NOVEL NEXT Chapter 53
【Broadcast Return Notice】
Hello, this is Cosmo.
I’m relieved to announce that I’ve been cleared of any wrongdoing regarding the permanent suspension caused by the cheese viewbot incident and can return to broadcasting.
I sincerely apologize for causing anxiety and concern to many of you.
Now, let me provide you with some updates regarding future broadcasting schedules and plans…
—
“No way, why is he apologizing? That crazy guy is the real culprit, lol.”
“For real, seeing him say that while being the victim is heart-wrenching…”
“Hey guy, you’re gonna start streaming again, right? I’ll be waiting…”
“22222”
“Everyone is waiting for Cheese’s comeback…”
“I seriously just want to take down those who stirred the pot without any neutrality, lol.”
“If this person had been watching since the beginning, they wouldn’t be able to say that. It’s ridiculous, those scumbags.”
“Some idiots were claiming to know just by looking at his face, how disgusting…”
“Back then, those crossing the line should be sued, right?”
“What are you even suing for, lol? Do you think it’s that easy?”
“Looks like someone who was ready to sue popped up, huh? Yeah, they must be regretting it now, lol.”
“Still, Cheese’s response was pretty quick. Just a little over a week.”
“Is this really quick? Considering it’s Aiver running things, it seems pretty slow.”
“I mean, right after it happened, they went straight to a police investigation and even fired the staff after legal education. That’s somewhat quick too.”
—
The permanent suspension incident settles down, and the next day.
After I posted an announcement to the Cheese community through my restored account, within less than an hour, comments started pouring in.
Compared to when I initially claimed my innocence, the flood of comments that expressed trust honestly shocked me, but I also understood it on some level.
Logically, during that time, it was my fans who were being insulted while I was the one getting bashed for saying I hadn’t broken my head, so expressing opinions in such a public place would have been tough for them.
Still, the fickleness of human emotions leaves me feeling bitter.
Click.
Once I turned off the tablet I was holding and put it in my cross-body bag, I stepped out of the taxi.
“…I didn’t think I’d be able to come back.”
At that moment, gazing at the huge Aiver Headquarters building before me, I couldn’t help but mumble to myself.
In fact, until I received the call yesterday, I was somewhat resigned to the situation. Even if I visited the company to inquire, they wouldn’t listen to me, and even after posting various materials and videos on YouTube, all I got back was scornful comments.
But to see it resolve so neatly, I feel like I’m dreaming.
“I’m Cosmo. I’m here to meet with Deputy Manager Kim Sung-min from the Social Media Team…”
As I presented the purpose of my visit to the lobby staff, it seemed like my name had been recognized because of this incident, as they showed a slightly surprised response.
“So, you’re Mr. Cosmo? Deputy Manager Kim will be down shortly. Could you please wait a moment?”
“He’s coming down?”
What’s going on, weren’t we supposed to have the meeting in the reception area like last time?
As I looked around for a place to sit in the lobby, I spotted a familiar face in the distance at just the right moment.
“Oh, Mr. Cosmo! It’s good to see you again!”
“Yes, it’s been a while, Deputy Manager Kim.”
“I apologize for making you come all this way. Have you had your meal yet?”
“No, not yet…”
It was a bit too early for lunch anyway, so I was planning to wrap up the meeting quickly and grab something to eat on my way back.
“That’s a relief. I actually wanted to express my apologies while treating you to a meal today. Let’s go!”
“Oh, okay.”
Maybe Deputy Manager Kim scheduled the meeting time now thinking it was for this purpose.
Seeing my response, Deputy Manager Kim smiled brightly, guiding me outside with the poise of a host welcoming an esteemed guest.
—
Initially, I felt a bit uncomfortable being treated like this, but in this predicament as a victim, I decided to walk confidently behind Deputy Manager Kim.
—
The place Deputy Manager Kim led me to had a very upscale Japanese restaurant vibe.
The seating was limited, and they all seemed to be in private rooms, suggesting it was a place for hosting important figures.
“First of all, I sincerely want to apologize for the damages caused due to our company’s inadequate employee management and lack of systems.”
“It’s okay. After all, it was resolved neatly before the damage could worsen.”
As soon as I sat down, Deputy Manager Kim bent politely, almost excessively so, to apologize to me.
Honestly, I had a bit of resentment towards Deputy Manager Kim before coming here. I thought if they had trusted me even a little back when I reached out, it wouldn’t have escalated this far.
However, on the other hand, I realized that Aiver had its own circumstances, and in the end, an innocent person got swept along due to the trouble caused by a meddler, so I didn’t feel much anger.
Rather, I found it a bit pitiful to see someone who wasn’t even directly involved giving me such a heartfelt apology on behalf of the company, so I accepted it without showing my feelings.
With that, Deputy Manager Kim thanked me again, bowing slightly.
“Following this incident, our company’s management systems will be undergoing significant changes. We plan to conduct thorough employee training to ensure that such damages don’t happen again, and I humbly hope you can trust us once more.”
“That’s a relief. I don’t know about myself, but I certainly don’t want other streamers to go through the same thing.”
Although I’m not sure if being set as a precedent is a good or bad thing for me, hearing this eased my mind a bit.
You know how when someone goes down the wrong path, they hope their successors won’t follow in their footsteps? I genuinely wished that other streamers in the same industry wouldn’t have to experience such misfortunes.
“And, as for the damages you’ve suffered, we plan to compensate you financially and in various other ways. If you agree, we are also considering suing the staff member on your behalf.”
“So, you intend to hold accountable both for the damages to the company and the damages I’ve suffered.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
That definitely sounds tempting.
In truth, I didn’t specifically intend to extract anything from Aiver, rather, I just wanted to confront that scumbag who tried to ruin someone’s life out of sheer jealousy.
“Then I’d appreciate that.”
“Great, we’ll send over the necessary documents for the lawsuit representation later.”
“Okay.”
I nodded and popped a piece of sashimi in my mouth. The flavor definitely matched the upscale nature of the restaurant.
“Oh, and this might seem a bit awkward in such a setting, but… We have a proposal we’d like to make to you.”
“A proposal?”
“Yes, this is only if you’d be willing to trust us again and work together. There won’t be any issues if you decline.”
Hmm, this is unusual.
I figured this gathering was primarily to apologize on the company’s part, but inserting such a discussion likely means it’s not just a regular offer.
Could it perhaps relate to the “compensation in various forms” that Deputy Manager Kim previously mentioned?
“Could you elaborate?”
“Of course. First, please take a look at this.”
As if waiting for this moment, Deputy Manager Kim pulled out a contract from the envelope. It reminded me of the partnership contract I had seen during our first meeting, but since I was reinstated as a partner, it clearly wasn’t that.
“…Aiver Entertainment?”
As I read the large letters written at the top, a somewhat unfamiliar sensation came over me.
What is Aiver Entertainment? Is it another name for Cheese? It sounded entirely new to me.
“Deputy Manager Kim, what is Aiver Entertainment?”
“Yes, actually, we’re planning to establish a new MCN under Aiver. It will primarily focus on partnership streamers, but most are likely already affiliated with other MCNs…”
I see.
So, they intend to slot me in as a streamer under Aiver Entertainment since I’m a partnership streamer who hasn’t joined an MCN yet and had been building up momentum right before the permanent suspension.
Now I understand why they were so keen to ask if I’d consider trusting them again and working with them.
After all, who would agree to collaborate with a company that caused them harm in the first place?
Honestly, this puts me in a bit of a dilemma.
It’s not just about whether I can trust Aiver; it is hard to believe that the newly created MCN will have a thoroughly organized system.
“Are the contract terms exactly as listed here?”
“No, in your case, we plan to add a few additional perks and benefits. It’s something the directors requested as well.”
Wow, not only financial compensation but also making up for it in this manner.
From just looking at the conditions laid out, they seemed favorable. In fact, they seem even better. At the very least, they’re much better than the contracts from MCNs that have recently approached me.
Moreover, since I work for Cheese operated by Aiver, being able to work under an MCN founded by Aiver would come with even more benefits. They would presumably focus on care for partnership streamers.
It’s surprising to think the directors would take an interest in the contract terms.
“May I take my time to consider and contact you later? I feel it’s too early to decide right now.”
“Of course. Ah, let’s eat first.”
“Please eat as well, Deputy Manager.”
Though it was a somewhat belated offer, we both chuckled at the realization that we had forgotten to eat and resumed using our chopsticks.
Now that I think about it, an MCN… what should I do?
Should I subtly consult Older Sister Seo-ha about this?