The Story About How I Was Fired From My Company and Then Picked up by a Possessive Streamer With Over 5 Million Subscribers - Chapter 170

Chapter 170: Ranking Check Part 1

“There’s no need for an explanation. You’ve seen it on TV—this is the ranking check. This time, we’re bringing it into a large-scale project. The ranking system is as follows: Top-tier streamer, second-tier streamer, third-tier streamer, ordinary streamer, and finally, banned. If a pair gets banned, they’ll be removed from the screen, so be careful!”

Some participants cheer to hype up the show, others have serious expressions, and some smile warmly. Each streamer reacts differently.

However, they all share the same mindset—if they’re going to do this, they aim to get every question right. A competitive spirit fuels them.

“The pairs were announced in the preview, but here they are again! From the right: Rigel and Ren, Karen and Aoi, Liana and Scarlet, and finally, Sakurin and KANNA!”

“Alright then, let’s get started. We’ll have the first group take on the challenge!”

At Soji’s cue, the spotlight shines on each pair. The chosen participants are Ren, Aoi, Scarlet, and Sakurin—they’ll be the first to take on the challenge.

“Aoi! Do your best! I’ll cheer for you with all my passion!”

“…I don’t need your cheering.”

“Scarlet-chan, do your best…!”

“…Mm. Got it.”

“Don’t screw up right from the start, you idiot!”

“Who are you talking to? Well, I’ll clear this with ease.”

“Good luck, Sakurin-san!”

“Hehe, okay~”

After showing their individual reactions, the two hosts continue.

“Now then, the first challenge—food tasting!”

The four selected participants put on blindfolds and wait. In front of them, two dishes are placed.

“Alright, we’ll start with something simple. The four of you will taste the two dishes before you.”

“One of them was made by our staff. It’s not luxurious, but it has a comforting taste, like something you’d find in a regular home. You could eat multiple servings of it.”

The camera zooms in on the dish—something made by Eiji, also known as Yusuke. Upon seeing it, Kanna’s eyes light up as she stares longingly at the delicious-looking meal.

Meanwhile, the second dish is placed before them… something so unrecognizable that it’s questionable if it can even be called food.

“Wh-What is that…?”

Seeing it, Karen, Rigel, and Liana turn pale. However, Soji and Manaka continue explaining with cheerful smiles, paying no attention to the three horrified participants.

“This dish was made by one of the streamers. Your task is to identify which one it is!”

“Ugh… Is this even edible? There are fish bones floating in it…”

“Now, now, Manaka. Let’s not say too much. Let’s begin!”

Starting with Dish A!

Studio staff scoop up portions of the dish with spoons and feed them to the four blindfolded participants.

“…?”

“Gah!?”

“……………………………………”

“Ugh…”

“Alright, you’ve tasted it. Now, onto Dish B!”

After their initial reactions, they proceed to taste Dish B. Though their faces turn pale, they manage to swallow it.

“…I’m so glad I wasn’t chosen for this.”

“Same here… What a relief.”

Seeing the struggle, Rigel and Karen react as though they’ve just escaped certain doom. Meanwhile, Liana, despite her pale complexion, worries about the well-being of the others.

“Now, you four must decide—which dish was made by a streamer?”

“For time’s sake, you’ll reveal your answers at the same time. Think carefully—no changes allowed after you decide!”

Despite this announcement, the four blindfolded participants likely don’t even register their words. While Sakurin tilts her head curiously, the other three have the expressions of the living dead.

“…So, we just need to pick the one made by a streamer, right…?”

“…Yeah… I think so.”

After some thought, the four hold up their boards with their choices.

“Alright, have you decided? Then, show your answers!”

At Soji’s cue, they all lift their boards at once. The results, however, are unexpected—two people picked A, and two picked B. This surprises not only the hosts but also the audience.

Aoi and Scarlet chose A, while Ren and Sakurin chose B.

“Oh, looks like the group is split! Let’s hear from Aoi and Scarlet first.”

“…This… was made by that person, right? I knew from the first bite…”

“……………………Never again. I never want to eat that again.”

“You both look like you’re about to die, you know…?”

“Well, I’m sure they have their reasons. Now, Ren and Sakurin, what do you think?”

“…There’s no way Rigel would make such a monstrosity. And everyone else here is female. That means… there’s no way a dish like that could be made!”

“Ren-kun, you’re saying some rather rude things, you know? The taste was unforgettable. I never want to eat the first dish again~”

While Rigel desperately argues his reasoning, Sakurin responds with a bright smile.

“Alright. Normally, we’d have a separate room for deliberation, but due to time constraints, we’ll reveal the answer now.”

“And the correct answer is…!”

…Dish A!

Upon seeing the answer on the screen, Aoi and Scarlet sigh, while Ren stares in shock. Sakurin simply comments, “Oh my, what a shame,” though she’s still smiling.

“Congratulations! The Karen pair and Liana pair remain top-tier streamers. Meanwhile, Rigel’s pair and KANNA’s pair have been demoted to second-tier streamers.”

“For the record, Dish A was made by gaming streamer KANNA! Well… it was quite a unique dish.”

“I’d rather die than eat that again!”

“H-Hey! That’s too harsh! I tried my best, you know!?”

“That was your best…?”

“…Wow… The world sure is full of different kinds of people…”

“Scarlet-chan… are you okay…?”

And so, the first round of the ranking check comes to an end, moving on to the next challenge.