NOVEL NEXT Chapter 143
Today, I finally stepped out for work on a weekend, something I haven’t done in a while.
Well, technically, it’s not that I haven’t had work-related outings in a long time. I’ve been visiting the company periodically and had been invited to various content collaborations with other streamers.
But what I mean by “a long time” is that it’s been a while since I’ve participated in any external events.
“Of all times, I have to be called out on the weekend. Our husband must be struggling too.”
“Well, whatever. Think of it as a chance to go on a date with you after a long time.”
Today, my wife also decided to come along. Normally, I wouldn’t take her with me until I had to work, but since I could roam freely around the event venue after finishing my essential schedule, we figured we could have a little date while checking things out together.
My wife isn’t particularly into games, so I originally planned to go alone. However, after sharing a meal two days ago and hearing the detailed schedule, she expressed her desire to join me.
It was a proposal I welcomed with open arms.
“But will it be okay to take Joo-ha? There are likely to be a lot of people.”
“Our Joo-ha is tough, you know? Plus, I’ll be right beside her, so what’s there to worry about?”
“True, that’s a good point.”
I can’t imagine our princess bursting into tears just because there are many people around. She might actually be looking around curiously and smiling brightly instead.
Nodding at my wife’s words, I looked down at Joo-ha in my arms.
“Yay…!”
“Are you excited to go out with Mom and Dad?”
“Yay!”
Joo-ha, whose gaze met mine, smiled widely and wiggled her hands in excitement.
From around her first birthday, Joo-ha seems to be developing her language awareness; she can now respond to questions like, “Are you happy?” or “Aren’t you pretty?”
Sometimes, I think the growth of a child can feel a bit scary.
“Alright, let’s hop in, ladies. I’ll be the driver today.”
“Isn’t the manager coming today?”
“Nope, I figured it would be inconvenient with you coming along, so I told them not to come.”
I don’t particularly like calling someone just to play the role of a driver. I had to do it for the fan meeting, but normally, I try to do things solo without my manager’s help.
They’re busy enough as it is, after all; there’s no need to add to their burdens.
“Should we switch to a bigger car?”
“Hmm? I don’t mind, but is it really necessary?”
After helping my wife and daughter into the backseat, I got into the driver’s seat. While observing the car’s interior, my wife threw out a rather unexpected suggestion.
If the car were really old, I could understand, but I couldn’t see any reason to change a perfectly fine car that’s not that old, so I tilted my head in confusion. My wife caught my gaze in the rearview mirror and smiled seductively.
“With five family members soon, I thought a bigger car might be necessary.”
“Wait, you really meant we should have two more kids?”
“Of course! Otherwise, why have I been so eager lately?”
“Uh, well…”
That makes sense. Even my wife wouldn’t persist for days without a reason.
“I’ll think about it later. Isn’t it a bit early still?”
“The fact that you’re calling it early means you’re also a bit eager, huh?”
“…Let’s buckle up first, my dear.”
“Hmph, so you won’t answer? I’ll be asking again tonight.”
So, does that mean she’ll be bringing it up again tonight?
I want to ask her to give it a rest, but when I think about it, I can’t really deny I had some fun, so all I can do is shake my head with a wry smile.
With that, I prepared to head out to the event, placing my hands on the steering wheel.
*
The biggest gaming event in the country following AGP, held at Kantex.
I was invited here due to my role as a partner streamer for Last Destiny, the monumental game that first brought advertising my way.
You might be wondering why a mobile game needs a partner streamer, but there are actually a few of us, including myself.
Since Last Destiny has been known for its fair pricing and great gameplay, it managed to attract a considerable number of users, and to amp up that engagement, they’ve been hosting a lot of ads, streamer events, and voice actor showcases.
Having been the streamer who received advertising when the game first launched, I’ve consistently shown my gameplay on my streams, which naturally led me to be designated as a partner streamer.
In fact, it’s still the most recommended game when looking for subculture mobile games. Nothing beats it.
The problem, though, is…
“Oh, that new character is pretty! Is she coming out in a swimsuit concept just in time for summer?”
“So, that’s your type?”
“Ah, no, that’s not what I meant… I just meant they’ve designed her well.”
“Uh-huh…”
Given that subculture games typically market with beautiful characters, my wife treats me to this relentless teasing that I can’t escape.
Except for one particular exception.
“Hey, Honey, is Asticia coming out? Isn’t she an already released character?”
As the character Asticia appeared on the giant screen, with her black hair and ethereal beauty, my wife’s eyes became as wide as saucers.
It makes sense—she’s been around since the early days of my advertising with the game and is also the only character my wife fancies.
“Oh, that’s an outfit change for the character. Remember when I played Last Destiny? That’s what it means—like when a character usually wears armor but shows up in modern clothes.”
“I see… So, that’s Swimsuit Asticia?”
“Sort of. But wow, the design is really nice.”
It felt a bit off discussing swimsuit characters in front of my one-year-old daughter and my wife, but if it’s work-related, I’ve decided not to mind.
By that logic, I should’ve been embarrassed several times over during my gacha pulls on stream instead.
“Honey, we have to pull for Asticia. Got it? I’ll even give you money for it.”
“You’ve definitely got a special affection for Asticia.”
My wife’s strange favoritism for Asticia, while being hostile to other characters, made me respond with puzzlement. Her answer was classic.
“Yeah, she resembles me.”
“…Asticia?”
Well, both have black hair, are lady-like, and have those yellowish-brown eyes, so there’s a resemblance. Still, it’s unusual to hear someone liken themselves to a 2D character.
“And besides, she’s a character I’m really thankful for. Thanks to her, I learned that you like mature women with black hair.”
“…Is that what you meant when you said that during the first advertising stream?”
“Yup.”
“Oh….”
Jesus Christ.
While she said it sincerely, I felt a wave of embarrassment surge through me at the thought that my wife learned my preferences through a 2D character.
It’s funny that my wife is grateful to Asticia for that.
“Mr. Cosmo! Please make your way to the stage soon.”
While I was standing there watching the new character reveals with my wife, someone who appeared to be a staff member from Last Destiny approached me.
I guess it’s almost time to head on stage.
“Sorry, Honey. I’ll be back shortly.”
“Don’t worry about us. Joo-ha should say, ‘Dad, have a good time!’ too!”
“Daddy, bye-bye!”
“Yeah, see you later.”
Kiss.
After receiving a peck from Joo-ha, I started walking towards the backstage with the staff.
“Please wait over here. The MC will call you shortly.”
“Okay.”
Standing by the side of the stage, I listened in on the MC’s conversation with the game director and glanced around.
“…Huh?”
Out of the blue, I noticed someone sitting in the front row, likely game or event officials, and my eyes widened.
That’s because right in the center of the neatly dressed individuals was none other than…
“…Hyung-nim?”
My brother-in-law, Ryu Do-hoon, the vice-chairman of Changseong Group, was there.
…Am I seeing things?
“Oh, brother-in-law!”
“……?”
Thinking I might be imagining things, I quietly watched him. But when our eyes met, he ignored everyone around him and cheerfully waved at me.
周りの中年の男性たちは驚いた様子で私を見ていた。
What should I do? After he greeted me, I felt like I couldn’t just ignore him, so I stepped out of line and leaned over toward the audience seats to move discreetly.
Fortunately, everyone was focused on the stage, so no one noticed.
“Hyung-nim, what brings you here…?”
Realizing I should greet him first but unable to suppress my curiosity, I asked him what led him to such a gaming event.
What reason could the vice-chairman of Changseong Group have to be here?
“Oh, did you not know, brother-in-law? This game company is sponsored by Changseong Group. Well, it’s more from an affiliate… I was just curious to check it out.”
“Ah….”
But I quickly realized how shortsighted that thought was and sighed.
Oh right, this game company was the one that reached out for help when they were struggling financially, and it was an affiliate from Changseong Group!
“Then, who are the people with you?”
“These are our company executives. I figured they wouldn’t be interested, so I thought I’d go alone, but they all insisted on coming along.”
“……”
Only then did I realize why so many middle-aged men in suits were at a subculture game event.
“Please meet our guest here, this is Seo-ha’s husband, Kang Woo-joo, as you all know?”
“Of course.”
“You’re the husband of Ms. Seo-ha. Nice to meet you.”
“Ah, yes… Nice to meet you.”
And just like that, we awkwardly exchanged the most awkward greetings ever.
Me, a streamer meeting the vice-chairman of Changseong Group and executives, in front of the stage showcasing swimsuit characters.
You hardly ever see such a rare sight anywhere in the world.