- 9 minutes ago
The Silent Polyglot
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:04I'm Annie Smith, a junior translator at White Global Trading Co. Lou Did.
00:00:08I've been here for three years and make $24,000 a year.
00:00:13Pretty ordinary, right?
00:00:14But in fact, I'm fluent in eight languages.
00:00:17English, German, French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Arabic, and Italian.
00:00:22Nobody knows that.
00:00:24My father was a diplomat and mother was simultaneous and sort of.
00:00:27Five years ago, they died in a car accident.
00:00:30I've never wanted to show off because of these skills.
00:00:32I just want to keep my head down and be a small, unassuming translator.
00:00:36Let's welcome Mr. White to the stage.
00:00:40Everyone have worked hard over the past year.
00:00:43Thank you for your dedication.
00:00:46In the new year, we will...
00:00:48It's been ten minutes.
00:00:50And I'm down here counting how many times he says thank you while he's giving the speech.
00:00:56Annie, you better win the lucky draw later.
00:00:58If you do, it enters on me.
00:01:02Sure.
00:01:03Why not?
00:01:04That's my everyday life.
00:01:05Elon is my only friend at work.
00:01:08She doesn't know I speak eight languages.
00:01:10But she does know one thing.
00:01:14Also, I have another note.
00:01:17Everyone here, who speaks German, will earn a 70% Gehanserröhung.
00:01:2670%.
00:01:27My salary would go from $24,000 to $4,800.
00:01:31But it has nothing to do with me.
00:01:33I told myself, it has nothing to do with me.
00:01:40Annie, did you understand that?
00:01:42No.
00:01:43I don't speak German.
00:01:46Right, of course.
00:01:47You only have a certificate in Spanish.
00:01:49What could you possibly understand?
00:01:52Poor thing.
00:01:54Scarlett, majoring in German, French, and Spanish, is the head of translator team.
00:01:59She got promoted in just three months, and has been riding that high ever since.
00:02:05Mm-hmm.
00:02:06Anyway, the raise has nothing to do with you.
00:02:10Just keep doing the basic work.
00:02:13Oh, and remember to translate the annual meeting press replaced tonight.
00:02:17I didn't say anything.
00:02:18A 70% raise.
00:02:20The German translation team consists of four people, plus Scarlett.
00:02:23Only five people would get it.
00:02:25What did that have to do with me?
00:02:27Nothing.
00:02:28Really, nothing.
00:02:33Anne, stay right there.
00:02:34I'm coming over right now.
00:02:39Annie, why didn't you raise your hand just now?
00:02:42Raise my hand for what?
00:02:44You definitely understood that German, right?
00:02:4670%?
00:02:48You only make 24,000 a year.
00:02:50After the raise, that's 4,800 a year.
00:02:53No, I didn't get the meeting.
00:02:54I don't speak German.
00:02:57Who are you trying to fool?
00:02:59Your French is already that good.
00:03:00You expect me to believe you don't understand German.
00:03:02Are you kidding me?
00:03:04I really don't understand German.
00:03:06Anne, that crappy place you rent barely have working heating.
00:03:10Sometimes you even can't bring yourself to go when we go out for a drink on Friday.
00:03:14Can't you stand up for yourself for once?
00:03:16Ellen caught me reading a French book in the pantry last year.
00:03:18I told her I'd studied a little bit French.
00:03:21She's been holding it in for almost a year.
00:03:24I don't want to expose.
00:03:30Oh my God, Annie, what are you afraid of?
00:03:35Fine.
00:03:36Keep pretending.
00:03:37I'm done.
00:03:38But Annie, I'm telling you.
00:03:39You're going to suffer with that kind of personality sooner or later.
00:03:44All right.
00:03:51Good luck, isn't it?
00:03:53You can only understand the people from the German team.
00:03:56That means that I only give the core team a change of change.
00:03:59All right.
00:04:05All right.
00:04:08All right.
00:04:10All right.
00:04:39They didn't know I could understand them. They thought I was just a small translator.
00:04:45But that's only to be expected. I haven't shown what I'm capable of either.
00:04:49Annie, send me the proofread version of last week's contract tomorrow.
00:04:54Yes, Mr. White.
00:05:01I placed the proofread contract on Brian White's desk the next day.
00:05:05It was a 30,000-word Spanish contract, and I had corrected 47 mistakes in the original translation.
00:05:11The original translator was Scarlett, but my name would never appear on the proofread version.
00:05:16It would only show translation department on the surface.
00:05:19Scarlett never knew her translations had been corrected by me.
00:05:23She thought she was the top.
00:05:26Annie, did you hear?
00:05:28Hear what? Scarlett is going to handle the Crownwell International next week.
00:05:32I heard. Do you know President Anderson of Crownwell?
00:05:39Who?
00:05:44Louis Anderson. 32 years old, President of Crownwell International Commerce Group leading in.
00:05:48He ranked 98th on last year's global wealth rankings.
00:05:51They say he's fluent in five languages, but notorious for his bad temper.
00:05:54He even chewed out the entire Meridian's translation team and drove them out of the meeting room.
00:05:58What does that have to do with me?
00:05:59You don't think Scarlett can handle him?
00:06:03Even if she can't, that's not my business.
00:06:07Annie, seriously.
00:06:09You're way too good at putting up with things.
00:06:11Blueen left. She doesn't get it.
00:06:13I'm not putting up with it.
00:06:14I just don't want to get involved.
00:06:16It was an ARAP supplier quotation.
00:06:18Technically, it should have gone to someone on the ARAP group.
00:06:20But the ARAP team is out of the office today, so Alex Wood casually dumped it on me.
00:06:25Annie, didn't you say you took a little Arabic course in college?
00:06:28Just do a rough translation.
00:06:29Sure.
00:06:30I did tell him I'd taken a little Arabic.
00:06:32But in fact, I lived in Saudi Arabia for two years.
00:06:35Arabic is basically my fourth native language.
00:06:37It took me 15 minutes to finish the translation.
00:06:40I left two tiny mistakes in proposal just to pretend the work of someone who had only taken a little
00:06:45Arabic.
00:06:50Not bad was actually good enough for me.
00:06:59Annie, organize these materials for me.
00:07:02I need them for Crownwell's project next week.
00:07:04This is background materials on Crownwell International Commerce Group Loa, all in Spanish.
00:07:09About 50 pages.
00:07:10This isn't my job.
00:07:11How is it not?
00:07:12You're in the translation department, and I'm your leader.
00:07:14Is there a problem with me assigning you work?
00:07:16She had been promoted to team leader last month, so of course was at the peak of her arrogance.
00:07:22Fine.
00:07:25Oh, and there's a department meeting tomorrow.
00:07:27We'll be discussing the handover plan for the Crownwell project.
00:07:30You don't need to attend.
00:07:32I know.
00:07:32You're only responsible for basic proofreading.
00:07:35A major project like this isn't something you get to be part of.
00:07:38I know.
00:07:38Hm.
00:07:45I heard everything in the pantry.
00:07:47Who does she think she is talking to you like that?
00:07:48What does she mean by not something you get to be part of?
00:07:50I'm used to it.
00:07:52Can't you just clap back for once?
00:07:53And then what?
00:07:54She's the boss.
00:07:57If you showed everyone what you can really do, what kind of boss would she even be?
00:08:03I don't want to.
00:08:04What exactly are you afraid of, Annie?
00:08:07What am I afraid of?
00:08:08I don't know either.
00:08:10Maybe I'm afraid of being noticed.
00:08:11Afraid that people will dig into my past and will look at me with pity.
00:08:16Or maybe I'm just too tired to care.
00:08:22An annual salary of $24,000 for $1,000.
00:08:26In this city, after rent and utilities, there isn't much left.
00:08:36Hello?
00:08:37Hello.
00:08:37Am I speaking with Miss Annie Smith?
00:08:39Yes.
00:08:40This is Attorney Wills from Kirkland and Ellis Law Firm.
00:08:43There are some documents regarding the settlement of the overseas assets left by your parents.
00:08:47And we need you to sign in person.
00:08:49I've said this before.
00:08:50I don't want any of it.
00:08:51Donate everything.
00:08:51Mrs. Smith, there is a sum in your parents' account in Zurich.
00:08:54I don't want it.
00:08:55Attorney Wills, thank you, but please stop calling me.
00:09:04The Translation Department had a meeting on a Monday morning.
00:09:07I wasn't told to attend, but my desk was right next to the meeting room.
00:09:10I could hear every word through that glass wall.
00:09:13Louis Anderson is fluent in German and French.
00:09:15There are also someone who can speak Mandarin and Japanese in his team.
00:09:18This time, we're discussing a supply chain partnership for the Middle East market.
00:09:22Anything involving Arabic will be handled by their side.
00:09:24We only need to cover the German communication.
00:09:26Can you handle that?
00:09:27Of course.
00:09:28I studied in Germany for three years.
00:09:29The business negotiation like this is exactly in my comfort zone.
00:09:32To be fair, Starless German is decent.
00:09:34Daily conversation is indeed a piece of cake for her.
00:09:37But I've reviewed her previous translations.
00:09:39Her business German has one fatal habit.
00:09:40She relies too much on literal translation and often misses the level of formality required
00:09:44in German business correspondence.
00:09:46In everyday conversation, that's not a big deal.
00:09:48But if the person she faced is extremely sensitive to details, never mind.
00:09:52Not my business.
00:09:54Finish sorting everything?
00:09:56Yes.
00:09:56I made her a summary classified by project type, cooperation history, and key personnel.
00:10:01I also marked the changes of tariff policies and the risk points.
00:10:03All she had to do was a glance through and she was exactly to expect.
00:10:06It'll do.
00:10:11Scarlet!
00:10:13Scarlet.
00:10:14He rarely came down here in person.
00:10:17Scarlet.
00:10:18Crown will move the schedule up.
00:10:20Anderson will be here tomorrow afternoon.
00:10:21Are you ready?
00:10:22Moved up?
00:10:25I've gone through all the materials.
00:10:26No problem.
00:10:27Good.
00:10:28Bring someone with you tomorrow for on-site interpretation support.
00:10:31I'll take Zach.
00:10:32His German is decent too.
00:10:34Zach is still on leave.
00:10:38Annie!
00:10:39You come with me tomorrow.
00:10:40Me?
00:10:41I only speak Spanish.
00:10:42You'll just take notes and serve coffee.
00:10:44I'll handle the professional part.
00:10:47Her?
00:10:48Don't worry, Mr. White.
00:10:49She's more than enough as an assistant.
00:10:51I got dragged into Crown Willian's business negotiation as an assistant and a note-taker.
00:10:56Someone who can serve coffee at the same time.
00:10:59I sent Elin a message.
00:11:01I will go to Crown Will tomorrow.
00:11:02Scarlet is taking you?
00:11:04Doesn't she always sit down on you as the errand girl?
00:11:07You...
00:11:07You just agreed to that?
00:11:09What else am I supposed to do?
00:11:10Annie!
00:11:11Annie!
00:11:15Annie!
00:11:22Are you from White Global?
00:11:24Yes.
00:11:24I'm Scarlet, team leader of the translation department.
00:11:27This is my assistant, Annie.
00:11:29Oh, she called me assistant.
00:11:31I didn't correct her.
00:11:34Please wait.
00:11:35President Alexandring is still in a meeting.
00:11:38Scarlet reapplied her lipstick twice and adjusted her hair three separate times in just these 15 minutes.
00:11:43Annie, when we go in, just sit on the side and take notes.
00:11:46Don't speak unless you're asked.
00:11:48Got it?
00:11:48Got it.
00:11:49Also, when you address Mr. Anderson, be formal and respectful.
00:11:54Don't let your eyes wander.
00:11:55People at his level hate unprofessional behavior.
00:11:59Okay.
00:12:02Miss Scarlet?
00:12:03President Anderson will see you now.
00:12:1632 years old, about 6 foot 1, gray suit, no tie.
00:12:20The top button of his shirt was undone.
00:12:21His face was cold.
00:12:22Not the kind of cold people put on to look cool.
00:12:24He was genuinely cold.
00:12:26Sit.
00:12:28Two other people were sitting next to him.
00:12:30The legal director and a lady who looked very, very young.
00:12:33A translation device sat in front of her.
00:12:39In the last outfit, that you have given us before yesterday, was a three-tarifungal on the standards of 2000,
00:12:462001.
00:12:47We have now 2024.
00:12:48What should that mean?
00:12:50He spoke for a fast.
00:12:52Every word was sharp.
00:12:53She understood him, but she clearly didn't expect him to open like that.
00:13:00I...
00:13:02I mean...
00:13:03I have asked for German, so please answer for German.
00:13:07I don't want to spend time with over-sathings.
00:13:11That was just a first end-prof.
00:13:13We will update the data.
00:13:16Update?
00:13:17Has anyone in your keyed with the new Sot-Volaych for the import of the EGN in the near-sathe
00:13:21of 2021?
00:13:22The changes in Artikel D3 and 7 represent directly 15% of your A-Bot-Spielers.
00:13:26Did you know that?
00:13:27She didn't know.
00:13:30But I did, because that policy change was mentioned in the background materials.
00:13:33I had specifically marked it in the summary.
00:13:36But Scarlet obviously hadn't read it carefully.
00:13:41The...
00:13:41I...
00:13:42I...
00:13:43I have to do that first in the internal.
00:13:47Have you not prepared before you come here?
00:13:50Yes.
00:13:51You have used three times the wrong German language.
00:13:54For the first time, I said nothing.
00:13:56For the second time, I did not.
00:13:58For the third time, do you know what it means in the business life if you use the wrong form
00:14:04constantly?
00:14:11The legal director beside Anderson gave a slight shake of his head.
00:14:15The meaning was obvious.
00:14:16This negotiation was about to fall through.
00:14:24Herr Präsident Anderson, ich wette vielmals um Entschuldung.
00:14:33My hands froze above the keyboard.
00:14:35Two voices were speaking in my head.
00:14:36It's none of your concern.
00:14:38You're just here to fetch coffee and serve drinks.
00:14:40This is Whitworth with Global's biggest deal of the year.
00:14:42If we lose it, they'll probably be layoffs by the end of the year.
00:14:44And junior translators like me will be first on the chopping block.
00:14:58President Anderson, geben Sie uns bitte noch fünf Minuten.
00:15:14And you are?
00:15:16I'm Annie, junior translator at Whitmore Global.
00:15:20Junior translator?
00:15:22Yes.
00:15:23The one who always takes notes beside and serves coffee.
00:15:29Five minutes.
00:15:33Die neue drei erfettet den Standard für irgendein Sechlinge von sechs auf acht Stelle HSKs.
00:15:39Artikel diese Bärinzer zwei zeigen unsere Tachtächen Bärloch und Beckermal 15%.
00:15:46Der White Global über ein Sohlbaus in den W.E. hüht, das von den Vorlingsschaffen der freien Hande vom Comprofifessions,
00:15:52werden etwa drei Prozent der durch die Erkreisung des HS-Bogenverdüsten Kostenschärbungen kompensiert.
00:15:56Die nette Auswirkung entheizt den Stolzpitz.
00:15:58Louis Anderson's legal director lowered his head and flipped through the files, as if he was checking whether I was
00:16:03right.
00:16:03Where did you learn German?
00:16:05I lived in Berlin for a while.
00:16:07Your honorifics are very precise.
00:16:10And you said you were the junior level?
00:16:11Yes.
00:16:12Your five minutes are up.
00:16:13But I can give you ten more, on one condition.
00:16:16From here on, you lead the negotiation.
00:16:20She can't-
00:16:21I said she leads.
00:16:23Or you can lead right now.
00:16:28Scarlett, should I take over?
00:16:32Then let's restart from the first part of the proposal.
00:16:34This wasn't because I had prepared in advance.
00:16:36While sorting that 50 pages materials I had for Scarlett, I had memorized every word.
00:16:40Plus, I grew up in a diplomatic family.
00:16:42The basics of international trade are as natural to me as breathing.
00:16:45Auf dem Neustmarkt.
00:16:47Wenn ein Kunde lange nicht über den Preis spritzt, sondern nur über Tellingen, wie würden Sie damit umgehen?
00:16:51A tajriya bala taffa.
00:16:52Musibit alaagata awala, fana naquu bisharat.
00:16:55You speak Arabic too?
00:16:56A little.
00:16:56Der japanische Lieferstern ist 6% günstiger, aber die Lieferzeit ist instabil.
00:17:01Wie entscheiden Sie?
00:17:01Die erschriechene japanische Angosuznummer leist JPKT 0427.
00:17:06Ich würde nicht das nierigste Auversauk wählen, sondern die Läusung mit dem kleinsten Gesamteriskop.
00:17:13The framework works.
00:17:15I'll have my legal team follow up with you on the details.
00:17:18The hand was warm and strong, and the grip was just right.
00:17:22Annie, right?
00:17:23Yes.
00:17:24You're wasted in the junior level.
00:17:30You lied to everyone.
00:17:33What?
00:17:34You said you only spoke Spanish.
00:17:40I do mainly work in Spanish.
00:17:43What you did in there today, that's what you call mainly working in Spanish?
00:17:46Your German is better than mine.
00:17:47Where did that Arab come from?
00:17:49It's not even on your resume.
00:17:52Scarlet, the project was saved, wasn't it?
00:17:55You did this on purpose.
00:17:56You hid your skills just waiting for a chance like this to show off.
00:18:01What do you think will happen just because you impressed Louis Anderson once?
00:18:04When we're back at the company, you're still just that junior translator.
00:18:07Annie, just you wait.
00:18:17Suddenly, I felt a little tired.
00:18:20How did the negotiation go?
00:18:22Did Scarlet crash and burn?
00:18:23The project was saved.
00:18:25How was it saved?
00:18:26Wasn't she...
00:18:26Wait, was it you?
00:18:27I'll tell you when I get back.
00:18:29Annie, you finally made a move!
00:18:33Standing at the exit of the underground garage, I felt the autumn wind blowing in.
00:18:37It was a bit cold.
00:18:39I didn't want to show off.
00:18:41I really didn't.
00:18:42But I didn't want to lose my job either.
00:18:53Mr. White, Annie spoke out of turn during negotiation and completely ignored the company hierarchy.
00:18:58Was the project saved?
00:18:59Yes, but that was...
00:19:00Then that's all that matters.
00:19:01The Crown Will deal is worth $40 million.
00:19:03If it had fallen through yesterday, the entire translation department could have packed up.
00:19:09One look at her face, and I knew this wasn't over.
00:19:18Annie, how good is your German exactly?
00:19:21I can get by.
00:19:22You can get by?
00:19:23I heard you handled the entire negotiation in German without any problem at Crown Will, and you even used Arabic.
00:19:28My German just everyday level?
00:19:29Do you know if the company hired a multi-language translator like you, the starting salary would be at least
00:19:33$96,000 a year?
00:19:34I have no issues with my current salary.
00:19:36Fine.
00:19:37Come to the meeting room at 2 this afternoon.
00:19:39We need you involved in the follow-up coordination for the Crown Will project.
00:19:43Mr. Wood!
00:19:44I'm the one in charge of the Crown Will project.
00:19:46We'll remain in charge, but Annie will be involved in the coordination.
00:19:48That's Mr. White's decision.
00:19:53Happy now, Annie?
00:19:56Scarlet, I just...
00:19:57You just what?
00:19:59You think because you showed up once yesterday, you're on the same level as me now?
00:20:02That's not what I meant.
00:20:03I've been here for seven years.
00:20:05I worked my way up from intern to department leader.
00:20:07And you, a liar who's been hiding everything.
00:20:13Just you wait.
00:20:17Annie, Mr. Anderson specifically requested you as the translator for the follow-up coordination.
00:20:22Starting today, you'll be temporarily transferred to the Crown Will project team.
00:20:25Okay.
00:20:25But your position will remain junior, and salary will stay the same.
00:20:28We'll evaluate it again after the project ends.
00:20:30Got it.
00:20:31Crown Will's supply chain project is divided into three stages.
00:20:34The preliminary framework was already discussed yesterday.
00:20:36Next comes the translation of the detailed terms and contract documents.
00:20:39All files will need English, Spanish, and German versions.
00:20:41Annie, can you handle all three language versions at the same time?
00:20:44Yes.
00:20:45Three languages?
00:20:45Since she joined this company, she has only ever worked as a Spanish translator.
00:20:48We don't even know her actual German level.
00:20:50What if something goes wrong?
00:20:51Yesterday's negotiation showed exactly what her level is.
00:20:54Any other questions?
00:20:58It took me two hours to finish the English version,
00:21:01and another hour and a half to finish the Spanish version.
00:21:06You're translating that fast?
00:21:07Aren't you afraid of making mistakes?
00:21:09Nope.
00:21:09You'd better pray you don't make any.
00:21:18Both the speed and quality excited expectations,
00:21:20Annie, what exactly have you been doing for the past three years?
00:21:31Hello?
00:21:32Annie?
00:21:33It was Louie Anderson.
00:21:34This is Louie Anderson from Crown Well.
00:21:36Mr. Wood gave me your number.
00:21:38Mr. Anderson, what can I do for you?
00:21:39I read the 62 pages you translated today.
00:21:42Was there any problem?
00:21:43No problem at all.
00:21:44It's the most accurate German business translation I've seen in the past three years.
00:21:49You're not someone who belongs in a junior position.
00:21:51That is my current position.
00:21:53I know.
00:21:54That's why I'm curious.
00:21:55Crown Well has an internal meeting tomorrow afternoon.
00:21:57It involves partner selection for the Middle Eastern market.
00:22:00I need an Arabic-speaking interpreter there.
00:22:01This should go through the company.
00:22:03I know.
00:22:03But I'm asking you directly.
00:22:05Would you like to come?
00:22:07Okay, I will.
00:22:10Annie, maybe you're going to be exposed after all.
00:22:12I knew this day would come eventually.
00:22:14But I just didn't expect it to come this soon.
00:22:19They were from a construction materials group in the UAE.
00:22:22The man leading the meeting looked about 50, wearing a white robe with a Siri expression.
00:22:26A young Arab woman sat beside him should be his interpreter.
00:22:29You're here.
00:22:31Today I may need you to do an interpretation between Eric and English.
00:22:34Okay.
00:22:35If Starlet were here, she would probably ask, where did your ablick even come from?
00:22:38The answer is I lived in Cairo for a year and a half.
00:22:40During that time, my roommate was even an Egyptian diplomat's daughter.
00:22:47Grass, this file of our team is lowered.
00:22:49Standard procedure.
00:22:5015 minutes passed.
00:22:57I lowered my head in height, as if I were picking notes.
00:23:01Then I turned my laptop slightly so Louie Anderson could see this one line in English.
00:23:04They said they want to push the price down by 20 work.
00:23:06They'll switch to suppliers.
00:23:07Louie Anderson's eyes stayed on the screen for one second.
00:23:10His expression didn't change at all.
00:23:12But is in the negotiation that followed, his strategy clearly shifted.
00:23:16Let's cut the chase.
00:23:17Our final offer is 10% below the current market price.
00:23:19Take your lead.
00:23:25Your abhishek is excellent.
00:23:26Not that good.
00:23:27Just the daily level.
00:23:28You heard what he said to his interpreter just now?
00:23:31Then you warned me.
00:23:32I just thought the information might be useful for the negotiation.
00:23:35Without that warning from you, this deal would have cost us at least $8 million today.
00:23:38Annie, how many languages do you speak?
00:23:40German, French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Arabic, and Italian.
00:23:44Eight in total, plus English.
00:23:45Mm-hmm.
00:23:45And you're a junior level translator at Light Global.
00:23:47Mm-hmm.
00:23:48Do you think that makes sense?
00:23:49It was my choice.
00:23:50Would you be interested in coming to Crownwell?
00:23:51I can start you at $400,000 a year.
00:23:53If you're willing to head the International Business Department, there's no upper limit.
00:23:57Mr. Anderson, thank you for the offer.
00:23:58I'm not planning to change jobs for now.
00:24:00For now?
00:24:01For now.
00:24:01You can change your mind to any ground.
00:24:03Only one line of text, Loey Anderson, and a phone number.
00:24:05It didn't even say President Crownwell International.
00:24:07This kind of card is usually given to people who already need to know who you are.
00:24:19What are you doing?
00:24:21I-I-I was passing by and saw your computer was still on.
00:24:24It was off when I left.
00:24:25You went to Crownwell again today?
00:24:27Louie Anderson asked you to go, didn't he?
00:24:28It was needed for the project coordination.
00:24:30What kind of project needs you to interpret Arabic?
00:24:32You never said you were that good at Arabic.
00:24:33What else are you hiding, Scarlett?
00:24:34What did you see on my computer?
00:24:37I didn't see anything.
00:24:39She had opened my personal folder.
00:24:41What was inside?
00:24:42Some translation exercises.
00:24:44Casual translations in French, Japanese, and Korean.
00:24:47Things I did when I was bored.
00:24:49If she saw those...
00:24:52Annie, what exactly did you do at Crownwell today?
00:24:54Scarlett was losing her mind in the office all afternoon.
00:24:57She went through your computer.
00:24:58You know?
00:24:58Why are you reporting her?
00:25:00Report what?
00:25:00I don't have proof.
00:25:01You are way too...
00:25:02Forget it.
00:25:03I heard something today.
00:25:04Do you want to know?
00:25:05Go on.
00:25:05There's something going on between Scarlett and Alex Wood.
00:25:07What do you mean?
00:25:08I handle reimbursement forms and admins.
00:25:09Over the past six months, Scarlett has gone out alone with Alex Wood to talk about work at 18 times.
00:25:13Every single time I was at that hotel on the west side of the city, think about that.
00:25:15That has nothing to do with me.
00:25:17How does that have nothing to do with you?
00:25:18Alex Wood made Scarlett department leader because of that relationship.
00:25:26The message basically said the company found some employees failed to truthfully fill in personal skills during onboarding.
00:25:32All staff must update profiles within a week.
00:25:35Concealment or classification will be dealt with as a violation of company regulations.
00:25:40This email is entered straight to you.
00:25:43Of course I knew.
00:25:44When Scarlett went through my computer, she found those multilingual translation exercises.
00:25:49She must have gone to Alex Wood.
00:25:53Annie.
00:25:54Did you see that email?
00:25:56So what?
00:25:57Are you planning to update your profile?
00:25:59I'm still thinking about it.
00:26:01I suggest you do it soon.
00:26:03If they find out you hid something, that'll be a very serious matter.
00:26:09Thank you for the reminder, Scarlett.
00:26:16It had a pure black background with handwritten words on the back.
00:26:28There are two things to discuss today.
00:26:31First, the Crownwell project has finished the initial handover.
00:26:35Mr. Anderson is very satisfied with our translation work.
00:26:39Bonuses for this project will be issued next month.
00:26:44Second, regarding the update of employee profiles.
00:26:51Mr. White, I have a question.
00:26:54Go ahead.
00:26:56If an employee deliberately hides their skills and causes the company to make the mistakes in allocation human resources, does
00:27:02that count as a violation?
00:27:10Then let me give an example.
00:27:11Say an employee only lists Spanish on her profile, but in fact she is fluent in multiple languages.
00:27:15The company assigns her position and salary according on the standard for a Spanish translator, and she never raises any
00:27:20objection.
00:27:20Over three years without knowing the truth, the company loses out on a huge amount of usable human resources.
00:27:25This kind of behavior.
00:27:26Enough.
00:27:30Scarlett, get to the point.
00:27:32The person you're talking about is me, right?
00:27:35So what?
00:27:36Yes.
00:27:36I only listed Spanish on my profile because the position I applied for was junior Spanish translator.
00:27:42I have never made a mistake during the work.
00:27:46As for the other languages...
00:27:47As for the other languages, you hid your ability.
00:27:50You let the company spend high salaries hiring people for the German, French, and Arabic teams when you alone could
00:27:55do all of their jobs.
00:27:56Isn't that damaging the company's interests?
00:27:58If I alone can replace all of them, then where does that leave you, Scarlett?
00:28:01This has nothing to do with my place.
00:28:03Yes, it does.
00:28:04Because what you're really worried about isn't the company's interests.
00:28:08It's the fact that you found out I'm more capable than you.
00:28:11And now your position doesn't feel so secure anymore.
00:28:14You...
00:28:15I'll say it again.
00:28:17Not listing on my profile does not mean hiding.
00:28:19The skills section does not say all skills must be listed.
00:28:22I chose to show only the skills required for the job I applied for.
00:28:26That is my right.
00:28:30Fine, then let me ask another question.
00:28:33Mr. White, the bonus for the Crownwell project is distributed among the team members, right?
00:28:37Yes.
00:28:38Annie was added to the team later on a temporary basis.
00:28:40The part she took in was just translation handover.
00:28:43She wasn't on the original team list.
00:28:45So when the bonus is distributed, she shouldn't receive the full amount.
00:28:48That was a vicious move.
00:28:50She stopped attacking me over the hidden skills issue because she knew she couldn't win that fight.
00:28:54So she switched to MUND money instead.
00:29:00Well, Scarlett does have a point.
00:29:02Annie joined halfway through.
00:29:03Louis Anderson specifically requested me.
00:29:08Mr. Anderson, what brings you here?
00:29:11I came to deliver the contract.
00:29:12I heard your meeting.
00:29:14The door wasn't fully closed.
00:29:15The core negotiation of this project was completed by Annie.
00:29:18On the day we first met, she saved the entire conversation in the final five minutes.
00:29:21During the meeting with the UAE client, she used Arabic to win me $8 million in profit margin.
00:29:25How your company distributes bonus is your business.
00:29:27But I suggest you figure out who really is the key person in this project.
00:29:37One more thing.
00:29:38There is a clause in this contract.
00:29:40From now on, all translation handover work for Crown Width will be handled by Annie.
00:29:44If she is no longer at White Global, this contract automatically becomes void.
00:29:53Mr. Anderson, you mean, I've made myself very clear.
00:29:56This contract is worth $80 million a year.
00:30:00The handover translator is Annie.
00:30:02If you replace her, the contract is void.
00:30:07$80 million.
00:30:08Annie.
00:30:09Mr. White.
00:30:10Starting today, you are no longer on the junior level.
00:30:13Then which level I'm in?
00:30:14Deputy Director of the Translation Department.
00:30:17As for your salary, we'll discuss it privately.
00:30:20Mr. White.
00:30:21She's only been here for three years.
00:30:23I've been here for seven.
00:30:24Scarlet, sit down.
00:30:27You deserve more than that.
00:30:30The Translation Department was in an uproar.
00:30:33She actually speaks eight languages.
00:30:36She stayed in the junior level for three years?
00:30:38How did that happen?
00:30:39Didn't you hear Louis Anderson's contract?
00:30:41He specifically asked for her.
00:30:44$80 million.
00:30:46Scarlet's face looks amazing.
00:30:48I mean, the color.
00:30:52That line in French, you understood it?
00:30:54I did.
00:30:55What did you think?
00:30:58I'm thinking about it.
00:31:00Take your time.
00:31:04Annie, let's have a chat.
00:31:08You hid for three years, and now everything is out in the lopin.
00:31:12Do you really think your life here will be easy from now on?
00:31:15Are you threatening me?
00:31:17I'm reminding you.
00:31:18Do you think becoming Deputy Director solves everything?
00:31:20The Translation Department's connections, client relationships, and internal resources are all in my hands.
00:31:25You're a newcomer who just got promoted.
00:31:27You won't be able to handle any of it.
00:31:29What are you trying to say?
00:31:30Give me your position.
00:31:31You can keep working as the handover translator and take your project bonus.
00:31:34I'll manage the department, and you handle the business.
00:31:37We both get what we want.
00:31:38What if I don't want to?
00:31:40Then I'll let you know, ability isn't the only thing that matters in reality.
00:31:50It tasted awful.
00:31:51Scarlet was right.
00:31:53Ability isn't the only thing that matters.
00:31:55But there is one thing she's wrong about.
00:31:57Thinking she was the only one who had the connection.
00:32:02On Monday, something major happened at White Global.
00:32:05The company had received a new project, a fashion brand from Lyon, France.
00:32:09It required a full set of French to English brand translation and market localization services.
00:32:15Alex Wood had brought this project back through an old client.
00:32:18The amount was not huge, but it mattered a lot for the company's brand expansion.
00:32:23The problem was, one of the two translators on the French team had just resigned last month.
00:32:29The other was on maternity leave.
00:32:32There's no one left on the French team.
00:32:34What are we supposed to do with this project?
00:32:38Annie, what level is your French?
00:32:40It works.
00:32:41What do you mean by that?
00:32:42Can you handle high-end French brand localization?
00:32:45Yes.
00:32:46Good.
00:32:47Then you're taking this project.
00:32:51The director of the French side personally called Brian White after looked through.
00:32:57Is your translator French?
00:32:59The language feels incredibly authentic.
00:33:01Yes.
00:33:02We have a dedicated French translation team.
00:33:09Annie, the French side is extremely satisfied.
00:33:13They've added another project, the full translation of their product manuals.
00:33:16It's worth $3 million.
00:33:18Okay.
00:33:19I'll approve your project bonus for this month separately.
00:33:22Thank you, Mr. White.
00:33:26Please note everyone, project assignments in the translation should follow departmental procedures.
00:33:31No one should skip the leader and take projects directly.
00:33:46Annie, do you really speak eight languages?
00:33:48Yes.
00:33:49Do you know how rare someone like you is in the translation industry?
00:33:53I know.
00:33:54Then why did you...
00:33:56Forget it.
00:33:57There's something I should tell you.
00:33:59Scarlet has a real problem with you.
00:34:00She's brought it up with me several times already.
00:34:02I know.
00:34:04You better be careful.
00:34:06She has certain connections in the company.
00:34:10Mr. Wood, about you and Scarlet?
00:34:12What about us?
00:34:15Nothing.
00:34:21Annie, Scarlet and I don't have the kind of relationship you might be thinking of.
00:34:24She got promoted to team lead because she had been here long enough and knew the business well.
00:34:29That's all.
00:34:32I thought of the 17 hotel reinforcing claims Elan had mentioned.
00:34:36Human nature really is an interesting thing.
00:34:41The way people looked at me was strange.
00:34:43It wasn't admiration or envy.
00:34:45It was more like avoidance.
00:34:48Something happened.
00:34:49What happened?
00:34:50Scarlet reported you to Brian White.
00:34:52Reported me for what?
00:34:53She said you privately leagered White Global's internal pricing strategy to Crownweck while you were translating for them.
00:34:58That's a false accusation.
00:35:00I know.
00:35:00But she has evidence.
00:35:02What evidence?
00:35:03She said she found a file on your computer.
00:35:05Screenshots of a chat between you and Ruby Anderson's assistant, Frank Young.
00:35:09The chat mentions White Global's internal pricing.
00:35:12There is no such file on my computer.
00:35:14She says there is.
00:35:15And she already showed it to Brian White.
00:35:17Brian wants you in his office tomorrow morning to explain yourself.
00:35:21That so-called chat record?
00:35:23It's fake.
00:35:24I sneaked a look at it.
00:35:25The chat time was last Wednesday at 2 p.m.
00:35:27But you were at the department meeting last Wednesday afternoon.
00:35:30Everyone can prove it.
00:35:31Then how did she...
00:35:32She edited the time in the chat.
00:35:34Photoshopped it.
00:35:35But she forgot one thing.
00:35:36There's a battery indicator in the top right corner of the screenshot.
00:35:39That battery display doesn't match your phone model.
00:35:41You use a Samsung.
00:35:43That screenshot is from an iPhone.
00:35:46Ellen, I need you to do me a favor.
00:35:48Name it.
00:35:49You're in administration.
00:35:51Can you pull the attendance records and meeting room usage records from last Wednesday afternoon?
00:35:56Yes.
00:35:56Pull them.
00:35:57Also, Scarlet's reimbursement records, the 17 hotel ones.
00:36:00Do you have them?
00:36:01I do.
00:36:02Are you finally going to use them?
00:36:03Not to attack her, but to protect myself.
00:36:05If she comes after me, I need Brian White to know her credibility has a problem.
00:36:09Got it.
00:36:20Every file had a timestamp and sending record.
00:36:23My real chat history with Frank Young was all on Teams, with server backups.
00:36:28Scarlet can fake screenshots, but she couldn't change server data.
00:36:41I heard you were reported.
00:36:43News travels fast.
00:36:45Frank told me.
00:36:46Do you need help?
00:36:47No.
00:36:48I can handle it myself.
00:36:49Are you sure?
00:36:52Yes.
00:36:53Fine.
00:36:54If you can't handle it, just tell me.
00:36:58It won't.
00:37:04Annie.
00:37:06Scarlet reported that you privately leaked our pricing strategy to Crown Well while you were translating for them.
00:37:12These screenshots are the evidence she provided.
00:37:15Is there anything you want to say?
00:37:16It was exactly as Aline had described.
00:37:18My profile picture, my name, a conversation with Frank Young.
00:37:21The content did involve White Global's pricing, but the wording was extremely unnatural, like it had been made up by
00:37:27someone who didn't understand formal business conversation.
00:37:30These screenshots are fake.
00:37:32Of course you would say that.
00:37:34I can prove it.
00:37:37This is my full chat history with Frank Young.
00:37:40It has server backups and timestamps.
00:37:42Please compare them.
00:37:44The times don't match.
00:37:47The screenshots Scarlet provided show that the conversation happened last Wednesday at 2 p.m.
00:37:51But the team's record show that Annie and Frank Young had no conversation at that time.
00:37:56She could have deleted Teams has server backups.
00:37:58Even if an employee deletes the chat on their eye, the server still keeps it.
00:38:01Also, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. last Wednesday, I was attending the department meeting in the company.
00:38:05The attendance and meeting room booking records can prove it.
00:38:07One more thing.
00:38:08This screenshot is from an iOS interface.
00:38:11I use Android.
00:38:12Scarlet, your phone is an iPhone, isn't it?
00:38:14That proves nothing.
00:38:15Maybe you changed phones.
00:38:16I've been here for three years.
00:38:19The device binding records from IT show, I have never used an iPhone.
00:38:27Scarlet, where did these screenshots come from?
00:38:29I...
00:38:30I found them on her computer.
00:38:32After you went through my computer last week, I reset the password.
00:38:36These screenshots were never on my computer.
00:38:40You never saw these snapshots on my computer.
00:38:43Because they never existed in the first place.
00:38:46You made them yourself.
00:38:49Scarlet, do you have anything else to explain?
00:38:53Mr. Wood, say something.
00:38:56Scarlet, you went too far this time.
00:38:59Faking evidence to falsely accuse a colleague is a serious violation.
00:39:02Scarlet, your position as the department leader is revoked immediately.
00:39:05Mr. White...
00:39:05Also, your year-end performance rating will be downgraded by one level.
00:39:08If anything like this happens again, your employment will be terminated immediately.
00:39:11Annie, are you happy now?
00:39:12Scarlet, from beginning to end, you were the one causing trouble for me.
00:39:15I never went after you first.
00:39:16Because your very existence is a quotation.
00:39:19You speak eight language and you hid it for three years.
00:39:21You made my seven years of hard work look like a joke.
00:39:26On the surface, no one in the translation department said much.
00:39:29But the group chat had completely blown up.
00:39:32She should have been removed ages ago.
00:39:34Her translation skills were just average.
00:39:36She only got there through connections.
00:39:38You guys didn't know?
00:39:39Every translation she submitted had been corrected by Annie.
00:39:43What?
00:39:44I am serious.
00:39:45I have seen the proof peating records.
00:39:47Then how many has Annie corrected over the past three years?
00:39:49A conservative estimate?
00:39:51Over a hundred.
00:40:01Excuse me.
00:40:02Which one of you is Annie?
00:40:04Me.
00:40:05Hello.
00:40:06I am Victoria Hayes, a producer at Harbor Light Media.
00:40:10We are preparing a large-scale international documentary project,
00:40:13and we need a multi-linguished translation consultant.
00:40:16How did you find me?
00:40:17Industry recommendation.
00:40:19The Crownwell project and the French brand project you worked on recently
00:40:21have attracted some attention in the field.
00:40:24Harbor Light Media, a top-team production company.
00:40:26Mrs. Hayes, what kind of project is it exactly?
00:40:28A documentary about the Strait of Garouille and global trade.
00:40:31We need simultaneous interpretation and subtitle proof-feeding across five languages,
00:40:35English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic.
00:40:38We contacted three translation companies,
00:40:40but none of them could provide one person who covers all five languages.
00:40:44Then someone told me that White Global has a girl who speaks eight languages.
00:40:48Who told you that?
00:40:49Louis Anderson.
00:40:50He is one of the investors in this project.
00:40:52Louis Anderson again.
00:40:53What is the consulting fee for this project?
00:40:55$50,000 a month.
00:40:57The estimated period is three months.
00:40:58$150,000.
00:41:00That is about six years of my salary at White Global.
00:41:03If you take it, you will need to travel for two months, the Middle East and Europe.
00:41:13A bank account in Zurich, a property in Munich,
00:41:17and a small apartment in the 16th compartment of Paris.
00:41:20The total value was close to $10 million.
00:41:23Language was the thing my parents loved most in their lives.
00:41:26My mother used to say,
00:41:28Language is the best bridge.
00:41:30My father said,
00:41:32If you can understand a person in their mother tongue,
00:41:34you can understand their heart.
00:41:37They carved the languages of the world into my blood.
00:41:40Then they left.
00:41:41So I hid those languages away,
00:41:43along with my memories of them.
00:41:45Because every time I speak one of those languages,
00:41:47I remember what they looked like when they were by my side teaching it to me.
00:41:50German was in Berlin.
00:41:52My dad taught it to me,
00:41:53while taking me for ice cream in front of the Bransberg Gate.
00:41:57French was in Paris.
00:41:59My mother read Malpouseau to me in the original French by the San.
00:42:03Arabic was in Cairo.
00:42:05The three of us were on a boat on the Nile.
00:42:08My father counted the stars while teaching me how to say,
00:42:11Wahid,
00:42:12Ethwan,
00:42:13Flatha.
00:42:13Every language was a memory.
00:42:15And I didn't want to open those memories.
00:42:16But I...
00:42:22Has Mrs. Hayes from Harbor Light reached out to you?
00:42:26She has.
00:42:27Why did you introduce this to me?
00:42:29Because you need to step out of it.
00:42:31You do not know me.
00:42:33I know your parents were diplomats.
00:42:35I know your background.
00:42:37You investigated me?
00:42:39Before I decide who to work with,
00:42:41I learn about them.
00:42:43Annie,
00:42:43your parents were remarkable people.
00:42:45You do not need to lock yourself in a corner just to escape their shadow.
00:42:51Go take a look at Harbor Light's project.
00:42:53The Strait of Jurada,
00:42:54the bridge between Europe and Africa.
00:42:56Maybe you should see it for yourself.
00:43:02Maybe he was right.
00:43:07Mr. White,
00:43:08I need to take two months off.
00:43:10For what?
00:43:11A documentary project wants me as a translation sultan.
00:43:13I need to travel to the Middle East and Europe.
00:43:16Two months?
00:43:17What about Crownwell's project?
00:43:19I have already completed all the translation drafts for Crownwell's second phase.
00:43:22The third phase will not start until three months later.
00:43:24Are you resigning?
00:43:25I will come back.
00:43:27Fine.
00:43:28I will approve two months for you.
00:43:33Scarlet?
00:43:33Scarlet had placed and transferred to administration as a clerk.
00:43:36The old shine was gone.
00:43:37You are going on a business trip?
00:43:39Mm-hmm.
00:43:40For how long?
00:43:41Two months.
00:43:42You know,
00:43:42when I joined the White seven years ago,
00:43:44I only spoke one language, too.
00:43:47Later,
00:43:47I learned French and Spanish while working here.
00:43:49I went from intern to the department leader.
00:43:52I thought I had worked really hard.
00:43:54You did work hard.
00:43:55But without doing anything,
00:43:56you were already above me.
00:43:57Eight languages.
00:43:58What gives you the right?
00:43:59My parents.
00:44:00They paid for it with their lives.
00:44:05That was the last time we spoke in this building.
00:44:07At the airport,
00:44:08I unexpectedly ran into someone.
00:44:10Louie Anderson!
00:44:11He was wearing casual clothes.
00:44:13It was the first time I had ever seen him out of a suit.
00:44:15Annie?
00:44:16What are you doing here?
00:44:17Crownwell has business in Dubai.
00:44:19What a coincidence.
00:44:20Yeah.
00:44:21What a coincidence.
00:44:25Business class is pretty empty.
00:44:27Why are you sitting here?
00:44:28I bought an economy ticket.
00:44:31About the inheritance your parents left you.
00:44:34You even know about that?
00:44:35The law firm has worked with us before.
00:44:37Attorney Wills once mentioned a client
00:44:38who refused to inherit an estate.
00:44:40The industry is only so big.
00:44:41So the whole world knows?
00:44:42Not the whole world.
00:44:43Just me caring about it.
00:44:44I turned to look at him,
00:44:45and my heart skipped a beat.
00:44:47The sunlight in Dubai
00:44:48was completely different from back home.
00:44:49Dry, fierce.
00:44:50Almost as if it could burn
00:44:51straight through your shadow.
00:44:52So you are Annie?
00:44:53The one who speaks eight languages?
00:44:55Yes.
00:44:55Let's do a test.
00:44:56Translate a section for me first.
00:44:57Martin handed me an Arabic interview outline.
00:45:00Okay, I'm Annie Smith,
00:45:01a junior translator at White Global Trading Co.
00:45:03I've been here three years
00:45:04and make $24,000 a year.
00:45:07Finally, she is the one.
00:45:09She is better than those
00:45:10three translation companies combined.
00:45:13Martin, she has not even given us a quote yet.
00:45:16No need.
00:45:17It's her.
00:45:17The first stop was the antique market in Old Dubai.
00:45:20The documentary was going to cover
00:45:22how the Strait of Hormos connects global trade.
00:45:24There was a Persian carpet shop here
00:45:26that had been open for 40 years,
00:45:27and the owner was a third generation Iranian merchant.
00:45:30In the opinion.
00:45:31In the opinion.
00:45:32L'hajjita araba shaifa
00:45:33ka ann ta'almounaha fil qalura.
00:45:35Aywa.
00:45:35Kintu saikina fi qalqara sawira.
00:45:39L'hajjita alqara filah rayhanal.
00:45:41Sautu jamil awi.
00:45:48In Casablanca, I interviewed a historian in French.
00:45:59He said, on the Strait of Jurali, shipping and trade are a way of having a dialogue.
00:46:04People may come from different backgrounds and speak different languages, but their hearts are connected.
00:46:08My voice but their hearts was a little halcyed, because my father had said almost the exact same thing.
00:46:14Okay.
00:46:15That night, the team had dinner at the hotel.
00:46:19Annie, Mr. Anderson asked whether your work went smoothly today?
00:46:22It went smoothly. No need to worry about me.
00:46:24Mr. Anderson asked me to tell you that he is in the office on the 58th floor of this hotel.
00:46:28If you need anything, contact him anytime.
00:46:33Hello?
00:46:35Have you eaten?
00:46:36I am eating now.
00:46:37The food here may not really suit our taste.
00:46:40If you want something else...
00:46:42Mr. Anderson, why are you telling me this?
00:46:45Because I care about you.
00:46:46I do not need your concern, thank you.
00:46:48Okay. No more concern. Good night.
00:46:50Over the next two weeks, we went a lot of places.
00:46:53On the flight from Istanbul to Cairo, I received an email.
00:46:56Sender, Scarlet. Subject, no subject.
00:46:58After you left, they laid off the French team and the German team, because Brian White said you alone would
00:47:03enough.
00:47:04Seven people lost their jobs because of you.
00:47:06Are you happy now?
00:47:08I looked at the email and deleted it.
00:47:10Do not believe, Scarlet. The French and German teams were cut because they were already at the bottom in performance.
00:47:15It has nothing to do with you. She is just trying to mess with you.
00:47:18I know. Are you okay?
00:47:19I am fine.
00:47:25Cairo. The third stop of the documentary.
00:47:27I lived here for a while.
00:47:30When the plane landed, I looked out at that familiar city, and my heart started beating a little faster.
00:47:35In Cairo, the team was filming a section about the history of trade between the Middle East and Europe.
00:47:42They needed Arabic interpretation.
00:47:47I was like, why are you okay?
00:47:57Why are you okay?
00:47:58I was so happy to see that.
00:47:58I was so happy to see this story.
00:48:00It's good.
00:48:01I was so happy to see that.
00:48:01I am happy to see it.
00:48:05You must see it.
00:48:07I am happy to see it.
00:48:10I am happy to see it.
00:48:12So I am happy to see it.
00:48:14Michael Smith. That was my father's name.
00:48:20After the interview, I sat alone on the streets of Cairo.
00:48:24I looked up at the sky. It was gray.
00:48:28I still remember the pistachio flavor ice cream that year.
00:48:36Hello?
00:48:37You arrived in Cairo?
00:48:38Yes.
00:48:41What happened?
00:48:42Your voice sounds off.
00:48:44Nothing.
00:48:45I flew to Cairo this afternoon. If you have time...
00:48:48Why do you always show up wherever I am?
00:48:50Because Victoria has your itinerary.
00:48:52She is running a project I invested in, so I have the right to see you.
00:48:55That is called stalking.
00:48:57That is called paying attention.
00:49:02There is a difference.
00:49:03The next afternoon, Louie Geranderson went with me to a private warehouse on the outskirts of Cairo.
00:49:09It was not big, but the temperature and humidity were carefully controlled.
00:49:13The kind of place used specifically to store antiques.
00:49:18After the manager opened the door, I saw three full shelves.
00:49:24Every piece had a handwritten tag hanging on it.
00:49:28It was my father's handwriting.
00:49:30An 18th century style Meissen porcelain vase.
00:49:34Purchased at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, 2008.
00:49:42I was eight years old in Istanbul with my dad.
00:49:45He took me to the Grand Bazaar.
00:49:47I kept asking for Turkish ice cream, and he said we would go after looking at that little stall.
00:49:51That stall was selling these old porcelain pieces.
00:49:54I did not remember any of it, but my dad did.
00:49:57For three years, I hid everything about them away.
00:49:59The languages, the inheritance, the memories.
00:50:02I thought as long as I did not touch any of it, I could pretend they had never left.
00:50:06But they had always been with me.
00:50:09Your father was an extraordinary man.
00:50:12I know.
00:50:15Then you should become someone extraordinary too, instead of hiding yourself in a position far below your level.
00:50:24That night, I called Attorney Wills.
00:50:27Attorney Wills, I will handle the inheritance.
00:50:29Ms. Smith, finally.
00:50:31Donate the Xur accounts and the properties according to the original plan.
00:50:34But I am keeping the porcelain collection in Cairo.
00:50:36Understood. That is wonderful. I will arrange it right away.
00:50:39One more thing.
00:50:39Go ahead.
00:50:40Did my father leave any letter or document for me?
00:50:43Not a legal document. Something personal.
00:50:45Yes. A letter.
00:50:46He noted that it should be given to you when you came to collect the antiques.
00:50:49Send it to me.
00:50:51Attorney Wills sent the letter to my hotel.
00:50:53I sat in my room for 10 minutes before finally working up the courage to open the letter.
00:50:59The letter was not long.
00:51:00Annie, when you see this letter, your mother and I should no longer be by your side.
00:51:04Knowing your personality, I guess you will probably run away for a while.
00:51:07You may seal away the memories connected to us, along with all those languages.
00:51:11Maybe it is because every language is tied to us.
00:51:14One sentence in German will remind you of landscape in Berlin.
00:51:16One sentence in Arabic will remind you of the stars in Cairo.
00:51:19But Annie, language is not a chain.
00:51:22Language is wings.
00:51:23Your mother spent her life building bridges.
00:51:25I spent mine planting seeds.
00:51:26You are that rigid seed.
00:51:27Don't shrink yourself into the dark.
00:51:28You are exceptional.
00:51:30You are smart, gifted, and you should do what you are really good at.
00:51:32Trying to plant seeds in your own way.
00:51:34You are a pride.
00:51:34Mom and dad will always love you.
00:51:36There was a water stain on the paper.
00:51:37I did not know whether he left it when he wrote the letter or whether I had just left it.
00:51:41My dad was right.
00:51:42Language is not a chain.
00:51:44It is wings.
00:51:48In Madrid, I interviewed a flamenco dancer in Spanish.
00:51:51Every language has its own rhythm.
00:51:54Once your body remembers it, you will never forget it.
00:51:56She says every language has its own rhythm.
00:51:59I wrote that sentence down in my translation notes.
00:52:02The final stop was Venice.
00:52:04Omar, the Arab old bookseller.
00:52:07He had his own antique bookshop in the best spot on the busiest square in Venice.
00:52:12He was in his 60s and had lived in Italy for 30 years.
00:52:16And the story of him moved me the most.
00:52:29What happened after that?
00:52:46Keep this part.
00:52:48Original audio with subtitles.
00:52:53Annie, your translation almost made me cry.
00:52:56In Venice, I completed the final three interviews in Italian.
00:53:00Two months, two continents, and eight languages.
00:53:04My dad was right.
00:53:05Language is not a chain.
00:53:06It is wings.
00:53:12The day I came back, it was late December.
00:53:16New York's winter was cold, but the air carried a familiar scent.
00:53:21Annie, the director position in the translation department is open.
00:53:25Mm-hmm.
00:53:26I want you to take it.
00:53:30What is the salary?
00:53:32$200,000.
00:53:33Okay.
00:53:34And just like that, in less than half a year, I went from a junior role to the director of
00:53:39the translation department.
00:53:42On the day I officially took the role, I stood in the meeting room and made a speech to the
00:53:46people in the translation department.
00:53:51I know many of you have questions about me.
00:53:55Why does someone who hid for three years suddenly get to become director?
00:53:59I am not going to explain.
00:54:00From today on, results will do the talking.
00:54:02I will personally proofread everyone's translation drafts.
00:54:05I have only one standard, accuracy.
00:54:07If you cannot do it, I will teach you.
00:54:09If you still cannot do it after that, you will be replaced.
00:54:12That is strict.
00:54:15Translation is not a word game.
00:54:17One wrong number in a trade contract can mean tens of millions in losses.
00:54:20Strictness is the bare minimum.
00:54:26Hello?
00:54:27Director Smith, congratulations on the promotion.
00:54:30$200,000?
00:54:31Mm-hmm.
00:54:31I offered $400,000 before.
00:54:33I know.
00:54:34Still not considering it?
00:54:35Not for now, but thank you for all your help.
00:54:37The offer, the Harbor Light Media Project that day in Cairo.
00:54:39You don't need to thank me.
00:54:41Those weren't favors.
00:54:42Then what were they?
00:54:43Things I wanted to do.
00:54:44Are you free this weekend?
00:54:46For what?
00:54:47Dinner.
00:54:48No work, no projects.
00:54:50Okay.
00:54:51He was driving a very ordinary gray sedan, not the kind of luxury car I had imagined.
00:54:56Your car doesn't really match your status.
00:54:57Cars are for driving, not for showing off.
00:54:59I'm taking you to a Japanese restaurant.
00:55:01It only has eight seats.
00:55:03You're paying?
00:55:05Obviously.
00:55:07This place has the best sashimi in the whole city.
00:55:09How do you know?
00:55:10I've tried every Japanese restaurant in the city.
00:55:14This man.
00:55:16Annie, I'm going to be direct.
00:55:17Since that day in Cairo, or maybe even earlier, since the first time you spoke German at Crownwell,
00:55:22I...
00:55:23You what?
00:55:23I knew you were someone I didn't want to miss.
00:55:26Right now, you're the only person in my mind.
00:55:30You really are way too...
00:55:31Too what?
00:55:32Too direct.
00:55:33You don't like it?
00:55:34I didn't say I didn't like it.
00:55:38That night, he drove me home.
00:55:40Downstairs, he said...
00:55:41I'm flying to South Korea for a business trip tomorrow.
00:55:44How long?
00:55:45A week.
00:55:46Okay.
00:55:47Will you miss me?
00:55:48No.
00:55:50Liar.
00:55:52Maybe a little.
00:56:01Over the next three months, many things happened at once.
00:56:05The Crownwell Project successfully completed its third phase, and White Global brought in nearly $80 million in revenue from it.
00:56:14When Brian White reviewed the monthly report, he said to Alex Wood,
00:56:18You should have put Annie on it from the start.
00:56:21After Scarlett resigned from White Global, she became a director at a small translation company.
00:56:26Three months later, that company face had its mass tariff of compensation claim.
00:56:31A German contract had its tariff glosses mistranslated, causing the client to lose $20 million.
00:56:37That translation was done by Scarlett herself.
00:56:39Her problem with Jermich Honoratis had finally been exposed on a bigger stage.
00:56:44When the news reached White Global, some people started mocking her in the group chat.
00:56:49I only said one thing.
00:56:50Stop talking about it.
00:56:53Everyone has to take responsibility for their own choices.
00:57:05Hello?
00:57:06Annie?
00:57:06It's Uncle George, your father's old colleague.
00:57:10Uncle George?
00:57:11I saw you on TV.
00:57:13Translation consultant in five languages.
00:57:15Annie, your parents must be so proud of you in heaven.
00:57:17Uncle George, how did you see...
00:57:18You look exactly like Michael.
00:57:20And your Arabic, that Cairo accent of your father's, I recognized it the moment I heard it.
00:57:24Annie, before your father passed away, he said something to me.
00:57:28What did he say?
00:57:29Annie will become a better bridge than I ever was.
00:57:32That night, Louis Anderson came back from South Korea and went straight to my building.
00:57:36Annie, come out.
00:57:39For what?
00:57:41I want to take a walk with you.
00:57:45The street was cold, and the streetlights stretched our shadows long across the pavement.
00:57:50I watched the documentary.
00:57:52How was it?
00:57:54Not good enough for your translation.
00:57:55The director was average.
00:57:57Don't say that about Martin.
00:57:58But your parts were excellent.
00:58:00You weren't just translating in the interview.
00:58:02You were carrying the emotion across.
00:58:05My father once said, if you understand someone's mother tongue, you can understand their heart.
00:58:09You did that.
00:58:11We walked for a long time until we reached a river.
00:58:15Annie.
00:58:16Yeah?
00:58:17Crownwell is setting up an international cultural exchange department next year.
00:58:20We'll focus on crossword cultural projects, documentaries, publishing, exhibitions, forums.
00:58:24I need someone to lead it.
00:58:24You're trying to poach me again.
00:58:26I'm not poaching you.
00:58:26I'm building a position for you.
00:58:29What do you mean?
00:58:30You're not meant to be just a translator.
00:58:32Translation is a tool, and you should use that tool to do something bigger.
00:58:35Your father's porcelain collection could become an exhibition about the history of global trade.
00:58:38Use your eight languages to tell that story to the world.
00:58:40What's the salary?
00:58:41Name your price.
00:58:43You don't think I'm taking advantage of you?
00:58:45Then let me take advantage of you.
00:58:46What?
00:58:47Be my girlfriend.
00:58:48No salary needed.
00:58:51Louie!
00:58:51I'm joking.
00:58:53One million dollars a year, plus project dividends.
00:58:55But the girlfriend part is serious too.
00:58:57The streetlight fell across his face, softening cold lines he usually carried.
00:59:04Two days later, I gave him my answer.
00:59:07I said yes to both.
00:59:08Brian White personally walked me to the entrance.
00:59:11Annie, you are the most underestimated employee in White Globals history.
00:59:14Mr. White, you also gave me the opportunity.
00:59:17You earned that opportunity yourself.
00:59:21Speaking of which, what I said in German at the annual meeting.
00:59:24The 70% raise.
00:59:25You understood it back then, didn't you?
00:59:28I did.
00:59:29Then why didn't you...
00:59:30Forget it.
00:59:31I wish you all the best.
00:59:34Three years.
00:59:35A $24,000 salary.
00:59:37A junior level position.
00:59:39I had repaid what needed to be repaid.
00:59:41It was time to start over.
00:59:48Crownwell's international cultural exchange department was officially established.
00:59:52I became its first director.
00:59:54The first project is an international touring exhibition.
00:59:57The core exhibits are the 40 Blubber antiques my father collected from around the world.
01:00:04The exhibition will open simultaneously in five cities.
01:00:07Berlin, Cairo, Istanbul, Paris, and New York.
01:00:12I'll personally translate the narration for each city into the local language.
01:00:16On opening day, more than 300 people came to the New York venue.
01:00:20Uncle George stood in the exhibition hall, looking at my father's handwritten labels on the Portland pieces, tears streaming down
01:00:26his face.
01:00:28Michael, your daughter made it.
01:00:34Annie, how about turning this exhibition into a second season of the documentary?
01:00:40We can talk about it.
01:00:42I told you, you were never just a translator.
01:00:46Louis Anderson stood in the corner of the exhibition hall, staying away from the front.
01:00:50He was wearing a black suit, hands in my pockets, watching me give interviews under the spotlight.
01:00:54That look in his eyes.
01:00:55You are someone I didn't want to miss.
01:01:03Mrs. Smith, you are fluent in eight languages, but I heard you spent three years as a junior translator at
01:01:08a trading company, making only $24,000 a year?
01:01:13Yes.
01:01:14Why did you hide your abilities?
01:01:16Because I was running away.
01:01:19Every language was tied to memories of my parents.
01:01:22I thought if I hid them away, it would stop hurting.
01:01:25But later I realized that languages do not disappear just because you refuse to speak them.
01:01:29They stay in your blood.
01:01:30Waiting for you to speak.
01:01:32What finally made you decide to speak up?
01:01:35A letter.
01:01:36My father wrote it.
01:01:38He said if I have the ability to make a difference, I should use it.
01:01:41On the second day of the exhibition, someone unexpected showed up.
01:01:46Scarlet.
01:01:48What are you doing here?
01:01:50I saw it on the news.
01:01:52Your father collected these?
01:01:54Yes.
01:01:55They are beautiful.
01:01:58Annie, I owe you an apology.
01:02:00You do not have to.
01:02:01Let me speak.
01:02:02I was jealous of you.
01:02:04I had been jealous since the first time you opened your mouth and spoke German.
01:02:08It took me seven years to climb up to Team Leader, but you were already above me without even trying.
01:02:12I could not accept that.
01:02:13So you chose to frame me?
01:02:15Yes.
01:02:16And then I paid the price.
01:02:18After I left White Global, that German contract at the translation company, you heard about it, right?
01:02:22I did.
01:02:24Because you used to correct my work, I never knew what my real level was.
01:02:26Once you were not there anymore, I finally realized...
01:02:28Starlet, your hard work was real.
01:02:30Those seven years of German were not wasted either.
01:02:32You just chose the wrong direction at certain moments.
01:02:34You don't hate me?
01:02:35No.
01:02:37The forged screenshots are in the past now.
01:02:40You really are different from before.
01:02:41Back then, I could not even face myself.
01:02:44The exhibition is wonderful.
01:02:46Your father must be very happy.
01:02:52The exhibition ran for two months across five cities, with more than 120,000 visitors in total.
01:03:06After the closing ceremony, Louie Anderson found me on the hotel terrace.
01:03:11Tired?
01:03:13A little.
01:03:14Five cities, two months.
01:03:15You handled all the narration translation work across every language by yourself.
01:03:19I am used to it.
01:03:20Do not get used to carrying everything alone.
01:03:24This is not a proposal, so don't be nervous.
01:03:28It's custom-made, because you said your father once told you that you were the bridge.
01:03:33This?
01:03:34There is a line engraved on the bridge.
01:03:37It has the word bridge engraved in nine languages.
01:03:40The ninth language is Russian.
01:03:42I studied for three months, just to learn one word.
01:03:45The Cairo night wind swept across the terrace.
01:03:47In the distance, the banks of the Nile were bright with lights.
01:03:52Louie Anderson, you really are.
01:03:54What?
01:03:57Too good at this.
01:04:00Only with you.
01:04:07Five years later, Crownwell's International Cultural Exchange Department had become an industry benchmark.
01:04:12It ran more than 20 cross-cultural projects every year, with revenue exceeding 200 million.
01:04:17Revenue is up another 30% this year.
01:04:19Mm-hmm.
01:04:21Your salary should be adjusted this year.
01:04:23To how much?
01:04:24You tell me.
01:04:26One dollar.
01:04:29Seriously?
01:04:30Put the rest into a scholarship to support young people studying languages.
01:04:34Name it after my parents.
01:04:35The Michael Smith and Evelyn Chen Language Scholarship.
01:04:38How do you know my mother's name?
01:04:40I am your husband.
01:04:41How could I not know your mother's name?
01:04:44Outside the window was the skyline of the whole city.
01:04:46It was no longer that rental apartment with the broken heating.
01:04:49But sometimes, I still think of that window, and the nights when I crouched there eating soup.
01:04:53Back then, I was fluent in eight languages, made $2,000 a year, and rejected a $10 million inheritance.
01:04:59I hid myself in the deepest corner, thinking that as long as I stayed silent, it would not hurt.
01:05:04In his letter, my father wrote,
01:05:05Be brave enough to be yourself.
01:05:08It took me a long time to understand that.
01:05:11But luckily, I did it.
01:05:14At least another year I baik to be aj Halimah.
01:05:16I hate it.
01:05:17I hate it.
01:05:17I hate it.
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