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

[hexensabbat]

[And, equally overly theatrical, clearly not at all serious:]

You're really jerking me around here, Rom! How am I supposed to feel?

[phenomerom]

Now, perhaps we'll have to leave it as a mystery. A magician never reveals his secrets, after all.

[ He's not a magician????????

-- anyway. Seriously: ]

... I'll be counting on you and your advice, Miss Ringo.

[hexensabbat]

[... Hm! Some nice sincerity out of Rom! Look at him go!

So she just smiles in response.]

You got it. I'll do everything I can to help out.

And--listen. I'm rooting for your happiness too, Rom.

[phenomerom]

[ Oh, nope. Sincerity gone. Bye. ]

Thank you very much! Given tonight's events, I think we'll be needing your assistance more than ever.

[ Yes, once more, he is just going to point-blank ignore what he doesn't wanna talk about. ]

[hexensabbat]

[... Yeah, that's Rom for you. She's worried about him and his time here, but maybe this isn't the time or place.

So, instead:]

Then let's go on a date next week! A friend date! We can strategize, or something.

[phenomerom]

[ ... wow he like really doesn't want to do that. Ringo already having her perfect match makes her a much more difficult target to turn the conversation onto in a productive way, which leaves him far more vulnerable to questioning. But on the other hand, it's objectively true that Ringo's insight -- both as an AI with no-doubt excellent memory and a 'winner' of the game so far -- will be invaluable. To turn this down out of his own discomfort would probably be foolish.

All that goes through his head in about half a second of his usual uncanny staring. Then he gives a small nod. ]

Of course! I'd be honored to. Please just don't let me keep you away from Miss Furina for too long.

[ Welp. Just has to mentally prepare himself for this one. ]