- 13 hours ago
The Silent Polyglot
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00I'm Annie Smith, a junior translator at White Global Trading Co. Lou Didd.
00:00:04I've been here for three years and make $24,000 a year.
00:00:08Pretty ordinary, right?
00:00:10But in fact, I'm fluent in eight languages.
00:00:13English, German, French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Arabic, and Italian.
00:00:19Nobody knows that.
00:00:21My father was a diplomat and mother was simultaneous in Sperger.
00:00:24Five years ago, they died in a car accident.
00:00:28I've never wanted to show off because of these skills.
00:00:30I just want to keep my head down and be a small, unassuming translator.
00:00:34Let's welcome Mr. White to the stage.
00:00:39Everyone have worked hard over the past year.
00:00:42Thank you for your dedication.
00:00:45In 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!
00:00:57You'd better win the lucky draw later.
00:00:59If you do, dinner's on me.
00:01:03Sure.
00:01:04Why not?
00:01:04That's my everyday life.
00:01:06Elon is my only friend at work.
00:01:09She doesn't know I speak eight languages.
00:01:12But she does know one thing.
00:01:16Außerdem habe ich noch eine andere Ankündung.
00:01:20Jeder hier, der Deutsch spricht, erhält im nächsten Jahr eine 70% Gehanserrührung.
00:01:2970%.
00:01:30My salary would go from $24,000 to $4,800.
00:01:35But it has nothing to do with me.
00:01:37I told myself, it has nothing to do with me.
00:01:44Annie, did you understand that?
00:01:47No.
00:01:48I don't speak German.
00:01:51Right, of course.
00:01:52You only have a certificate in Spanish.
00:01:54What could you possibly understand?
00:01:57Poor thing.
00:02:00Scarlett, majoring in German, French, and Spanish, is the head of translator team.
00:02:06She got promoted in just three months.
00:02:09And has been riding that high ever since.
00:02:12Mm-hmm.
00:02:14Anyway, the raise has nothing to do with you.
00:02:18Just keep doing the basic work.
00:02:21Oh, and remember to translate the annual meeting press replaced tonight.
00:02:25I didn't say anything.
00:02:27A 70% raise.
00:02:29The German translation team consists of four people, plus Scarlett.
00:02:32Only five people would get it.
00:02:34What did that have to do with me?
00:02:36Nothing.
00:02:37Really.
00:02:37Nothing.
00:02:43Anne!
00:02:43Stay right there!
00:02:44I'm coming over right now!
00:02:48Annie?
00:02:50Why didn't you raise your hand just now?
00:02:52Raise my hand for what?
00:02:55You definitely understood that German, right?
00:02:5770%?
00:02:59You only make $24,000 a year.
00:03:01After the raise, that's $4,800 a year.
00:03:05No, I didn't get the meaning.
00:03:06I don't speak German.
00:03:10Who are you trying to fool?
00:03:11Your French is already that good.
00:03:13You expect me to believe you don't understand German.
00:03:15Are you kidding me?
00:03:17I really don't understand German.
00:03:19Anne, that crappy place you rent barely have working heating.
00:03:24Sometimes, you even can't bring yourself to go when we go out for a drink on Friday.
00:03:27Can't you stand up for yourself for once?
00:03:30Elyne caught me reading a French book in the pantry last year.
00:03:33I told her I'd studied a little bit French.
00:03:36She's been holding it in for almost a year.
00:03:39I don't want to expose.
00:03:46Oh my god, Annie.
00:03:47What are you afraid of?
00:03:51Fine.
00:03:52Keep pretending.
00:03:53I'm done.
00:03:54But Annie, I'm telling you.
00:03:56You're going to suffer with that kind of personality sooner or later.
00:04:01Alright.
00:04:03Alright.
00:04:09Guter Schaßzug, oder?
00:04:10Schließlich können das nur die Leute aus dem deutschen Team verstehen.
00:04:14Das bedeutet, dass sich nur dem Kernteam eine Gehens-Erhöhung gibt.
00:04:18Alle anderen werden einfach denken, dass ich eine motivasierisch Reh halte.
00:04:23Sehr brillant, Mr. White.
00:04:27Abross.
00:04:28Wen schäden wir nächste Woche für das Projekt der Crown Vale Group?
00:04:34Scarlet.
00:04:35Sie spricht am besten Deutsch.
00:04:38Ich habe gehört, dass Präsident Anderson von Crown Work ziemlich schwierig ist.
00:04:42Letztes Mal hat er das gesamte Übersetzerskumpf von Meridian aus dem Besprengsraum hinangefrogen.
00:04:47Das sollte kein Problem sein.
00:04:49Scarlet kommt damit klar.
00:04:55Leute, auf Anis-Nivelle sollten wir diesmal nicht mitmähen.
00:04:57Sie könnten das Meeting ruinieren.
00:05:02They didn't know I could understand them.
00:05:04They thought I was just a small translator.
00:05:08But that's only to be expected.
00:05:10I haven't shown what I'm capable of either.
00:05:13Annie, send me the proofread version of last week's contract tomorrow.
00:05:18Yes, Mr. White.
00:05:26I placed the proofread contract on Brian White's desk the next day.
00:05:30It was a 30,000-word Spanish contract, and I had corrected 47 mistakes in the original translation.
00:05:37The original translator was Scarlet, but my name would never appear on the proofread version.
00:05:42It would only show translation department on the surface.
00:05:46Scarlet never knew her translations had been corrected by me.
00:05:50She thought she was the top.
00:05:53Annie, did you hear?
00:05:55Hear what?
00:05:56Scarlet is going to handle the Crownwell International next week.
00:05:59I heard.
00:06:01Do you know President Anderson of Crownwell?
00:06:08Who?
00:06:12Louis Anderson.
00:06:1332 years old, president of Crownwell International Commerce Group lead in.
00:06:17He ranked 98th on last year's global wealth rankings.
00:06:19They say he's fluent in five languages, but notorious for his bad temper.
00:06:23He even chewed out the entire Meridian's translation team and drove them out of the meeting room.
00:06:27What does that have to do with me?
00:06:29You don't think Scarlet can handle him?
00:06:33Even if she can't, that's not my business.
00:06:37Annie, seriously.
00:06:39You're way too good at putting up with things.
00:06:42Lillian left.
00:06:43She doesn't get it.
00:06:44I'm not putting up with it.
00:06:45I just don't want to get involved.
00:06:47It was an Eric supplier quotation.
00:06:49Technically, it should have gone to someone on the Arab group.
00:06:52But the Arab team is out of the office today, so Alex Wood casually dumped it on me.
00:06:57Annie, didn't you say you took a little Arabic course in college?
00:07:00Just do a rough translation.
00:07:01Sure.
00:07:02I did tell him I'd taken a little Arabic.
00:07:05But in fact, I lived in Saudi Arabia for two years.
00:07:08Arabic is basically my fourth native language.
00:07:11It took me 15 minutes to finish the translation.
00:07:14I left two tiny mistakes in proposal just to pretend the work of someone who had only taken a little
00:07:19Arabic.
00:07:25Not bad was actually good enough for me.
00:07:35Annie, organize these materials for me.
00:07:37I need them for Crownwell's project next week.
00:07:39This is background materials on Crownwell International Commerce Group Loa, all in Spanish.
00:07:45About 50 pages.
00:07:46This isn't my job.
00:07:47How is it not?
00:07:48You're in the translation department, and I'm your leader.
00:07:51Is there a problem with me assigning you work?
00:07:53She had been promoted to team leader last month, so of course was at the peak of her arrogance.
00:07:59Fine.
00:08:03Oh, and there's a department meeting tomorrow.
00:08:05We'll be discussing the handover plan for the Crownwell project.
00:08:08You don't need to attend.
00:08:10I know.
00:08:11You're only responsible for basic proofreading.
00:08:13A major project like this isn't something you get to be part of.
00:08:17I know.
00:08:25I heard everything in the pantry.
00:08:27Who does she think she is talking to you like that?
00:08:29What does she mean by not something you get to be part of?
00:08:31I'm used to it.
00:08:32Can't you just clap back for once?
00:08:34And then what?
00:08:35She's the boss.
00:08:38If you showed everyone what you can really do, what kind of boss would she even be?
00:08:45I don't want to.
00:08:46What exactly are you afraid of, Annie?
00:08:49What am I afraid of?
00:08:51I don't know either.
00:08:52Maybe I'm afraid of being noticed.
00:08:54Afraid that people will dig into my past and will look at me with pity.
00:08:59Or maybe I'm just too tired to care.
00:09:04An annual salary of $24 for $1,000.
00:09:08In this city, after rent and utilities, there isn't much left.
00:09:19Hello?
00:09:20Hello.
00:09:21Am I speaking with Miss Annie Smith?
00:09:23Yes.
00:09:24This is Attorney Wills from Kirkland and Ellis Law Firm.
00:09:27There are some documents regarding the settlement of the overseas assets left by your parents.
00:09:31And we need you to sign in person.
00:09:33I've said this before.
00:09:34I don't want any of it.
00:09:35Donate everything.
00:09:36Mrs. Smith, there is a sum in your parents' account in Zurich.
00:09:39I don't want it.
00:09:40Attorney Wills, thank you, but please stop calling me.
00:09:49The translation department had a meeting on the Monday morning.
00:09:52I wasn't told to attend, but my desk was right next to the meeting room.
00:09:56I could hear every word through that glass wall.
00:09:58Louis Anderson is fluent in German and French.
00:10:01There are also someone who can speak Mandarin and Japanese in his team.
00:10:05This time, we're discussing a supply chain partnership for the Middle East market.
00:10:09Anything involving Arabic will be handled by their side.
00:10:11We only need to cover the German communication.
00:10:14Can you handle that?
00:10:14Of course.
00:10:15I studied in Germany for three years.
00:10:17The business negotiation like this is exactly in my comfort zone.
00:10:20To be fair, Scarlett's German is decent.
00:10:22Daily conversation is indeed a piece of cake for her.
00:10:25But I've reviewed her previous translations.
00:10:27Her business, German, has one fatal habit.
00:10:29She relies too much on literal translation and often misses the level of formality required in German business correspondence.
00:10:35In everyday conversation, that's not a big deal.
00:10:37But if the person she faced is extremely sensitive to details, never mind.
00:10:42Not my business.
00:10:44Finish sorting everything?
00:10:46Yes.
00:10:47I made her a summary classified by project type, cooperation history, and key personnel.
00:10:51I also marked the changes of tariff policies and the risk points.
00:10:54All she had to do was a glance through, and she was exactly to expect.
00:10:57It'll do.
00:11:03Scarlett!
00:11:05Scarlett!
00:11:06He rarely came down here in person.
00:11:09Scarlett, Crown will move the schedule up.
00:11:12Anderson will be here tomorrow afternoon.
00:11:14Are you ready?
00:11:15Moved up?
00:11:18I've gone through all the materials.
00:11:20No problem.
00:11:21Good.
00:11:22Bring someone with you tomorrow for on-site interpretation support.
00:11:25I'll take Zach.
00:11:26His German is decent too.
00:11:28Zach is still on leave.
00:11:33Annie!
00:11:34You come with me tomorrow.
00:11:35Me?
00:11:36I only speak Spanish.
00:11:37You'll just take notes and serve coffee.
00:11:39I'll handle the professional part.
00:11:42Her?
00:11:44Don't worry, Mr. White.
00:11:45She's more than enough as an assistant.
00:11:47I got dragged into Crown Willian's business negotiation.
00:11:50As an assistant and a note taker.
00:11:53Someone who can serve coffee at the same time.
00:11:56I sent Elin a message.
00:11:57I will go to Crown Will tomorrow.
00:11:59Scarlett is taking you?
00:12:01Doesn't she always look down on you?
00:12:03As the errand girl.
00:12:04You...
00:12:05You just agreed to that?
00:12:06What else am I supposed to do?
00:12:08Annie!
00:12:19Are you from White Global?
00:12:21Yes.
00:12:22I'm Scarlett, team leader of the translation department.
00:12:25This is my assistant, Annie.
00:12:27Oh, she called me assistant.
00:12:29I didn't correct her.
00:12:33Please wait.
00:12:34President Alexandring is still in a meeting.
00:12:37Scarlett reapplied her lipstick twice and adjusted her hair three separate times in just
00:12:41these 15 minutes.
00:12:43Annie, when we go in, just sit on the side and take notes.
00:12:46Don't speak unless you're asked.
00:12:47Got it?
00:12:48Got it.
00:12:49Also, when you address Mr. Anderson, be formal and respectful.
00:12:54Don't let your eyes wander.
00:12:56People at his level hate unprofessional behavior.
00:12:59Okay.
00:13:03Miss Scarlett, President Anderson will see you now.
00:13:1832 years old, about 6'1", gray suit, no tie.
00:13:23The top button of his shirt was undone.
00:13:24His face was cold.
00:13:26Not the kind of cold people put on to look cool.
00:13:28He was genuinely cold.
00:13:29Sit.
00:13:32Two other people were sitting next to him.
00:13:34The legal director and a lady who looked very, very young.
00:13:37A translation device sat in front of her.
00:13:56He spoke for fast.
00:13:58Every word was sharp.
00:13:59She understood him, but she clearly didn't expect him to open like that.
00:14:08I mean...
00:14:09I mean...
00:14:10I have asked in German, so please answer them in German.
00:14:13I don't want to spend time with over-sights.
00:14:20I don't want to spend time with over-sights.
00:14:24I don't want to spend time with over-sights.
00:14:30I don't want to spend time with over-sights.
00:14:51I don't want to spend time with over-sights.
00:15:12But Scarlett obviously hadn't read it carefully.
00:15:24The legal director beside Anderson gave a slight shake of his head.
00:15:28The meaning was obvious.
00:15:30This negotiation was about to fall through.
00:15:39Herr Präsident Anderson, ich bette vielmals um Entschuldung.
00:15:43Wenn das das Nivel von White Glober ist, werde ich in Erwengung füllen, zu einem anderen Partner zu schelten.
00:15:48My hands froze above the keyboard.
00:15:50Two voices were speaking in my head.
00:15:52It's none of your concern.
00:15:53You're just here to fetch coffee and serve drinks.
00:15:55This is Whitworth did Global's biggest deal of the year.
00:15:58If we lose it, there'll probably be layoffs by the end of the year.
00:16:01And junior translators like me will be first on the chopping blob.
00:16:16Präsident Anderson, geben Sie uns bitte noch fünf Minuten.
00:16:31And you are?
00:16:34I'm Annie.
00:16:36Junior translator at Whitmore Global.
00:16:39Junior translator?
00:16:41Yes.
00:16:42The one who always takes notes beside and serves coffee.
00:16:48Five minutes.
00:16:53Die neue 3 erfeitet den Standard für irgendein Sechtinger von sechs auf acht Stelle HS-Kates.
00:16:59Artippen diese Berinser 2 zeigen unsere Taktischen Berlog und Betcomball 5%.
00:17:0412%?
00:17:05Erklären Sie mir bitte in der Reck.
00:17:08Da White Global über ein Sollbaus in den WE hüht, das von den Vorlingsschaffen der freine Hand of Comprofifessions,
00:17:14werden etwa 3% der durch die Erkreizung des HS-Kogen verdüsten Kostenstärbungen kompensiert.
00:17:18Die nette Auswirkung enthält zum 12%.
00:17:20Louis Andersons' legal director lowered his head and flipped through the files,
00:17:24as if he was checking whether I was right.
00:17:26Where did you learn German?
00:17:28I lived in Berlin for a while.
00:17:30Your honor ethics are very precise.
00:17:33And you said you were the junior level?
00:17:35Yes.
00:17:36Your five minutes are up, but I can give you ten more, on one condition.
00:17:41From here on, you lead the negotiation.
00:17:45She can't...
00:17:46I said she leads.
00:17:49Or you can leave right now.
00:17:53Scarlett, should I take over?
00:17:57Then let's restart from the first part of the proposal.
00:18:01It wasn't because I had prepared in advance.
00:18:03While sorting that 50 pages materials I for Scarlett, I had memorized every word.
00:18:07Plus, I grew up in a diplomatic family.
00:18:09The basics of international trade are as natural to me as breathing.
00:18:13Auf dem Neustmarkt.
00:18:14Wenn ein Kunde lange nicht über den Preis sprit, sondern nur über Towingen, wie würden Sie damit umgehen?
00:18:18A tajriya balat hafa.
00:18:20Nuthbit al lagata awala, pananakub al sharat.
00:18:23You speak Arabic too?
00:18:24A little.
00:18:25Der japanische Lieferstern ist 6% günster, aber die Lieferzeit ist instabil.
00:18:29Wie entscheiden Sie?
00:18:30Die erschrichene japanische Angosuznummer leitet JPKT 0427.
00:18:35Ich würde nicht das nierigste Aubersoch wählen, sondern die Läusung mit dem gleichsten Gesämte-Risco.
00:18:43The framework works.
00:18:45I'll have my legal team follow up with you on the details.
00:18:49His hand was warm and strong, and the grip was just right.
00:18:53Annie, right?
00:18:54Yes.
00:18:55You're wasted in the junior level.
00:19:01You lied to everyone.
00:19:04What?
00:19:05You said you only spoke Spanish.
00:19:12I do mainly work in Spanish.
00:19:14What you did in there today, that's what you call mainly working in Spanish?
00:19:17Your German is better than mine.
00:19:20Where did that Arab come from?
00:19:21It's not even on your resume.
00:19:25Scarlett, the project was saved, wasn't it?
00:19:28You did this on purpose.
00:19:29You hid your skills just waiting for a chance like this to show off.
00:19:34What do you think will happen just because you impressed Louie Anderson once?
00:19:38When we're back at the company, you're still just that junior translator.
00:19:42Annie, just you wait.
00:19:52Suddenly, I felt a little tired.
00:19:56How did the negotiation go?
00:19:58Did Scarlett crash and burn?
00:19:59The project was saved.
00:20:01How was it saved?
00:20:02Wasn't she...
00:20:02Wait, was it you?
00:20:04I'll tell you when I get back.
00:20:06Annie, you finally made a move!
00:20:10Standing at the exit of the underground garage, I felt the autumn wind blowing in.
00:20:15It was a bit cold.
00:20:16I didn't want to show off.
00:20:18I really didn't.
00:20:20But I didn't want to lose my job either.
00:20:31Mr. White, Annie spoke out of turn during negotiation and completely ignored the company hierarchy.
00:20:37Was the project saved?
00:20:38Yes, but that was...
00:20:39Then that's all that matters.
00:20:40The Crown Will deal is worth $40 million.
00:20:43If it had fallen through yesterday, the entire translation department could have packed up.
00:20:49One look at her face, and I knew this wasn't over.
00:20:59Annie, how good is your German exactly?
00:21:02I can get by.
00:21:03You can get by?
00:21:04I heard you handled the entire negotiation in German without any problem at Crown Well,
00:21:08and you even used Arabic?
00:21:09My German just everyday level?
00:21:11Do you know if the company hired a multi-language translator like you,
00:21:14the starting salary would be at least $96,000 a year?
00:21:16I have no issues with my current salary.
00:21:18Fine.
00:21:19Come to the meeting room at two this afternoon.
00:21:21We need you involved in the follow-up coordination for the Crown Well Project.
00:21:26Mr. Wood!
00:21:27I'm the one in charge of the Crown Well Project!
00:21:29You'll remain in charge, but Annie will be involved in the coordination.
00:21:31That's Mr. White's decision.
00:21:37Happy now, Annie?
00:21:40Scarlet, I just...
00:21:41You just what?
00:21:43You think because you showed off once yesterday, you're on the same level as me now?
00:21:47That's not what I meant.
00:21:48I've been here for seven years.
00:21:50I worked my way up from intern to department leader.
00:21:52And you?
00:21:53A liar who's been hiding everything.
00:21:59Just you wait.
00:22:03Annie, Mr. Anderson specifically requested you as the translator for the follow-up coordination.
00:22:07Starting today, you'll be temporarily transferred to the Crown Well Project team.
00:22:11Okay.
00:22:12But your position will remain junior, and salary will stay the same.
00:22:15We'll evaluate it again after the project ends.
00:22:17Got it.
00:22:18Crown Well's supply chain project is divided into three stages.
00:22:21The preliminary framework was already discussed yesterday.
00:22:23Next comes the translation of the detailed terms and contract documents.
00:22:26All files will need English, Spanish, and German versions.
00:22:29Annie, can you handle all three language versions at the same time?
00:22:32Yes.
00:22:33Three languages?
00:22:34Since she joined this company, she has only ever worked as a Spanish translator.
00:22:37We don't even know her actual German level.
00:22:38What if something goes wrong?
00:22:40Yesterday's negotiation showed exactly what her level is.
00:22:43Any other questions?
00:22:47It took me two hours to finish the English version, and another hour and a half to finish the Spanish
00:22:53version.
00:22:56You're translating that fast?
00:22:58Aren't you afraid of making mistakes?
00:22:59Nope.
00:23:00You'd better pray you don't make any.
00:23:09Both the speed and quality excited expectations.
00:23:12Annie, what exactly have you been doing for the past three years?
00:23:23Hello?
00:23:24Annie?
00:23:25It was Louis Anderson.
00:23:27This is Louis Anderson from Crown Well.
00:23:29Mr. Wood gave me your number.
00:23:30Mr. Anderson, what can I do for you?
00:23:32I read the 62 pages you translated today.
00:23:35Was there any problem?
00:23:36No problem at all.
00:23:37It's the most accurate German business translation I've seen in the past three years.
00:23:43You're not someone who belongs in a junior position.
00:23:45That is my current position.
00:23:47I know.
00:23:48That's why I'm curious.
00:23:49Crown Well has an internal meeting tomorrow afternoon.
00:23:52It involves partner selection for the Middle Eastian market.
00:23:54I need an Arabic-speaking interpreter there.
00:23:56This should go through the company.
00:23:58I know.
00:23:59But I'm asking you directly.
00:24:00Would you like to come?
00:24:02Okay.
00:24:03I will.
00:24:06Annie, maybe you're going to be exposed after all.
00:24:08I knew this day would come eventually.
00:24:10But I just didn't expect it to come this soon.
00:24:15They were from a construction materials group in the UAE.
00:24:18The man leading the meeting looked about 50, wearing a white robe with a Siri expression.
00:24:22A young Arab woman sat beside him should be his interpreter.
00:24:26You're here.
00:24:27You're here.
00:24:27You're here.
00:24:28Today, I may need you to do an interpretation between Eric and English.
00:24:31Okay.
00:24:32If Scarlet were here, she would probably ask, where did your ablick even come from?
00:24:36The answer is I lived in Cairo for a year and a half.
00:24:38During that time, my roommate was even an Egyptian diplomat's daughter.
00:24:41He said that the woman was given to her.
00:24:43He said that he was given to her.
00:24:44He said that he was given to her.
00:24:44That was the only breath of us.
00:24:45Grass.
00:24:46It's valid Alcina's word.
00:24:48Standard procedure.
00:24:4915 minutes passed.
00:24:58I lowered my head and typed as if I were taking notes.
00:25:01Then I turned my laptop slightly so Louie Anderson could see this one line in English.
00:25:05They said they want to push the price down by 20 work.
00:25:06They'll switch to suppliers.
00:25:08Louie Anderson's eyes stayed on the screen for one second.
00:25:11His expression didn't change at all.
00:25:13But in the negotiation that followed, his strategy clearly shifted.
00:25:17Let's cut the chase.
00:25:18Our final offer is 10% below the current market price.
00:25:20Take it or leave it.
00:25:26Your Abhishek is excellent.
00:25:28Not that good.
00:25:29Just the daily level.
00:25:30You heard what he said to his interpreter just now.
00:25:32Then you warned me.
00:25:34I just thought the information might be useful for the negotiation.
00:25:37Without that warning from you, this deal would have cost us at least 8 million dollars today.
00:25:41Annie, how many languages do you speak?
00:25:43German, French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Arabic, and Italian.
00:25:47Eight in total, plus English.
00:25:48Mm-hmm.
00:25:49And you're a junior level translator at White Global.
00:25:51Mm-hmm.
00:25:51Do you think that makes sense?
00:25:52It was my choice.
00:25:53Would you be interested in coming to Crownwell?
00:25:55I can start you at $400,000 a year.
00:25:57If you're willing to head the International Business Department, there's no upper limit.
00:26:01Mr. Anderson, thank you for the offer.
00:26:03I'm not planning to change jobs for now.
00:26:05For now?
00:26:06For now.
00:26:06You can change your mind any ground.
00:26:08Only one line of text, Loey Anderson, and a phone number.
00:26:11It didn't even say President Crownwell International.
00:26:13This kind of card is usually given to people who already need to know who you are.
00:26:25What are you doing?
00:26:27I-I-I was passing by and saw your computer was still on.
00:26:30It was off when I left.
00:26:32You went to Crownwell again today?
00:26:33Louis Anderson asked you to go, didn't he?
00:26:35It was needed for the project coordination.
00:26:37What kind of project needs you to interpret Arabic?
00:26:39You never said you were that good at Arabic.
00:26:40What else are you hiding?
00:26:41Scarlett, what did you see on my computer?
00:26:45I didn't see anything.
00:26:47She had opened my personal folder.
00:26:49What was inside?
00:26:50Some translation exercises.
00:26:52Casual translations in French, Japanese, and Korean.
00:26:56Things I did when I was bored.
00:26:58If she saw those...
00:27:01Annie, what exactly did you do at Crownwell today?
00:27:04Scarlett was losing her mind in the office all afternoon.
00:27:06She went through your computer.
00:27:07I know.
00:27:08You know?
00:27:08Why aren't you reporting her?
00:27:09Report what?
00:27:10I don't have proof.
00:27:11You are way too...
00:27:13Forget it.
00:27:13I heard something today.
00:27:14Do you want to know?
00:27:15Go on.
00:27:16There's something going on between Scarlett and Alex Wood.
00:27:18What do you mean?
00:27:18I handle reimbursement forms and admins.
00:27:20Over the past six months, Scarlett has gone out alone with Alex Wood to talk about work 17 times.
00:27:24Every single time it was at that hotel on the west side of the city.
00:27:26Think about that.
00:27:27That has nothing to do with me.
00:27:28How does it have nothing to do with you?
00:27:30Alex Wood made Scarlett a department leader because of that relationship.
00:27:37The message basically said the company found some employees failed to truthfully fill in personal skills during onboarding.
00:27:44All staff must update profiles within a week.
00:27:47Concealment or falsification will be dealt with as a violation of company regulations.
00:27:53This email is aimed straight to you.
00:27:56Of course I knew.
00:27:58When Scarlett went through my computer, she found those multilingual translation exercises.
00:28:03She must have gone to Alex Wood.
00:28:08Annie, did you see that email?
00:28:11So what?
00:28:12Are you planning to update your profile?
00:28:14I'm still thinking about it.
00:28:17I suggest you do it soon.
00:28:19If they find out you hid something, that'll be a very serious matter.
00:28:25Thank you for the reminder, Scarlett.
00:28:27Thank you for the reminder, Scarlett.
00:28:33It had a pure black background with handwritten words on the back.
00:28:39I never noticed it before.
00:28:41It hasn't come to that yet.
00:28:45There are two things to discuss today.
00:28:48First, the Crownwell project has finished the initial handover.
00:28:52Mr. Anderson is very satisfied with our translation work.
00:28:56Bonuses for this project will be issued next month.
00:29:02Second, regarding the update of employee profiles.
00:29:10Mr. White, I have a question.
00:29:14Go ahead.
00:29:15If an employee deliberately hides their skills and causes the company to make the mistakes
00:29:20in allocating human resources, does that count as a violation?
00:29:29Then let me give an example.
00:29:31Say an employee only lists Spanish on her profile, but in fact she is fluent in multiple languages.
00:29:36The company assigns her position and salary according on the standard for a Spanish translator,
00:29:39and she never raises any objection.
00:29:41Over three years, without knowing the truth,
00:29:43the company loses out on a huge amount of usable human resources.
00:29:46This kind of behavior, enough.
00:29:52Scarlett, get to the point.
00:29:54The person you're talking about is me, right?
00:29:57So what?
00:29:58Yes.
00:29:59I only listed Spanish on my profile because the position I applied for was junior Spanish translator.
00:30:05I have never made a mistake during the work.
00:30:09As for the other languages...
00:30:11As for the other languages, you hid your ability.
00:30:14You let the company spend high salaries hiring people for the German, French and Arabic teams
00:30:18when you alone could do all of their jobs.
00:30:20Isn't that damaging the company's interests?
00:30:23If I alone can replace all of them, then where does that leave you, Scarlett?
00:30:26This has nothing to do with my place!
00:30:28It does.
00:30:29Because what you're really worried about isn't the company's interests.
00:30:33It's the fact that you found out I'm more capable than you.
00:30:37And now your position doesn't feel so secure anymore.
00:30:40You...
00:30:41I'll say it again.
00:30:43Not listing on my profile does not mean hiding.
00:30:46The skills section does not say all skills must be listed.
00:30:50I chose to show only the skills required for the job I applied for.
00:30:53That is my right.
00:30:57Fine.
00:30:58Then let me ask another question.
00:31:00Mr. White, the bonus for the Crownwell project is distributed among the team members, right?
00:31:05Yes.
00:31:06Annie was added to the team later on a temporary basis.
00:31:08The part she took in was just translation handover.
00:31:11She wasn't on the original team list.
00:31:13So when the bonus is distributed, she shouldn't receive the full amount.
00:31:17That was a vicious move.
00:31:19She stopped attacking me over the hidden skills issue because she knew she couldn't win that fight.
00:31:23So she switched to MUND money instead.
00:31:30Well, Scarlet does have a point. Annie joined halfway through.
00:31:34Louis Anderson specifically requested me.
00:31:38Mr. Anderson, what brings you here?
00:31:41I came to deliver the contract. I heard your meeting. The door wasn't fully closed.
00:31:46The core negotiation of this project was completed by Annie.
00:31:50On the day we first met, she saved the entire conversation in the final five minutes.
00:31:53During the meeting with the UAE client, she used Arabic to win me $8 million in profit margin.
00:31:58How your company distributes bonus is your business.
00:32:00But I suggest you figure out who really is the key person in this project.
00:32:10One more thing. There is a clause in this contract.
00:32:13From now on, all translation handover work for Crown With will be handled by Annie.
00:32:18If she is no longer at White Global, this contract automatically becomes void.
00:32:27Mr. Anderson, you mean, I've made myself very clear. This contract is worth $80 million a year.
00:32:35The handover translator is Annie. If you replace her, the contract is void.
00:32:42$80 million.
00:32:44Annie.
00:32:45Mr. White.
00:32:46Starting today, you are no longer on the junior level.
00:32:49Then which level I'm in?
00:32:51Deputy Director of the Translation Department.
00:32:54As for your salary, you'll discuss it privately.
00:32:57Mr. White! She's only been here for three years. I've been here for seven!
00:33:02Scarlett, sit down.
00:33:04You deserve better than that.
00:33:08The Translation Department was in an uproar.
00:33:11She actually speaks eight languages.
00:33:14She stayed in the junior level for three years? How did that happen?
00:33:18Didn't you hear Louis Anderson's contract?
00:33:20He specifically asked for her.
00:33:23$80 million.
00:33:25Scarlett's face looks amazing.
00:33:27I mean, the color.
00:33:32That line in French.
00:33:33You understood it?
00:33:34I did.
00:33:36What did you think?
00:33:39I'm thinking about it.
00:33:41Take your time.
00:33:45Annie, let's have a chat.
00:33:49You hid for three years, and now everything is out in the lopen.
00:33:53Do you really think your life here will be easy from now on?
00:33:57Are you threatening me?
00:33:58I'm reminding you.
00:34:00Do you think becoming Deputy Director solves everything?
00:34:02The Translation Department's connections, client relationships, and internal resources are all in my hands.
00:34:08You're a newcomer who just got promoted.
00:34:10You won't be able to handle any of it.
00:34:12What are you trying to say?
00:34:13Give me your position.
00:34:14You can keep working as the Handover Translator and take your project bonus.
00:34:18I'll manage the department, and you handle the business.
00:34:21We both get what we want.
00:34:22What if I don't want to?
00:34:24Then I'll let you know, ability isn't the only thing that matters in reality.
00:34:35It tasted awful.
00:34:37Scarlett was right.
00:34:38Ability isn't the only thing that matters.
00:34:40But there is one thing she's wrong about.
00:34:43Thinking she was the only one who had the connection.
00:34:47On Monday, something major happened at White Global.
00:34:50The company had received a new project, a fashion brand from Lyon, France.
00:34:55It required a full set of French to English brand translation and market localization services.
00:35:01Alex Wood had brought this project back through an old client.
00:35:05The amount was not huge, but it mattered a lot for the company's brand expansion.
00:35:10The problem was, one of the two translators on the French team had just resigned last month.
00:35:17The other was on maternity leave.
00:35:20There's no one left on the French team.
00:35:22What are we supposed to do with this project?
00:35:26Annie, what level is your French?
00:35:29It works.
00:35:30What do you mean by that?
00:35:31Can you handle high-end French brand localization?
00:35:34Yes.
00:35:35Good.
00:35:36Then you're taking this project.
00:35:40The director of the French side personally called Brian White after looked through.
00:35:48Is your translator French?
00:35:50The language feels incredibly authentic.
00:35:52Yes.
00:35:53We have a dedicated French translation team.
00:36:01Annie, the French side is extremely satisfied.
00:36:04They've added another project, the full translation of their product manuals.
00:36:08It's worth $3 million.
00:36:11Okay.
00:36:12I'll approve your project bonus for this month separately.
00:36:15Thank you, Mr. White.
00:36:20Please note, everyone, project assignments in the translation should follow department procedures.
00:36:25No one should skip the leader and take projects directly.
00:36:41Annie, do you really speak eight languages?
00:36:44Yes.
00:36:44Do you know how rare someone like you is in the translation industry?
00:36:49I know.
00:36:50Then why did you...
00:36:53Forget it.
00:36:54There is something I should tell you.
00:36:55Scarlet has a real problem with you.
00:36:57She has brought it up with me several times already.
00:36:59I know.
00:37:01You better be careful.
00:37:04She has certain...
00:37:05connections in the company.
00:37:08Mr. Wood, about you and Scarlet?
00:37:10What about us?
00:37:13Nothing.
00:37:20Annie, Scarlet and I don't have the kind of relationship you might be thinking of.
00:37:24She got promoted to team lead because she had been here long enough and knew the business well.
00:37:29That's all.
00:37:32I thought of the 17 hotel re-infersant claims Elan had mentioned.
00:37:36Human nature really is an interesting thing.
00:37:41The way people looked at me was strange.
00:37:43It wasn't admiration or envy.
00:37:45It was more like...
00:37:47avoidance.
00:37:47Something happened.
00:37:50What happened?
00:37:51Scarlet reported you to Brian White.
00:37:53Reported me for what?
00:37:54She said you privately leakered White Global's internal pricing strategy to Crownweck while you were translating for them.
00:38:00That's a false accusation.
00:38:01I know.
00:38:02But she has evidence.
00:38:04What evidence?
00:38:04She said she found a file on your computer.
00:38:07Screenshots of a chat between you and Louie Anderson's assistant, Frank Young.
00:38:11The chat mentions White Global's internal pricing.
00:38:14There is no such file on my computer.
00:38:17She says there is.
00:38:18And she already showed it to Brian White.
00:38:20Brian wants you in his office tomorrow morning to explain yourself.
00:38:24That so-called chat record?
00:38:27It's fake.
00:38:28I sneaked a look at it.
00:38:29The chat time was last Wednesday at 2pm.
00:38:32But you were at the department meeting last Wednesday afternoon.
00:38:35Everyone can prove it.
00:38:36Then how did she...
00:38:37She edited the time in the chat.
00:38:39Photoshopped it.
00:38:40But she forgot one thing.
00:38:42There's a battery indicator in the top right corner of the screenshot.
00:38:45That battery display doesn't match your phone model.
00:38:46You use a Samsung.
00:38:48That screenshot is from an iPhone.
00:38:53Ellen, I need you to do me a favor.
00:38:55Name it.
00:38:56You're in administration.
00:38:57Can you pull the attendance records and meeting room usage records from last Wednesday afternoon?
00:39:03Yes.
00:39:03Pull them.
00:39:04Also, Scarlett's reimbursement records.
00:39:06The 17 hotel ones.
00:39:08Do you have them?
00:39:08I do.
00:39:09Are you finally going to use them?
00:39:11Not to attack her, but to protect myself.
00:39:13If she comes after me, I need Brian White to know her credibility has problem.
00:39:17Got it.
00:39:18To protect myself.
00:39:29Every file had a timestamp and sending record.
00:39:32My real chat history with Frank Young was all on teams.
00:39:36With server backups.
00:39:38Scarlett could fake screenshots.
00:39:40But she couldn't change server data.
00:39:44I'm sorry.
00:39:45All right.
00:39:47To protect myself from the server.
00:39:47I'm sorry.
00:39:47You're not going to be able to do anything.
00:39:52I heard you were reported.
00:39:54News travels fast.
00:39:56Frank told me.
00:39:57Do you need help?
00:39:58No.
00:39:59I can handle it myself.
00:40:01Are you sure?
00:40:04Yes.
00:40:05Fine.
00:40:06If you can't handle it, just tell me.
00:40:11It won't.
00:40:16Annie.
00:40:18Scarlett reported that you privately leaked our pricing strategy to Crownwell while you were translating for them.
00:40:25These screenshots are the evidence she provided.
00:40:28Is there anything you want to say?
00:40:30It was exactly as Aline had described.
00:40:32My profile picture, my name, a conversation with Frank Young.
00:40:36The content did involve White Global's pricing.
00:40:38But the wording was extremely unnatural.
00:40:41Like it had been made up by someone who didn't understand formal business conversation.
00:40:45These screenshots are fake.
00:40:48Of course you would say that.
00:40:49I can prove it.
00:40:52This is my full chat history with Frank Young.
00:40:56It has server backups and timestamps.
00:40:58Please compare them.
00:41:00The times don't match.
00:41:03The screenshots Scarlett provided show that the conversation happened last Wednesday at 2pm.
00:41:08But the team's records show that Annie and Frank Young had no conversation at that time.
00:41:13She could have deleted a team test server backups.
00:41:16Even if an employee deletes the chat on their EIDE, the server still keeps it.
00:41:19Also, from 2pm to 4pm last Wednesday, I was attending the department meeting in the company.
00:41:24The attendance and meeting room booking records can prove it.
00:41:26One more thing.
00:41:27One more thing.
00:41:27This screenshot is from an iOS interface.
00:41:29I use Android.
00:41:31Scarlett, your phone is an iPhone, isn't it?
00:41:33That proves nothing.
00:41:34Maybe you changed phones.
00:41:36I've been here for three years.
00:41:38The device binding records from IT show I have never used an iPhone.
00:41:47Scarlett, where did these screenshots come from?
00:41:49I found them on her computer.
00:41:52After you went through my computer last week, I reset the password.
00:41:57These screenshots were never on my computer.
00:42:01You never saw these snapshots on my computer because they never existed in the first place.
00:42:07You made them yourself.
00:42:11Scarlett, do you have anything else to explain?
00:42:15Mr. Wood, say something.
00:42:18Scarlett, you went too far this time.
00:42:22Faking evidence to falsely accuse a colleague is a serious violation.
00:42:25Scarlett, your position as the department leader is revoked immediately.
00:42:28Mr. White.
00:42:29Also, your year-end performance rating will be downgraded by one level.
00:42:31If anything like this happens again, your employment will be terminated immediately.
00:42:35Annie, are you happy now?
00:42:36Scarlett, from beginning to end, you were the one causing trouble for me.
00:42:39I never went after you first.
00:42:41Because your very existence is a protation.
00:42:43You speak eight language and you hid it for three years.
00:42:46You made my seven years of hard work look like a joke.
00:42:51On the surface, no one in the translation department said much.
00:42:54But the group chat had completely blown up.
00:42:57She should have been removed ages ago.
00:43:00Her translation skills were just average.
00:43:02She only got there through connections.
00:43:04You guys didn't know?
00:43:05Every translation she submitted had been corrected by Annie.
00:43:09What?
00:43:10I am serious.
00:43:12I have seen the proof-peating records.
00:43:14Then how many has Annie corrected over the past three years?
00:43:16A conservative estimate?
00:43:18Over a hundred.
00:43:29Excuse me.
00:43:30Which one of you is Annie?
00:43:33Me.
00:43:34Hello.
00:43:35I am Victoria Hayes, a producer at Harbor Light Media.
00:43:39We are preparing a large-scale international documentary project,
00:43:42and we need a multilinguish translation consultant.
00:43:46How did you find me?
00:43:47Industry recommendation.
00:43:48The Crownwell project and the French brand project you worked on recently
00:43:52have attracted some attention in the field.
00:43:54Harbor Light Media, a top-team production company.
00:43:57Mrs. Hayes, what kind of project is it exactly?
00:43:59A documentary about the Strait of Garouille and global trade.
00:44:02We need simultaneous interpretation and subtitle proof-feeding across five languages,
00:44:07English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic.
00:44:09We contacted three translation companies, but none of them could provide one person who covers
00:44:15all five languages.
00:44:17Then someone told me that White Global has a girl who speaks eight languages.
00:44:21Who told you that?
00:44:22Louis Anderson.
00:44:23He is one of the investors in this project.
00:44:25Louis Anderson again.
00:44:26What is the consulting fee for this project?
00:44:29$50,000 a month.
00:44:30The estimated period is three months.
00:44:32$150,000.
00:44:34That is about six years of my salary at White Global.
00:44:37If you take it, you will need to travel for two months, the Middle East and Europe.
00:44:48A bank account in Zurich, a property in Munich, and a small apartment in the 16th compartment
00:44:54of Paris.
00:44:55The total value was close to $10 million.
00:44:58Language was the thing my parents loved most in their lives.
00:45:02My mother used to say, language is the best bridge.
00:45:07My father said, if you can understand a person in their mother tongue, you can understand
00:45:12their heart.
00:45:13They carved the languages of the world into my blood.
00:45:17Then they left.
00:45:18So I hid those languages away, along with my memories of them.
00:45:22Because every time I speak one of those languages, I remember what they looked like when they were
00:45:27by my side teaching it to me.
00:45:28German was in Berlin.
00:45:30My dad taught it to me while taking me for ice cream in front of the Brandsberg gate.
00:45:35French was in Paris.
00:45:38My mother read Maupassou to me in the original French by the San.
00:45:42Arabic was in Cairo.
00:45:44The three of us were on a boat on the Nile.
00:45:48My father counted the stars while teaching me how to say Wahid, Ethwan, Flatha.
00:45:54Every language was a memory.
00:45:55And I didn't want to open those memories.
00:45:57But I...
00:46:04Has Mrs. Hayes from Harbor Light reached out to you?
00:46:07She has.
00:46:09Why did you introduce this to me?
00:46:11Because you need to step out of it.
00:46:13You do not know me.
00:46:15I know your parents were diplomats.
00:46:18I know your background.
00:46:20You investigated me?
00:46:22Before I decide who to work with, I learn about them.
00:46:26Annie, your parents were remarkable people.
00:46:29You do not need to lock yourself in a corner just to escape their shadow.
00:46:35Go take a look at Harbor Light's project.
00:46:37The Strait of Jurada, the bridge between Europe and Africa.
00:46:40Maybe you should see it for yourself.
00:46:48Maybe he was right.
00:46:52Mr. White, I need to take two months off.
00:46:55For what?
00:46:56A documentary project wants me as a translation sultan.
00:46:59I need to travel to the Middle East and Europe.
00:47:02Two months?
00:47:03What about Crownwell's project?
00:47:04I have already completed all the translation drafts for Crownwell's second phase.
00:47:08The third phase will not start until three months later.
00:47:10Are you resigning?
00:47:11I will come back.
00:47:14Fine.
00:47:15I will approve two months for you.
00:47:20Scarlet?
00:47:21Scarlet had Pliss been transferred to administration as a clerk.
00:47:24The old shine was gone.
00:47:25You are going on a business trip?
00:47:27Mm-hmm.
00:47:28For how long?
00:47:29Two months.
00:47:30You know, when I joined the White seven years ago, I only spoke one language, too.
00:47:35Later, I learned French and Spanish while working here.
00:47:38I went from intern to the department leader.
00:47:41I thought I had worked really hard.
00:47:43You did work hard.
00:47:44But without doing anything, you were already above me.
00:47:47Eight languages.
00:47:48What gives you the right?
00:47:49My parents.
00:47:50They paid for it with their lives.
00:47:55That was the last time we spoke in this building.
00:47:58At the airport, I unexpectedly ran into someone.
00:48:01Louis Anderson.
00:48:02He was wearing casual clothes.
00:48:04It was the first time I had ever seen him out of a suit.
00:48:07Annie?
00:48:07What are you doing here?
00:48:09Crownwell has business in Dubai.
00:48:11What a funny coincidence.
00:48:12Yeah.
00:48:13What a coincidence.
00:48:17Business class is pretty empty.
00:48:19Why are you sitting here?
00:48:20I bought an economy ticket.
00:48:23About the inheritance your parents left you.
00:48:26You even know about that?
00:48:28The law firm has worked with us before.
00:48:29Attorney Wills once mentioned a client who refused to inherit an estate.
00:48:33The industry is only so big.
00:48:34So the whole world knows?
00:48:36Not the whole world.
00:48:36Just me caring about it.
00:48:38I turned to look at him, and my heart skipped a beat.
00:48:40The sunlight in Dubai was completely different from back home.
00:48:43Dry, fierce.
00:48:44Almost as if it could burn straight through your shadow.
00:48:47So you are Annie?
00:48:48The one who speaks eight languages?
00:48:49Yes.
00:48:50Let's do a test.
00:48:51Translate a section for me first.
00:48:53Martin handed me an Arabic interview outline.
00:48:55Okay, I'm Annie Smith, a junior translator at White Global Trading Coeliti.
00:48:59I've been here three years and make $24,000 a year.
00:49:02Finally, she is the one.
00:49:05She is better than those three translation companies combined.
00:49:09Martin, she has not even given us a quote yet.
00:49:12No need.
00:49:13It's her.
00:49:14The first stop was the antique market in Old Dubai.
00:49:17The documentary was going to cover how the Strait of Hormos connects global trade.
00:49:22There was a Persian carpet shop here that had been open for 40 years,
00:49:25and the owner was a third generation Iranian merchant.
00:49:46In Casablanca, I interviewed a historian in French.
00:49:59He said,
00:50:00On the Strait of Giraldi, shipping and trade are a way of having a dialogue.
00:50:04People may come from different backgrounds and speak different languages,
00:50:07but their hearts are connected.
00:50:09My voice, but their hearts was a little hossied,
00:50:11because my father had said almost the exact same thing.
00:50:15Okay.
00:50:16That night, the team had dinner at the hotel.
00:50:21Annie, Mr. Anderson asked whether your work went smoothly today?
00:50:24It went smoothly.
00:50:25No need to worry about me.
00:50:26Mr. Anderson asked me to tell you that he is in the office on the 58th floor of this hotel.
00:50:31If you need anything, contact him anytime.
00:50:36Hello?
00:50:38Have you eaten?
00:50:40I am eating now.
00:50:41The food here may not really suit our taste.
00:50:44If you want something else...
00:50:46Mr. Anderson, why are you telling me this?
00:50:49Because I care about you.
00:50:50I do not need your concern, thank you.
00:50:53Okay.
00:50:53No more concern.
00:50:55Good night.
00:50:55Over the next two weeks, we went a lot of places.
00:50:58On the flight from Istanbul to Cairo, I received an email.
00:51:01Sender, Scarlet.
00:51:02Subject, no subject.
00:51:04After you left, they laid off the French team and the German team,
00:51:08because Brian White said you alone would enough.
00:51:10Seven people lost their jobs because of you.
00:51:13Are you happy now?
00:51:15I looked at the email and deleted it.
00:51:17Do not believe, Scarlet.
00:51:19The French and German teams were cut because they were already at the bottom in performance.
00:51:22It has nothing to do with you.
00:51:24She is just trying to mess with you.
00:51:25I know.
00:51:26Are you okay?
00:51:27I am fine.
00:51:32Cairo.
00:51:32Cairo, the third stop of the documentary.
00:51:35I lived here for a while.
00:51:38When the plane landed, I looked out at that familiar city, and my heart started beating a little faster.
00:51:45In Cairo, the team was filming a section about the history of trade between the Middle East and Europe.
00:51:51They needed Arabic interpretation.
00:52:05Erzakt, is gibt einen Providence Sammler im Cairo?
00:52:08The owner of this association was a Diplopat. He died five years ago.
00:52:13His Tauter holds the association as a Herb, is never been there yet.
00:52:23Michael Smith.
00:52:28That was my father's name.
00:52:32After the interview, I sat alone on the streets of Cairo.
00:52:36I looked up at the sky. It was gray.
00:52:41I still remembered the pistachio-flavor ice cream that year.
00:52:49Hello?
00:52:50You arrived in Cairo?
00:52:52Yes.
00:52:55What happened? Your voice sounds off.
00:52:59Nothing.
00:53:00I flew to Cairo this afternoon. If you have time...
00:53:03Why do you always show up wherever I am?
00:53:05Because Victoria has your itinerary. She is running a project I invested in, so I have the right to see
00:53:11it.
00:53:11That is called stalking.
00:53:13That is called paying attention.
00:53:18There is a difference.
00:53:20The next afternoon, Louie Geranderson went with me to a private warehouse on the outskirts of Cairo.
00:53:26It was not big, but the temperature and humidity were carefully controlled.
00:53:30The kind of place used specifically to store antiques.
00:53:36After the manager opened the door, I saw three full shelves.
00:53:42Every piece had a handwritten tag hanging on it.
00:53:47It was my father's handwriting.
00:53:49An 18th century style Meissen porcelain vase.
00:53:54Purchased at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, 2008.
00:53:59With Annie.
00:54:012008.
00:54:03I was eight years old, in Istanbul with my dad.
00:54:05He took me to the Grand Bazaar.
00:54:07I kept asking for Turkish ice cream, and he said we would go after looking at that little stall.
00:54:12That stall was selling these old porcelain pieces.
00:54:15I did not remember any of it.
00:54:17But my dad did.
00:54:18For three years, I hid everything about them away.
00:54:21The languages.
00:54:22The inheritance.
00:54:23The memories.
00:54:24I thought as long as I did not touch any of it, I could pretend they had never left.
00:54:29But they had always been with me.
00:54:32Your father was an extraordinary man.
00:54:36I know.
00:54:38Then you should become someone extraordinary too.
00:54:41Instead of hiding yourself in a position far below your level.
00:54:47That night, I called Attorney Wills.
00:54:49Attorney Wills, I will handle the inheritance.
00:54:52Miss Smith!
00:54:53Finally!
00:54:54Donate the Zur accounts and the properties according to the original plan.
00:54:57But I am keeping the porcelain collection in Cairo.
00:55:00Understood.
00:55:00That is wonderful.
00:55:01I will arrange it right away.
00:55:02One more thing.
00:55:03Go ahead.
00:55:04Did my father leave any letter or document for me?
00:55:07Not a legal document.
00:55:08Something personal.
00:55:09Yes.
00:55:10A letter.
00:55:11He noted that it should be given to you when you came to collect the antiques.
00:55:13Send it to me.
00:55:16Attorney Wills sent the letter to my hotel.
00:55:18I sat in my room for ten minutes before finally working up the courage to open the letter.
00:55:24The letter was not long.
00:55:26Annie.
00:55:27When you see this letter, your mother and I should no longer be by your side.
00:55:30Knowing your personality, I guess you will probably run away for a while.
00:55:34You may seal away the memories connected to us, along with all those languages.
00:55:38Maybe it is because every language is tied to us.
00:55:40One sentence in German will remind you of landscape in Berlin.
00:55:44One sentence in Arabic will remind you of the stars in Cairo.
00:55:47But Annie, language is not a chain.
00:55:50Language is wings.
00:55:51Your mother spent her life building bridges.
00:55:53I spent mine planting seeds.
00:55:54You are that bridge and seed.
00:55:56Don't shrink yourself into the dark.
00:55:57You are exceptional.
00:55:58You are smart, gifted, and you should do what you are really good at.
00:56:01Trying to plant seeds in your own way.
00:56:03You are our pride.
00:56:04Mom and Dad will always love you.
00:56:05There was a water stain on the paper.
00:56:07I did not know whether he left it when he wrote the letter or whether I had just left it.
00:56:11My dad was right.
00:56:12Language is not a chain.
00:56:14It is wings.
00:56:17In Madrid, I interviewed a flamenco dancer in Spanish.
00:56:21Every language has its own rhythm.
00:56:24Once your body remembers it, you will never forget it.
00:56:27She says every language has its own rhythm.
00:56:29I wrote that sentence down in my translation notes.
00:56:32The final stop was Venice.
00:56:35Omar, the Arab old bookseller.
00:56:38He had his own antique bookshop in the best spot on the busiest square in Venice.
00:56:43He was in his 60s and had lived in Italy for 30 years.
00:56:48And the story of him moved me the most.
00:57:05What happened after that?
00:57:06Then I spent 10 years learning Italian.
00:57:09And over the 10 years, I made sure that everyone on that road would call me Mr. Omar.
00:57:15The language is not only for tradition.
00:57:17It's the way in which you can respect.
00:57:22Keep this part.
00:57:23Original audio with subtitles.
00:57:28Annie.
00:57:30Your translation almost made me cry.
00:57:33In Venice, I completed the final three interviews in Italian.
00:57:37Two months, two continents, and eight languages.
00:57:40My dad was right.
00:57:42Language is not a chain.
00:57:44It is wings.
00:57:49The day I came back, it was late December.
00:57:53New York's winter was cold, but the air carried a familiar scent.
00:57:59Annie, the director position in the translation department is open.
00:58:04Mm-hmm.
00:58:04I want you to take it.
00:58:08What is the salary?
00:58:11$200,000.
00:58:12Okay.
00:58:13And just like that, in less than half a year, I went from a junior role to the director of
00:58:18the translation department.
00:58:21On the day I officially took the role, I stood in the meeting room and made a speech to the
00:58:26people in the translation department.
00:58:31I know many of you have questions about me.
00:58:36Why does someone who hid for three years suddenly get to become director?
00:58:40I am not going to explain.
00:58:42From today on, results will do the talking.
00:58:44I will personally proofread everyone's translation drafts.
00:58:47I have only one standard.
00:58:49Accuracy.
00:58:49If you cannot do it, I will teach you.
00:58:52If you still cannot do it after that, you will be replaced.
00:58:55That is strict.
00:58:58Translation is not a word game.
00:58:59One wrong number in a trade contract can mean tens of millions in losses.
00:59:04Strictness is the bare minimum.
00:59:09Hello?
00:59:10Director Smith, congratulations on the promotion.
00:59:13$200,000?
00:59:15Mm-hmm.
00:59:15I offered $400,000 before.
00:59:17I know.
00:59:18Still not considering it?
00:59:19Not for now.
00:59:20But thank you for all your help.
00:59:21The offer, the Harborlight Media Project, that day in Cairo.
00:59:24You don't need to thank me.
00:59:25Those weren't favors.
00:59:26Then what were they?
00:59:27Things I wanted to do.
00:59:29Are you free this weekend?
00:59:31For what?
00:59:33Dinner.
00:59:33No work, no projects.
00:59:36Okay.
00:59:37He was driving a very ordinary gray sedan.
00:59:39Not the kind of luxury car I had imagined.
00:59:42Your car doesn't really match your status.
00:59:44Cars are for driving, not for showing off.
00:59:46I'm taking you to a Japanese restaurant.
00:59:48It only has eight seats.
00:59:50You're paying?
00:59:52Obviously.
00:59:54This place has the best sashimi in the whole city.
00:59:57How do you know?
00:59:58I've tried every Japanese restaurant in the city.
01:00:02This man.
01:00:04Annie, I'm going to be direct.
01:00:06Since that day in Cairo, or maybe even earlier, since the first time you spoke German at Crownwell,
01:00:11I...
01:00:11You what?
01:00:12I knew you were someone I didn't want to miss.
01:00:15Right now, you're the only person in my mind.
01:00:19You really are way too...
01:00:21Too what?
01:00:22Too direct.
01:00:23You don't like it?
01:00:24I didn't say I didn't like it.
01:00:27That night, he drove me home.
01:00:29Downstairs, he said...
01:00:31I'm flying to South Korea for a business tryst tomorrow.
01:00:34How long?
01:00:35A week.
01:00:36Okay.
01:00:37Will you miss me?
01:00:39No.
01:00:41Liar.
01:00:43Maybe a little.
01:00:48No.
01:00:53Over the next three months, many things happened at once.
01:00:57The Crownwell project successfully completed its third phase.
01:01:01And White Global brought in nearly 80 million dollars in revenue from it.
01:01:07When Brian White reviewed the monthly report, he said to Alex Wood...
01:01:11We should have put Annie on it from the start.
01:01:15After Scarlett resigned from White Global, she became a director at a small translation company.
01:01:21Three months later, that company faced had its amassed tariff of compensation claim.
01:01:25A German contract had its tariff clauses mistranslated, causing the client to lose 20 million dollars.
01:01:32That translation was done by Scarlett herself.
01:01:34Her problem with Dermich Honorati's had finally been exposed on a bigger stage.
01:01:40When the news reached White Global, some people started mocking her in the group chat.
01:01:45I only said one thing.
01:01:47Stop talking about it.
01:01:50Everyone has to take responsibility for their own choices.
01:02:02Hello?
01:02:03Annie, it's Uncle George, your father's old colleague.
01:02:07Uncle George?
01:02:09I saw you on TV.
01:02:10Translation consultant in five languages.
01:02:13Annie, your parents must be so proud of you in heaven.
01:02:15Uncle George, how did you see...
01:02:17You look exactly like Michael.
01:02:19And your Arabic, that Cairo accent of your father's, I recognized it the moment I heard it.
01:02:23Annie, before your father passed away, he said something to me.
01:02:27What did he say?
01:02:29Annie will become a better bridge than I ever was.
01:02:32That night, Louie Anderson came back from South Korea and went straight to my building.
01:02:38Come out.
01:02:39For what?
01:02:41Want to take a walk with you.
01:02:46The street was cold, and the street lights stretched our shadows long across the pavement.
01:02:51I watched the documentary.
01:02:54How was it?
01:02:56Not good enough for your translation.
01:02:57The director was average.
01:02:59Don't say that about Martin.
01:03:01But your parts were excellent.
01:03:03You weren't just translating in the interview, you were carrying the emotion across.
01:03:08My father once said, if you understand someone's mother tongue, you can understand their heart.
01:03:12You did that.
01:03:15We walked for a long time until we reached a river.
01:03:19Annie.
01:03:20Yeah?
01:03:21Crownwell is setting up an international cultural exchange department next year.
01:03:24We'll focus on crossword cultural projects, documentaries, publishing, exhibitions, forums. I need someone to lead it.
01:03:29You're trying to poach me again.
01:03:31I'm not poaching you. I'm building a position for you.
01:03:34What do you mean?
01:03:35You're not meant to be just a translator.
01:03:38Translation is a tool, and you should use that tool to do something bigger.
01:03:41Your father's porcelain collection could become an exhibition about the history of global trade.
01:03:45Use your eight languages to tell that story to the world.
01:03:47What's the salary?
01:03:48Name your price.
01:03:50You don't think I'm taking advantage of you?
01:03:52Then let me take advantage of you.
01:03:54What?
01:03:54Be my girlfriend.
01:03:56No salary needed.
01:03:58Louie!
01:03:59I'm joking.
01:04:00One million dollars a year, plus project dividends.
01:04:02But the girlfriend part is serious, too.
01:04:05The streetlight fell across his face, softening cold lines he usually carried.
01:04:12Two days later, I gave him my answer.
01:04:15I said yes to both.
01:04:16Brian White personally walked me to the entrance.
01:04:20Annie, you are the most underestimated employee in White Global's history.
01:04:23Mr. White, you also gave me the opportunity.
01:04:27You earned that opportunity yourself.
01:04:30Speaking of which, what I said in German at the annual meeting...
01:04:33The 70% raise?
01:04:35You understood it back then, didn't you?
01:04:38I did.
01:04:39Then why didn't you...
01:04:40Forget it.
01:04:41I wish you all the best.
01:04:45Three years.
01:04:46A $24,000 salary.
01:04:48A junior level position.
01:04:50I had repaid what needed to be repaid.
01:04:53It was time to start over.
01:04:59Crownwell's International Cultural Exchange Department was officially established.
01:05:04I became its first director.
01:05:06The first project is an international touring exhibition.
01:05:09The core exhibits are the 40 Blubber antiques my father collected from around the world.
01:05:17The exhibition will open simultaneously in five cities. Berlin, Cairo, Istanbul, Paris, and New York.
01:05:25I'll personally translate the narration for each city into the local language.
01:05:30On opening day, more than 300 people came to the New York venue.
01:05:35Uncle George stood in the exhibition hall, looking at my father's handwritten labels on the Portland pieces, tears streaming down
01:05:42his face.
01:05:43Michael, your daughter made it.
01:05:50Annie, how about turning this exhibition into a second season of the documentary?
01:05:56We can talk about it.
01:05:58I told you.
01:06:00I told you.
01:06:00You were never just a translator.
01:06:03Louis Anderson stood in the corner of the exhibition hall, staying away from the front.
01:06:07He was wearing a black suit, hands in my pockets, watching me give interviews under the spotlight.
01:06:12That look in his eyes.
01:06:13You are someone I didn't want to miss.
01:06:21Mrs. Smith, you are fluent in eight languages, but I heard you spent three years as a junior translator at
01:06:26a trading company, making only $24,000 a year?
01:06:31Yes.
01:06:33Why did you hide your abilities?
01:06:35Because I was running away.
01:06:38Every language was tied to memories of my parents.
01:06:41I thought if I hid them away, it would stop hurting.
01:06:45But later I realized that languages do not disappear just because you refuse to speak them.
01:06:49They stay in your blood, waiting for you to speak.
01:06:52What finally made you decide to speak up?
01:06:56A letter.
01:06:58My father wrote it.
01:06:59He said if I have the ability to make a difference, I should use it.
01:07:03On the second day of the exhibition, someone unexpected showed up.
01:07:08Scarlet.
01:07:10What are you doing here?
01:07:13I saw it on the news.
01:07:15Your father collected these?
01:07:16Yes.
01:07:18They are beautiful.
01:07:21Annie, I owe you an apology.
01:07:23You do not have to.
01:07:25Let me speak.
01:07:26I was jealous of you.
01:07:28I had been jealous since the first time you opened your mouth and spoke German.
01:07:32It took me seven years to climb up to Team Leader, but you were already above me without even trying.
01:07:36I could not accept that.
01:07:38So you chose to frame me?
01:07:40Yes.
01:07:41And then I paid the price.
01:07:43After I left White Global, that German contract at the translation company, you heard about it, right?
01:07:48I did.
01:07:49Because you used to correct my work, I never knew what my real level was.
01:07:52Once you were not there anymore, I finally realized, Scarlet, your hard work was real.
01:07:56Those seven years of German were not wasted either.
01:07:58You just chose the wrong direction at certain moments.
01:08:01You two don't hate me?
01:08:02No.
01:08:04The forged screenshots are in the past now.
01:08:07You really are different from before.
01:08:09Back then, I could not even face myself.
01:08:12The exhibition is wonderful.
01:08:14Your father must be very happy.
01:08:19The exhibition ran for two months across five cities, with more than 120,000 visitors in total.
01:08:35After the closing ceremony, Louie Anderson found me on the hotel terrace.
01:08:40Tired?
01:08:42A little.
01:08:44Five cities, two months.
01:08:45You handled all the narration translation work across every language by yourself.
01:08:49I am used to it.
01:08:51Do not get used to carrying everything alone.
01:08:55This is not a proposal, so don't be nervous.
01:08:59It's custom made.
01:09:00Because you said your father once told you that you were the bridge.
01:09:05This...
01:09:06There is a line engraved on the bridge.
01:09:09It has the word bridge engraved in nine languages.
01:09:12The ninth language is Russian.
01:09:15I studied for three months just to learn one word.
01:09:18The Cairo night wind swept across the terrace.
01:09:20In the distance, the banks of the Nile were bright with lights.
01:09:26Louie Anderson, you really are.
01:09:28What?
01:09:31Too good at this.
01:09:34Only with you.
01:09:42Five years later, Crownwell's international cultural exchange department had become an industry benchmark.
01:09:47It ran more than 20 cross-cultural projects every year, with revenue exceeding 200 million.
01:09:53Revenue is up another 30% this year.
01:09:54Mm-hmm.
01:09:57Your salary should be adjusted this year.
01:09:58To how much?
01:10:00You tell me.
01:10:02One dollar.
01:10:05Seriously?
01:10:06Put the rest into a scholarship to support young people studying languages.
01:10:11Name it after my parents.
01:10:12The Michael Smith and Evelyn Chen Language Scholarship.
01:10:15How do you know my mother's name?
01:10:17I am your husband.
01:10:18How could I not know your mother's name?
01:10:21Outside the window was the skyline of the whole city.
01:10:24It was no longer that rental apartment with the broken heating.
01:10:27But sometimes, I still think of that window, and the nights when I crouched there eating soup.
01:10:32Back then, I was fluent in eight languages, made $2,000 a year, and rejected a $10 million inheritance.
01:10:39I hid myself in the deepest corner, thinking that as long as I stayed silent, it would not hurt.
01:10:44In his letter, my father wrote,
01:10:45Be brave enough to be yourself.
01:10:48It took me a long time to understand that.
01:10:52But luckily,
01:10:54I did it.
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