Chapter 623 How to Explain to Winona
The competition had an audience, but it was filled with industry insiders, the kind who could easily step in as judges. The event was being live-streamed to ensure fairness and transparency.
In the waiting area, Winona opened Zachary's chat window. The last message was from him, sent half an hour ago. "I'm on my way to the airport."
Winona replied, "Have you arrived?"
Just as she sent the message, a committee member approached. "To avoid any disturbances during the competition and to protect privacy, we need to collect your phones. We've provided locked boxes for you to store them in. Only you will have the key and the password."
Winona quickly messaged Rebecca and Zachary, telling them to check into the hotel once they arrived and that she would join them after the competition.
As they headed to the competition area, they ran into a team from another country. The opposing team gave them a haughty look, focusing mainly on Winona. She was the youngest, and the previous crown holder had specifically requested her to restore the artifact when it was donated to the Dreamopolis Museum. "Is your country out of experts? Sending such a young person to an important competition like this—are you so sure you'll lose that you don't care anymore? Ha!"
The group burst into mocking laughter.
Normally, they wouldn't bother with such brainless comments, but this was about national pride. The insult wasn't just to an individual but to their entire country.
Someone retorted, "Artifact restoration is about skill, not age. Maybe you should ask the committee for some extra reading glasses. Wouldn't want you to lose because you couldn't see properly."
"The crown was originally a burial accessory for a princess from our country. If you lose it, you should return it to us. Don't ruin it with your inferior skills," the man sneered, puffing up like a proud rooster. "Your restoration techniques were stolen from us anyway."
The older experts, being well-educated, weren't good at arguing. This was Winona's moment to shine. "Stop arguing. Think bigger. Why don't you apply to make the whole Earth a heritage site? Then the entire world will be yours."
The individual competition used an electronic draw system, which, though it seemed a bit casual, was the fairest method.
Winona glanced at the clear blue sky. It was a beautiful day, sunny and cloudless. She smiled slightly, thinking Zachary should have arrived at the airport by now. In a few hours, they would be together.
Today was the individual competition, with the team event scheduled for tomorrow. After the competition, she went to the rest area to retrieve her phone. As soon as she opened the box, Rebecca called.
Winona answered immediately, "Rebecca, which hotel are you at? I'm done with the competition and can come find you."
"Winona, the flight got delayed today. We don't know when it'll resume. Don't wait up for me and Zachary. Get some rest and focus on tomorrow's competition. We'll celebrate your win when we get there."
They had booked the same flight to Aetheria.
Winona frowned. Although Rebecca's voice sounded normal, she sensed something was off. "What happened?"
"Just a delay, nothing serious. Don't worry about it."
Winona's silence made it clear she didn't believe her.
In the tense atmosphere, Rebecca finally gave in. "Alright, alright, I'll tell you the truth. I knew I couldn't hide it from you. I had to take Zachary to the hospital. The doctor said he needs two days of IV treatment, so we can't go to Aetheria right now."
Rebecca's voice was filled with guilt. She quickly explained, "At the airport, Zachary looked unwell. I bought him some food, but the chef must have been cursed. The red kidney beans weren't cooked properly, and now he's in the hospital. The doctor wants him to stay for observation."
Winona was silent.
Rebecca hurried to reassure her, "Don't worry, Zachary's fine. He had his stomach pumped. I'll have him video call you when he wakes up to show he's okay."
"You..." Winona started but didn't know what to say. She had only heard of people getting poisoned by undercooked kidney beans on the news, never imagining it would happen to someone she knew.
"Winona, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. I just thought the beans looked a bit too pink," Rebecca's voice was filled with remorse. "I lied because I didn't want you to worry and affect your performance tomorrow."
"It's not your fault. Who knew the food would be undercooked?" Winona was more concerned about their health. "How are you and Zachary? Are you both okay?"
"I ate less, so I'm fine after a shot. Zachary had a rough time but he's okay. The doctor just wants to be cautious."
Relieved, Winona said, "As long as you're both okay. Don't worry about me. You wouldn't be able to get into the venue anyway. I'll come back right after the competition. I've already booked my ticket. Have Zachary call me when he wakes up."
"Okay," Rebecca agreed. "How did the individual competition go today?"
"A bit nerve-wracking," Winona admitted, not wanting Rebecca to feel guilty. "It's a good thing you didn't come. I'd be even more nervous for the team event tomorrow."
Rebecca laughed, "You're just trying to make me feel better. Windy, you've faced tougher situations than this."
"This one's new to me."
Winona listed a few big names, and Rebecca was impressed. "So you met them today."
After a bit more banter, they hung up. As soon as the call ended, Rebecca's smile vanished. She turned to Zachary with a stern look. "You have one day to sort this out and figure out how to explain it to Winona."
They were indeed in a hospital, but it wasn't Zachary or Rebecca who was admitted. It was...
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