Chapter 237 : Give & Take (2)

Give & Take (2)

Park Juho returned to Lee Gyeongbok's house, carrying the handcrafted figure.

"As expected, it's different with someone experienced."

The way Park Juho took out the box containing the figure was just like a bomb disposal unit.

Only after safely placing the packaged box did Park Juho respond.

"If you've ever made a tribute as a fan, there's no way you can handle this roughly."

"Thank you. Well then, let's see..."

Lee Gyeongbok also carefully started to open the packaging. Inside, there wasn't just the figure. There was an acrylic panel standing like a wall, and underneath, lED lights were installed closely together.

"Wow, what's this? Does it even light up?"

"It looks like it works with batteries? Here's a switch."

Lee Gyeongbok pressed the switch without hesitation. Immediately, a soft light shone from below, highlighting the figure's shadows and details.

"Whoa... This is amazing."

Lee Gyeongbok exclaimed with admiration.

Just by adding the light, a figure that was already high-quality now looked even more upscale.

"Ah, it's such a shame. I want to show it off right away but have to hold back."

"It can't be helped. Even if it's handmade, its motif is a Bark main character."

Park Juho nodded, empathizing.

"This is a Roderi advertisement stream, so we can't expose a character from another game company."

If it were a character from GGG, which they're also advertising, that would be one thing, but showing off a Bio Crisis character was not allowed.

"Yeah, that's true. Oh, and please explain the circumstances to the creator too. They'd probably want me to show it off on stream."

Even as the receiver, he wanted to boast; how much more so for the one who gifted it.

At Lee Gyeongbok's words, Park Juho gave a faint smile.

"When I see you thinking about your fans, you really are a born streamer. That's why I'm even more surprised."

"About what?"

"That seeing the present made you think about launching goods."

Lee Gyeongbok gave an awkward laugh in response.

Goods.

This referred to all kinds of products related to a streamer. It was also why he had given Park Juho's business card to the figure creator.

"Hey. Still, I'm the CEO in name. I can't leave all the business to you guys. I have to keep thinking about ways to diversify our revenue."

It was a thought that occurred when Jo Daehan wanted to buy the figure at first glance. If even a representative fan wanted it, surely others would as well.

"And now, streaming isn't only my thing. You and Byeonghun, and even Daehan, are all working towards making things better together."

At this, Park Juho let out a chuckle.

"I don't know about others, but things already worked out well for me."

"What do you mean, 'well'?"

"Just getting out of my old company is enough. I have more free time, and I can go home more often."

Recalling Park Juho's old workplace, Lee Gyeongbok laughed as well.

"Still, it'd be better if things get even better for you."

But it wasn't a lighthearted thought. Soon his expression turned serious.

"Well, goods have more of a business vibe, separate from content, so I should be more careful. There's no guarantee the figure creator would join us, either."

"Of course. No need to rush. Still, there's a good chance they'll accept."

"Join us?"

"There's already been a similar case. Even for Daehan, it wasn't just about work or compensation; he came because he liked you. There aren't many fans who'd refuse a chance to work with you."

At Park Juho's words, Lee Gyeongbok grinned.

"Yeah, I guess so. I have a good feeling about it."

His divine energy sent no warning about the decision. Lee Gyeongbok carefully picked up the figure box.

"For now, I need to focus on this stream."

Whatever he did, streaming was his foundation.

* * *

That evening, the broadcast had entered its fourth day.

Lee Gyeongbok, as usual, was spending time interacting with his viewers before the game began.

"Ah, I got a GunG Showdown offline coupon after finishing the ad shoot. It's unrelated to the ad itself, so I could give it to anyone, but I realized I don't really have anyone to give it to."

― So even the perfect Godple is a loner?

― Ah lol, I'm on Godple's level with my number of friends too?

― Me too? Same here!

― So even your social life is optimized for streaming!

― Haha! Streaming is our territory! The popular kids should focus on real life!

― Look at the Troopers getting excited, lol—me too, of course!

The viewers teasingly poked fun at Lee Gyeongbok.

"Why would I need more friends?"

But he was already used to such teasing.

"With all of you here, is there any reason?"

His playful response made the viewers burst into laughter.

― What's with this sweet king attitude, lol

― Ah, so sweet! Really, so sweet!

― This is the perfect sweet, right?

― Ah lol, who needs dessert when you can just watch Godple's stream!

― Breaking news: Science discovers only one visible spectrum, 'can only see Purple.'

― What a charmer!

Laughing at the reactions, Lee Gyeongbok spoke again.

"But I can't just give it to anyone. Wouldn't it be right to give it to someone who plays the game? So, I plan to give it away via a draw to people who post their GunG Showdown play screenshots on my fan page."

― Naturally encouraging people to play, lol

― No wonder advertisers love you!

― Advertiser: Ah, so sweet! Really, so sweet!

― Advertisers are getting just as much sweetness as Troopers, lol

― As expected, godple makes the best homework

The mood in the chat was growing warmer.

['IsThisUnjustBan?' has donated '10,000' won.]

[Hyung! This is my dad's account, but my ID was banned. I really did nothing wrong, can you check?]

Suddenly, this donation caught everyone's attention, including Lee Gyeongbok.

― What's this about?

― An unjust ban? On Godple's stream?

― Has this ever happened before?

― Did a manager make a mistake?

― Nope, the manager is also perfect

― What happened, seriously?

The chat filled with question marks. Lee Gyeongbok gave a wry smile.

"Hmm... I did hear something from the manager last night. Of course, it wasn't unjust. There was a reason for the ban—do you really want me to say it here?"

The chat exploded with even more question marks.

['IsThisUnjustBan?' donates '5,000' won.]

[Hyung! I'm really innocent! Are you sure the manager didn't mess up by mistake?]

With another quick donation, Lee Gyeongbok took a deep breath and nodded.

"All right then."

He gestured, and Park Juho, who was monitoring the stream, brought up the evidence on screen.

There was a screenshot showing malicious chat messages left on Yattaman's stream.

-?????

― That's Yattaman's stream, lol

― Lmao, causing trouble over there

― Why cause trouble AND mention Godple

― Did you really argue it was unjust after this?

― Didn't expect the screenshot, huh

― They say troublemakers never see themselves as such, lol

The mood of the chat shifted instantly. The fact that Purple was mentioned was also key.

― Yeah lol, these guys always have the same pattern

― Totally, lol. Likely to say they did it "for Godple"

― Self-justification level: Max

― Second-hand embarrassment through the roof

― Empathy maxed out!

As the chat rolled by,

['IsThisUnjustBan?' donated '1,000' won.]

[No, hyung, I really did it for you! If I left it alone, those nationalist fanboys would've gotten worse. I just wanted to show the difference.]

As expected, came another donation.

― Knew it, lol

― The shrinking donation amounts are killing me, lol

― Now you realize you're in trouble? Not getting unbanned? Want to save money now?

― Pathetic, even worse than Chu!

― Just get out already

Lee Gyeongbok became even more bitter as he read the chat, but it was something he had to be clear about.

"Don't misunderstand."

He declared firmly.

"This is not for me, nor is it something I want. Don't decide for yourself what you think I want."

Knowing there were people like that among his fans was unpleasant, but for the sake of his other, kind fans, he couldn't yield.

"Let me make this clear: there are never baseless bans on my stream. So, for the same reason, I'm banning this family account too."

With his words, Park Juho immediately added the troublemaker's family account to the ban list.

― Wow lol, this is it!

― See, if you let one slide, they never stop

― Such clean handling!

― True law-abiding mindset

― LOL, where's my +icon

― A drama-free, clean stream? That's the perfect-stream!

― Godple+editor+manager+translator, all perfect, what now?

― The "as long as it's not me" meme, incoming

― Holysage appears!

Viewers showered him with praise.

Lee Gyeongbok clapped lightly, calling everyone's attention.

"All right, with that, let's wrap up the chat and start the game. Let's see how we can block the Hired Gun's plan!"

He ramped up the streaming energy and launched the game.

[Chapter 4 – Betrayal]

Text appeared on the black screen.

― Oh? A betrayal chapter title?

― What is this, foreshadowing Genome's appearance?

― Outofnowhere Genome kick, lol

― The icon of betrayal, Genome, lol

― Are we getting a betrayer from the gang side?

― Wait, is this about Alex?

― Are we about to get backstabbed from our side?

― Starting off meaningfully, lol

― Their baiting is on point, lol

The viewers instantly focused on the game. Soon, the phrase disappeared and the scene transitioned.

"Wow."

Lee Gyeongbok immediately let out an exclamation.

The great city, saint Cloud, came into view.

"New Noir was a big city, but this doesn't compare."

As a pioneer hub, its refined roads and modern buildings stood everywhere. Not a single wooden structure, like those found in New Noir, was visible.

"Oh, what's this? Is that a tram?"

On the roads, not just luxury carriages but electrically powered streetcars, called "trams," were running.

― Wow lol, this place is a totally different world

― That infrastructure gap!

― This is why everyone wants to go to the capital region, lol

― Gotta play in the big pond, after all!

Viewers were just as surprised as Lee Gyeongbok at the scale and advancement of the city.

The scene shifted to Alex and Light arriving on horseback.

"So this is Saint Cloud..."

"It's incredible."

The two looked around, seemingly overwhelmed by the city. But soon after, alex turned to Light with a determined expression.

"No time for sightseeing. Let's head straight to the detective agency."

They immediately sought out the Preston Detective Agency. Perhaps because it was in Saint Cloud...

"Oh... Even the agency is on a different level."

― Seriously, lol, the old branch was like a neighborhood store

― This is nearly on par with the Federal Marshal's HQ from New Noir!

― Now this feels like the real headquarters

― Well, detective agencies are a franchise, after all

― Bet there's a big difference between branches

― But wherever Godple goes, it becomes the perfect agency, right?

― Because the perfect detective is there, of course (nod)

They tied their horses in front of the large building and entered. Just as the building was large, numerous people were busily at work inside.

Alex approached the receptionist near the entrance.

"Yes, how can I help you? If it's a request, I'm sorry, but there are many waiting..."

"Detective, alex."

Interrupting, he flashed his badge. The receptionist's eyes widened.

"A level-1 agent...! My apologies!"

The receptionist bowed respectfully.

― LOL, level-1 is just on another level

― Excellent headquarters training, lol

― It's not just level-1, it's perfect level-1!

― Promotion is everything

While the chat expressed their satisfaction with the treatment, the receptionist quickly flipped through her notebook.

"Alex, agent Alex... Ah! Here you are! Please follow me!"

"Follow you? What do you mean?"

Alex frowned at the sudden instruction.

"Aren't you here because of the Hired Gun investigation?"

After the receptionist's words, alex looked to Light, who nodded and followed.

The receptionist led them up to the top floor.

"I'll be excusing myself now."

With that, the receptionist disappeared as if her task was done. Alex glanced around, then knocked on the door before them.

"Come in."

A deep voice came from within. The two entered and immediately coughed.

"Ah, my! Sorry about that—I forgot to ventilate."

The room was thick with cigarette smoke. The middle-aged man who seemed to be the owner quickly opened a window.

"Sorry for the first impression. You must be Agent Alex?"

"Yes, that's me."

"Just as I'd heard, you seem excellent! Ah, you probably don't know who I am."

He stubbed out his cigar, tidied his clothing, and extended a large hand in greeting.

"Allen Preston. I'm the founder of this Preston Detective Agency."

The chat stirred at his introduction.

― Founder... isn't he way up the hierarchy?

― Suddenly, it's the franchise chairman!

― Big. Shot. Entering

― Lol, absolutely wild start

― Only a level-1 agent would get to meet him right away?

― Anyone else would have waited forever

― As expected, godple class!

In contrast, alex grabbed his hand calmly.

"I'm Alex. This is Dawn Light, cooperating with the investigation."

"Ah, I've heard the basics. You've both done some astonishing work! Even listening to it was hard to believe, but with so much testimony coming in, what else can I say!"

Allen laughed heartily, thumping Alex on the shoulder. Alex remained composed even at the praise.

"Thank you. But, how's the investigation going? Did you find the dynamite?"

"Hm, I wanted to avoid this headache, but you're a top agent, after all."

Unlike earlier, allen's expression turned grim. He looked for cigarettes, but found his case empty and clicked his tongue.

"Is this your first time in Saint Cloud?"

"Yes, sir."

"It's a remarkable city. When I first founded the agency, it was no different from a backwater, but it's grown this big."

He glanced out the window and shook his head.

"And that's the problem. The city's so big, even with the Federal Marshals, we're short on manpower."

"People, sir?"

"To be exact, we're short on capable people."

Allen let out a self-deprecating laugh.

"To find out where those outlaws have hidden the explosives, there's a simple way: investigate everywhere."

"But that's..."

"Yeah, impossible! If you stir up that much trouble, what do you think they'll do? They might set off the dynamite on impulse. Countless people could die, and this great city would turn into a war zone."

With that explanation, Lee Gyeongbok and the viewers understood the situation.

― Ah, so the city being too big is a problem too

― If you investigate openly, it could blow up!

― It's always the ones with nothing to lose who are the scariest

― So you have to investigate in secret

― Of course, the perfect detective has to step in!

― So that's why he chain-smokes, lol

Allen pointed to a city map hanging on the wall.

"For now, I've stationed key personnel at the Federal Bank, which seems to be their target."

"So, their aim is...?"

"Outlaws want to get rich without effort. The Federal Bank's vault can withstand the dynamite, but I'm not interested in finding out how many blasts it'll take."

Allen grimaced, not even wanting to imagine the idea.

― As expected, is this chapter about stopping a bank heist?

― Wouldn't be surprised, lol. Chapter 3 was a gold rush, and they used dynamite there too

― LOL, if the chapter title is 'betrayal' but there's no betrayal, that's the real betrayal

― Wait, what does that even mean, lol

― You'll get it if you just play, lol

While the viewers speculated on the gang's goal, alex asked,

"Any leads?"

"No, not yet. We're watching some suspicious people, but nothing conclusive."

Allen sighed deeply.

"Do you know why the Hired Gun gang hasn't been caught so far? Because their main business is contract killings. They silence both targets and witnesses, so it's nearly impossible to pin down their identities."

He opened a new box of cigars, the stress visible in the deep wrinkles on his brow.

"The best we can do after an incident is note strange attire of suspicious folks nearby—never any decisive clues. If only we had a sketch to work with..."

At that, Lee Gyeongbok blurted out instinctively.

"Oh? I know their faces."

The viewers instantly reacted.

― Lol, even if not all, we know the boss's face!

― Wow, the way this all connects is amazing

― Snowballing skills on point!

― Godple's decisions are always right!

Alex, the same thought in mind as Lee Gyeongbok, said in-game,

"Then we've come to the right place."

"Hmm?"

Allen, about to light his cigar, tilted his head. Alex stepped aside and pointed at Light.

"Light knows the face of the gang boss."

"I remember it perfectly."

At her answer, allen dropped his cigar in shock.

― Our Light lady is too reliable!

― The boss is finished, lol

― Tried to use our lady, but got reverse-carded!

― Do you know how sharp Light's vision is?

― She's an archer—of course her eyes are good, lol

― Why even bring up eyesight when she saw them up close, lol

The viewers burst into delighted laughter at that reaction.

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