Chapter 23: Family Reunion and the Anticipation of a Guest

[Shin Yuseong TV]
Subscribers: 1.124 million

In just one day, his subscriber count surpassed a million.

The growth rate is extraordinary.

Even the previously uploaded videos have all surpassed a million views.

The earnings from YouCube must be substantial too.

It looks like it might even surpass the revenue from Twika TV broadcasts.

Now that monetization is approved, the total view count of his 12 videos has exceeded 10 million.

The earnings? A staggering 11 million won. How is life going so well?

And this is just the beginning stage, far from his peak. He’s raking in money effortlessly.

Ding-dong!

“Welcome!”

At the sound of the doorbell, I ran to the front door.

When I opened the door, my parents were standing in the hallway.

An overwhelming sense of emotion hit me. Their appearance was just as I remembered. The faces I missed so much.

Seeing my mother brought tears to my eyes.

“It’s been a while! You should’ve called beforehand.”

“Son!”

“I’m sorry.”

I hugged my mother.

I felt her warm embrace.

I had vowed to only show her my bright side, but tears betrayed me.

“Yuseong, have you been well?”

My father stood behind her, his face full of concern.

His appearance was slightly different from what I remembered.

His features seemed a bit broader.

But that’s the nature of this world.

Still, he’s my father, the one I wanted to see so much.

Would the longing I felt disappear just because his appearance changed?

Of course not.

I reached out and hugged him tightly.

“I missed you both so much.”

Why are the tears not stopping?

My emotions are getting more intense by the second.

I wonder how my parents from my original world are doing.

Did I suddenly vanish, or has another version of me replaced me there? I have no way of knowing.

Please, I hope you’re living well and staying healthy.

As for me, I’m doing very well and living happily in this world.

“These clothes are too flashy! Don’t you have something more modest?”

As soon as it turned 10 a.m., I entered a department store.

I’ve already gone through several clothing sections.

Yet, I haven’t found a single outfit I liked.

It’s not just young people coming over; Yuseong’s parents are visiting too.

I need to look neat and presentable, wearing something formal but not outdated.

“Is it already this late?”

An hour had flown by.

I decided to check out one more section of the department store.

If I still couldn’t find anything, I’d settle for a simple casual suit.

I made up my mind and walked out of the store.

“It’s a housewarming party! Why are you picking out snacks again?”

“Well, I wanted to eat them.”

“You’re impossible. Yuseong! Could you grab some green onions and onions?”

“Sure!”

We had reunited after a long time and were catching up.

When I gave them a tour of the house, they looked so thrilled.

I felt reassured that I made the right decision signing the lease.

I even showed them the rental contract.

My mother thoroughly checked it over the phone with her acquaintances, ensuring every detail was accurate.

It wasn’t until almost lunchtime that she finally relaxed and patted me on the shoulder, saying, “You did well.”

Now, we were at a large supermarket shopping for groceries.

My father was shouting and nagging at my mother.

It was the exact opposite of how I usually saw them interact.

It was fascinating to watch.

My father was pushing the cart and doing the grocery shopping.

In my original world, I could never have imagined such a sight.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

But aren’t they cooking too much food?

Bulgogi, galbi, boiled pork, japchae, mini patties… This is practically a banquet. No, it’s even more than that.

On top of that, every dish requires so much effort to prepare.

“Aren’t we overdoing it with the food? Nowadays, delivery services offer great options.”

“You said someone who helped you a lot is coming, right? Someone who helped you move into this nice house.

That’s why sincerity matters. Got it?”

“Yes.”

I had planned to order an expensive feast for Moonhwa’s visit, but my father insisted that sincerity was more important.

He’s right. I was taking the easy way out.

“Let’s grab lunch here. My treat.”

We finished shopping and stepped out of the supermarket.

I suggested eating out to my parents.

I wanted to ease their worries, even just a little, after unintentionally troubling them.

I wanted to treat them to something delicious.

“Shall we? What do you think, dear?”

“We just bought all these groceries. Why waste money eating out? Let’s go home.”

Oh, Dad. Have you become too domestic?

I still vividly remember the boldness of you secretly buying an expensive fishing rod behind Mom’s back.

Has the world’s changes altered not just the environment but personalities too?

You’ve become so frugal after all these years of homemaking.

At times like this, couldn’t you just give in and play along?

With a tinge of disappointment, I smacked my lips.

In the end, we got into Mom’s car and headed straight home.

“Honey! I told you not to pick at the food! The guests aren’t even here yet.”

“I just had one. Are you really going to be so stingy?”

“It’s always just ‘one.’ And then it’s gone as soon as it’s cooked.”

“Wow, so unfair.”

My parents were bickering in the kitchen.

They seemed so close.

Even after all these years together, they still got along like best friends.

How could life ever be boring with them around?

Will I ever have such a harmonious family in the future?

I hope so.

I’d love to meet someone with whom I could smile just by looking at them.

“I’ll help.”

“It’s fine. Yuseong, just watch TV. I heard streamers work nonstop, even on weekends. Take this chance to rest.”

“But… Dad’s working hard.”

“You’ll only get in the way. Just listen to Dad.”

He shooed me out of the kitchen.

I can handle simple cooking, but fine.

I’ll take it easy.

I slumped onto the couch and absentmindedly watched TV.

It felt peaceful, free of worries or burdens.

It had been so long since I felt this kind of calm.

As a former pro gamer and now a streamer, both professions had me living life in a rush, always chasing something.

Let’s enjoy this moment.

Ding-dong!

“Yuseong, it must be the guest. Go open the door.”

Lost in thought, time had flown by.

It was already 6:30 p.m.

Moonhwa had arrived earlier than expected.

What kind of person is Moonhwa?

Someone in their late twenties, passionate about their work, and financially successful.

That’s about all I know.

What about their appearance?

Their personality must be warm and kind, though perhaps a little stubborn.

I was curious.

What kind of person would be standing in front of me when I opened the door?

“Yes, I’m coming!”

I reached the door and, with a mix of excitement and nerves, slowly opened it.