week two | match ceremony

[marriagebroker]

Tonight, we're back in the courtyard. It looks similar to last week with the slight exception, there is now a plush couch near the stage, and a single lantern already lit above the stage. There's still food, drinks, all sorts of things available for the contestants to snack on and enjoy.

On the stage is Wei Wuxian, looking presentable in his hanfu for today. He's busy twirling his flute in hand as he waits for the contestants to show up and find their places, and when they do he'll extend both arms out, welcoming the cast.

"Second match ceremony! You're exempt from a black out tonight because you've already found one of the matches."

He'll gesture to that couch from earlier, which seems to be The Special Seat for Ringo and Furina to sit at if they'd like.

"Now, we know how this goes so let's not delay anymore! Team Wangji, it's your turn to announce your matches!"

Comments

[poans]

I do not have much to offer. Though I was once an architect and a researcher, I have neither wealth nor a residence to my name. Like Miss Maya, I have also defied the law on a few occasions. At most, I can provide assistance with certain scholarly pursuits.

[As for which pairs could be matches from the first ceremony, he'll refrain from speaking on it for now.]

[ordimame]

[Y'ALL WHAT IS UP WITH USING "DEFYING THE LAW" AS A CHARM POINT]

[says a man who ABSOLUTELY cannot judge]

Don't be so down on yourself. You've got plenty more to offer, too! Like quiet company, or kind words, or a poetic soul.

[poans]

[Nay . . . It is not a charm point, but a deficit. He's not in good standing with a larger influence in his world, which could matter for some people.]

I am not. I am merely answering the question that was raised.

If we are speaking on kindness, I believe your thoughtful nature is something to take into account.

[ordimame]

[certainly doesn't matter for Edamura, but anyway]

Oh-- [a bit. surprised??] Thanks, but that's not. . . really unique to me. A lot of people here are thoughtful.

[poans]

And others have uttered kind, poetic words. That does not disprove your claim.

[ordimame]

[. . . Yi Sang got him there]

Okay. I'll accept that as something I have to offer, then. But I'm serious! Don't say you don't have much because you definitely do.

[poans]

. . . Very well.

[He's unsure of this, but he'll accept it as he hasn't an interest in arguing.]

[enscene]

[CRIMINALS?? IN HER AYTO??

She truly looks scandalized... but at least they can't be tried.

Sorry I'm not adding anything productive to the conversation yet.]

[poans]

[It was on accident . . . Sorry, Furina.]

[researcherstory]

There you go, doubting yourself again. Even a bird with weakened wings has a voice yet to sing with, doesn't it? And plumage that shimmers in the light.

[ Tut tut. Odile-- cannot put her hands into her sleeves in this dress, um, so she just... sort of crosses her arms loosely. ]

You have much to offer, Yi Sang. You, and your company both.

[poans]

[He thought he was . . . just stating facts . . .

He exhales, lightly.]

. . . As do you, Miss Odile.

[embellwish]

So you're saying I'd pick someone with absolutely nothing to offer...

[ anyway. HES BROKE AND HAS NO HOUSE?????????? she has to protect him from her moms oh lord.... ]

[poans]

[From riches to rags . . . They would banish him before one could blink.]

Ah, that is not . . . [Help. Help.] This self-assessment is not a reflection of you, Miss Yingying, but simply an evaluation of the facts pertaining to myself.

[embellwish]

So, then, you're saying my eyes deceive me? They don't seem like facts from here...

[ She'll get him to see his good points...... one day. ]

[poans]

[Help . . . ]

No . . . That is not my intention. You have quite the discerning eyes, and it would be imprudent of me to call them into question.

[embellwish]

[ Not 2 tags back to back having Help in them. And he's gonna need help in this one too,

Her hand reaches out to cup his chin, turning his head more fully fowards her. Her grasp is gentle but firm, the coolness of her fingers meeting his warmer skin — Yingying hardly needs encouragement to charm her way into anyone's space, but everything Yi Sang's done over the last two days have her making herself at home here. ]

Then you can believe I see a very gentle, thoughtful man in front of me, can't you? With my discerning eyes...

[poans]

[H . . .

Cool as her hand is, a certain warmth lies in her touch. He allows himself to be led toward her, though his gaze is almost frantically evasive from the sheer intensity of hearing those words coupled with her steady look. His eyes flit up and down, as if in place of a nod.]

. . . As you say.

[embellwish]

[ His avoidance of her gaze is a little frantic, but she chalks it up to shyness, particularly when his gaze moves up and down. She's not above using tactics like these if it means getting him to recant his claims of having nothing to offer. So, as a reward, she holds him in place with her grip on his chin, then leans forward to give him a soft, slow, lingering kiss near the corner of his lips, teasingly close to kissing him on the mouth, but not quite yet there.

He never seems to reciprocate or react much to her playing, so all she can do is tease him without giving him the real thing, until she gets a better sense for what his feelings are. Her feelings won't be hurt, anyway, if it turns out he's just getting swept up by her... but she's certainly not going to be passive and wait around, either. She wants to know, and quickly, what sort of feelings beyond the sentimental he has. When she pulls back, her smile is self satisfied, and she gives him a little stroke under his chin with one of her fingers before finally letting go of him, sitting back into the cushions of where she's been lounging. ]

Great, then we're on the same page. I knew you'd come around.