Chapter 244 : Turns Out Even Greater Than We Thought (2)

Turns ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍Out Even Greater Than We Thought (2)

MetaGamer Influencer Team.

Reporter Shin Hyerim's eyes darted rapidly.

'The draft is done.'

After polishing the drafted article, she sent it to the manager. Immediately, she was summoned to the manager's office.

"Manager, this is Shin Hyerim."

"Ah, come in."

Lightly steadying her breath, she opened the door.

The manager was smiling.

"Good, very good!"

With his continued words, Shin Hyerim felt relief wash over her. The manager beamed with a boisterous laugh, clearly pleased.

"The record is confirmed once you see the ending, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"We'll have to watch till the end, but no—just look at this gap, first place is guaranteed! Stand by, and as soon as it's confirmed, we're putting up our article as Tier 1!"

He couldn't hide his excitement. Shin Hyerim also struggled to suppress her laughter.

"As expected of Purple. Just keeping an eye yields one article after another! Hm? Even if we swap the data to the confirmed record in this draft, it'll be more than enough."

"Ah, yes! Understood!"

Finally, with 'confirmation' from the manager's lips, she allowed herself to smile freely.

'All that monitoring of the broadcasts and the communities paid off!'

Watching the broadcasts was her job as a dedicated reporter, but browsing the communities had gone above and beyond that.

No one had forced her to gather information or gauge public opinion about Purple late into the night.

Even so, she realized her choice wasn't wrong.

"All that's left is Purple's response..."

The manager soon stroked his jaw and trailed off. Shin Hyerim rolled her eyes then asked cautiously,

"He... will grant permission, right?"

"He will. He definitely will. There's really no reason to refuse, after all."

The manager continued, as if reassuring both her and himself.

"I mean, honestly, there isn't even a problem with publishing it as is. We're reporting facts—do we even need permission?"

If there was nothing problematic in the article's content, there was no need to seek the subject's permission. If reporters needed approval every time, there wouldn't be a single negative article about the subject in the world.

"But since he's Purple, we're just requesting his understanding in advance."

This was simply out of consideration for Purple. Even if the news was good, an article going up without the subject knowing would hardly feel pleasant.

"Um, did you ask me to include Yattaman's record because of that?"

At Shin Hyerim's question, the manager averted his eyes. Before she had written the draft, he had specifically ordered her to attach the Japanese streamer Yattaman's record as well.

"Hm? What's that got to do with Purple granting permission?"

"Oh, then isn't including Yattaman's record unnecessary? Considering his play time was so long, he didn't even make the rankings."

The manager clicked his tongue at her reply.

"You're still not seeing it. Reporter Shin, who do you think this article is for?"

"Huh? Well..."

Shin Hyerim hesitated. It's a good article about Purple, so it would be for him, and his fans would surely like it.

But she sensed that wasn't all.

"There's no need to limit this news just to Purple's broadcast fans or Roderi players. Add just that 'Yattaman' keyword, and the target audience widens dramatically."

He gave her a sharp look, not waiting for her answer.

"It's both our country and Japan. Whether it's an official match or not, as long as there's a face-off, a 'Korea-Japan match' composition sets in instantly. Reporter Shin, if we drop Yattaman here, you think people won't come searching for this article?"

"Oh...! They'll search for it immediately!"

Shin Hyerim wholeheartedly agreed.

She, too, had gone straight to the stat-aggregation site to look up Yattaman as soon as she'd seen posts about speedruns in the community.

"Exactly! In general sports or even E-sports, as soon as there's a Korea-Japan match, interest soars. You know, during the World Cup or Olympics, even in events you'd never watch otherwise, if it's Korea vs. Japan you have to check, right?"

"That's true. Even if you can't watch live, you at least want the results."

"See, we understand each other now! And look at the current situation—Korea is represented by none other than Purple, and the game Roderi is globally renowned. Who wouldn't look this up?"

"Ah! And if our article includes Yattaman's record?"

"That's the point! Even just a single line broadened with that will pull in way more search traffic!"

Shin Hyerim's cheeks lifted.

She knew instinctively.

'Another scoop...!'

This article would once again be a brilliant addition to her career.

"And what's more, there's something else different about this Korea-Japan matchup this time."

"Something different?"

"When you hear 'Korea-Japan match,' what's the usual image? The other side is the complete 'axis of evil,' the axis of evil."

Due to history between the two countries, whenever there is a Korea-Japan match, it's more than a simple contest—antagonism often runs deep on both sides.

"But this time, both national representatives have good images."

"Oh, that's true! Purple is actually pretty popular in Japan."

"That's right. Since Bark, eldenSoul, and Demerc, Purple has continued streaming, and Japanese viewers have grown to like him. Meanwhile, even though Yattaman isn't well-known in Korea, he shows a great image on his streams."

"Yes. He's firm with far-right viewers, instantly banning them, and he even expressed admiration for Purple this time."

Hearing this, the manager snapped his fingers.

"Exactly! Purple's fans don't have a reason to hate Yattaman. Why? They're fans, even if of different nationalities. It's rare for both sides' representatives in a Korea-Japan match to be this likeable."

"Now that you mention it, it really does feel like a 'friendly match.' Other times, even if it's nominally friendly, the atmosphere is tense and stressful."

"This time, we can just enjoy it."

The manager chuckled.

And not merely because of the personalities involved.

"It's also that Purple is so outstanding that you know he won't be outclassed."

The difference in skill was clear, so everyone could relax.

* * *

Park Juho glanced around at the others before speaking again.

"You all read it, right? This is the article draft Reporter Shin prepared for us."

"Doesn't look like there's any problem."

"Yes, I agree. It's clean. In fact, being concise makes it even better."

Choi Byeonghun and Jo Daehan quickly shared their thoughts. But as Lee Gyeongbok was the final decision-maker, everyone's eyes naturally turned to him.

"Not like it's a bad thing. Getting more name recognition is good."

With Lee Gyeongbok's cheerful approval, the others nodded.

"Great, then after the meeting, we'll send our reply. Next topic. Choi Byeonghun?"

"Ah, is it my turn already?"

Choi Byeonghun cleared his throat and continued.

"I want to discuss officially recruiting Madman."

Should they formally welcome the freelance assistant editor, madman, as an official member of the editing team?

That was the topic.

"I personally guarantee his skills. Especially with gunplay scenes, honestly, his sense is better than mine. I'm the one learning from him, really."

"The overseas audience has acknowledged that too. Both your editing styles get tons of praise."

Jo Daehan added.

So, what would be the obstacle? There's no reason not to bring him in.

"I agree on the skills. You can see that just from the subscriber count of Madman's MadGunner channel. I may not have the best editing sense, but numbers don't lie. But the problem is that channel."

Park Juho highlighted that point.

"If Madman is hired, madGunner will naturally become a side job. The real question is: Can he maintain editing quality while juggling both his main job and side gig?"

He explained this and glanced at Lee Gyeongbok.

"In broader terms, it's a policy decision about allowing side jobs for employees. We might have to hire others in similar situations in the future, so it's best to make a decision now. Plus, with merch production being considered, it's timely."

"I agree there. If we make him an offer, we should clarify this from the start, so there are no hard feelings later."

Lee Gyeongbok rolled his eyes, considering their words.

"But we already have Daehan's case, right? It's not a side job, but he's free to pursue related hobbies."

"No, that's a different case."

Park Juho waved his hand in denial.

"I think whether you generate profit or not is a key motivator. Daehan's hobby doesn't make money, but MadGunner actually pulls revenue. If you allow side jobs, some people might try to chase both rabbits."

"Hmm, but I think it depends on the person."

Choi Byeonghun immediately offered a different view.

"It's true MadGunner brings in money. But it's not just about the money, you know? Maybe I'm biased as a fellow editor, but not everyone's like that. For an editor, a video is both product and work of art."

"Satisfaction for yourself, then?"

"Self-fulfillment, whatever you'd call it. Sounds a bit grand, but as another creator, I wouldn't want to restrict someone's creativity, and if we do, then adequate compensation should be offered."

"If we restrict side gigs, then some form of compensation is needed—whether that's money, or the satisfaction you mentioned, it's the right thing to do."

With Park Juho's agreement, Choi Byeonghun's eyes widened.

"Oh? That's unexpected. I thought you'd object if it meant extra cost."

"I mean, trim unnecessary costs, but cutting where it counts is dumb."

At that, Lee Gyeongbok gave a wry chuckle but soon fell into thought. Friends could offer advice, but the final decision was his alone.

A short silence ensued.

"I don't want to skimp on talent."

With his mind made up, Lee Gyeongbok spoke.

"The most important thing is viewer satisfaction, right? For that, maintaining video quality is crucial."

"That's true."

Choi Byeonghun nodded.

'Is he deciding in favor of restricting side gigs?'

Jo Daehan tried to read the signals. Park Juho, too, looked like he was about to say something.

"But there's a principle I've had since the start of my streaming days."

Again, Lee Gyeongbok resumed.

"If I'm having fun, so are my viewers. So, what about the videos going up on Q-tube?"

He smiled at Choi Byeonghun.

"I'm not the one editing anyway. If the editor's enjoying it, the audience will too."

"I always have fun doing it."

"Right, that's what matters. And we, team Perfect, aren't a normal company. There aren't fixed working hours—just clear tasks. As long as the result is solid, the rest doesn't matter. That's why Daehan enjoys his hobbies, too."

"Ah, yes, exactly."

Jo Daehan quickly nodded. Lee Gyeongbok, matching smiles, asked Choi Byeonghun,

"What do you think? Would Madman lower quality just to finish quickly for money?"

"I can say for sure—no."

Choi Byeonghun shook his head emphatically.

"He's totally obsessed with guns. Even when I OK something, if he gets a new idea, he'll ask if he can do a revision."

"Good, then."

Lee Gyeongbok clapped lightly.

"Like I said, I trust Byeonghun's judgment for editing. Juho, even if you don't trust Madman, you trust this guy, right?"

"... Yeah."

"Alright, then let's allow him to keep running his channel."

At Lee Gyeongbok's decision, everyone smiled.

"Got it. I'll get the contract ready."

"Ha, he'll probably sign it the instant he sees it!"

"Whoa...! Does this mean I'm not the rookie anymore!? Not that rookies have special jobs."

Everyone was laughing again at Jo Daehan's comment.

* * *

Other than that, there were no unusual issues. As the meeting wrapped up as usual, Park Juho spoke again.

"Hey, unrelated to streaming, but does anyone have dinner plans tonight?"

"Dinner?"

"What kind of plans?"

"Uh, none for me."

Jo Daehan was the first to answer.

Park Juho hesitated briefly, then explained to the other two.

"I think I mentioned last month—my mom wants to invite us for a meal. Plus, you sent her that dishwasher, remember?"

"Oh, she got it?"

"She did. This time, she insisted on returning the favor."

Hearing that, Jo Daehan hesitated.

"Oh, maybe I shouldn't be there—sounds like it's for you guys."

Inviting friends and then imposing himself—that's not right. But Park Juho waved it off.

"No, daehan, you'd be more than welcome. My mom wants to treat all my colleagues. Of course, if you're uncomfortable, you don't have to come."

"Oh, I get it now."

Choi Byeonghun grinned at Park Juho and thumbed at him.

"Your mom probably doesn't know why you left your last job, right? Suddenly quitting a good company for a manager gig—that'd worry any mom."

"Totally. Even as friends, she was probably anxious. Should've dropped by before, huh?"

Lee Gyeongbok agreed.

"I already got side dishes from her last time, so refusing dinner again wouldn't be polite. And we've got plenty of time to broadcast after dinner. Daehan, honestly, don't feel pressured—just say no if you want."

"No, really! I'd love to. I live alone, so it's been ages since I had a home-cooked meal. I'm grateful for the invite!"

With Jo Daehan's words, Park Juho smiled in relief.

"Sorry for the short notice. If I'd set it up ahead, it would've only felt like more pressure."

"No, it's really fine! Thank you for thinking of me!"

"Park-jjo, are you sure? If we show up, your mom's probably going to bring up old stories."

Choi Byeonghun teased, and Park Juho snorted.

"I've got nothing to hide."

"Ohhh, confidence? Are you sure?"

Park Juho ignored the provocation. Lee Gyeongbok watched his friends with a smile.

'Really, nothing's changed since school.'

Their shared memories were a little unusual, perhaps.

But having memories in common was happiness in itself.