People in the Alliance, Time Management Master

"It's my pleasure." Mu Bai smiled as he accepted the ticket.

He understood what the girl meant.

As expected of the Piltover Sheriff, his emotional intelligence is truly high...

………………

Soon, the two arrived at the Piltover Guards' Ball.

They arrived early, but were definitely not among the first. The spacious and luxurious hall was already filled with people, men and women in pairs, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere.

Everyone wore their best dress and put on their most exquisite makeup, wanting to stand out at the ball.

Mu Bai glanced around and saw a brightly dressed young girl every few steps.

It must be admitted that their average looks are indeed very high, and some of them are even at the level of minor celebrities, exuding charm with every smile and gesture.

However, when Caitlin walked by with her elegant steps, they all paled in comparison.

In terms of figure, Caitlin's curves are absolutely perfect. She has just the right amount of fat, with fullness in the right places and slimness in the right places. There is not a single flaw to be found.

As for her looks, there's no need to elaborate; even without makeup, Caitlin would still outshine everyone else.

This is the epitome of protagonist's halo.

“You’re really popular,” Mu Bai said in a voice only the two of them could hear. “I feel like everyone is watching you.”

"Perhaps they envy me for having such a wonderful dance partner?" Caitlin chuckled and naturally took Mu Bai's arm.

"...Didn't you just say that you shouldn't joke around in crowded places?"

"I just don't allow you to be cheeky, I didn't say I can't do it."

"..."

Mu Bai shrugged and casually linked arms with the girl, drawing envious glances.

This is Sheriff Caitlyn! The most famous policewoman in all of Piltover!

It seems the rumors are true; Sheriff Caitlin is taken... Oh!

The dreams of countless male police officers shattered at this moment. If heartbreak had a sound, it would be deafening.

Just as Caitlin was about to pull Mu Bai to the other side to listen to some music, a middle-aged man in his early fifties, dressed in official robes, walked over.

Everyone present, except for Mu Bai, recognized him—Mr. Ross, the regional governor of Piltover.

He had a good reputation in the area; he was an honest, down-to-earth, and hardworking man, as evidenced by his prematurely graying temples.

He preferred to be called Old Ross or Mr. Ross rather than the authoritative title of "Governor." In his own words, "I want us to be equal partners, not a hierarchical master and servant."

Everyone, including Caitlin, thought he was a very interesting and kind middle-aged man.

Also... Mrs. Ross's pastries are delicious.

Privately, the officers would jokingly refer to those pastries as a means of "bribery" by Old Ross.

"Good morning, Mr. Ross." Caitlin bowed slightly, her movements elegant and graceful, displaying the air of a well-bred lady.

After all, before becoming the Guardian of Piltover, she was indeed a lady from a prominent family, having studied etiquette for over ten years and was already very familiar with it.

"This is my new partner, Mu Bai."

"Good morning, Caitlin and Mu Bai." Ross stroked his gray beard, his words and actions full of kindness. "Two excellent kids have come together, that's wonderful, hahaha."

Mrs. Rose, who was standing to the side, nodded repeatedly and echoed, "I think you will create a wonderful story in the City of Progress."

"Mrs. Ross...!"

Caitlin's tone was slightly displeased, but she did not refute, as if she was blaming the other person for saying these things in public, rather than denying what the other person said.

The Rosss exchanged a smile, as if they were teasing a neighbor's child.

Mu Bai, on the other hand, maintained a polite smile throughout the entire process without any change in expression.

"Alright, Caitlin, let's get down to business." After a moment, Old Ross changed the subject. "I have a favor to ask, and I hope you won't be offended."

“Hmm? Please go ahead,” Caitlin said.

"I hope you can stay in the ballroom all day."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ross noticed the confusion in the other person's eyes and immediately explained:

"Today is the most chaotic day in Piltover's history. I don't want you to be attacked by 'Code C' again... You should understand that if they take action, it won't just be you who gets hurt, but also the people around you."

Upon hearing this, Caitlin frowned, but quickly relaxed.

She knew Ross was right. As the Guardian of Piltover, she couldn't disregard the safety of the citizens for her own momentary pleasure.

Besides, Ross was also thinking of himself. There was absolutely no safer place in all of Piltover than here.

“Alright, Mr. Ross, I promise you I will stay here until the Gate of the Sun closes.”

“Thank you for your understanding.” Ross nodded with satisfaction, then looked at Mu Bai. “Young man, would you like to stay here and spend a pleasant day with this beautiful lady?”

Seeing Caitlin's hopeful eyes, Mu Bai was about to nod when suddenly a very discordant white light shone into his eyes, stinging painfully.

He subconsciously looked up and caught a glimpse of a flat-chested girl in the corner of the hall, holding a small crystal and deliberately reflecting the light from the chandelier onto herself.

It's Jinx.

Chapter Twenty-Two: Riddler, Get Out of Piltover!

The stolen dress had a surprisingly spacious interior and a cinched waist. Jinx made good use of it, a cheerful smile spreading across her face.

The fishbone and the bang-bang gun can be disassembled and hidden inside the skirt along with the stun gun; to outsiders, it just looks like a petticoat is placed inside.

Phew, how perfect!

"Come here, baby..." The girl hid behind the long table, holding a shard of crystal she had picked up, which kept reflecting the bright light from the chandelier.

More than ten meters away, Mu Bai's eyes were stinging from the flash.

Is this a question worth considering?

Old Ross looked at him with a smile, mistakenly thinking that he was considering whether or not to stay and keep Caitlin company.

“Caitlyn will get bored here all by herself. Are you willing to let your princess suffer, sir?”

"Mu Bai?" Caitlin looked at him with confusion and sadness.

"I……"

Mu Bai gripped the brim of his hat, peering through the gap between the hat and his fingers at Jinx not far away.

Honestly, he would love to stay and spend the whole day with Caitlin.

But... he couldn't just leave Jinx alone. If he pretended not to see that lunatic, she might do something rash, even ruining this beautiful day.

Even if Jinx doesn't cause any trouble, if she stays here, she'll eventually be discovered by the police, and then she'll be in big trouble going to jail.

The true purpose of time travel is to take away heroes, and Jinx is one of them...

"I'm sorry, I..." Mu Bai's gaze darted away, unable to meet Caitlin's eyes. He desperately wanted to tell Caitlin his troubles, but he couldn't.

If Caitlin knew Jinx was here, she would definitely do everything in her power to arrest that lunatic.

"I have something to attend to, so I have to go now. Sorry..."

Before the others could react, Mu Bai had already walked several steps away.

Caitlin stared blankly at the retreating figure, her hands unconsciously tightening around her skirt until it was wrinkled.

“Uh…” Old Ross scratched his head awkwardly, “If you don’t mind, perhaps Mrs. Ross could spend a day teaching you how to bake…”

"No need, thank you for your kindness." Caitlin shook her head gently, then walked towards the lounge without saying a word.

Her steps were quick and heavy.

Anyone could see that this beautiful young lady was unhappy.

..............................

Jinx saw Mu Bai walking towards her, and contentedly stuffed the crystal shard into the cake before quickly crossing the hall and walking into the street.

The streets were even more crowded than in the early morning, filled with vendors, crowds of people enjoying themselves, and all sorts of balloons and flags obstructing the view.

"Excuse me, could you move aside?"

"Excuse me, thank you."

"Excuse me……"

Unlike Jinx, Mu Bai wasn't petite and agile, making it quite difficult for him to navigate through the crowded streets. Fortunately, the latter would always wait for him, intentionally or unintentionally, so he didn't lose her.

After walking several hundred meters, Jinx finally stopped at the entrance of a secluded alley.

Why do you always follow people around? It scares them!

The girl cupped her cheeks in her hands, her eyes wide open, feigning a look of terror.

"If you keep doing this... they're going to... they're going to call the police!"

"I don't have time to play house with you." Mu Bai frowned, his tone serious. "What exactly do you want?"

"Tch, boring~" Jinx shrugged, her sickly smile returning to her face.

Under the other person's gaze, she slowly walked to a discarded wooden barrel, ignored the filth on it, and sat down directly on it, instantly staining her white dress black.

"I want to work with you, Xiaobai."

"Little White? That's such an impolite way to address someone..." Mu Bai's brows furrowed even deeper.

"How do we cooperate?" He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, ready to fight at any moment. "I hope you won't betray me again."

"Of course I wouldn't cheat you. I'm sincerely looking to cooperate with you."

"Better so."

"Hehe~"

As if by magic, Jinx produced several fish-shaped cookies from somewhere, tossed them high into the air, and successfully caught one with her mouth. A few more fell into the cleavage she had forcefully created on her chest.

She pulled it out quickly, as nimbly as a scavenger in a ditch who had discovered a glittering treasure in the mud.

"This is delicious. No wonder it's the food served to Sister Hat."