The Durability of Sugar Flowers

What is "Endurance Stream"?

As the name suggests, it tests a streamer's "endurance."

In the VTB (Virtual YouTuber) industry, if a streamer broadcasts for 2 hours daily, they can receive basic rewards from the platform.

Streaming for 4 hours is the optimal choice for most hardworking streamers, as 4 hours of content requires significant effort and tests their ability to maintain engaging programming. For agencies that prioritize content quality, a full 4-hour stream can leave the streamer exhausted and speechless (except for those who slack off and coast through).

Anything beyond that is rare unless viewers donate money, in which case the streamer might extend the broadcast depending on the situation.

This is where the concept of "endurance" comes into play.

For example—

A singing streamer, after receiving a donation, might offer a song request as a thank-you and delay ending the stream.

A voice actor streamer might read lines requested by viewers, engaging with the audience and extending the stream.

A gaming streamer might continue playing for "just one more hour" after receiving a donation, keeping viewers entertained.

As for Tang Hua, a streamer who rarely speaks and focuses on companionship, she takes the concept of "endurance" to the extreme. As long as donations keep coming, she won't end the stream. By doing so, she maximizes her revenue and inches closer to her ultimate goal.

"Wait, Tang Hua, how did you set up the donation-to-time ratio?"

"Normally, I stream for 2 hours, and each 'Captain' donation adds 30 minutes."

"Huh? That sounds reasonable, but a 'Commander' donation would add 30 times 10, which is 300 minutes—5 hours! What if someone donates 5 Commanders in one stream? Wouldn't that mean you'd have to endure 25 hours? Do you even plan to sleep?"

"Ah… that probably won’t happen… I’m just a newbie. I doubt I’ll get more than a few Captains in one stream… right?"

"You really don’t get it, do you?"

Lu Qing shook his head and replied on WeChat:

"Most viewers love to see streamers struggle. The more you suffer, the happier they are. Some people might even donate excessively just to see you endure longer. It’s one of the 'hobbies' of wealthy viewers—completely irrational and illogical. Do you understand what I’m saying?"

"Boss, you mean…"

"Yeah. If they see you actually fulfilling the extended stream time, they might keep donating to push you to your limits. You could end up streaming for 48 hours straight after starting with just 2 hours… I don’t want to see you collapse from exhaustion in front of me."

"…Then, what should I do? Boss, I’m at a loss!"

Tang Hua’s panic was palpable.

It was clear that this "endurance stream" idea was something she had agonized over for a long time. It was her way of quickly reaching her goal and winning the bet.

Given her tendency to disregard her own health, it aligned perfectly with her thought process.

But this wasn’t acceptable.

Lu Qing thought for a moment and decided he couldn’t let Tang Hua suffer.

His "child" could only be bullied by him. If anyone else tried to take advantage of her, he needed to step in and protect her.

"Alright, you’ve done enough. Leave the rest to me. Give me an hour, and I’ll figure something out."

He reassured her, chuckling at the self-made sticker she sent—a picture of herself with the caption "Dedicate my life to the boss." He then hailed a taxi and rushed to Dongyang Community.

…

…

8 PM.

One hour before the stream.

In the "5012" group chat, Zhang Yang and Wen Le were ready.

Wen Le: "Qing, what’s going on today? I saw your announcement about temporarily changing the 'middle person'? Isn’t that risky? Viewers are very attached to the middle person. If they find out, some might not support it, and it could affect revenue."

Zhang Yang: "Bro, I’m all set too. You told me to learn video editing in my free time, and I did. I’m pretty good at basic stuff now, and I’ve started learning how to make Vlogs. But I’m still figuring out advanced effects and Photoshop. It’s complicated, like music production software—lots of plugins to study."

Li Mingshi: "Qing, I’ve got something to handle today, so I won’t be able to join. My younger brother got into trouble, and I need to bail him out. Hope you understand."

"…"

Lu Qing didn’t have time to reply to his friends.

At that moment, he was sitting in Tang Hua’s room, watching her sway in front of the camera in her "succubus" outfit, feeling utterly lost.

"Boss, what’s wrong? Is this… bothering you?"

Tang Hua’s voice was dripping with allure.

Today was clearly a test of Lu Qing’s ability to resist temptation.

"…"

Lu Qing was speechless.

Indeed, Tang Hua was standing in front of him, wearing an extremely revealing "Maidolia" succubus-themed black cosplay outfit (complete with horns). She had even attached the heart-tipped tail beforehand.

Every movement, every expression she made radiated an overwhelming amount of charm, captivating every male in the small room.

The succubus on the screen seemed to come alive, with the motion capture translating her every pose into the digital realm, making it all feel real.

Seeing that her boss was still holding back, Tang Hua narrowed her eyes and, as if testing him, casually made a few "everyday" expressions.

She leaned forward, accentuating the curve from her back to her hips, closed one eye, and blew a kiss at the camera.

"Mwah~"

"!!!"

Without any moderators around, Tang Hua was able to unleash 1200% of her "Unit-01" potential, far surpassing the reserved and modest Bai Xing by several levels.

Lu Qing was sweating bullets.

He thought to himself:

[She’s the embodiment of a succubus.]

"So, boss, was that move good enough?"

"…It’s fine, but seeing it up close like this is just…"

He muttered under his breath.

This felt like lighting a fire and then walking away—arousing desire but leaving it unfulfilled, leaving him restless and uncomfortable.

Tang Hua noticed his discomfort and seized the opportunity.

She extended the "succubus’s invitation"—

"Come on, boss, I didn’t say you couldn’t do anything. If you can’t hold back, just say so. After the stream, we can…"

"Alright, stop right there."

Seeing her seductive expression, he knew exactly what she was implying.

He also knew that if he gave in, it would mean his defeat in their bet and Tang Hua’s victory.

That would defeat the purpose of the bet entirely.

Tang Hua wouldn’t have earned enough money, nor would she have gained any real-life experience. Moreover, her victory would be hollow—

She would have exploited her natural charm to bypass the challenges she needed to face, essentially gaming the system. That wasn’t what he intended.

"We agreed to a fair competition. No tricks," he emphasized.

"Fine, boss, you’re being so strict."

The succubus pouted, looking at him with a hint of regret:

"You know I’m only dressing like this to get into character for the stream. Who knew you’d get so worked up just watching? It’s not like I’m actively seducing you. Maybe… maybe you have some hidden desires for me that you haven’t realized yet."

"Oh?"

Lu Qing frowned.

Surprisingly, he didn’t immediately refute her.

Instead, he considered her words for a moment.

He replayed a scenario in his mind.

A few days ago,

That evening,

Right before Su Ling had asked him that question at home—

【Brother, if, I mean if, you were looking for a girlfriend, what kind of girl would catch your attention?】

If I were to judge rationally.

If I were to judge rationally…

Lu Qing looked ahead.

After a long silence:

【Forget it, there’s no way to be rational about this.】

……

……