Chapter 223 : For Work-Life Balance

For Work-Life Balance

Late at night, when everyone was fast asleep.

Choi Byeonghun opened the refrigerator with a long, drawn-out yawn.

"Yaaawn......"

He grabbed one of the many energy drinks stacked inside and refreshed his throat.

'One edit done, at least......'

He glanced at the time and wrinkled his nose. It had taken a lot longer than usual.

'Still, this content is especially important.'

It wasn't just because it was an advertisement, nor only because that developer was globally famous.

'This one is definitely going to appeal to North American viewers.'

This content, "Royal Desperate Revenge," being set in the Wild West era, was a game likely to be more popular with international viewers than domestic ones.

That's why Choi Byeonghun started analyzing the style of overseas Q-tube videos as soon as the contract was signed.

'It's not just an ordinary video—this is for membership subscribers.'

Typically, most Q-tuber membership subscribers are true fans. But the situation was different for the Purple channel.

'It's the time for subscription renewal, so I need to pay more attention.'

About a month had passed since Demon Must Cry and the CrazySmurf tournament.

In other words, the Q-tube membership subscribers brought in during that time would now be deciding whether or not to renew their subscriptions.

'Daehan said the mood is that people will definitely stay, but...'

The comments on the membership videos were all positive. Jo Daehan was delighted by them, but Choi Byeonghun felt differently.

'Still, when it's time to actually open their wallets, people regain their rationality.'

That's just how subscription service users tend to be. Even platforms like Netflix, which add tons of new content, struggle with retention.

'Membership videos need to be even more differentiated to be maintained.'

In terms of content, there wasn't much difference between regular and membership videos.

So far, the distinguishing feature had been "dubbing," and for CrazySmurf, a different perspective using Lee Gyeongbok had set it apart.

'This time, I have to match the North American vibe.'

He couldn't just be satisfied with maintaining; he needed to attract even more viewers.

And this content could ignite a surge in overseas viewers.

"Alright!"

Choi Byeonghun mentally steeled himself and tossed the empty can into the trash. With a metallic clang, it hit the corner and rolled onto the floor.

"Tsk, can't even get it in."

He placed the can in the bin and sat down. Then he noticed a notification on PCTalk.

It was from MadGunner channel's operator, madman.

[〉Wasn't Godple coming back?]

[〉I got hyped by the ad, but you only did Roderi?]

[〉Still, I felt relieved after watching the full video!]

[〉This time, the Roderi stuff was really good!]

[〉By the way, are you not getting an assistant editor this time?]

Choi Byeonghun let out a slight laugh.

'Well, come to think of it, what he likes isn't GunG.'

Although Madman was known as an expert editor for GunnerGround, Choi Byeonghun, who was close to him, knew better.

'He completely loses his mind when it comes to guns.'

Madman's real area of interest was "firearms."

The reason he operated a GunnerGround channel was that it was the signature FPS game.

So the moment Lee Gyeongbok started playing a game with guns, madman would naturally jump in.

'If he helped, I could probably finish faster, but......'

Choi Byeonghun rolled his eyes, then shook his head right away.

'This case is a bit different. If I have to review and give feedback, it could cost more money and take even longer.'

Choi Byeonghun recognized Madman's skills, but their styles were different. Doing it alone seemed faster.

So he replied.

[〉It's not that intense this time ㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

[〉But if I need help later, you'll be first on the list]

Madman replied immediately, as if he'd been waiting.

[〉Ah...]

[〉OK, got it! I'll be standing by!]

[〉Let me know right away if you need help!]

His disappointment was evident from the message.

Choi Byeonghun resumed editing. It was a dubbed video made from a script sent by Jo Daehan.

'Falling a bit behind.'

With a much more serious face, he compared the character's lip movements in the video with the voices he heard.

Perfection always comes down to the details.

'Just a little more.'

Again, and again.

He poured everything into it.

* * *

The next day.

Choi Byeonghun's eyelids trembled.

"Ugh...?"

Half-asleep, he heard a dull noise. The thumping came from the entrance.

"Aw......"

The noise was so loud it made his head ache with irritation.

Then the noise turned into a beeping electronic sound.

While Choi Byeonghun struggled to get up from the sofa, someone barged in through the door.

"Byeonghun!"

"Hey, Choi Byeonghun!"

"Editor!"

His two friends and Jo Daehan had arrived.

"What......"

Choi Byeonghun forced his half-closed eyes open and frowned. Only then did he see the expressions on their faces.

They all looked deeply worried.

"Are you okay?"

"You don't have a fever, do you?"

"Oh, thank goodness."

Choi Byeonghun waved off Park Juho's hand as he tried to check his forehead.

"No, I mean... what's going on... all of a sudden..."

His throat felt scratchy and his stomach wasn't great. He struggled to speak.

"Do you even know what time it is?"

Park Juho exhaled briefly and asked. The question made Choi Byeonghun's heart sink.

"Huh?"

The bright sunlight coming in through the window, and the shadows much longer than usual.

"We waited for you since you didn't come to the meeting, and when you didn't answer, we rushed over."

Now Choi Byeonghun assessed the situation through Jo Daehan's explanation. In a panic, he looked for his Smart Link.

[Missed calls – 27]

His eyes widened in shock.

"Uh, uh... I'm really sorry. No, I swear, I set like ten alarms..."

In the middle of his sentence, Choi Byeonghun suddenly jumped up.

"H-hold on! You can yell at me later! I have to finish editing now!"

Editing he'd planned to finish after the meeting still remained. As he rushed to his computer, Lee Gyeongbok stopped him.

"Hey, hey, it's all right. First, just sit and rest a bit."

"No, but—"

"Madman took over for you."

"What?"

He turned to Park Juho at his words.

"Why did you do that without asking...!"

"It wasn't without asking—the manager is supposed to handle the schedule. If you didn't like it, you should have managed your time properly."

Choi Byeonghun snapped, but Park Juho replied with a disapproving glare. Then he added one more thing.

"And it was Gyeongbok's decision as well."

Choi Byeonghun closed his mouth, faltering. Lee Gyeongbok, sensing the tension, looked between the friends and interjected.

"Hey, it's not like he did it on purpose. Daehan told me—you checked the video until practically morning, right?"

"I thought you texted me after waking up."

Jo Daehan glanced around nervously and said. Lee Gyeongbok spoke seriously.

"I'm really grateful for your effort. But like I said, you don't have to cut into your sleep like this. You'll burn out at this rate. That's not why we're doing the membership, you know?"

"Sorry. I should have gotten you the script sooner..."

Jo Daehan looked apologetic.

"No, it's not your fault, daehan."

"This kind of thing happened before. That's when we started using an assistant editor."

With their words, Choi Byeonghun lowered his head. He had nothing to say for himself.

"Byeonghun."

"Yeah..."

"This time, the entire Roderi broadcast will be done by an assistant editor. That's my decision as the boss."

Lee Gyeongbok said firmly.

"And I think it's about time we form an official editing team, not just freelancers."

"Officially? You're going to hire staff?"

This time, Choi Byeonghun couldn't stay silent. It felt almost like a declaration that he wasn't good enough.

But at the same time, he could understand the reasoning. The situation made him feel ridiculous about himself.

"Choi Byeonghun, you're too emotional. We're not criticizing you for lacking anything."

Park Juho read his expression.

"If anything, we need your abilities—that's exactly why we're bringing in an assistant editor."

"Right. Without you, Purple channel would just stop altogether."

Lee Gyeongbok nodded with a faint smile.

"As I've said from the start, you'll still be in charge of all editing. You can select the assistant editor candidates, and choose the timing. We're only leaving it all to you because we believe in your skills."

After hearing that, Choi Byeonghun wiped his face with a dry hand. He felt all sorts of emotions.

"Ha, all right... anyway, thanks."

He slapped his own cheeks hard and made up his mind.

"I'll think about it seriously. What matters most is that the channel stays strong. Anyway, sorry for making you worry."

Seeing his expression, Lee Gyeongbok joked.

"Really? Then buy us a meal. Let's eat before we meet."

"A boss buying food for employees? Aren't you getting a little too into the concept here?"

Choi Byeonghun replied with a faint laugh. Park Juho, meanwhile, suggested seriously,

"How about pizza? There's a place doing a collaboration with Sweeties where you can get a photocard."

Jo Daehan looked at the three and mused. Among Lee Gyeongbok's fans, some were really successful, but—

'This is truly the B-cut.'

He himself was the most successful.

* * *

Video editor Madman's house.

Cabinets on both sides of the room were filled with firearms. Of course, they were models, not real guns.

From pistols to automatics, sniper rifles, and shotguns—the variety was impressive.

'Colt Single Action Army... a true classic.'

Madman grinned at the sight of Lee Gyeongbok holding a revolver in the monitor.

'It's a whole different flavor from an automatic pistol, that's for sure.'

The gunshots ringing out in the video made his heart race. To Madman, that sound was like sweet music.

'I wonder if this stream will get people interested in revolvers?'

Madman wanted to share his enthusiasm for guns with others. That's why he first made Q-tube videos about firearms.

But those didn't gain much attention. While enthusiasts recognized him, that wasn't exactly what he wanted.

So he chose a more popular medium—games.

"Haaa, if I were only good at shooting..."

But alas, his actual shooting skills couldn't keep up with his passion for guns. In the end, madman switched to a style where he highlighted "good shooters."

That way, he could both make a living and share the appeal of firearms.

Even so, he still felt a lack.

'But meeting Godple made a difference.'

Things were different now.

Watching this streamer play set a new standard.

'The trigger needs to be pulled, the bullet needs to leave the barrel for it to mean anything.'

A tool only shines when it's used. No matter how cool a gun is, it's pointless if you can't handle it.

Lee Gyeongbok was someone who could display 100%, or even more, of the appeal Madman saw in firearms.

'Now that's real artistry!'

Even a gun with harsh reviews became a masterpiece in his hands. He could even perfectly wield a haphazardly modified firearm.

'Roc&Roll is that kind of developer, so this spec will probably make its way in-game.'

Madman stared at the monitor with a blissful expression. Watching Lee Gyeongbok snipe targets with a bolt-action rifle modded for the lowest accuracy and highest bullet speed gave him chills every time.

"Damn, that's epic."

Madman finished editing with satisfaction and sent the video over. He continued to watch Lee Gyeongbok's highlights from various angles until Choi Byeonghun completed the review.

[〉Okay! Thanks!]

[〉All clear for final check!]

A message popped up.

It was from Choi Byeonghun.

Madman grinned.

And at the follow-up message, his grin grew wider.

[〉As expected, when it comes to guns, you really unleash your full potential, haha]

[〉Can you help with all of the Roderi broadcasts this time?]

He was just about to reply to the request for more videos.

[〉It's great now, but next time, can you go all-out hardcore?]

[〉Next time, it won't just be me reviewing—Purple will be watching too.]

At the next message, madman's eyes opened wide.

A single emoji was all he needed to reply.

[〉Of course! You got it!]

Because if it was a Lee Gyeongbok video, he was already giving it everything he'd got.

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.