The live broadcast room was already buzzing before Ethan Reed even finished adjusting the microphone.
Comments rolled across the screen like a digital storm.
"How much will Legend of Sword and Fairy be priced at?"
"Wait—zoom in a little. Look at her legs!"
"Bro, look properly! Are you going to starve just because you're shy? The bold survive!"
"Ethan Reed, how does it feel to be called the most brilliant game planner of the new generation?"
"So Animal Party was a simulation game, but this one feels totally different…"
The scrolling barrage was fast—too fast for most people—but Ethan Reed had long grown used to this rhythm. Years of development crunch, late-night testing, and public scrutiny had trained his eyes well. He could still catch the questions worth answering.
Beside him, Vivian Frost sat upright in her carefully prepared cosplay outfit. She didn't speak much yet, only glanced at the screen now and then, eyes wide with curiosity. The bright studio lights reflected softly off her makeup, giving her a lively, almost mischievous look.
Ethan cleared his throat.
"First," he said calmly, voice steady, "the price for Legend of Sword and Fairy hasn't been finalized yet. But you can relax—we won't go over one hundred."
The chat paused for a fraction of a second.
Then it exploded.
"One hundred max?!"
"Is this real?"
"That's way cheaper than expected!"
Ethan continued before the excitement drowned him out.
"Our studio has always followed one principle: high quality, fair pricing. That was decided by our management from the start. We don't believe great games should be luxury products. When Legend of Sword and Fairy launches, the price will be something most players can comfortably accept."
Vivian nodded quickly beside him, almost too eagerly.
"Yes, yes, yes," she said, smiling.
Another wave of comments rushed in.
"What about the release date?"
"When can we actually play it?"
Ethan leaned slightly forward.
"The release date isn't locked yet," he admitted honestly. "The game is still in development. But if everything goes smoothly, you can expect it around the New Year period."
That answer earned mixed reactions—some cheers, some sighs—but no one could accuse him of dodging the truth.
Then a more personal question appeared.
"Will you and the boss do the voice acting?"
Ethan laughed.
"No," he said firmly. "All voice acting will be handled by professional voice actors. Vivian and I are amateurs. We're fine voicing smaller experimental games, but this project deserves professionals. Some things should be left to people who do them best."
Vivian nodded again, expression serious this time.
The barrage, however, had its own priorities.
"So Getting Over It really was voiced by you?"
"Ethan Reed, you liar!"
"Where's the new DLC for Night of the Full Moon?"
"Give us the Little Carpenter ending!"
"Stop making new games and update the old ones already!"
Ethan didn't flinch.
"The gameplay is turn-based," he said after reading one particular comment, "but not in the way you're expecting."
The chat instantly split into arguments.
"Turn-based again? Predictable."
"That's nonsense—there are good action games too!"
Ethan raised a hand slightly, signaling calm.
"Yes, it's turn-based," he repeated, "but the presentation, the pacing, and the action effects will surprise you. We're confident it'll feel fresh."
Then his tone softened.
"As for updates on older titles… we owe you an apology. Northstar Games is still a small studio. We're seriously understaffed. That's not an excuse, but it is the truth. We're trying to do better."
This time, the sincerity cut through the noise.
Vivian leaned closer to the mic.
"Sorry," she said quietly.
That single word somehow made the chat even louder.
"Who exactly is the boss? Why does she look so obedient?"
"Don't be fooled—capitalists always look innocent on camera!"
"With Northstar's release speed, no way they're not overworking people."
"Hahaha, she just keeps nodding!"
"Wait… is that Luna Ash cosplay?"
The stream continued like this—half questions, half gossip. Ethan answered what he could, skipped what he couldn't, and gradually found his rhythm. This was his first official live broadcast, after all.
And that was exactly why Vivian was sitting beside him.
A beautiful presence changed everything.
Without her, most people wouldn't be listening to Ethan's carefully structured answers. They'd be gone within minutes. But with Vivian there—smiling, nodding, occasionally reacting—the atmosphere softened.
Then Ethan dropped the real bomb.
"Oh, by the way," he said casually, as if it weren't a big deal at all, "we've already completed the game's music."
The barrage froze for a split second.
"All of it," Ethan continued, "was produced by me personally. The instrumental tracks will be released on Skybound Music tonight."
The chat erupted.
"What?"
"You're a game developer AND a musician?"
Vivian lit up immediately.
"That's true!" she said, suddenly animated. "Ethan's music is amazing! Dream Reincarnation is beautiful, and Sword-Riding Jianghu is incredible. You'll definitely love them!"
She spoke like a genuine fan, nodding enthusiastically. Combined with her Luna Ash cosplay, she looked playful and proud—like someone showing off a treasured secret.
The barrage reacted instantly.
"Wait—are you serious?"
"Didn't he sing Keyword before?"
"That song was good, but instrumental music is different!"
"Is all the music for Legend of Sword and Fairy made by Ethan?"
Skepticism flooded the screen.
For large single-player games, music wasn't optional—it was essential. Most studios hired top composers. A young developer claiming he handled everything himself naturally raised doubts.
Vivian saw the comments and frowned.
She'd heard those tracks first. She knew how powerful they were.
But Ethan didn't explain.
He didn't argue.
He simply smiled.
"Listen tonight," he said lightly. "You'll understand."
Vivian puffed her cheeks, clearly annoyed on his behalf. She crossed her arms and went quiet, eyes glued to the scrolling doubts.
The audience noticed immediately.
"The boss looks cuter when she's pouting."
"I suddenly want to ship them."
"She's defending her lead planner emotionally!"
"Is her face red from anger or shyness?"
"Idiot, that's blush."
Ethan glanced sideways and noticed it too.
Her face was red.
But whether it was anger, embarrassment, or simply makeup… even he couldn't tell.
Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, Ethan smiled.
"I just remembered a saying," he said slowly.
The chat slowed.
"There aren't many truths in this world," Ethan continued. "A woman's blush can say more than a long explanation. Rouge is beautiful—but it can also hide the truth."
The barrage stopped completely.
For one brief moment, silence ruled the chat.
Was that something he came up with?
Was this man really a game planner?
A musician?
A philosopher?
Mystery settled over the stream.
Then Ethan spread his hands, grin wide.
"So honestly," he said cheerfully, "I don't know why our boss's face is red either."
Vivian froze.
"?"
The barrage exploded.
"???"
---
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