Chapter 94: The Swamp-2
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 94: The Swamp-2
There’s a thing called reaction time.
It can be defined as the time it takes to perceive an action, come up with a countermeasure, and then execute that countermeasure.
Well, there might be a more academically accurate way to put it, but let’s not split hairs.
If you were trying to hit an average person with a thrown stone, how would you ensure a direct hit?
The answer is simple.
You throw it when the target is stationary or when they aren't paying attention to you. Throwing it fast helps, too.
In short, you just don't give them time to react.
Why am I bringing this up out of the blue? I thought I’d explain it briefly because what I’m about to do is closely tied to this concept of reaction time.
[Legally, there shouldn't be any issues. The primary purpose is clarification, after all. More importantly, the ID has been identified.]
"Ah, that’s a relief. But I suppose there might still be a lawsuit or something, right?"
[I can't give a definitive answer on how the other side will respond yet. I don't know enough based solely on what I heard from the President.]
[For now, you’ve modulated the voice and cut out names and other identifying details. I don't think there will be any major problems.]
[However...]
"Yes? Is there something bothering you?"
[I wonder if you really need to dive into the mud like this... It’s not like you suffered any significant damage yourself.]
"Haha... You’re right. But that’s just my personality. I couldn't just let it slide."
[Understood. Regardless, if they try to contact you, don't say a word. Just ignore them.]
"Yes, yes. Thank you. I’m always in your debt."
[Haha, I’ve handled a few lawsuits for the Teacher before, but this is the first time I've dealt with something like this. Anyway, I hope everything goes well.]
"Yes, take care."
I ended the call with a bright voice and looked around the study.
"Alright, the lawyer’s confirmation is done. Time to get moving."
After sending Garam home, I stayed up all night editing the recording of the call between Hana and me.
I intentionally muted the parts where real names were mentioned and modulated her voice as well.
At a glance, the recording might seem so confusing that one might wonder what’s even being said.
However, anyone with even a shred of context—specifically, anyone who knows the world of internet broadcasting inside and out—will immediately realize who this recording is referring to.
It doesn't matter if they don't figure it out right away.
Just as Hana did, I’m simply dropping a small clue. The internet hounds will be the ones to catch the scent and track it down anyway.
This was the first time in my life I’d put so much effort into screwing someone over, but I didn't make the mistake of rushing to post it the moment the editing was finished.
First, I had to make sure that what I was doing was truly legal.
If I ended up having to pay a settlement, I’d just be handing Hana the very money she craves, so that was the part I had to be most careful about.
I had this confirmed by the lawyer who handles my legal affairs.
Next was the timing of the upload.
I planned to post this file to an internet community right when Hana was in the middle of a broadcast.
This is where the reaction time I mentioned earlier comes in.
If I posted this before the stream and it became an issue, Hana would simply choose not to go live today and think of a countermeasure instead.
If you give your opponent time to react, it’s hard to achieve the desired effect.
That’s why I’m going to release it when it’s hardest for her to run, hardest for her to avoid, and watch her reaction in real-time.
Since I shouldn't watch her stream with my own ID, I even created a secondary account.
When a controversial BJ is live, the aggro-trolls will swarm the broadcast and turn it into a madhouse.
Just like the trolls who invaded Garam’s stream.
Hana is a veteran BJ who wouldn't even bat an eye at most provocations, but I wonder if she’ll be able to maintain her composure after hearing a recording of her own voice (even if modulated).
And so, I waited for the right moment for the fruit to ripen.
Between editing the audio and checking the legalities, I ended up pulling an all-night session, so I took a nap during the day.
Before I knew it, it was 9:00 PM.
I was worried that Garam hadn't contacted me, which was unusual, but I didn't have the luxury of time.
I planned to handle Hana’s business and then contact Garam first.
I logged into OceaniaTV with my secondary account and entered Hana’s stream.
Today’s content was some "lookbook" thing or whatever; she was repeatedly putting on and taking off clothes she’d newly ordered.
She’d been live for about an hour and a half.
I turned my head to the right screen.
There, a community post was already written, waiting only to be submitted.
I gripped the mouse and moved the pointer over the 'Register' button.
Before clicking, I took a moment to think about what this action would bring about.
A mudslinging fight, Hana’s downfall, the attention shifting to Garam...
The spotlight would inevitably fall on Garam, who is associated with Hana.
People would surely ask about her relationship with me as well.
The first countermeasure was simple: Garam wouldn't stream for a while.
I was also considering the option of her only operating a YouTube channel.
This bait would last at least a week, maybe up to a month. If she just held out for about two months, the interest in Garam would fade.
That would solve the problem of the attention focused on Garam.
What remained was the mudslinging and Hana’s downfall.
A mudslinging fight was no big deal to me.
To put it bluntly, I have money now. Even if I went through several lawsuits, this money wouldn't run out.
If anything, the burden would only fall on Hana.
Then, finally, Hana’s downfall.
With her rankings already dropping, this scandal would bring about her ruin even faster.
Of course, I didn't think it would get to the point where she couldn't stream at all.
Her image would take a hit, and many of her "Top Fans" would leave, but she’d still have her loyalists.
The "loyalists" who would defend her no matter what she did.
She’d probably take a break for two or three months as a sign of "self-reflection," right?
After that, she’d return with an apology video and continue her broadcasts...
But would I really allow that?
Today, I uploaded one.
And there are three recordings left.
Every time she tries to make a comeback, I plan to drop them one by one.
They say if you fall into a swamp, you should stay still.
Because the more you struggle to escape, the deeper you sink.
I’m secretly hoping that Hana won't face this head-on, but try to evade it instead.
Please, struggle, Hana.
My wish is to watch you sink deeper.
Click.
The mouse moved, and the die was cast.