Chapter 13: Party Attire - The Massive 10,000 Balloon Gamble
"Woof woof woof! Master, this pup will serve you loyally from now on. Woo-woof!"
Seong Jinwoo barked furiously, clenching his fists under his chin like paws.
"Good boy, Jinu."
He'd turned his friend into a dog. Of course, it wasn't literal—just a skit for the stream's entertainment.
"Woof. But Master, becoming a dog for just 10,000 seems too cheap. I didn't even do it for the Yeolhyeol bros..."
Look at him already trying to weasel out as a dog.
The chat exploded with activity.
"Thanks for the funding today, buddy. No refunds, so don't get your hopes up."
Seong Jinwoo tried to ride the momentum and slip away casually. Shin Jaewoo knew the perfect counter.
Jaewoos gifted 20,000 Star Balloons!
Jaewoos has become a Yeolhyeol Fan!
Put a collar on him. If money was the issue, just throw more at it.
"Huh?"
Shin Jaewoo let out a startled sound. The chat went wild.
The crowd was stunned by the 20,000 at first. Then they freaked out even more over the Yeolhyeol Fan status. That was exactly why Shin Jaewoo was flustered too.
'Became a Yeolhyeol Fan.'
A Yeolhyeol Fan was the badge for top 20 cumulative Star Balloon donors to a streamer. He'd somehow hit that rank.
'What rank am I?'
The answer popped up in chat right away.
Even Seong Jinwoo was speechless. He hadn't expected Shin Jaewoo to drop another 20,000 right away. But he knew what to do. He sprang up and bowed low.
"Woof woof."
Adjusting the cam, he shoved his chair aside and dropped to the floor on all fours, head up, barking away.
"Woof. Master."
One solid reaction.
The chat flooded with laughter. Shin Jaewoo chuckled watching it all.
"...I ended up as the first Yeolhyeol for a dude."
Not even a real fan, yet he'd hit top donor. One thing was clear, though.
30,000 Star Balloons—3 million won—to collar and tame one. Pets were pricey, just like everyone said. Still...
'This is no burden.'
The chat laughed at his gripe, but to Shin Jaewoo, it was pocket change. One thing settled.
"Ahem. Bros, score big?"
"What? Sounds like Jinwoo raked it in."
"Pigeons turned into Jinwoo's dog? For real?"
Cuckoos and pigeons were already fluttering everywhere. Viewers spread the word to the other MEP gamers in Seong Jinwoo's stream.
"New Yeolhyeol bro joined today."
Seong Jinwoo announced confidently.
"What?"
"Yeolhyeol already?"
The voice chat gamers were shocked. They had a growing certainty.
'Jinu's taking first today.'
Rumors were flying. The result?
"I got..."
30,000. But gamers didn't blow it all. They saved some for droughts or just swallowed it whole.
"Lightly, 4,000 each for now."
10,000 split five ways would've been 6,000 base, plus prior for 6,800 total. But he banked the rest.
"Whoa."
"4,000 straight up?"
It was huge. Not just 4,000—for starters. More banked, more coming. Confidence oozed. All the gamers knew, with pigeons swarming.
"Man, lately what? Jinu always tops funding?"
"Karma from being good all along, bros?"
Just caught eyes first.
'And I've got money to burn.'
He planned to dial back next time. Small cash(?), no firm income yet.
"Gotta lock in steady revenue next week."
Just bank interest now, but massive.
'Royal Road alone...'
11 billion yearly, near 1 billion monthly. The one place his money felt spent: home.
'Pays back in two years.'
Buy a mansion in two years' earnings. Never imagined this life. And so...
'Maybe build a company for real.'
Webnovel management, his old gig—confident there. Absorb 10 billion loss yearly? Crazy, but his salary was over 1 billion.
"...Plan for 100 billion loss and wing it?"
Company in a building he'd buy. Scout new mid-size.
'Buy a small building and...'
Shin Jaewoo mulled plans in his head.
May 10, 2025, Saturday. Even working, he'd slept in on days off—but today longer. Leisurely. Evening schedule, nothing else.
'What to do?'
Time on hands. Then it hit: empty house. Furnishing was one thing, but another.
"Ah."
Shin Jaewoo gasped as if remembering.
'What to wear to the party?'
Just now. Suits he had. But 100,000-won suit to a big-shot Royal Road party?
"...Probably fine?"
His expression shifted. Why worry? But hesitation lingered. Novels had misfits schooled for laughs: poor looks, hidden power.
'But that's rude.'
Disrespect to host, also a Royal Road member. Probably richer, but proper attire mattered.
"...Need clothes anyway."
Bespoke tough, but luxury off-rack. Problem: clueless what.
'Even then, no idea what to buy.'
Shin Jaewoo called Lee Sooyoung for help. They'd planned to meet; she'd be his party partner.
'Buy her outfit too.'
Bracelet gift. Weekend work guilt. Texted her; instant reply.
"Whoa."
Like she'd been waiting. Business first.
I have no outfit for tonight's party
Can you help me shop?
Felt bad sending. She wasn't even staff.
She'd planned that anyway. Quick reply.
No need for my gift.
It's my job.
Customer support her duty—even weekends. Couldn't skip now.
I want to.
Money was all he had extra. She accepted.
Shall I come get you now?
Lee Sooyoung arrived fast. Black limo pulled up to Seongbuk-dong mansion like on cue. She stepped out, opening the door.
'Wow.'
Today she looked different—elegant beyond pretty. Graceful poise.