"You and Caitlyn.... Vi, just hold on a moment; I suddenly have a bit of a headache."
Linwin waved his hand, signaling Vi to step back, giving him some space.
Is this some kind of joke? It's just an official thing, why is it happening for real?
Moreover, Linwin remembers that Vi hasn't been to Piltover many times. Even when she did go, it was to steal things. So how did she get to know Caitlyn? Just because of catching a thief?
Linwin, of course, knows Caitlyn. She's the Sheriff of Piltover.
However, their relationship isn't very good. Caitlyn always thinks Linwin corrupted Jayce, leading to Jayce's increasing quirky manners.
It's totally unfair!
Jayce already had many quirks, okay?
And what about this Young Miss of Piltover and the Young Miss of Zaun getting together?
As for Vi being considered a Young Miss of Zaun, it's unquestionable now. Her dad is at the top of Zaun's power structure, her brother is both Zaun's richest and strongest force, and her younger sister is the head of Zaun's Weapons Department. Considering Powder's influence, it's not insignificant.
Caitlyn, on the other hand, is certainly Piltover's Young Miss.
Kiramman, as one of the old aristocrats of Piltover, essentially wanted Caitlyn to join politics, but she rebelled and chose the path of an enforcer, avoiding the muddy waters of politics. However, if nothing unexpected happens in the future, Caitlyn will eventually become one of the eight councilors.
So, isn't this just stirring up trouble?!
Now, Piltover and Zaun are going to fight!
Moreover, Linwin remembers that Vi used to hate Piltoverians so much. When she was young, she resented Piltoverians, thinking that because of them, Zaunites couldn't live a good life. But now, what's happening?
"What are you up to?"
Vi didn't walk away, but stood strangely in front of Linwin, asking him, "If you disagree, I'll let her know in the next few days. I'm not saying I'll bring her down."
"Vi, I just find it strange that you would befriend someone from Piltover," Linwin said, looking at Vi.
"I don't know who yelled at me when she was a kid, saying 'I don't fear them, and I should confront them, start a fight. Because I'm not afraid of death.'" Linwin lowered his voice, making it sound a bit theatrical.
This immediately angered Vi. She clenched her fists and, gritting her teeth, looked at Linwin, squeezing out two words, "Shut it!"
Seeing Linwin shrug, Vi immediately said in annoyance, "What you said was in the past!"
"In the past, we couldn't live a good life, so, of course, I hated Piltoverians. But now that we're living a good life, I've realized, Linwin, that not everything is caused solely by Piltoverians." Vi's tone lowered as she spoke, and in recent years, she suddenly understood many things.
Yes, the previous situation in Zaun wasn't all caused by Piltoverians. The explosion in the canal was an accident, caused by the turmoil Zaunites initiated. But after the separation, when the upper city residents wouldn't let the lower city residents live in the upper city, claiming themselves as Piltover, and started dumping waste into the lower city, taking over Zaun's production resources, that's when the conflict was sown.
Zaun became chaotic because of poverty.
The Barons occupied a region, exploiting the local residents for their benefit. They killed and threw them into the sewers casually. At that time, no true hero stood up for them.
Ironically, as the situation became more uncontrollable, just when most Zaunites were killed by their own people, someone stepped up and spoke out for the oppressed Zaunites, and it was someone from Piltover.
Someone who contributed to creating this situation.
Under the threat of Piltoverians, the Barons toned down their actions.
That's why most Zaunites dislike Piltover, but there are also many Zaunites who yearn for Piltover.
Because Piltover is not just exploiting Zaun. When Zaun was in difficulty, Piltover also reached out to help.
Zaunties wanted to change their lives. So they saved money, learned skills, and hoped that one day they could go to Piltover, live there, and become a Piltoverian.
But more Zaunites became desperate for the future, gradually becoming numb. If even the Zaunites themselves accepted this way of life, then who could help them?
But now, Vander, Silco, and Linwin have appeared.
They changed Zaun and Vi.
Now Vi lives a different life. She can eat three meals a day, good and satisfying ones. After returning from duty, she can even take a hot bath. Vi also has a good job and a warm home with Powder.
After experiencing happiness, Vi's mindset has slowly changed.
Hating others without changing oneself is ultimately futile.
Linwin taught Vi this lesson.
"Anyway, what I want to say is, I understand now why you told me back then that we are not real enemies with the people from Piltover," Vi stood in front of Linwin and said seriously. "I know why you told me that we are not true enemies with Piltoverians."
"Now, go and ask those four or five-year-olds in the middle layer of Zaun. They don't even know what Piltover is."
"But what about us back then?" Vi sniffed, "When I was five, I knew I had to avoid Piltoverians. When I was eight, I was already fighting people on the streets."
"But now, things are different, Linwin. This is all because of you."
Life gets better, and people become weak. That's unavoidable.
Linwin certainly understood, but fortunately, Zaun still has people like Silco.
Although the current Silco has changed.
He is no longer as cold. Even though he stands there with a stern face, looking like a psycho killer, Silco occasionally smiles. Not the fake smile from before, but a faint, gentle smile.
"So, pulling all of this, you want to say it's because of me?" Linwin asked.
"Of course, it's because of you," Vi said unreasonably. "You changed Zaun."
"..."
"You changed me."
Linwin: "?"
No, what does your love perspective have to do with me?
"You also changed Powder."
But Powder's brother complex is innate..... probably...
"You changed many people, including Vander."
"So, don't worry. Although Silco always seems dissatisfied with you verbally, I know we will all support you."
Linwin smiled as he listened, waving to Vi.
Vi immediately approached.
Then.....
"Ugh!!!"
Grabbing Vi's cheeks, Linwin pinched her face.
"I've noticed that you've become quite good at talking, but with all that said, in the end, Vi, aren't you just doing all this for your Caitlyn? That girl who only knows how to make cupcakes."
"Let go of me!" Vi snarled.
Linwin playfully pinched Vi's face and then released her. While Vi rubbed her sore face, Linwin continued, "I won't stop you from pursuing things with that cake girl."
Vi's eyes lit up.
But Linwin immediately added, "But you have to handle this on your own. The cake girl's mother might not agree; I've met her a few times, and she doesn't seem to like us."
Vi responded, "Uh, you mean the old cake? I've seen her once, and she doesn't really like me."
Linwin gave Vi a strange look, "Old cake?"
I call Caitlyn the cake girl because every time I see her, she brings cakes for Jayce.
Why are you also using the cake nickname?
Vi seemed to guess what Linwin was thinking and quickly explained, "My nickname for her privately is similar to yours. We... really are brother and sister."
Vi grinned and said, "I like to call Caitlyn 'Cupcake' because she always has a sweet smell, and despite being tall, her personality is...."
"Don't say it; I don't want to hear it," Linwin hastily interrupted.
Who wants to hear your stories?
"Anyway, before January 1st, either let her go to the spots I mentioned, or bring her to Zaun."
Vi nodded, "Got it."