Marjorie's idea. He rubbed his palms together and smirked like a devil. "Never thought that a day would come na puro magagandang hosts na ang makakasama ko. Ma, sikat na 'ko!" [Amats talaga 'tong si Sky Cruiser e. Manalamin ka nga para makita mong hindi ka bagay d'yan.] [Baka nag-a-assume ka na na pogi ka kaya ka nila kasama, ha? Huwag. Masama ang nananaginip nang gising. Kung hindi ka pa rin magising, halika rito sa amin, untog kita.] [Saludo talaga ako sa confidence nitong lalaking 'to.] Because they were not reading the comments, they couldn't care less. Lavender aimed to look good at the camera. She brushed her hair to the sides and put on a small smile. "Queen, please put up a fair fight. We know how the PK would end, but at least, be gentle with us, or else, I would be hurt." Umiling-iling si Marjorie sa sinaad nito, natatawa. "Hey, I'm not that bad. Also, come on, Lavender. W
Chapter 33.2: Guild Picking[If I may ask, what is the point system that the Queen just mentioned?][Strawberry Lover: The pojts earned by the hosts through live streaming does not entirely go to their account. They contribute half of it to the platform. Thus, the remaining points were the only withdrawable, but if you have a guild, depending on their rank or wealth in the Diamond Hub, this can change. For example, like what Marjorie said, their condition is 50 plus 10 which means that the original fifty percent that is received by the host will have an additional ten percent from the original fifty percent that should've been given to the platform. In short, it becomes 60-40.][Ooh, so mas maganda pala talaga kapag may guild ka kaysa na magsolo ka. Ten percent din 'yon na dagdag.][Maganda talaga benefits lalo na kung isa ka sa mga bigating host dito, pero kung halimbawang maliit ka lang, parang ikaw pa lugi kasi walang gano'n kondisyon na additional percent mapupunta sa iyo. Sa hali
Chapter 33: Guild Picking[Marjorie Vermouth: We can talk later, or we could connect right now, my dear. Tell us kung anong guild ang mapipili mo, so we would not expect.]Mia took the opportunity to agree with them. As she was alsoplanning to pick a guild to join nowz ghis was a great fhance especially that the guilds offered to her are all good. This was also her time to know them better.Sky Cruiser opened a panel for six people. Unang napunta ang mga tingin ng dalaga kay Marjorie Vermouth. Her features explained why she is known as the Queen of Diamond Hub. The parts of her face were very defined. Her almond eyes are even more highlighted by a black eyeliner brushed by red eyeshadow and glitters. Her nose, although pointed, were at the right size, and her cupid bow shape lips were tinted in the shade of rose pink. Nakabagsak sa balikat niya ang naka-wave curls na blonde na buhok na nakahati sa isang gilid. Sporting a blue square neck top and gold clover leaf necklace, it suited he
Chapter 32: The Bad Host[Sky Cruiser: Miss Clarinet, check DM, may sasabihin lang ako sa iyo.][Marjorie Vermouth gifted you a Crown x10.]8[Marjorie Vermouth: There, a crown, 'cause you are a queen.][Marjorie Vermouth: I also need to talk to you. Mine is more important than him.][Councillor Jinbai: Me, too, host. Baka pwede kang makausap after my live mo. Sa iba d'yan, baka gusto ninyong pumila?][Lavender Grace: Miss Dragon Clarinet, free ka ba mamaya?][Pagdasal niyo na lang na mapili kayo ng host.]Bukod pa sa mga nauna ay marami pang nagsulputan sa comment section na kakilala ng dalaga. Mayroon sa mga ito ay hindi niya kilala at ang iba ay talagang sikat pa.Her wondering eyes looked questionably at their chats. "Bakit lahat kayo, biglang gusto akong kausapin?"[Tiny Avenger: Because you are now a good attraction to them.][Ito kasi 'yon, Miss. Sikat ka na kasi tapos wala ka pang guild kaya naman marami talagang maghahanap sa iyo para ma-recruit nila ang gintomh tulad mo.][A
Chapter 31: Rich Strawberry Lover[Sobrang saya ni host. Paano ba naman, ang daming kinita kagabi.][Finally, nag-live ka rin. Kanina ka pa namin hinihintay. Nagtataka kami kung ano bang mayroon sa iyo bakit ka pinagkakaguluhan.][Ganitong mukha na ba tipo ng mga mayayaman ngayon? Ang simple lang naman. Makikita mo nga 'to araw-araw e.][Was asking the same question. She looks plain. Bakit naisipan ni Taylor gastusan 'to ng malaki?][Ordinary faces slay now. Ewan ko ba sa nanay ko bakit hindi ako binigyan ng ganitong mukha.]It's common sense to know that the more people you interact with, the more you learn that not everyone will like you. There will be your supporters, but some will also be too jealous of you. Sa halaga ng kinita ni Mia kagabi, alam ng marami na may mga darating talaga para lang ipahayag ang inggit nila sa tao.Although she understood where they're coming from, Mia's face couldn't hide the dislike for their sour comments. [Where the Wildflower Blooms: Ang aga pa ng
Chapter 30.2: The Hater who CaresMia did not check the messages from her group chat after that. Wala siyang ideya na pagkatapos ng huli niyang message ay si Tiny Avenger naman ang naging topic. He must be wondering why, but she couldn't face him properly without feeling awkward from what he said yesterday.[Tiny Avenger: It’s not winning or losing that I care about, baby. It’s you.]She could hear his voice which makes it harder for her to forget and not make it a big deal. If only he was like Fayde or Taylor... but Ting Avenger was built different. He was straightforward and sweet to him. However, Mia had her intentions clear in this platform. Her main goal was to earn money and not interact with others outside of Diamond Hub. Her interaction with Tiny Avenger before ended with that. Now, she planned to be strict on keeping distance from him to not create any confusion.Before afternoon hits, the parcels containing the equipments and clothes she ordered were delivered on her buildi