Chapter 53: Chaos on the Exhibit Floor
After the intense first challenge and the not-so-graceful second-place finish, Ava is determined to bounce back. The next segment of the convention focuses on live demonstrations at the matchmaking exhibition floor, where participants set up themed booths to showcase their matchmaking philosophies and skills. Naturally, chaos ensues as Ava, Ryan, and (unfortunately) Mei prepare their own "interactive experience," competing directly with Julian Ashcroft’s sleek and tech-driven display.
The exhibition floor was a whirlwind of color, noise, and activity. Each participant had set up a booth showcasing their matchmaking style, and it felt more like a carnival than a convention. Neon signs, holographic projections, and wafting aromas of overpriced pastries filled the air. Ava and Ryan’s corner booth looked, at best, modest—until Mei intervened.
"This is embarrassing," Mei declared, surveying the table with a single vase of flowers and a clipboard. "We need pizzazz! Something to catch the eye."
"We don’t need pizzazz," Ava said, crossing her arms. "We need professionalism."
Mei ignored her, snapping her fingers at Harold, who emerged from a nearby box holding a garish velvet curtain and a plastic gong. "Harold, hang this up! It’ll create ambiance."
"Ambiance?" Ava repeated, horrified.
"Oh, and I brought these!" Mei said, pulling out a tray of fortune cookies. "Each one has a romantic fortune tailored to inspire love."
Ryan cracked one open. "’You’ll meet someone tall who likes pancakes.’" He smirked. "Inspirational."
"It’s a metaphor!" Mei said, waving him off. "People love gimmicks."
By the time Mei finished "enhancing" their booth, it looked like a cross between a circus sideshow and a Chinese takeout restaurant. Harold, now dressed in a ridiculous Cupid costume complete with wings, perched awkwardly on a stool in the corner.
Ava pinched the bridge of her nose. "This is a disaster."