Chapter 37: Broadcast Blunders and Lucky Draw

I followed the broadcast team staff to the studio.

At the end of the long hallway, the door opened to reveal a massive set.

A large screen, a gaming table, and an audience area arranged in a circular layout.

It resembled the event venues I used to see during my pro gamer days.

“Wow, I finally get to see Shin Yuseong in person! Hello!”

“Hello, nice to meet you.”

The host, who was reviewing the script on the stage, greeted me warmly.

It was none other than caster Park Suyeon, a prominent figure on Twika TV, often hosting official star tournaments and public broadcasts.

“Um, where’s Seolhyun?”

The rehearsal was supposed to begin, but Seolhyun was nowhere to be seen.

Hearing the question, Suyeon let out a sigh.

“She just arrived and is getting ready. She’ll be here before the broadcast starts.”

Late, huh? Well, considering Seolhyun’s busy schedule with drama shoots, it’s understandable.

“Let’s start the rehearsal. Hey, rookie, grab the script and stand in for Seolhyun.”

“Okay.”

One of the production staff climbed onto the stage to fill in for Seolhyun during the rehearsal.

That made sense—there was no need for the person themselves to be present.

We went over the lines while referring to the script.

The majority of this broadcast would revolve around gaming, so the rehearsal wrapped up quickly.

With about ten minutes to spare, I wondered if I should head back to the waiting room to rest.

As I was mulling it over, a group of women approached me.

“Yena! Has Yuseong not had his makeup done yet? What’s going on?!”

“Sorry, I wasn’t informed…”

“Not being told is an excuse? Seriously, get it together… Yuseong, I’m so sorry. Please follow me.”

A coordinator, who seemed to be the team leader, gestured for me to follow her.

Entering the makeup room, I sat in the chair in front of the mirror.

“I apologize again. The rookie made a mistake. She just joined and seems overwhelmed since it’s her first broadcast.”

“It’s fine. But do we have enough time for makeup? The broadcast is starting soon.”

“I’ll finish quickly. Don’t worry.”

She responded confidently, and it wasn’t just bravado.

Her skilled hands moved so fast they were almost a blur, completing my makeup in less than ten minutes.

Is this really me?

She didn’t seem to use much product, yet my features looked sharper, and my skin seemed to glow.

I looked like an idol I’d seen on TV—or maybe even an actor.

Admiring my transformed reflection, I experienced the power of makeup for the first time.

“Yuseong, you’re incredibly handsome. Honestly, out of all the men I’ve worked on, you’re the best.”

The coordinator’s face lit up with excitement, like an artist admiring their masterpiece.

Her satisfaction put me in a good mood as well.

I bowed to express my gratitude and stepped out of the makeup room.

There wasn’t much time left now.

I hurried down the hallway toward the backstage area.

Ahead, I spotted Seolhyun waiting.

Her long, slightly wavy hair and sleek figure perfectly complemented her white sheer dress.

Even from behind, her elegance and beauty were unmistakable.

“Hello, Seolhyun.”

“Oh! Hello.”

What’s with this awkward atmosphere?

I raised my voice to greet her warmly, but Seolhyun quickly turned her head away.

She must have heard about the broken contract with Big Stars TV.

Thinking about it, she might find me uncomfortable.

Neither of the representatives, Misun or Hasun, would’ve spoken kindly of me.

Still, we’re doing a broadcast together. We can’t stay on bad terms.

Summoning my courage, I approached her again.

“Let’s have fun on today’s broadcast.”

“Yes, let’s.”

Good thing I reached out. Finally, she looked at me properly.

Seolhyun is truly beautiful. How can I describe it?

She has the charm of a refined noblewoman from a historical drama mixed with the sophistication of a modern city woman.

A unique combination of purity and elegance.

Seeing her in person, it’s clear why she’s called a national actress.

“You’ve had your makeup done?”

“Yes, the coordinator just finished it. It doesn’t look strange, does it?”

“It suits you well. Really well.”

“That’s a relief.”

While chatting with Seolhyun, I peeked past the curtain at the stage.

The broadcast had already started, with Suyeon delivering the opening lines.

I kept an eye on the proceedings, waiting for my turn.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Before we dive into the promotional event for Laniha 4, the country’s top RPG game, we have a very special guest to introduce!”

“It’s your turn to enter.”

A broadcast team member standing behind us spoke up.

Seolhyun confidently walked onto the stage, and I followed her.

“Introducing the nation’s top actress! Beloved for her role as Kang Sohee in My Shackle, we welcome Lee Seolhyun!”

As Suyeon’s enthusiastic introduction rang out, the audience erupted into cheers.

Seolhyun bowed gracefully, her demeanor impeccable.

“And now, a man everyone knows! With looks gifted by the heavens, please welcome streamer Shin Yuseong!”

Looks gifted by the heavens?

That introduction made me cringe.

I reminded myself to focus on the appearance fee and promotion to partner streamer status.

Forcing a smile, I waved at the audience.

“Wow! Holy sh—he’s ridiculously handsome!”

What was that? Someone in the audience shouted out.

The atmosphere froze for a moment.

Wasn’t that a broadcast accident?

Swearing isn’t allowed during public broadcasts.

“Yuseong! Today’s my safe day!”

Another shout followed.

Judging by the staff rushing toward the source, things weren’t looking very “safe.” Is this the charm of live broadcasting?

I was baffled, to say the least.

+++

[Real-time Shin Yuseong Visual Updates]
(Shredded.gif)

“This is insane, isn’t it? He doesn’t even look human anymore. With makeup, he’s not just a guy; he’s a whole new species.”

“Wow! This gif is amazing. I can’t stop staring at it.”

“Is that really Yuseong? No way—he looks even better in person than on camera?”

“Look at those download numbers skyrocketing. LOL.”

“This deserves to be preserved forever.”

“But still, I think Seolhyun is prettier. Looks like she went all out today.”

“She had to come fully dolled up. No way she’d skip that, knowing she’d be compared.”

“Did you just hear that?”

“‘Ridiculously handsome’? LOL.”

“The staff are dragging them out right now.”

“Ugh, so annoying. Who do they think they are, making gross comments like that to Yuseong?”

“It’s okay. Yuseong’s probably built an immunity to this kind of harassment by now.”

+++

“Dear viewers, we apologize for the brief broadcast interruption. Thank you for your understanding.”

Suyeon, with a dazed expression, bowed deeply. I followed suit.

Apologizing right at the start of the broadcast?

Should I have checked my fortune for the day?

I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

No, let’s think positively. Maybe this is just getting the bad luck out of the way early.

“Let’s turn things around now, shall we? Seolhyun, it’s nice to meet you!”

“Yes, nice to meet you too.”

Suyeon lifted her head. Her expression transformed into a radiant smile, completely changing the mood.

She then began chatting with Seolhyun.

“Seolhyun, you’re well-known among celebrities as a hardcore fan of Lanija. How do you feel about the release of this new game?”

“I’m so excited! I couldn’t even sleep last night thinking about playing Lanija 4 today. Can we skip the interview and start playing now?”

“Haha! That won’t do!”

Actors sure are something.

Even after arriving late, she seems to have perfectly memorized the script.

How can she lie so effortlessly without a change in expression?

Anyone watching would actually believe she’s a hardcore fan.

“Yuseong!”

“Yes?”

“As an AOS game streamer, you probably haven’t had much exposure to RPGs. What made you decide to participate in this Lanija 4 promotion event?”

The most demanding question finally came my way.

I carefully recited the lines I had memorized.

“After watching the promotional video, I thought to myself that I had to try it. When I got the chance to play it before its official release, I was thrilled to join.”

“Careful now, once you fall for Lanija, you won’t be able to play anything else.”

“Haha, that’s what I’m worried about too.”

We exchanged meaningless small talk.

Surprisingly, I handled it well.

Do I have a knack for acting?

Despite my nerves, the interview went smoothly.

“We’ve had a quick chat with our guests. Now, it’s time for the moment you’ve all been waiting for—the gameplay!”

Seolhyun and I sat side by side in front of the table. Smartphones were placed in front of us.

Oh, right. It’s a mobile game.

I was wondering why there were no computers.

I tapped on the Lanija 4 icon to launch the game.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Seolhyun glancing at my phone screen.

For someone claiming to be a hardcore fan, she couldn’t even find the game icon.

I’d better help her out quickly.

If she fumbled too much, she’d become a laughingstock.

“Thirsty? Here, have some water.”

“Huh? Oh, thank you.”

I opened the cap of a bottled water and handed it to her.

Whether she caught on to my intention or just went along, she obediently drank the water.

This is my chance.

I reached over to Seolhyun’s phone and launched the game for her.

“I went ahead and started the game for you while you were drinking. Let’s play!”

“Oh, I drank well. Thanks.”

Not too awkward, right? Or is it?

I’m not sure how people in this world interpret a guy opening a bottle for a girl.

Well, that’s not important right now.

“Are they already getting along? What a harmonious start. Both of you look dazzling—let’s see if your gameplay shines as brightly!”

We logged into event accounts, and the prologue video began to play.

I remembered not to skip it.

Hands off the phone, I casually glanced around.

The video was playing on a giant screen.

Not bad. It’s well-made.

Despite the harsh reviews, the graphics were decent.

Of course, I’ll have to play it to judge properly.

Tock—

I felt a light tap on my arm. Turning, I saw Seolhyun looking startled.

She quickly pulled back her hand, awkwardly holding it behind her back.

After locking eyes for a moment, she spoke.

“Thank you.”

Though her voice was inaudible, I could read her lips. Smiling, I nodded in response.

[GIF: Yuseong opening the bottle cap]

“Yuseong’s manly charms are hitting hard.”

“Ugh, if a handsome guy opened my bottle, I’d drink it so gratefully too…”

“Today’s Yuseong content is going viral, LOL.”

“Feels like a whole different vibe from his usual streams. Every scene is legendary.”

“Saved every GIF from the trending posts, haha.”

“Why is this GIF so oddly attractive?”

“Right?!”

“Maybe it’s the reversal appeal coming from cognitive dissonance? It’s so unexpected, it’s charming.”

“OMG, that makes sense, haha.”

“Post more! We need more content!”

“Just watch the broadcast.”

“The highlight of mobile games is here—the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the draw! Who wants to go first?”

“I’ll go first.”

“Alright! Seolhyun, please go ahead.”

The game began. On the job selection screen, I picked an archer, while Seolhyun chose a warrior.

We formed a party in the village and completed the tutorial quest.

After gathering 50 goblin hides and delivering them to the village chief, we received a basic equipment set and 10 pet summon tickets as rewards.

With the tutorial complete, it was time for the draw.

“I’m pretty lucky with these draws.”

Seolhyun opened the summon interface and pressed the ‘Open 10 Tickets’ button.

A massive tower shook violently as it shot a purple beam of light into the sky.

“Wait, purple?!”

“Wow! Is this for real?”

The audience buzzed with excitement. Some even stood up, staring intently at the giant screen.

The draw results appeared. Among the 10 cards, one was purple.

As the card flipped over, the pet’s identity was revealed.

☆☆☆☆☆☆ Guardian Divine Beast ‘Yukbuki’

• Increases master’s HP, defense, and magic resistance by 50%.
• Unique Skill: Glory’s Resistance – Reduces all damage by 10% and reflects it back to the attacker.

“Wow! Seolhyun has just defied a 0.01% chance and summoned a 6-star pet. Isn’t this incredible?!”

Suyeon, overjoyed, shouted excitedly like a child.

This is so… staged. Is summoning something good on an event account really worth the hype? How can anyone be sure it’s actually a 0.01% chance and not 100%?

“Yuseong, your turn! I’ll share my luck with you.”

Even Seolhyun seemed thrilled. Fine. If I draw, I’m sure to get something good too. I don’t need her luck.

“Alright, Yuseong, it’s your turn now.”

Suyeon called my name.

This doesn’t feel right.

If I hit the jackpot too, what’s in it for me?

People might just accuse me of faking it to promote the game.

It’s time to stick to my plan.