Dream Toy Exhibition (Part 2)

Facing the main entrance of the exhibition hall was a massive display of Mechanical Locks. As the company's debut product, and one praised by Tony Stark, the "Prince of Trending Topics," the Dream Toy Company naturally gave it top billing.

In truth, the development of Mechanical Locks had reached a point where Kraft no longer needed to devise new mechanisms. The company had hired many talented individuals in this field, and they would periodically introduce new mechanisms. Furthermore, in their marketing, the company shrewdly linked these locks to the Mohist School's Mechanism Arts, which attracted many Westerners fond of Eastern culture.

Occupying the most space within the exhibition was the solar-powered skateboard series. It wasn't necessarily because this product line had exceptionally high sales—though they were indeed good. The primary reason was that this series required a large open area for visitors to test the products.

The liveliest area, of course, was the mechanical pet exhibition. A group of rowdy kids were shouting there, mixed in with quite a few adults who hadn't lost their childlike wonder.

In addition, there were pet toys invented by Kraft to keep Bear and Quinn entertained—the Quidditch Series, featuring automatic cat and dog toys modeled after Bludgers, Quaffles, Golden Snitches, and various other types.

As for why they were named that way...

Don't ask. Just assume it was a matter of immediate recognition.

These products were all ones Kraft recognized. He also spotted a product he hadn't anticipated: a portable ball series developed based on Professor Agasa's soccer belt.

While the mass-produced balls couldn't achieve the infinite enlargement seen in dreams, the company's designers had solved the problem of the balls deflating after 10 seconds and developed a recycling function. Although the quality wasn't comparable to professional-grade balls, for children just looking to have fun, these portable balls were more convenient. They weren't exactly a flagship product, but reportedly, sales were quite good.

There were also some products that seemed to be independently developed by the company's designers; Kraft couldn't discern any connection to his dreams.

Finally, there were other toy manufacturers exhibiting to fill space, along with traditional stalls commonly found in Chinatown, selling sugar figurines, sugar paintings, kites, paper cuttings, and the like.

Then, Kraft found Mary Jane at a booth selling Sparklers and various light, airy clothing. She was holding a pink Princess Dress up to herself, examining it.

Kraft: "..."

Sister, how old are you?

"Uh... I was just curious..."

Sensing Kraft's quiet arrival behind her, Mary Jane attempted a weak protest but quickly gave up.

"Fine! I just like pretty little dresses like these! What's wrong with that?! Is there a problem with girls liking these things?!"

Alice nodded vigorously beside her, looking completely in agreement, and cast a covetous glance at the dresses nearby.

"I didn't say anything..."

Kraft chuckled and spread his hands. Then, he waved at Alice, "If you like it, go try it on. It's all our company's stuff anyway. Take whatever you like."

"Really?" Alice looked at Kraft with sparkling eyes. After receiving his confirmation, she excitedly hugged him. "You're the best! Brother!"

Then she skipped off into the pile of clothes.

"Aren't you going to pick one? I can authorize giving you a set."

Kraft looked at Mary Jane's hesitant expression and gave her a subtle nudge. "Once the exhibition officially opens, someone might snatch it up before you. These are limited edition exhibition items. If you don't buy it now, it'll be hard to get later."

Selling limited edition products at exhibitions was a basic tactic for most manufacturers, but it was still as effective as ever.

Pretty little dresses plus limited edition—Mary Jane couldn't resist. She abandoned her reserve and began browsing the stall with Alice.

By the time the two girls finished picking out their clothes, nearly an hour had passed. The exhibition had already officially opened, and attendees of other ethnicities had gradually increased.

After leaving the clothes the two girls had chosen at the store for safekeeping, Kraft asked Mary Jane, "Where are David and the others? I need to talk to him about something."

"They got hungry halfway through their browsing and went off to find something to eat," Mary Jane replied with a smile, twirling a strand of her red hair. She was in a good mood after buying new clothes.

"...So that fatty saying he was going on a diet was just talk again."

Kraft rolled his eyes. He had thought that after the shooting incident, Fatty Liao's weight loss journey would finally be taken seriously, but he had overestimated his friend.

Eventually, Kraft found the two of them enjoying a meal at a pancake stand.

"Weren't you saying you were going on a diet?"

Kraft walked up and gave Fatty Liao a kick, unable to hide his annoyance.

"...I need to eat to have the energy to diet!"

Fatty Liao was silent for a moment, then stuffed the last bit of pancake into his mouth and declared righteously.

"Don't use my own words to fob me off!"

After giving Fatty Liao another kick, Kraft finally got down to business.

"I'm going on stage later to announce a new product, and I need two people to help out. You'll come up with me."

"No problem! Leave it to me!"

Fatty Liao would never refuse such a good opportunity.

As Kraft was explaining the details to him, a young white man approached.

"Long time no see, classmate Kraft. How have you been?"

Kraft turned around and looked at the blond man before him, falling into thought. "Who... are you?"

The elegant expression on the newcomer's face faltered slightly, then quickly recovered. He continued to smile at Kraft. "Classmate Kraft is truly forgetful. Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Felim Jones. We met at the All-New York Middle School Joint Exchange Ball."

Did that happen? What kind of garbage event is the All-New York Middle School Joint Exchange Ball? When did I ever attend such a boring party?

Kraft tilted his head in confusion, asking himself three bewildered questions internally, but found no answers.

It wasn't until Fatty Liao quietly reminded him that he vaguely recalled the guy who seemed to have an "elegance filter" applied to him.

"Oh, it's you. Welcome."

In his memory, the ball had been an unpleasant experience, so Kraft didn't offer Felim a warm welcome. However, he was a guest, and Kraft didn't overtly show his dislike, merely nodding faintly.

"I just came to say hello and won't disturb you further."

Felim also noticed Kraft's lack of enthusiasm. He maintained his composure, bowed slightly, and then left. In reality, he was quite annoyed. He hadn't anticipated that Kraft's "boring inventions" would develop to this extent. It seemed unlikely he could mend their relationship now.

After seeing off that nonsensical fellow, Kraft led Fatty Liao and the others to the stage at the very back of the exhibition. A song and dance performance was underway on the central stage. Guests who had already finished touring the venue, or who weren't particularly interested in the toys but had come to show support, were scattered sparsely in front of the stage, watching the performance.

As the stage performance concluded, the host walked onto the stage. His voice, amplified by speakers placed throughout the venue, reached every corner of the hall.

"Now! Please welcome the chief designer of the Dream Toy Company! The genius youth praised by the media, the renowned Clever Hands Doctor—Kraft Leeeeeeeee—!!!"