week one | match ceremony

[marriagebroker]

Today's Match Ceremony starts the moment the sun goes down. They will be led to a courtyard on the estate, filled to the brim with lanterns of all kinds and plush couches and chairs for them to sit on. The place is lit bright by the lanterns and the vibe is very cozy. There will be a few camera crews lingering around, ready to catch sight of the contestants as they settle in and get comfortable. There is also food and beverages, some alcohol, some non-alcoholic, for everyone to partake in.

In the center of the courtyard is a stage, hanging above it are eight lanterns, none of which are lit up. Wei Wuxian stands in the middle, dressed to impress for tonight's festivities. In one hand, he has his flute, in another, a cup of huangjiu. He lifts it merrily, giving a laugh before knocking back the alcohol and tossing the cup away. (A staff member nearby catches it, thank god.)

"Welcome, everyone! To your first match ceremony! I am your humble host and we're here to see if chemistry can happen, even under duress~!"

A staff member nearby grimaces at that. It might be the same staff member who caught the cup. It's fine, the producers won't punish him. Probably.

But characters will notice that there is a podium next to the stage for them to lock in their answers.

"For those who are new to this, let's talk about how this works. First, I will call up one of the members of Team Suibian and they will go to the podium over here, make a choice of who they think their match is, and together you will press your hands to the podium to lock it in."

He gives a hum, twirling the flute in his hand a few times before grasping it by the end and using it to point at the contestants.

"As a result of your choices, the lanterns above me will light up with however many perfect matches you've chosen. It is your job to figure out which of the choices made tonight are indeed perfect matches. If you aren't able to get any of them right, you will get a black out. Which means, someone will lose their wish. Don't do that!"

He'll let his warning hang for a moment before smiling, tapping his shoulder lazily with the flute and then grinning broadly.

"With that, let's get started."

——

Each character of Team Suibian will be called in random order, under the selections top level. Feel free to react there!

After the matches, the results top level will reveal how many are right!

Otherwise, feel free to use this log for any reactions, catherding, whatever you want for the match ceremony.

Comments

[crimsin]

There are a few that seem likely to me, yourself and Mademoiselle Poppy included.

[irreversal]

[ Just the sliiightest bit of a smile, here, as she hands Nico a mocktail. ]

And what about you and Verso-san?

[crimsin]

[ He catches that smile, and raises an eyebrow. He doesn't comment, though, and takes the glass with a nod of thanks. ]

We also seem likely to me. I have said as much from day one.

[embellwish]

[ Teasingly: ]

Care to share more?

[ She wants to know more vernico lore... they both like music, that much has been established. Who wouldn't be curious about them!! ]

[crimsin]

On the surface, it is true that we are both musicians and artists. As good a basis for a match as any, in the eyes of the show.

But I think more than that... he called me a spot of light. I cannot help but feel that is something he needs.

[ The grief, the sorrow that flows through his veins. Nico won't forget that taste anytime soon. ]

[embellwish]

Hmm... he does seem to be shouldering a lot of hardship.

[ From the explanation of Expeditioners and the Paintress she received. Anyway.... a spot of light? She had no idea Verso had such a way with words! The words are joking, but her tone is sincere: ]

Going to sweep him off his feet and take away his burdens?

[crimsin]

If he would let me, I would certainly like to try.

[embellwish]

And you must have burdens that he can lighten too...

[ What, exactly, she isn't sure. ]

Or are you his knight in shining armor alone?

[crimsin]

[ Nico really seriously considers this a moment. ]

Love is a partnership, above all else, is it not? I think we would share on equal terms.

[embellwish]

[ She doesn't know Verso well enough to deny it... all she can do is hope for the best for them. ]

I hope so, [ She toys with her silken fan, waving it back and forth to give herself a gentle breeze. ] It'd be helpful if it were you two, right? Although, so many people want to pick both of you, I think we need an answer either way.

[crimsin]

I have heard many people call for one of the pairs of ladies to go to the booth as well.

[ Poppy and Shoko, Furina and Ringo. Both good matches in his eyes, too. ]

I do not mind it either way, so long as Verso has no objection.

[embellwish]

[ Nod nod nod!! ]

Both of them were so cute at the ceremony, right? Especially Poppy.

[ thats her little meowmeow... ]

I'm glad I can relax and just vote for others now, [ going early is actually good?? maybe??? ] It gives me time to investigate a little more. Hehe...

[crimsin]

I think Mademoiselle Poppy and Mademoiselle Shoko fit together exceptionally well.

[ He likes them both, and knowing what he knows about Shoko... Poppy seems a good counter to that. ]

Ah, you lucked out, getting to go first. Though something tells me you did not seem to mind it.

[embellwish]

Mm, I didn't mind it.

[ She shakes her head. ]

Everyone's a bit nervous going first, right? And it might be embarrassing trying to test a connection super early, if you're beginning to have feelings. So if I lifted that burden from anyone, then I'm happy.

[ A shrug. ]

It's all thanks to Rom and Ringo for suggesting it, though!

[irreversal]

[ She blinks at him, curious. ]

Hoh... You really are the type to fall in love at first sight, aren't you, Nico-san?

[crimsin]

You have seen Verso, have you not? Could anyone blame me?

[ HENSOM. ]

[irreversal]

No, no one can blame you at all.

[ Like!! She has eyes too. Even though she gave him like a 6 to start— ]

I'm just in awe that you were able to confidently say that on day one.

[crimsin]

Ah, looks aside, we played the piano together. I began, and he joined in, and together we composed a song. No preparation, just feeling.

I like to think that counts for something.

[irreversal]

Hmm...

[ She considers that for a moment. ]

I can imagine something like that being really intimate, for musicians.

[crimsin]

It was certainly magical. But more than that, it was natural.

[irreversal]

Natural, huh...

[ Maybe that's what it's been like with Poppy— natural. ]

... Both of your names were mentioned quite a bit the other night. For that reason, I think would be good to verify you two as a pair sooner than later. That said— it's going to be a long week, so we have to see what happens, too.

[crimsin]

I do not mind going if that is what seems best. I also do not mind standing aside if something new comes to light.

As you say, it is going to be a long week.

[beatmatching]

[ he's mostly been listening to everyone rather than speaking up himself. though this piques his interest. ]

It counts as something romantic?