Genius’s Godlike Game Broadcast
Chapter 265 : Namdon Namsan After-party (3)
Namdon Namsan After-party (3)
Offline, real-world channel.
After personal channels shifted their focus to virtual reality, these types of shows had markedly decreased in proportion.
Yet, no matter how advanced virtual reality became, there still remained channel genres that simply couldn't be replaced.
"After all, it's a collaboration with Seyoung's Dad, plus a sponsorship from Cheoeumjedang."
"Since there's a limit on food channels, it'll be tough to do a mukbang."
That was cooking and food-related content. In virtual reality, eating could make you forget real-life meals, so this area was only conditionally permitted.
"I'll briefly run through the channel's flow. Have you ever seen any of Seyoung's Dad's content, specifically the one called 'Shared Table'?"
At Genome's question, Lee Gyeongbok and Eclipse shook their heads.
"It's not complicated. Seyoung's Dad invites a guest and teaches them how to cook, then they chat while eating the finished dish."
"Do we have to cook as well? I haven't really done much of that."
"Me neither."
Genome smiled and waved off their concerns.
"No, it's different this time because of the sponsorship. Seyoung's Dad will do the cooking using Cheoeumjedang products, and we'll be using retort or meal kit items."
"Oh, so the idea is to show that their products can be used for both premium dishes and simple meals."
"But what do we do if the meal kit ends up tasting better than Seyoung's Dad's cooking?"
Bakjapcho laughed as he teased Skullkim, and the group responded with chuckles before Genome brought back their attention.
"Anyway, the actual show's not complicated. What we need to discuss is being on camera in real life."
A moment of silence followed.
Genome glanced at the others' expressions, then continued.
"Of course, cheoeumjedang knows we're hesitant to reveal ourselves. So they suggested masks."
"Masks?"
"Not covering everything—just showing from the nose down, like the ones you see at masquerade balls."
"Oh... Of course, your eating face needs to be visible."
Everyone nodded, though the mood stayed heavy. But Genome wasn't done explaining.
"For those still uncomfortable, they said they'll change the seating so only the back of your head is seen and the camera stays focused on the food."
Everyone looked surprised but soon shook their heads.
"But won't that look a little awkward on screen?"
"No matter how well we rate the taste, if you never see someone eating, it's kind of off."
"I think so, too. The viewers would want to actually see us eating and enjoying the food."
The three's responses made Lee Gyeongbok smile. He liked the way they considered the viewers first.
"But it shows they care about our convenience."
"Yeah. They respect us. That's why it's a hard decision."
Everyone nodded in agreement with Genome. A short pause later, each seemed to process their thoughts.
"Anyway, I'm fine with either."
"Same here."
Skullkim and Bakjapcho were the first to decide.
"Unlike the others, he and I are just starting to gain traction."
"Even just collaborating with Seyoung's Dad is a huge opportunity. And if we're getting sponsored, wearing a mask isn't a problem."
"It's definitely a great opportunity for you two."
Genome smiled and acknowledged their views.
"Seyoung's Dad has a much broader viewer base. He started with cooking, so regular viewers make up a large part, not just gamers like for us. With this collab, you'll become known to a wider public."
"Yes, he even appeared on national TV!"
"We've been on the rise since the CrazySmurf days, but now, we're really getting a boost."
The two looked visibly energized. But then, Genome's next words left everyone wide-eyed.
"I'm thinking of going without a mask."
"What?"
"Hyung?"
"You're not wearing a mask?"
"Haven't you always avoided revealing yourself?"
Smiling, Genome admitted, "That's the reaction I expected. But I've thought seriously about this. My channel career isn't that short."
Genome had spent the most time deliberating while preparing for the afterparty. Now, he shared his long-held thoughts.
"If we do the collab, I'll probably end up telling this in more detail, but the reason I never did a face reveal is because of a complex. Back in high school, even my face and frame were totally different from now. You know, the classic dork imagine comes to mind?"
Genome recalled these memories with a bittersweet smile.
"The problem is, that messed up my friendships. To be brief, I was bullied and had to transfer schools often."
"Hyung, you?"
Lee Gyeongbok was shocked, but Genome just shrugged.
"I'm really different now. Actually, that's part of why I started channeling. No one knew me in real life, so it was comfortable."
He quickly raised his voice before the mood could sink further.
"It always made me nervous, though. What if people saw me in real life and got disappointed? So I changed myself step by step. But now, honestly, I think my viewers like me for who I am inside. Since the PerG-Day collaboration, some of my earliest fans have even come back."
Genome gave a genuine, cheerful smile.
"I now want to be more open with my viewers."
He quickly added, "But! I'm not saying everyone should reveal everything along with me. Everyone's got their own situation, especially Purple, who's only been channeling for three months."
"... If possible, just show me eating, please."
Everyone turned to look at the unexpected reply. Eclipse was looking down with a hardened expression.
"Even with a mask, I can't reveal my face. There are personal reasons..."
"You don't have to tell us. Forcing things would just make the channel worse."
Genome smoothed things over quickly. Naturally, all eyes turned to the one person who'd yet to decide.
'Probably the person the sponsor most wants.'
Lee Gyeongbok still hadn't answered.
As all eyes fell on him, he scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.
"Haha, this is real tough."
Genome immediately clapped to get everyone's attention.
"Of course it's tough! Hey, things are naturally heading toward a collab, but we need a unanimous decision. If even one person's uncomfortable, we won't do it."
It was clearly a great opportunity.
But to Genome, Lee Gyeongbok and Eclipse mattered more than the sponsorship or the collab. If they didn't want to do it, he had no reason to proceed.
'Sorry, skullkim and Bakjapcho...'
For those two, who were smaller streamers, this was a massive chance. But they were good friends, not formal members.
'Even if this opportunity falls through, I'll just need to plan the afterparty well.'
This was meant as a chance to ask their intentions, not make a decision.
"I'll put a secret vote up in the group chat. Let's think it over and decide. I'll send the proposal to each of you by email."
* * *
Late afternoon.
Lee Gyeongbok met up with his friends at their usual LattePro spot.
"Sorry for calling you out when you're both busy."
"No, there are priorities in life."
"Yeah, this absolutely comes first."
Park Juho and Choi Byeonghun answered as if there was no need to ask.
"The offer's pretty good. Just your share is 10 million won."
As agreed back when forming the PerG-Day crew, ad revenue was shared proportionally according to subscribers.
"It looks small compared to the 40 million for the Roderi ad contract, but it's completely different if you break it down."
"That's right. It's not a continuously-looped video like the GGG ad, and it won't take five days like Roderi."
Choi Byeonghun agreed.
"If it's 10 million for a single shoot, that's huge."
"Definitely. The shoot should only take two to three hours."
"But Cheoeumjedang must think it's worth that much."
"Well, both Genome and Eclipse are longtime creators, but even they haven't revealed their faces aside from their lower jaws. But Genome is planning to go fully public..."
The two paused for a moment.
"Still, this isn't the time to worry about what others think."
"My point exactly. If you get identified, leeches will always show up—especially punks from the same School pretending to be close."
Lee Gyeongbok let out a wry laugh.
"That's definitely my worry. If rumors are good, that's great, but I doubt they'll be."
"Ah, you're just too good at reading people. If your filter catches someone, that's on them."
Choi Byeonghun recalled the past with open disdain.
From a young age, Lee Gyeongbok had always been selective about friends. He could sense people's vibes face-to-face.
Trying to expand your network while tolerating unpleasant types was tough.
"They really were the type to do that. Petty, jealous, gossiping—and after being rejected, they even spread nasty rumors. I was in a different class and still heard plenty about it."
Park Juho nodded in agreement.
The people involved never understood their own fault. Instead, they bolstered their self-esteem by spreading nasty rumors or badmouthing behind your back.
"Whew, can't help but worry. It does sound fun, though..."
Participating itself wasn't a huge issue for his divine energy. The problem was whether to wear a mask or only show the food on channel.
'Strangely, neither feels any better than the other.'
Neither option felt better.
"I think just wearing a mask is enough."
"Huh?"
"But your lower face is exposed."
As Park Juho spoke, Choi Byeonghun frowned slightly.
"As Tolstoy wrote in Anna Karenina, 'All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.'"
"What? Where are you going with this?"
"Gyeongbok's face falls into the happy family category."
Park Juho raised his palm to partially cover Lee Gyeongbok's face.
"Nice things are similar in essence. But bad things come in endless variety. So, handsome lower faces generally all look similar."
Then he turned his hand to cover Choi Byeonghun's face.
"It's easier to spot bad faces, actually."
"Hey! Why use me as the example?!"
"I know a good example when I see it—no need to look further."
"Come on, if I just lost a little weight..."
"So, the risk is low."
Choi Byeonghun let out an exasperated sigh at Park Juho's banter but eventually nodded too.
"It's not the best analogy, but I sort of agree. There are some advantages to partial exposure."
"Advantages?"
"You're planning to do a reveal someday, right?"
Choi Byeonghun sipped his coffee and continued.
"Here's the thing: if someone uses a 'filter' feature, people assume they have something to hide about their appearance."
"True."
"And Capsule's 'Privacy' function is another kind of filter. Plenty of your fans think you've got a complex about your face."
This perception had spread since his live MetaGamer interview.
"But what if your face gets revealed now? Then the chat will flood with, 'Traitor,' 'You lied to us!' that kind of stuff."
"Most people are joking, but there really are a few who mean it."
Choi Byeonghun nodded in agreement at Park Juho's interjection.
"That's exactly right. Any time you get a group together, there are always weirdos. Some will see your face and have a genuine meltdown—they'll even turn anti, going around the forums to stir people up."
"Doesn't that mean it'd be better not to show even the lower half?"
When Park Juho asked, Choi Byeonghun waved his hand.
"No, man. The key is partial reveals. It helps the viewers 'adapt.'"
"Adapt?"
"Think about it. Gyeongbok appears wearing a mask that only covers the upper face. Viewers will be surprised, since it's obvious even from the jawline that he's good-looking."
He covered the bridge of Lee Gyeongbok's nose with a finger.
"But up here's still hidden. That makes even the haters hesitate. Is there something he wants to hide? Is it a complex above the mask? It confuses people."
"They really think like that?"
"Come on, I've seen a lot of these types. The more someone's got a complex about looks, the more they obsess over it. They can't understand someone with good looks choosing to hide it."
"True, and if you do a full reveal later, others won't care—by then, people will already be used to your face, so reactions will be subdued."
Park Juho nodded in understanding. If people got accustomed to even part of Lee Gyeongbok's face, any gossipers would look weird to everyone else.
"But in the end, it's about what you want. If you're not feeling it, it's best to decline."
"Exactly. Whatever you decide, we'll support you."
Lee Gyeongbok smiled in gratitude.
"Thanks. I think I know what to do now."
* * *
Evening, seyoung's Dad's channel.
"So, we've gone through all the new items again. For someone like me who can't handle spice, this was a week of hell. I'm seriously thinking about whether I have to review these."
― LOL How spicy is this going to get...
― Dad, you'd better have antacid ready
-???: Don't Koreans know moderation?
He wrapped up his usual content introducing new products. After setting a cut point, he segued into another topic.
"Everyone knows I'm a TierOne fan, right?"
― So random LOL
― Is this some kind of spy reveal?
― You even visited their team house, you fanboy lol
― LOL You looked SO happy cooking for them on that channel
It seemed like a random direction but the viewers quickly played along.
Seyoung's Dad grinned at their response.
"Anyway, tierOne won again at MCK."
-?
― Huh?
― No way?
― TierOne collab incoming?
As the question marks in the chat multiplied, his smile grew bigger.
"I mentioned this a few times while watching matches with you guys. There's someone I really want to invite. But honestly, I couldn't make it happen through my own effort. That person is very reluctant to show his face, so I couldn't easily ask."
His viewers were baffled—there was no reason for TierOne players to hesitate on face reveals. Their faces were already public, so he must be referring to someone else.
― Holy?
― IS IT?!
― Really?!?
― He's really coming on an offline channel?!
― Big event? Big event? Big event?
The chat quickly grew lively. Seyoung's Dad looked pleased with their hype.
"This was really tough to set up. Of course, I didn't do it alone—it's a sponsored show."
He brought up a prepared screen.
[Shared Table With PerG-Day]
[(Feat. Cheoeumjedang)]
The regular content logo now included Cheoeumjedang's company logo.
Just that alone—
― No way, is this actually happening?!
― WOW! He knows PerG-Day!
― Big event! Big event! Big event!
― Is this a new crew? Is this a new crew? Is this a new crew?
― What kind of afterparty is this!!!
― Cheoeumjedang's gotten big! Even PerG-Day collab LOL
― Mega-corp collab LOL
― I'm absolutely going to watch this live!
The viewers were overwhelmed with happiness.
If you find any errors (non-standard content, ads redirect, broken links, etc..), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.
ReportUse arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter
Loading comments…