Chapter 137: Chapter 137 – A Drama!
Saturday, April 19th, 2045.
Two days had passed since the troll incident that made Max get a little angry. And today, the thing that he feared before actually happened.
A streamer called BearGuy0G, a variety streamer who often had 'Just Talk' content with his 15K viewers and talked about news drama, suddenly brought it up last night.
"Guys, I found this news in the Midnight Heist community. Biozone Entertainment's new affiliated streamer, Breeze, got 3 guys banned because they don't talk. It's too much. I don't understand why the community supports him, as the three guys apparently just did a little bit of trolling."
— That's right
— It sounds like an abuse of authority lol
— lolol, how is he going to respond?
— What did the three guys do to him? K1ll his mother?
— This is too much. Getting people banned? Really? He's too far!
"Right? I think that he's getting too arrogant. He just streamed for less than a month and got contracted by a company as big as Biozone. Not to mention, he looks young and inexperienced. Hehehe, if it was me, I would troll together with the three guys. Screw the game, hahaha!"
This video was also uploaded to his Punchtube channel, which had more than 500K subscribers, with a clickbait title and a thumbnail that used Max's face.
[This newbie streamer has gone too far! He abused his position and got 3 guys banned from the game!]
Because many people love juicy drama, this video that was uploaded this morning immediately blew up with more than 2 million views in a few hours.
"Yes, please don't worry about it. I still have my VOD in my Punch channel, and my viewers have sent some screenshots to my Strike. Thank you for the help, Mr. Taka."
"Don't worry, it's part of the contract. Still, you don't look so worried even though you got into your first scandal."
"Hahaha, do I? Well, I am prepared to get involved in a drama since I became a streamer. Besides, this is also a chance to spread my name further. I will also try to take care of it on my part."
"You're not wrong. Be careful. Make sure to ask either Flexy or me before posting something. There might be a backlash if you post anything recklessly regarding this drama."
"I understand. Once more, thank you very much."
"You're welcome."
Ending the call, the hologram screen disappeared. Max relaxed on his couch and lay down on it.
"Someone really did bring it up, huh?" He muttered as he looked at the ceiling.
"Can't say I didn't expect this. Talking about drama is always liked by viewers, and this BearGuy0G is famous for doing that. However, it was slower than I expected. To think it took two days before someone actually made a video about it."
Based on that fact, it was pretty slow. In his past life, he remembered that every drama would be discussed in less than 3 hours. Many videos regarding the same topic would pop up indefinitely.
And the streamer in question was either falsely accused and managed to defend themselves and grow or went down in a ditch.
In this case, Max was the former. He only reported them in-game, and many players whom those three guys had trolled joined the report wagon. It was their fault for making the game not fun for other players.
'And I have proof that I only reported in-game. Still, these guys are really worried.'
His notification was flooded by his friends' worried messages. They didn't send only one, but a lot of messages.
[Flexy: Dude, you got into trouble, huh? How about I help?]
[Flexy: Hey, answer me. Are you so depressed that you become the center of drama?]
[Flexy: Fine, I will only say my stance in my stream. Don't worry, I got your back! That BearGuy0G is nothing compared to me!]
[StoneSword: Tell me if you need help. Don't worry, this won't affect your reputation much. Reporting troll players is normal behavior. And Biozone Entertainment won't blame you for this. Rather, they will help you. I will give a word or two to my viewers to support you in the forum.]
[LilyPixel: Are you okay? Do you need comfort? I am worried.]
[LilyPixel: My brother said he will help. Everything will be okay, don't worry.]
[Nina: Max, I saw a video about you! Who is that guy? How dare he make that kind of video about you? The audacity!]
"Hahaha, it's kinda good having friends who are worried about my well-being."
He replied to them one by one, saying that he was doing okay and couldn't respond earlier because he was talking to Mr. Taka. He also specifically told Nina that she shouldn't be worried, which would only boost his popularity.
After getting their reply back, he hummed and jumped off the couch. It was time to make breakfast.
'Today's stream is about judging the video for the contest. I don't know how BearGuy0G's video would affect the chat, but I must be prepared to see one or two haters.'
At times like this, loyal fans would be a great help. If he had his viewers' contact, he could have offered them a moderator role to control the chat, which would be perfect.
There were some candidates, but he wondered if they wanted to be one.
'Even if they agree, I still don't know how to contact them.'
After preparing breakfast, he put it in the fridge and decided to go exercise in the park. He would go to the gym in the late afternoon, as this was a cardio day and not weight lifting.
A familiar face approached him from afar when he finished half of the lap and decided to rest a little bit on a bench. She looked a bit worried and jogged once she saw him, her ponytail hair swaying following her movement.
Stopping before him, Lily fixed her disheveled hair and greeted him.
"Morning."
"Good morning." Max replied to the greeting with a smile, "You're also exercising today? I haven't seen you in this place lately."
"Un. I was busy with another job. Now I am free." She responded, looking at him. Noticing the sweat falling to his neck, she tilted her head slightly. "Are you done already?"
"Half done." He stood up and stretched his body. "Do you want to run together?"
Lily nodded repeatedly at his question, "Yes."
There was no need for more conversation. They silently ran side by side. Max controlled his pace and matched Lily's. He could go faster, but he doubted that she could match his max speed.
When running, he decided to open a conversation.
"Oh, right. I saw your final move at the V-Shelter. That was amazing."
"Thanks…" She answered shyly, her cheek turned red.
She wasn't used to such a direct compliment in real life because of her sheltered life. And no, the compliment from her brother didn't count.
"I used you as a reference."
"Hahaha, I can see that. Feel free to learn what I showed in my livestream. If you need help, you can always contact me."
"Un."
The conversation died down once again. They continued to run after they finished their set. Then, they sat on the bench, side by side. For some reason, Lily sat a bit too close than usual and looked at Max intently.
"Is there something in my face?"
"No, but… Are you okay? The video this morning…"
"Oh, about that. I will give my response in my stream later. I have scheduled it for 10 AM because I need to review the video for my contest."
"10 AM." Lily muttered and looked at her smartwatch. It was currently 9.30.
She wanted to help him.
Before she became a streamer, her brother warned her a few times to be careful not to become the center of a drama. It was dangerous and could affect her career in the long run.
That advice came from StoneSword, who had just resolved the drama surrounding him at that time. The drama was about him being a playboy host. Her brother could resolve it easily by revealing his real identity and the fact that he already had a fiancee.
As for the drama that involved Max this time, it was a bit tricky. According to her brother, he probably needed third-party help to prove that he was innocent. That, or… create a bigger drama.
She knew nothing about the latter, but she was determined to help, especially since he had helped her quite a bit now. At least she could do something simple.
'I can attest his innocence. Max isn't someone who would abuse his authority.' She thought.
Looking at him, she gathered her courage and leaned forward. Her face was close to him, taking him by surprise. And then, she asked.
"Can I come to your place and join your stream again?"
"Huh?"