- 9 hours ago
The Silent Polyglot
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:01I'm Annie Smith, a junior translator at White Global Trading Co. Lou Did.
00:00:06I've been here for three years and make $24,000 a year.
00:00:10Pretty ordinary, right?
00:00:12But in fact, I'm fluent in eight languages.
00:00:15English, German, French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Arabic, and Italian.
00:00:21Nobody knows that.
00:00:23My father was a diplomat and mother was simultaneous in Surgitor.
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.
00:00:41Everyone have worked hard over the past year.
00:00:44Thank you for your dedication.
00:00:47In the new year, we will...
00:00:50It's been ten minutes.
00:00:52And I'm down here counting how many times he says thank you while he's giving the speech.
00:00:58Annie, you'd better win the lucky draw later.
00:01:01If you do, dinner's on me.
00:01:05Sure, why not?
00:01:07That's my everyday life.
00:01:08Elon is my only friend at work.
00:01:11She doesn't know I speak eight languages.
00:01:14But she does know one thing.
00:01:18Also, I have another one.
00:01:22Everyone here, who speaks German, will get in the next year a 70% Gehanserröhung.
00:01:3170%.
00:01:32My salary would go from 24.000 to 4800.
00:01:37But it has nothing to do with me.
00:01:39I told myself, it has nothing to do with me.
00:01:47Annie, did you understand that?
00:01:49No.
00:01:50I don't speak German.
00:01:53Right, of course.
00:01:54You only have a certificate in Spanish.
00:01:56What could you possibly understand?
00:01:59Poor thing.
00:02:02Scarlett, majoring in German, French, and Spanish, is the head of translator team.
00:02:08She got promoted in just three months and has been riding that high ever since.
00:02:14Mm-hmm.
00:02:16Anyway, the raise has nothing to do with you.
00:02:20Just keep doing the basic work.
00:02:23Oh, and remember to translate the annual meeting press replaced tonight.
00:02:27I didn't say anything.
00:02:29A 70% raise.
00:02:31The German translation team consists of four people, plus Scarlett.
00:02:34Only five people would get it.
00:02:36What did that have to do with me?
00:02:38Nothing.
00:02:39Really.
00:02:39Nothing.
00:02:45Anne!
00:02:46Stay right there!
00:02:47I'm coming over right now!
00:02:50Annie?
00:02:52Why didn't you raise your hand just now?
00:02:54Raise my hand for what?
00:02:58You definitely understood that German, right?
00:03:0070%?
00:03:01You only make 24,000 a year.
00:03:04After the raise, that's 4,800 a year.
00:03:07No, I didn't get the meaning.
00:03:08I don't speak German.
00:03:12Who are you trying to fool?
00:03:13Your French is already that good.
00:03:15You expect me to believe you don't understand German.
00:03:17Are you kidding me?
00:03:19I really don't understand German.
00:03:21Anne, that crappy place you rent barely have working heating.
00:03:26Sometimes, you even can't bring yourself to go when we go out for a drink on Friday.
00:03:30Can't you stand up for yourself for once?
00:03:31Ellen caught me reading a French book in the pantry last year.
00:03:35I told her I'd studied a little bit French.
00:03:38She's been holding it in for almost a year.
00:03:41I don't want to expose.
00:03:48Oh my God, Annie, what are you afraid of?
00:03:53Fine, keep pretending.
00:03:55I'm done.
00:03:56But Annie, I'm telling you.
00:03:58You're gonna suffer with that kind of personality sooner or later.
00:04:03Alright.
00:04:11Guter Schaßzug, oder?
00:04:13Schließlich können das nur die Leute aus dem deutschen Team verstehen.
00:04:16Das bedeutet, dass sich nur dem Kernteam eine Gehenserhöhungs gibt.
00:04:20Alle anderen werden einfach denken, dass ich eine motivasierisch rehe halte.
00:04:25Sehr brillant, Mr. White.
00:04:29Appross, wen schäden wir nächste Woche für das Projekt der Crownville Group?
00:04:36Scarlet.
00:04:37Sie spricht am besten Deutsch.
00:04:41Ich habe gehört, dass Präsident Anderson von Crownville ziemlich schwierig ist.
00:04:45Letztes Mal hat er das gesamte Übersesserskump von Meridian aus dem Besprengsraum hinangefrogen.
00:04:49Das sollte kein Problem sein.
00:04:51Scarlet kommt damit klar.
00:04:57Leute, auf Arnes Nivelle sollten wir diesmal nicht mitmehen.
00:04:59Sie könnten das Meeting ruinieren.
00:05:04They didn't know I could understand them.
00:05:06They thought I was just a small translator.
00:05:10But that's only to be expected.
00:05:13I haven't shown what I'm capable of either.
00:05:15Annie, send me the proofread version of last week's contract tomorrow.
00:05:21Yes, Mr. White.
00:05:28I placed the proofread contract on Brian White's desk the next day.
00:05:32It was a 30,000 word Spanish contract.
00:05:35And I had corrected 47 mistakes in the original translation.
00:05:39The original translator was Scarlet.
00:05:41But my name would never appear on the proofread version.
00:05:44It would only show translation department on the surface.
00:05:48Scarlet never knew her translations had been corrected by me.
00:05:52She thought she was the top.
00:05:55Annie, did you hear?
00:05:57Hear what?
00:05:58Scarlet is going to handle the Crownwell International next week.
00:06:01I heard.
00:06:03Do you know President Anderson of Crownwell?
00:06:10Who?
00:06:14Louis Anderson.
00:06:1532 years old.
00:06:16President of Crownwell International Commerce Group lead in.
00:06:19He ranked 98th on last year's Global Wealth Rankings.
00:06:21They say he's fluent in five languages, but notorious for his bad temper.
00:06:25He even chewed out the entire Meridian's translation team and drove them out of the meeting room.
00:06:29What does that have to do with me?
00:06:31You don't think Scarlet can handle him?
00:06:35Even if she can't, that's not my business.
00:06:40Annie, seriously.
00:06:41You're way too good at putting up with things.
00:06:44Lillian left.
00:06:45She doesn't get it.
00:06:46I'm not putting up with it.
00:06:47I just don't want to get involved.
00:06:49It was an Eric supplier quotation.
00:06:51Technically, it should have gone to someone on the Arab group.
00:06:54But the Arab team is out of the office today, so Alex Wood casually dumped it on me.
00:06:59Annie, didn't you say you took a little Arabic course in college?
00:07:02Just do a rough translation.
00:07:04Sure.
00:07:04I did tell him I'd taken a little Arabic.
00:07:07But in fact, I lived in Saudi Arabia for two years.
00:07:10Arabic is basically my fourth native language.
00:07:13It took me 15 minutes to finish the translation.
00:07:16I left two tiny mistakes in proposal just to pretend the work of someone who had only taken a little
00:07:21Arabic.
00:07:27Arabic, not bad, was actually good enough for me.
00:07:37Annie, organize these materials for me.
00:07:39I need them for Crownwell's project next week.
00:07:42This is background materials on Crownwell International Commerce Group, LOA, all in Spanish.
00:07:47About 50 pages.
00:07:48This isn't my job.
00:07:50How is it not?
00:07:50You're in the translation department, and I'm your leader.
00:07:53Is there a problem with me assigning you work?
00:07:55She had been promoted to team leader last month, so of course was at the peak of her arrogance.
00:08:01Fine.
00:08:05Oh, and there's a department meeting tomorrow.
00:08:07We'll be discussing the handover plan for the Crownwell project.
00:08:10You don't need to attend.
00:08:12I know.
00:08:13You're only responsible for basic proofreading.
00:08:16A major project like this isn't something you get to be part of.
00:08:19I know.
00:08:27I heard everything in the pantry.
00:08:29Who does she think she is talking to you like that?
00:08:31What does she mean by not something you get to be part of?
00:08:33I'm used to it.
00:08:35Can't you just clap back for once?
00:08:36And then what?
00:08:37She's the boss.
00:08:40If you showed everyone what you can really do, what kind of boss would she even be?
00:08:47I don't want to.
00:08:48What exactly are you afraid of, Annie?
00:08:51What am I afraid of?
00:08:53I don't know either.
00:08:54Maybe I'm afraid of being noticed.
00:08:56Afraid that people will dig into my past and will look at me with pity.
00:09:01Or maybe I'm just too tired to care.
00:09:06An annual salary of $24 for $1,000.
00:09:10In this city, after rent and utilities, there isn't much left.
00:09:21Hello?
00:09:22Hello.
00:09:23Am I speaking with Miss Annie Smith?
00:09:25Yes.
00:09:26This is Attorney Wills from Kirkland and Ellis Law Firm.
00:09:29There are some documents regarding the settlement of the overseas assets left by your parents.
00:09:33And we need you to sign in person.
00:09:35I've said this before.
00:09:36I don't want any of it.
00:09:38Donate everything.
00:09:38Mrs. Smith, there is a sum in your parents' account in Zurich.
00:09:41I don't want it.
00:09:42Attorney Wills, thank you, but please stop calling me.
00:09:51The Translation Department had a meeting on the Monday morning.
00:09:54I wasn't told to attend, but my desk was right next to the meeting room.
00:09:58I could hear every word through that glass wall.
00:10:01Louis Anderson is fluent in German and French.
00:10:03There are also someone who can speak Mandarin and Japanese in his team.
00:10:07This time we're discussing a supply chain partnership for the Middle East market.
00:10:10Anything involving Arabic will be handled by their side.
00:10:13We only need to cover the German communication.
00:10:16Can you handle that?
00:10:17Of course.
00:10:17I studied in Germany for three years.
00:10:19The business negotiation like this is exactly in my comfort zone.
00:10:22To be fair, Scarlett's German is decent.
00:10:24Daily conversation is indeed a piece of cake for her.
00:10:27But I've reviewed her previous translations.
00:10:29Her business German has one fatal habit.
00:10:31She relies too much on literal translation and often misses the level of formality required
00:10:35in German business correspondence.
00:10:37In everyday conversation, that's not a big deal.
00:10:39But if the person she faced is extremely sensitive to details, never mind.
00:10:44Not my business.
00:10:46Finish sorting everything?
00:10:48Yes.
00:10:48I made her a summary classified by project type, cooperation history, and key personnel.
00:10:54I also marked the changes of tariff policies and the risk points.
00:10:56All she had to do was a glance through and she was exactly to expect.
00:10:59It'll do.
00:11:05Scarlett!
00:11:07Scarlett!
00:11:08He rarely came down here in person.
00:11:11Scarlett, Crown will move the schedule up.
00:11:14Anderson will be here tomorrow afternoon.
00:11:16Are you ready?
00:11:17Moved up?
00:11:20I've gone through all the materials.
00:11:22No problem.
00:11:23Good.
00:11:24Bring someone with you tomorrow for on-site interpretation support.
00:11:27I'll take Zach.
00:11:28His German is decent too.
00:11:30Zach is still on leave.
00:11:35Annie!
00:11:36You come with me tomorrow.
00:11:37Me?
00:11:38I only speak Spanish.
00:11:39You'll just take notes and serve coffee.
00:11:41I'll handle the professional part.
00:11:44Her?
00:11:46Don't worry, Mr. White.
00:11:47She's more than enough as an assistant.
00:11:50I got dragged into Crown Willian's business negotiation.
00:11:52As an assistant and a note taker.
00:11:55Someone who can serve coffee at the same time.
00:11:58I sent Elin a message.
00:11:59I will go to Crown Will tomorrow.
00:12:01Scarlett is taking you?
00:12:03Doesn't she always look down on you?
00:12:05As the errand girl.
00:12:06You, you just agreed to that?
00:12:08What else am I supposed to do?
00:12:10Annie!
00:12:21Are you from White Global?
00:12:23Yes.
00:12:24I'm Scarlett, team leader of the translation department.
00:12:27This is my assistant, Annie.
00:12:29Oh, she called me assistant.
00:12:31I didn't correct her.
00:12:35Please wait.
00:12:36President Alexandring is still in a meeting.
00:12:39Scarlett reapplied her lipstick twice and adjusted her hair three separate times in just
00:12:44these 15 minutes.
00:12:45Annie, when we go in, just sit on the side and take notes.
00:12:48Don't speak unless you're asked.
00:12:49Got it?
00:12:50Got it.
00:12:51Also, when you address Mr. Anderson, be formal and respectful.
00:12:56Don't let your eyes wander.
00:12:57People at his level hate unprofessional behavior.
00:13:02Okay.
00:13:05Miss Scarlett, President Anderson will see you now.
00:13:2032 years old, about 6'1", gray suit, no tie.
00:13:25The top button of his shirt was undone.
00:13:26His face was cold.
00:13:28Not the kind of cold people put on to look cool.
00:13:30He was genuinely cold.
00:13:31Sit.
00:13:34Two other people were sitting next to him.
00:13:36The legal director and a lady who looked very, very young.
00:13:39A translation device sat in front of her.
00:13:58He spoke for fast.
00:14:00Every word was sharp.
00:14:01She understood him, but she clearly didn't expect him to open like that.
00:14:10I mean...
00:14:11I have asked on German, so answer them please on German.
00:14:15I don't want to spend time with over-sights.
00:14:22I don't want to spend time with over-sights.
00:14:26I don't want to spend time with over-sights.
00:14:32I don't want to spend time with over-sights.
00:14:47But Scarlett obviously hadn't read it carefully.
00:14:53The...
00:14:53The...
00:14:54I...
00:14:55I have to do that first of all internally.
00:14:59Have you prepared yourself before you come here?
00:15:04You have used the wrong German language.
00:15:08For the first time I didn't say anything.
00:15:10For the second time I didn't say anything.
00:15:12For the third time...
00:15:14Do you know what it means in business life,
00:15:16if you always use the wrong answer form?
00:15:19It means that you don't respect me
00:15:22or that you don't respect me.
00:15:23Which one is it?
00:15:26The legal director beside Anderson gave a slight shake of his head.
00:15:30The meaning was obvious.
00:15:32This negotiation was about to fall through.
00:15:41Herr Präsident Anderson,
00:15:43I bette vielmals um Entschuldung.
00:15:45If that's the Nivell of White Glover is,
00:15:47I'm going to fill up with another partner.
00:15:50My hands froze above the keyboard.
00:15:52Two voices were speaking in my head.
00:15:54It's none of your concern.
00:15:55You're just here to fetch coffee and serve drinks.
00:15:58This is Witwerktid Global's biggest deal of the year.
00:16:00If we lose it, there'll probably be layoffs by the end of the year.
00:16:03And junior translators like me will be first on the chopping block.
00:16:18And junior translators like me,
00:16:20I'd like to celebrate my head 20-on-gen job.
00:16:34President Anderson,哥們,
00:16:36I'm Annie, Junior Translator at Whitmore Global.
00:16:41Junior Translator?
00:16:43Yes, the one who always takes notes beside and serves coffee.
00:16:50Five minutes.
00:17:0612%? Erklären Sie mir bitte in der Rekt.
00:17:22Louis Andersons Legal Director lowered his head and flipped through the files,
00:17:26as if he was checking whether I was right.
00:17:28Where did you learn German?
00:17:30I lived in Berlin for a while.
00:17:32Your honor ethics are very precise.
00:17:35And you said you were the junior level?
00:17:37Yes.
00:17:38Your five minutes are up, but I can give you ten more, on one condition.
00:17:43From here on, you lead the negotiation.
00:17:47She can't...
00:17:48I said she leads.
00:17:51Or you can leave right now.
00:17:55Scarlet, should I take over?
00:18:00Then let's restart from the first part of the proposal.
00:18:02It wasn't because I had prepared in advance.
00:18:05While sorting that 50 pages materials I had for Scarlet, I had memorized every word.
00:18:09Plus, I grew up in a diplomatic family.
00:18:11The basics of international trade are as natural to me as breathing.
00:18:15Auf dem Neustmarkt.
00:18:16Wenn ein Kunter lange nicht über den Preis sprit, sondern nur über Tewingen, wie würden Sie damit umgehen?
00:18:24You speak Arabic too?
00:18:27A little.
00:18:27The Japanese supply chain is 6% cheaper, but the supply time is stable.
00:18:31How do you decide?
00:18:45The framework works.
00:18:47I'll have my legal team follow up with you on the details.
00:18:51His hand was warm and strong, and the grip was just right.
00:18:55Annie, right?
00:18:56Yes.
00:18:56You're wasted in the junior level.
00:19:03You lied to everyone.
00:19:06What?
00:19:07You said you only spoke Spanish.
00:19:14I do mainly work in Spanish.
00:19:17What you did in there today, that's what you call mainly working in Spanish?
00:19:20Your German is better than mine.
00:19:22Where did that Arab come from?
00:19:23It's not even on your resume.
00:19:27Scarlet, the project was saved, wasn't it?
00:19:30You did this on purpose.
00:19:31You hid your skills just waiting for a chance like this to show off.
00:19:36What do you think will happen just because you impressed Louis Anderson once?
00:19:40When we're back at the company, you're still just that junior translator.
00:19:45Annie, just you wait.
00:19:54Suddenly, I felt a little tired.
00:19:58How did the negotiation go?
00:20:00Did Scarlet crash and burn?
00:20:01The project was saved.
00:20:03How was it saved?
00:20:04Wasn't she...
00:20:04Wait, was it you?
00:20:06I'll tell you when I get back.
00:20:08Annie, you finally made a move!
00:20:12Standing at the exit of the underground garage, I felt the autumn wind blowing in.
00:20:17It was a bit cold.
00:20:18I didn't want to show off.
00:20:20I really didn't.
00:20:22But I didn't want to lose my job either.
00:20:33Mr. White, Annie spoke out of turn during negotiation and completely ignored the company hierarchy.
00:20:39Was the project saved?
00:20:40Yes, but that was...
00:20:41Then that's all that matters.
00:20:42The Crown Will deal is worth $40 million.
00:20:45If it had fallen through yesterday, the entire translation department could have packed up.
00:20:51One look at her face, and I knew this wasn't over.
00:21:01Annie, how good is your German exactly?
00:21:04I can get by.
00:21:05You can get by?
00:21:06I heard you handled the entire negotiation in German without any problem at Crown Will, and you even used Arabic?
00:21:11My German just everyday level?
00:21:13Do you know if the company hired a multi-language translator like you, the starting salary would be at least
00:21:17$96,000 a year?
00:21:18I have no issues with my current salary.
00:21:21Fine.
00:21:21Come to the meeting room at 2 this afternoon.
00:21:23We need you involved in the follow-up coordination for the Crown Will Project.
00:21:28Mr. Wood!
00:21:29I'm the one in charge of the Crown Will Project!
00:21:31You'll remain in charge, but Annie will be involved in the coordination.
00:21:34That's Mr. White's decision.
00:21:40Happy now, Annie?
00:21:42Scarlet, I just...
00:21:43You just what?
00:21:45You think because you showed off once yesterday, you're on the same level as me now?
00:21:49That's not what I meant.
00:21:50I've been here for seven years.
00:21:52I worked my way up from intern to department leader.
00:21:54And you?
00:21:55A liar who's been hiding everything.
00:22:01Just you wait.
00:22:05Annie, Mr. Anderson specifically requested you as the translator for the follow-up coordination.
00:22:10Starting today, you'll be temporarily transferred to the Crown Will Project team.
00:22:13Okay.
00:22:14But your position will remain junior, and salary will stay the same.
00:22:17We'll evaluate it again after the project ends.
00:22:19Got it.
00:22:19Crown Will's supply chain project is divided into three stages.
00:22:23The preliminary framework was already discussed yesterday.
00:22:25Next comes the translation of the detailed terms and contract documents.
00:22:28All files will need English, Spanish, and German versions.
00:22:31Annie, can you handle all three language versions at the same time?
00:22:34Yes.
00:22:35Three languages?
00:22:36Since she joined this company, she has only ever worked as a Spanish translator.
00:22:39We don't even know her actual German level.
00:22:40What if something goes wrong?
00:22:42Yesterday's negotiation showed exactly what her level is.
00:22:45Any other questions?
00:22:50It took me two hours to finish the English version, and another hour and a half to finish the Spanish
00:22:55version.
00:22:58You're translating that fast?
00:23:00Aren't you afraid of making mistakes?
00:23:02Nope.
00:23:02You'd better pray you don't make any.
00:23:12Both the speed and quality excited expectations.
00:23:14Annie, what exactly have you been doing for the past three years?
00:23:25Hello?
00:23:26Annie?
00:23:27It was Louis Anderson.
00:23:29This is Louis Anderson from Crownwell.
00:23:31Mr. Wood gave me your number.
00:23:33Mr. Anderson, what can I do for you?
00:23:34I read the 62 pages you translated today.
00:23:37Was there any problem?
00:23:38No problem at all.
00:23:39It's the most accurate German business translation I've seen in the past three years.
00:23:45You're not someone who belongs in a junior position.
00:23:47That is my current position.
00:23:49I know.
00:23:50That's why I'm curious.
00:23:51Crownwell has an internal meeting tomorrow afternoon.
00:23:54It involves partner selection for the Middle Eastian market.
00:23:56I need an Arabic-speaking interpreter there.
00:23:58This should go through the company.
00:24:00I know.
00:24:01But I'm asking you directly.
00:24:03Would you like to come?
00:24:04Okay, I will.
00:24:08Annie, maybe you're going to be exposed after all.
00:24:10I knew this day would come eventually.
00:24:12But I just didn't expect it to come this soon.
00:24:17They were from a construction materials group in the UAE.
00:24:20The man leading the meeting looked about 50, wearing a white robe with a Siri expression.
00:24:24A young Arab woman sat beside him should be his interpreter.
00:24:28You're here.
00:24:30Today, I may need you to do an interpretation between Eric and English.
00:24:34Okay.
00:24:34If Scarlet were here, she would probably ask, where did your ablick even come from?
00:24:38The answer is I lived in Cairo for a year and a half.
00:24:40During that time, my roommate was even an Egyptian diplomat's daughter.
00:24:47Grass, it's valid, I'll see his word.
00:24:50Standard procedure, 15 minutes passed.
00:25:00I lowered my head and typed, as if I were taking notes.
00:25:03Then I turned my laptop slightly so Louie Anderson could see this one line in English.
00:25:07They said they want to push the price down by 20 work.
00:25:08They'll switch to suppliers.
00:25:10Louie Anderson's eyes stayed on the screen for one second.
00:25:13His expression didn't change at all.
00:25:15But in the negotiation that followed, his strategy clearly shifted.
00:25:19Let's cut the chase.
00:25:20Our final offer is 10% below the current market price.
00:25:22Take it or leave it.
00:25:28Your Abhishek is excellent.
00:25:30Not that good.
00:25:31Just the daily level.
00:25:32You heard what he said to his interpreter just now?
00:25:35Then you warned me.
00:25:36I just thought the information might be useful for the negotiation.
00:25:39Without that warning from you, this deal would have cost us at least $8 million today.
00:25:43Annie, how many languages do you speak?
00:25:45German, French, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Arabic, and Italian.
00:25:49Eight in total, plus English.
00:25:51And you're a junior level translator at White Global.
00:25:53Do you think that makes sense?
00:25:54It was my choice.
00:25:55Would you be interested in coming to Crownwell?
00:25:57I can start you at $400,000 a year.
00:25:59If you're willing to head the International Business Department, there's no upper limit.
00:26:03Mr. Anderson, thank you for the offer.
00:26:05I'm not planning to change jobs for now.
00:26:07For now?
00:26:08For now.
00:26:08You can change your mind to any ground.
00:26:10Only one line of text, Loey Anderson, and a phone number.
00:26:13It didn't even say President Crownwell International.
00:26:15This kind of card is usually given to people who already need to know who you are.
00:26:27What are you doing?
00:26:29I, I, I was passing by and saw your computer was still on.
00:26:32It was off when I left.
00:26:34You went to Crownwell again today?
00:26:35Louie Anderson asked you to go, didn't he?
00:26:37It was needed for the project coordination.
00:26:39What kind of project needs you to interpret Arabic?
00:26:41You never said you were that good at Arabic.
00:26:42What else are you hiding?
00:26:43Scarlett, what did you see on my computer?
00:26:47I didn't see anything.
00:26:49She had opened my personal folder.
00:26:51What was inside?
00:26:52Some translation exercises.
00:26:54Casual translations in French, Japanese, and Korean.
00:26:58Things I did when I was bored.
00:27:00If she saw those...
00:27:03Annie, what exactly did you do at Crownwell today?
00:27:06Scarlett was losing her mind in the office all afternoon.
00:27:08She went through your computer.
00:27:09I know.
00:27:10You know?
00:27:10Why aren't you reporting her?
00:27:12Report what?
00:27:12I don't have proof.
00:27:13You are way too...
00:27:15Forget it.
00:27:15I heard something today.
00:27:16Do you want to know?
00:27:17Go on.
00:27:18There's something going on between Scarlett and Alex Wood.
00:27:20What do you mean?
00:27:21I handle reimbursement forms and admin.
00:27:22Over the past six months, Scarlett has gone out alone with Alex Wood to talk about work
00:27:2517 times.
00:27:26Every single time it was at that hotel on the west side of the city.
00:27:28Think about that.
00:27:29That has nothing to do with me.
00:27:30How does it have nothing to do with you?
00:27:32Alex Wood made Scarlett a department leader because of that relationship.
00:27:39The message basically said the company found some employees failed to truthfully fill in personal
00:27:44skills during onboarding.
00:27:46All staff must update profiles within a week.
00:27:49Concealment or falsification will be dealt with as a violation of company regulations.
00:27:55This email is aimed straight to you.
00:27:59Of course I knew.
00:28:00When Scarlett went through my computer, she found those multilingual translation exercises.
00:28:05She must have gone to Alex Wood.
00:28:10Annie, did you see that email?
00:28:13So what?
00:28:14Are you planning to update your profile?
00:28:16I'm still thinking about it.
00:28:19I suggest you do it soon.
00:28:21If they find out you hid something, that'll be a very serious matter.
00:28:27Thank you for the reminder, Scarlett.
00:28:35It had a pure black background with handwritten words on the back.
00:28:41I never noticed it before.
00:28:43It hasn't come to that yet.
00:28:48There are two things to discuss today.
00:28:50First, the Crownwell Project has finished the initial handover.
00:28:55Mr. Anderson is very satisfied with our translation work.
00:28:59Bonuses for this project will be issued next month.
00:29:04Second, regarding the update of employee profiles.
00:29:12Mr. White, I have a question.
00:29:15Go ahead.
00:29:17If an employee deliberately hides their skills and causes the company to make the mistakes in allocation human resources,
00:29:24does that count as a violation?
00:29:32Then let me give an example.
00:29:33Say an employee only lists Spanish on her profile, but in fact she is fluent in multiple languages.
00:29:38The company assigns her position and salary according on the standard for a Spanish translator,
00:29:41and she never raises any objection.
00:29:43Over three years without knowing the truth,
00:29:45the company loses out on a huge amount of usable human resources.
00:29:48This kind of behavior.
00:29:50This kind of behavior.
00:29:50Enough.
00:29:54Scarlett, get to the point.
00:29:56The person you're talking about is me, right?
00:29:59So what?
00:30:00Yes.
00:30:01I only listed Spanish on my profile because the position I applied for was Junior Spanish Translator.
00:30:08I have never made a mistake during the work.
00:30:11As for the other languages...
00:30:13As for the other languages, you hid your ability.
00:30:16You let the company spend high salaries hiring people for the German, French, and Arabic teams
00:30:20when you alone could do all of their jobs.
00:30:22Isn't that damaging the company's interests?
00:30:25If I alone can replace all of them, then where does that leave you, Scarlett?
00:30:28This has nothing to do with my place!
00:30:30It does.
00:30:31Because what you're really worried about isn't the company's interests.
00:30:35It's the fact that you found out I'm more capable than you.
00:30:39And now your position doesn't feel so secure anymore.
00:30:42You!
00:30:43I'll say it again.
00:30:45Not listing on my profile does not mean hiding.
00:30:48The skills section does not say all skills must be listed.
00:30:51I chose to show only the skills required for the job I applied for.
00:30:55That is my right.
00:30:59Fine.
00:31:00Then let me ask another question.
00:31:02Mr. White, the bonus for the Crownwell project is distributed among the team members, right?
00:31:07Yes.
00:31:08Annie was added to the team later on a temporary basis.
00:31:10The part she took in was just translation handover.
00:31:13She wasn't on the original team list.
00:31:15So when the bonus is distributed, she shouldn't receive the full amount.
00:31:19That was a vicious move.
00:31:21She stopped attacking me over the hidden skills issue because she knew she couldn't win that fight.
00:31:25So she switched to Mund Money instead.
00:31:32Well, Scarlett does have a point.
00:31:34Annie joined halfway through.
00:31:36Louis Anderson specifically requested me.
00:31:41Mr. Anderson, what brings you here?
00:31:44I came to deliver the contract.
00:31:46I heard your meeting.
00:31:47The door wasn't fully closed.
00:31:48The core negotiation of this project was completed by Annie.
00:31:52On the day we first met, she saved the entire conversation in the final five minutes.
00:31:55During the meeting with the UAE client, she used Arabic to win me $8 million in profit margin.
00:32:00How your company distributes bonus is your business.
00:32:02But I suggest you figure out who really is the key person in this project.
00:32:12One more thing.
00:32:13There is a clause in this contract.
00:32:15From now on, all translation handover work for Crown Width will be handled by Annie.
00:32:20If she is no longer at White Global, this contract automatically becomes void.
00:32:29Mr. Anderson, you mean, I've made myself very clear.
00:32:33This contract is worth $80 million a year.
00:32:37The handover translator is Annie.
00:32:40If you replace her, the contract is void.
00:32:44$80 million.
00:32:46Annie.
00:32:47Mr. White.
00:32:48Starting today, you are no longer on the junior level.
00:32:52Then which level I'm in?
00:32:53Deputy Director of the Translation Department.
00:32:56As for your salary, you'll discuss it privately.
00:32:59Mr. White!
00:33:00She's only been here for three years.
00:33:03I've been here for seven.
00:33:04Scarlet, sit down.
00:33:06You deserve better than that.
00:33:10The Translation Department was in an uproar.
00:33:13She actually speaks eight languages.
00:33:16She stayed in the junior level for three years?
00:33:19How did that happen?
00:33:20Didn't you hear Louis Anderson's contract?
00:33:22He specifically asked for her.
00:33:25$80 million.
00:33:27Scarlet's face looks amazing.
00:33:29I mean, the color.
00:33:34That line in French, you understood it?
00:33:37I did.
00:33:38What did you think?
00:33:41I'm thinking about it.
00:33:43Take your time.
00:33:47Annie, let's have a chat.
00:33:52You hid for three years, and now everything is out in the lopin.
00:33:55Do you really think your life here will be easy from now on?
00:33:59Are you threatening me?
00:34:01I'm reminding you.
00:34:02Do you think becoming Deputy Director solves everything?
00:34:05The Translation Department's connections, client relationships, and internal resources are all in my hands.
00:34:10You're a newcomer who just got promoted.
00:34:12You won't be able to handle any of it.
00:34:14What are you trying to say?
00:34:15Give me your position.
00:34:16You can keep working as the Handover Translator and take your project bonus.
00:34:20I'll manage the department and you handle the business.
00:34:23We both get what we want.
00:34:24What if I don't want to?
00:34:26Then I'll let you know, ability isn't the only thing that matters in reality.
00:34:37It tasted awful.
00:34:39Scarlett was right.
00:34:40Ability isn't the only thing that matters.
00:34:43But there is one thing she's wrong about.
00:34:45Thinking she was the only one who had the connection.
00:34:49On Monday, something major happened at White Global.
00:34:53The company had received a new project, a fashion brand from Lyon, France.
00:34:57It required a full set of French to English brand translation and market localization services.
00:35:03Alex Wood had brought this project back through an old client.
00:35:07The amount was not huge, but it mattered a lot for the company's brand expansion.
00:35:12The problem was, one of the two translators on the French team had just resigned last month.
00:35:19The other was on maternity leave.
00:35:22There's no one left on the French team.
00:35:24What are we supposed to do with this project?
00:35:28Annie, what level is your French?
00:35:31It works.
00:35:32What do you mean by that?
00:35:34Can you handle high-end French brand localization?
00:35:36Yes.
00:35:38Good.
00:35:38Then you're taking this project.
00:35:43The director of the French side personally called Brian White after looked through.
00:35:50Is your translator French?
00:35:52The language feels incredibly authentic.
00:35:54Yes.
00:35:55We have a dedicated French translation team.
00:36:03Annie, the French side is extremely satisfied.
00:36:06They've added another project, the full translation of their product manuals.
00:36:10It's worth $3 million.
00:36:14I'll approve your project bonus for this month separately.
00:36:17Thank you, Mr. White.
00:36:22Please note, everyone, project assignments in the translation should follow department procedures.
00:36:27No one should skip the leader and take projects directly.
00:36:43Annie, do you really speak eight languages?
00:36:46Yes.
00:36:47Do you know how rare someone like you is in the translation industry?
00:36:51I know.
00:36:52Then why did you...
00:36:55Forget it.
00:36:56There is something I should tell you.
00:36:58Scarlet has a real problem with you.
00:36:59She has brought it up with me several times already.
00:37:01I know.
00:37:03You better be careful.
00:37:06She has certain connections in the company.
00:37:10Mr. Wood, about you and Scarlet?
00:37:12What about us?
00:37:15Nothing.
00:37:22Annie, Scarlet and I don't have the kind of relationship you might be thinking of.
00:37:26She got promoted to team lead because she had been here long enough and knew the business well.
00:37:31That's all.
00:37:34I thought of the 17 hotel re-infercant claims Elan had mentioned.
00:37:38Human nature really is an interesting thing.
00:37:43The way people looked at me was strange.
00:37:45It wasn't admiration or envy.
00:37:47It was more like avoidance.
00:37:50Something happened.
00:37:52What happened?
00:37:53Scarlet reported you to Brian White.
00:37:55Reported me for what?
00:37:56She said you privately leakered White Global's internal pricing strategy to Crownweck while you were translating for them.
00:38:02That's a false accusation.
00:38:03I know.
00:38:04But she has evidence.
00:38:06What evidence?
00:38:07She said she found a file on your computer.
00:38:09Screenshots of a chat between you and Louis Anderson's assistant, Frank Young.
00:38:14The chat mentions White Global's internal pricing.
00:38:17There is no such file on my computer.
00:38:19She says there is.
00:38:20And she already showed it to Brian White.
00:38:22Brian wants you in his office tomorrow morning to explain yourself.
00:38:26That so-called chat record?
00:38:29It's fake.
00:38:30I sneaked a look at it.
00:38:31The chat time was last Wednesday at 2 p.m.
00:38:34But you were at the department meeting last Wednesday afternoon.
00:38:37Everyone can prove it.
00:38:38Then how did she-
00:38:39She edited the time in the chat.
00:38:41Photoshopped it.
00:38:42But she forgot one thing.
00:38:44There's a battery indicator in the top right corner of the screenshot.
00:38:47That battery display doesn't match your phone model.
00:38:49You use a Samsung.
00:38:51That screenshot is from an iPhone.
00:38:55Ellen, I need you to do me a favor.
00:38:57Name it.
00:38:57You're in administration.
00:38:59Can you pull the attendance records and meeting room usage records from last Wednesday afternoon?
00:39:05Yes.
00:39:05Pull them.
00:39:06Also, Scarlett's reimbursement records, the 17 hotel ones.
00:39:10Do you have them?
00:39:11I do.
00:39:11Are you finally going to use them?
00:39:13Not to attack her, but to protect myself.
00:39:15If she comes after me, I need Brian White to know her credibility has problem.
00:39:19Got it.
00:39:31Every file had a timestamp and sending record.
00:39:34My real chat history with Frank Young was all on Teams, with server backups.
00:39:40Scarlett could fake screenshots, but she couldn't change server data.
00:39:54I heard you were reported.
00:39:56News travels fast.
00:39:58Frank told me.
00:39:59Do you need help?
00:40:01No.
00:40:01I can handle it myself.
00:40:03Are you sure?
00:40:06Yes.
00:40:07Fine.
00:40:08If you can't handle it, just tell me.
00:40:13It won't.
00:40:20Annie, Scarlett reported that you privately leaked our pricing strategy to Crownwell while
00:40:25you were translating for them.
00:40:27These screenshots are the evidence she provided.
00:40:30Is there anything you want to say?
00:40:32It was exactly as Aline had described.
00:40:34My profile picture, my name, a conversation with Frank Young.
00:40:38The content did involve White Global's pricing, but the wording was extremely unnatural, like
00:40:43it had been made up by someone who didn't understand formal business conversation.
00:40:47These screenshots are fake.
00:40:50Of course you would say that.
00:40:52I can prove it.
00:40:55This is my full chat history with Frank Young.
00:40:58It has server backups and timestamps.
00:41:00Please compare them.
00:41:02The times don't match.
00:41:05The screenshots Scarlett provided show that the conversation happened last Wednesday at 2pm.
00:41:10But the team's records show that Annie and Frank Young had no conversation at that time.
00:41:16She could have deleted Team Test Server backups.
00:41:18Even if an employee deletes the chat on their EIDE, the server still keeps it.
00:41:21Also, from 2pm to 4pm last Wednesday, I was attending the department meeting in the company.
00:41:26The attendance and meeting room booking records can prove it.
00:41:28One more thing.
00:41:29This screenshot is from an iOS interface.
00:41:32I use Android.
00:41:33Scarlett, your phone is an iPhone, isn't it?
00:41:35That proves nothing.
00:41:37Maybe you changed phones.
00:41:38I've been here for three years.
00:41:40The device binding records from IT show I have never used an iPhone.
00:41:49Scarlett, where did these screenshots come from?
00:41:51I...
00:41:52I found them on her computer.
00:41:54After you went through my computer last week, I reset the password.
00:41:59These screenshots were never on my computer.
00:42:02I...
00:42:03You never saw these snapshots on my computer.
00:42:06Because they never existed in the first place.
00:42:09You made them yourself.
00:42:13Scarlett, do you have anything else to explain?
00:42:17Mr. Wood, say something.
00:42:20Scarlett, you went too far this time.
00:42:24Faking evidence to falsely accuse a colleague is a serious violation.
00:42:27Scarlett, your position as the department leader is revoked immediately.
00:42:30Mr. White...
00:42:31Also, your year-end performance rating will be downgraded by one level.
00:42:33If anything like this happens again, your employment will be terminated immediately.
00:42:37Annie, are you happy now?
00:42:39Scarlett, from beginning to end, you were the one causing trouble for me.
00:42:42I never went after you first.
00:42:43Because your very existence is a rotation.
00:42:45You speak eight language and you hid it for three years.
00:42:48You made my seven years of hard work look like a joke.
00:42:52On the surface, no one in the translation department said much.
00:42:56But the group chat had completely blown up.
00:43:00She should have been removed ages ago.
00:43:02Her translation skills were just average.
00:43:04She only got there through connections.
00:43:06You guys didn't know?
00:43:07Every translation she submitted had been corrected by Annie.
00:43:11What?
00:43:12I am serious.
00:43:13I have seen the proof peating records.
00:43:16Then how many has Annie corrected over the past three years?
00:43:18A conservative estimate?
00:43:20Over a hundred.
00:43:31Excuse me.
00:43:33Which one of you is Annie?
00:43:35Me.
00:43:36Hello.
00:43:37I am Victoria Hayes, a producer at Harbor Light Media.
00:43:41We are preparing a large-scale international documentary project
00:43:45and we need a multi-linguished translation consultant.
00:43:48How did you find me?
00:43:49Industry recommendation.
00:43:50The Crownwell project and the French brand project you worked on recently
00:43:54have attracted some attention in the field.
00:43:56Harbor Light Media, a top-team production company.
00:43:59Mrs. Hayes, what kind of project is it exactly?
00:44:01A documentary about the Strait of Garol and global trade.
00:44:04We need simultaneous interpretation and subtitle proof-feeding across five languages.
00:44:09English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic.
00:44:12We contacted three translation companies,
00:44:14but none of them could provide one person who covers all five languages.
00:44:19Then someone told me that White Global has a girl who speaks eight languages.
00:44:23Who told you that?
00:44:24Louis Anderson.
00:44:25He is one of the investors in this project.
00:44:27Louis Anderson again.
00:44:29What is the consulting fee for this project?
00:44:30$50,000 a month.
00:44:32The estimated period is three months.
00:44:34$150,000.
00:44:36That is about six years of my salary at White Global.
00:44:39If you take it, you will need to travel for two months, the Middle East and Europe.
00:44:50A bank account in Zurich, a property in Munich, and a small apartment in the 16th compartment of Paris.
00:44:57The total value was close to $10 million.
00:45:00Language was the thing my parents loved most in their lives.
00:45:03My mother used to say language is the best bridge.
00:45:09My father said, if you can understand a person in their mother tongue, you can understand their heart.
00:45:15They carved the languages of the world into my blood.
00:45:19Then they left.
00:45:20So I hid those languages away, along with my memories of them.
00:45:24Because every time I speak one of those languages, I remember what they looked like when they were by my
00:45:29side teaching it to me.
00:45:31German was in Berlin.
00:45:32My dad taught it to me while taking me for ice cream in front of the Brandsberg Gate.
00:45:37French was in Paris.
00:45:40My mother read Malpouseau to me in the original French by the San.
00:45:45Arabic was in Cairo.
00:45:46The three of us were on a boat on the Nile.
00:45:50My father counted the stars while teaching me how to say Wahid, Ethwan, Flatha.
00:45:56Every language was a memory.
00:45:57And I didn't want to open those memories.
00:45:59But I...
00:46:06Has Mrs. Hayes from Harbor Light reached out to you?
00:46:10She has.
00:46:11Why did you introduce this to me?
00:46:13Because you need to step out of it.
00:46:15You do not know me.
00:46:18I know your parents were diplomats.
00:46:20I know your background.
00:46:22You investigated me?
00:46:24Before I decide who to work with, I learn about them.
00:46:28Annie, your parents were remarkable people.
00:46:31You do not need to lock yourself in a corner just to escape their shadow.
00:46:37Go take a look at Harbor Light's project.
00:46:39The Strait of Jurada, the bridge between Europe and Africa.
00:46:42Maybe you should see it for yourself.
00:46:50Maybe he was right.
00:46:54Mr. White, I need to take two months off.
00:46:58For what?
00:46:59A documentary project wants me as a translation sultan.
00:47:01I need to travel to the Middle East and Europe.
00:47:04Two months?
00:47:05What about Crownwell's project?
00:47:06I have already completed all the translation drafts for Crownwell's second phase.
00:47:10The third phase will not start until three months later.
00:47:12Are you resigning?
00:47:13I will come back.
00:47:16Fine.
00:47:17I will approve two months for you.
00:47:22Scarlet?
00:47:23Scarlet had Pliss been transferred to administration as a clerk.
00:47:26The old shine was gone.
00:47:27You are going on a business trip?
00:47:29Mm-hmm.
00:47:30For how long?
00:47:31Two months.
00:47:32You know, when I joined the White seven years ago, I only spoke one language, too.
00:47:37Later, I learned French and Spanish while working here.
00:47:40I went from intern to the department leader.
00:47:43I thought I had worked really hard.
00:47:45You did work hard.
00:47:46But without doing anything, you were already above me.
00:47:49Eight languages.
00:47:50What gives you the right?
00:47:51My parents.
00:47:52They paid for it with their lives.
00:47:58That was the last time we spoke in this building.
00:48:00At the airport, I unexpectedly ran into someone.
00:48:03Louis Anderson.
00:48:04He was wearing casual clothes.
00:48:06It was the first time I had ever seen him out of a suit.
00:48:09Annie?
00:48:10What are you doing here?
00:48:11Crownwell has business in Dubai.
00:48:13What a funny coincidence.
00:48:14Yeah.
00:48:15What a coincidence.
00:48:19Business class is pretty empty.
00:48:21Why are you sitting here?
00:48:22I bought an economy ticket.
00:48:25About the inheritance your parents left you.
00:48:28You even know about that?
00:48:30The law firm has worked with us before.
00:48:32Attorney Wills once mentioned a client who refused to inherit an estate.
00:48:35The industry is only so big.
00:48:36So the whole world knows?
00:48:38Not the whole world.
00:48:39Just me caring about it.
00:48:40I turned to look at him, and my heart skipped a beat.
00:48:42The sunlight in Dubai was completely different from back home.
00:48:45Dry, fierce.
00:48:47Almost as if it could burn straight through your shadow.
00:48:48So you are Annie, the one who speaks eight languages?
00:48:51Yes.
00:48:52Let's do a test.
00:48:53Translate a section for me first.
00:48:55Martin handed me an Arabic interview outline.
00:48:57Okay, I'm Annie Smith, a junior translator at White Global Trading Coaliti.
00:49:01I've been here three years and make $24,000 a year.
00:49:05Finally, she is the one.
00:49:07She is better than those three translation companies combined.
00:49:11Martin, she has not even given us a quote yet.
00:49:14No need.
00:49:15It's her.
00:49:16The first stop was the antique market in Old Dubai.
00:49:19The documentary was going to cover how the Strait of Hormos connects global trade.
00:49:24There was a Persian carpet shop here that had been open for 40 years.
00:49:27And the owner was a third-generation Iranian merchant.
00:49:31You're a man.
00:49:32You saw the Arabian like you learned about it in the river.
00:49:35Oh, you were looking at the river in the river.
00:49:48In Casablanca, I interviewed a historian in French.
00:50:01He said,
00:50:02On the Strait of Giraldi, shipping and trade are a way of having a dialogue.
00:50:06People may come from different backgrounds and speak different languages,
00:50:09but their hearts are connected.
00:50:11My voice, but their hearts was a little halseyed,
00:50:13because my father had said almost the exact same thing.
00:50:17Okay.
00:50:18That night, the team had dinner at the hotel.
00:50:23Annie, Mr. Anderson asked whether your work went smoothly today?
00:50:26It went smoothly.
00:50:27No need to worry about me.
00:50:29Mr. Anderson asked me to tell you that he is in the office on the 58th floor of this hotel.
00:50:33If you need anything, contact him anytime.
00:50:38Hello?
00:50:40Have you eaten?
00:50:42I am eating now.
00:50:43The food here may not really suit our taste.
00:50:46If you want something else?
00:50:48Mr. Anderson, why are you telling me this?
00:50:51Because I care about you.
00:50:52I do not need your concern, thank you.
00:50:55Okay.
00:50:56No more concern.
00:50:57Good night.
00:50:57Over the next two weeks, we went a lot of places.
00:51:00On the flight from Istanbul to Cairo, I received an email.
00:51:03Sender, Scarlet.
00:51:04Subject, no subject.
00:51:06After you left, they laid off the French team and the German team,
00:51:10because Brian White said you alone would enough.
00:51:13Seven people lost their jobs because of you.
00:51:15Are you happy now?
00:51:17I looked at the email and deleted it.
00:51:20Do not believe, Scarlet.
00:51:21The French and German teams were cut because they were already at the bottom in performance.
00:51:25It has nothing to do with you.
00:51:26She is just trying to mess with you.
00:51:27I know.
00:51:28Are you okay?
00:51:29I am fine.
00:51:34Cairo, the third stop of the documentary.
00:51:37I lived here for a while.
00:51:40When the plane landed, I looked out at that familiar city,
00:51:44and my heart started beating a little faster.
00:51:46In Cairo, the team was filming a section about the history of trade between the Middle East and Europe.
00:51:53They needed Arabic interpretation.
00:51:59I lived here for a while.
00:52:02I lived here for a while.
00:52:03When the Crown took up the ministry of harris and the local people in the country,
00:52:06it was to recognize the city.
00:52:07Are you saying, is there a provider in Cairo?
00:52:10The owner of this campaign was a diplomat.
00:52:13He was died five years ago.
00:52:15His appointment was a birthday.
00:52:17Your wife was a heir, but he was now once again.
00:52:25Michael Smith, that was my father's name.
00:52:34After the interview, I sat alone on the streets of Cairo.
00:52:38I looked up at the sky.
00:52:40It was gray.
00:52:43I still remembered the pistachio flavor ice cream that year.
00:52:51Hello?
00:52:52You arrived in Cairo?
00:52:54Yes.
00:52:57What happened?
00:52:58Your voice sounds off.
00:53:01Nothing.
00:53:02I flew to Cairo this afternoon.
00:53:04If you have time...
00:53:05Why do you always show up wherever I am?
00:53:07Because Victoria has your itinerary.
00:53:09She is running a project I invested in, so I have the right to see it.
00:53:13That is called stalking.
00:53:15That is called paying attention.
00:53:20There is a difference.
00:53:22The next afternoon, Louie Geranderson went with me to a private warehouse on the outskirts of Cairo.
00:53:28It was not big, but the temperature and humidity were carefully controlled.
00:53:32The kind of place used specifically to store antiques.
00:53:38After the manager opened the door, I saw three full shelves.
00:53:44Every piece had a handwritten tag hanging on it.
00:53:49It was my father's handwriting.
00:53:52An 18th century style Meissen porcelain vase.
00:53:56Purchased at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, 2008.
00:54:04I was eight years old, in Istanbul with my dad.
00:54:08He took me to the Grand Bazaar.
00:54:09I kept asking for Turkish ice cream, and he said we would go after looking at that little stall.
00:54:14That stall was selling these old porcelain pieces.
00:54:17I did not remember any of it, but my dad did.
00:54:20For three years, I hid everything about them away.
00:54:23The languages, the inheritance, the memories.
00:54:26I thought as long as I did not touch any of it, I could pretend they had never left.
00:54:31But they had always been with me.
00:54:34Your father was an extraordinary man.
00:54:38I know.
00:54:40Then you should become someone extraordinary too, instead of hiding yourself in a position
00:54:45far below your level.
00:54:49That night, I called Attorney Wills.
00:54:51Attorney Wills, I will handle the inheritance.
00:54:54Miss Smith, finally!
00:54:56Donate the Xur accounts and the properties according to the original plan.
00:54:59But I am keeping the porcelain collection in Cairo.
00:55:02Understood.
00:55:03That is wonderful.
00:55:03I will arrange it right away.
00:55:04One more thing.
00:55:05Go ahead.
00:55:06Did my father leave any letter or document for me?
00:55:09Not a legal document.
00:55:10Something personal.
00:55:12Yes.
00:55:12A letter.
00:55:13He noted that it should be given to you when you came to collect the antiques.
00:55:16Send it to me.
00:55:18Attorney Wills sent the letter to my hotel.
00:55:20I sat in my room for ten minutes before finally working up the courage to open the letter.
00:55:26The letter was not long.
00:55:28Annie, when you see this letter, your mother and I should no longer be by your side.
00:55:32Knowing your personality, I guess you will probably run away for a while.
00:55:36You may seal away the memories connected to us, along with all those languages.
00:55:40Maybe it is because every language is tied to us.
00:55:43One sentence in German will remind you of landscape in Berlin.
00:55:46One sentence in Arabic will remind you of the stars in Cairo.
00:55:49But Annie, language is not a chain.
00:55:52Language is wings.
00:55:53Your mother spent her life building bridges.
00:55:55I spent mine planting seeds.
00:55:57You are that bridge and seed.
00:55:58Don't shrink yourself into the dark.
00:55:59You are exceptional.
00:56:00You are smart, gifted, and you should do what you are really good at.
00:56:03Trying to plant seeds in your own way.
00:56:05You are our pride.
00:56:06Mom and dad will always love you.
00:56:07There was a water stain on the paper.
00:56:09I did not know whether he left it when he wrote the letter or whether I had just left it.
00:56:13My dad was right.
00:56:14Language is not a chain.
00:56:16It is wings.
00:56:19In Madrid, I interviewed a flamenco dancer in Spanish.
00:56:23Every language has its own rhythm.
00:56:26Once your body remembers it, you will never forget it.
00:56:29She says every language has its own rhythm.
00:56:32I wrote that sentence down in my translation notes.
00:56:34The final stop was Venice.
00:56:37Omar, the Arab old bookseller.
00:56:40He had his own antique bookshop in the best spot on the busiest square in Venice.
00:56:45He was in his 60s and had lived in Italy for 30 years.
00:56:50And the story of him moved me the most.
00:56:52Sono arrivato in Italia a 24 anni e non sapevo nemmeno una parola della lingua locale.
00:56:56Mi perdevo per strada.
00:56:58Non riuscivo a capire nulla.
00:56:59Non potevo leggere nulla e non ero neanche in grado di chiedere indicazioni.
00:57:02Dovevo gestare gli gesti e parlare contemplantamente con le persone.
00:57:05Pensavano che fossi pazzo.
00:57:07What happened after that?
00:57:08Poi ho trascorre dieci anni a imparnare l'italiano
00:57:11e oltre i dieci anni a far sé che tutti in quella strada mi chiamassero signor Omar.
00:57:16La lingua non serve solo a tradizione.
00:57:19È il modo in cui si fa rispettere.
00:57:24Keep this part.
00:57:25Original audio with subtitles.
00:57:31Annie.
00:57:32Your translation almost made me cry.
00:57:35In Venice I completed the final three interviews in Italian.
00:57:38Two months, two continents, and eight languages.
00:57:42My dad was right.
00:57:44Language is not a chain.
00:57:46It is wings.
00:57:51The day I came back,
00:57:53it was late December.
00:57:55New York's winter was cold,
00:57:58but the air carried a familiar scent.
00:58:01Annie,
00:58:02the director position in the translation department is open.
00:58:06Mm-hmm.
00:58:06I want you to take it.
00:58:10What is the salary?
00:58:13$200,000.
00:58:14Okay.
00:58:15And just like that,
00:58:16in less than half a year,
00:58:18I went from a junior role
00:58:19to the director of the translation department.
00:58:23On the day I officially took the role,
00:58:26I stood in the meeting room
00:58:27and made a speech to the people in the translation department.
00:58:33I know many of you have questions about me.
00:58:38Why does someone who hid for three years
00:58:40suddenly get to become director?
00:58:42I am not going to explain.
00:58:44From today on,
00:58:45results will do the talking.
00:58:46I will personally proofread everyone's translation drafts.
00:58:49I have only one standard,
00:58:51accuracy.
00:58:52If you cannot do it,
00:58:53I will teach you.
00:58:54If you still cannot do it after that,
00:58:56you will be replaced.
00:58:57That is strict.
00:59:00Translation is not a word game.
00:59:02One wrong number in a trade contract
00:59:03can mean tens of millions in losses.
00:59:06Strictness is the bare minimum.
00:59:11Hello?
00:59:12Director Smith,
00:59:13congratulations on the promotion.
00:59:15$200,000?
00:59:17Mm-hmm.
00:59:17I offered $400,000 before.
00:59:19I know.
00:59:20Still not considering it?
00:59:21Not for now,
00:59:22but thank you for all your help.
00:59:23The offer,
00:59:24the Harborlight Media Project
00:59:25that day in Cairo.
00:59:26You don't need to thank me.
00:59:27Those weren't favors.
00:59:28Then what were they?
00:59:29Things I wanted to do.
00:59:31Are you free this weekend?
00:59:33For what?
00:59:35Dinner.
00:59:35No work,
00:59:36no projects.
00:59:38Okay.
00:59:39He was driving a very ordinary gray sedan,
00:59:41not the kind of luxury car I had imagined.
00:59:44Your car doesn't really match your status.
00:59:46Cars are for driving,
00:59:47not for showing off.
00:59:48I'm taking you to a Japanese restaurant.
00:59:50It only has eight seats.
00:59:52You're paying?
00:59:54Obviously.
00:59:56This place has the best sashimi in the whole city.
00:59:59How do you know?
01:00:00I've tried every Japanese restaurant in the city.
01:00:04This man.
01:00:06Annie,
01:00:07I'm going to be direct.
01:00:08Since that day in Cairo,
01:00:09or maybe even earlier,
01:00:10since the first time you spoke German at Crownwell,
01:00:13I...
01:00:13You what?
01:00:14I knew you were someone I didn't want to miss.
01:00:17Right now,
01:00:18you're the only person in my mind.
01:00:21You really are way too...
01:00:23Too what?
01:00:24Too direct.
01:00:25You don't like it?
01:00:26I didn't say I didn't like it.
01:00:29That night,
01:00:30he drove me home.
01:00:31Downstairs,
01:00:32he said,
01:00:33I'm flying to South Korea for a business tryst tomorrow.
01:00:36How long?
01:00:37A week.
01:00:38Okay.
01:00:39Will you miss me?
01:00:41No.
01:00:43Liar.
01:00:45Maybe a little.
01:00:55Over the next three months,
01:00:57many things happened at once.
01:00:59The Crownwell Project successfully completed its third phase,
01:01:03and White Global brought in nearly $80 million in revenue from it.
01:01:09When Brian White reviewed the monthly report,
01:01:11he said to Alex Wood.
01:01:13We should have put Annie on it from the start.
01:01:17After Scarlett resigned from White Global,
01:01:20she became a director at a small translation company.
01:01:23Three months later,
01:01:24that company faced had its amassed tariff of compensation claim.
01:01:27A German contract had its tariff clauses mistranslated,
01:01:31causing the client to lose $20 million.
01:01:34That translation was done by Scarlett herself.
01:01:37Her problem with Dermich Honorati's had finally been exposed on a bigger stage.
01:01:42When the news reached White Global,
01:01:44some people started mocking her in the group chat.
01:01:47I only said one thing.
01:01:49Stop talking about it.
01:01:52Everyone has to take responsibility for their own choices.
01:02:04Hello?
01:02:05Annie?
01:02:06It's Uncle George, your father's old colleague.
01:02:09Uncle George?
01:02:11I saw you on TV.
01:02:12Translation consultant in five languages.
01:02:15Annie, your parents must be so proud of you in heaven.
01:02:17Uncle George, how did you see...
01:02:19You look exactly like Michael.
01:02:21And your Arabic, that Cairo accent of your father's,
01:02:23I recognized it the moment I heard it.
01:02:25Annie, before your father passed away,
01:02:28he said something to me.
01:02:29What did he say?
01:02:31Annie will become a better bridge than I ever was.
01:02:34That night, Louis Anderson came back from South Korea
01:02:37and went straight to my building.
01:02:40Come out.
01:02:41For what?
01:02:43Want to take a walk with you.
01:02:48The street was cold
01:02:49and the streetlights stretched our shadows
01:02:51long across the pavement.
01:02:53I watched the documentary.
01:02:56How was it?
01:02:58Not good enough for your translation.
01:03:00The director was average.
01:03:01Don't say that about Martin.
01:03:03But your parts were excellent.
01:03:05You weren't just translating in the interview.
01:03:07You were carrying the emotion across.
01:03:10My father once said
01:03:11if you understand someone's mother tongue,
01:03:13you can understand their heart.
01:03:14You did that.
01:03:17We walked for a long time
01:03:19until we reached a river.
01:03:21Annie.
01:03:22Yeah?
01:03:23Crownwell is setting up
01:03:24an international cultural exchange department next year.
01:03:26We'll focus on crossword cultural projects,
01:03:28documentaries, publishing,
01:03:30exhibitions, forums.
01:03:31I need someone to lead it.
01:03:31You're trying to poach me again.
01:03:33I'm not poaching you.
01:03:34I'm building a position for you.
01:03:36What do you mean?
01:03:37You're not meant to be just a translator.
01:03:40Translation is a tool
01:03:41and you should use that tool
01:03:42to do something bigger.
01:03:43Your father's porcelain collection
01:03:45could become an exhibition
01:03:45about the history of global trade.
01:03:47Use your eight languages
01:03:48to tell that story to the world.
01:03:49What's the salary?
01:03:50Name your price.
01:03:52You don't think I'm taking advantage of you?
01:03:54Then let me take advantage of you.
01:03:56What?
01:03:56Be my girlfriend.
01:03:58No salary needed.
01:04:00Louis!
01:04:01I'm joking.
01:04:02One million dollars a year,
01:04:04plus project dividends.
01:04:05But the girlfriend part is serious too.
01:04:07The streetlight fell across his face,
01:04:09softening cold lines he usually carried.
01:04:14Two days later,
01:04:15I gave him my answer.
01:04:17I said yes to both.
01:04:18Brian White personally walked me to the entrance.
01:04:22Annie, you are the most underestimated employee
01:04:24in White Globals history.
01:04:26Mr. White,
01:04:26you also gave me the opportunity.
01:04:29You earned that opportunity yourself.
01:04:32Speaking of which,
01:04:33what I said in German at the annual meeting?
01:04:36The 70% raise?
01:04:37You understood it back then, didn't you?
01:04:40I did.
01:04:41Then why didn't you...
01:04:42Forget it.
01:04:43I wish you all the best.
01:04:47Three years.
01:04:48A $24,000 salary.
01:04:50A junior level position.
01:04:52I had repaid what needed to be repaid.
01:04:55It was time to start over.
01:05:02Crownwell's International Cultural Exchange Department
01:05:04was officially established.
01:05:06I became its first director.
01:05:09The first project is an international touring exhibition.
01:05:12The core exhibits are the 40 Blubber antiques
01:05:14my father collected from around the world.
01:05:19The exhibition will open simultaneously in five cities.
01:05:22Berlin, Cairo, Istanbul, Paris, and New York.
01:05:27I'll personally translate the narration for each city
01:05:30into the local language.
01:05:32On opening day,
01:05:34more than 300 people came to the New York venue.
01:05:37Uncle George stood in the exhibition hall,
01:05:39looking at my father's handwritten labels
01:05:41on the Portland pieces,
01:05:43tears streaming down his face.
01:05:45Michael, your daughter made it.
01:05:52Annie, how about turning this exhibition
01:05:54into a second season of the documentary?
01:05:59We can talk about it.
01:06:01I told you,
01:06:02you were never just a translator.
01:06:05Louis Anderson stood in the corner of the exhibition hall,
01:06:08staying away from the front.
01:06:09He was wearing a black suit,
01:06:11hands in my pockets,
01:06:12watching me give interviews under the spotlight.
01:06:14That look in his eyes,
01:06:15you are someone I didn't want to miss.
01:06:23Mrs. Smith,
01:06:24you are fluent in eight languages,
01:06:26but I heard you spent three years
01:06:27as a junior translator at a trading company,
01:06:29making only $24,000 a year?
01:06:33Yes.
01:06:35Why did you hide your abilities?
01:06:38Because I was running away.
01:06:40Every language was tied to memories of my parents.
01:06:43I thought if I hid them away,
01:06:45it would stop hurting.
01:06:47But later I realized
01:06:48that languages do not disappear
01:06:49just because you refuse to speak them.
01:06:51They stay in your blood,
01:06:53waiting for you to speak.
01:06:54What finally made you decide to speak up?
01:06:58A letter.
01:07:00My father wrote it.
01:07:01He said if I have the ability
01:07:02to make a difference,
01:07:03I should use it.
01:07:05On the second day of the exhibition,
01:07:07someone unexpected showed up.
01:07:10Scarlet.
01:07:13What are you doing here?
01:07:15I saw it on the news.
01:07:17Your father collected these?
01:07:19Yes.
01:07:20They are beautiful.
01:07:23Annie, I owe you an apology.
01:07:26You do not have to.
01:07:27Let me speak.
01:07:28I was jealous of you.
01:07:30I had been jealous
01:07:31since the first time
01:07:32you opened your mouth
01:07:32and spoke German.
01:07:34It took me seven years
01:07:35to climb up to Team Leader,
01:07:36but you were already above me
01:07:37without even trying.
01:07:39I could not accept that.
01:07:40So you chose to frame me.
01:07:42Yes.
01:07:43And then I paid the price.
01:07:45After I left White Global,
01:07:47that German contract
01:07:48at the translation company,
01:07:49you heard about it, right?
01:07:50I did.
01:07:51Because you used to correct my work,
01:07:53I never knew what my real level was.
01:07:54Once you were not there anymore,
01:07:56I finally realized,
01:07:57Scarlet, your hard work was real.
01:07:58Those seven years of German
01:07:59were not wasted either.
01:08:00You just chose the wrong direction
01:08:01at certain moments.
01:08:03You two don't hate me?
01:08:04No.
01:08:06The Forge screen shots
01:08:07are in the past now.
01:08:09You really are different from before.
01:08:11Back then,
01:08:12I could not even face myself.
01:08:15The exhibition is wonderful.
01:08:16Your father must be very happy.
01:08:21The exhibition ran for two months
01:08:24across five cities
01:08:25with more than 120,000 visitors in total.
01:08:37After the closing ceremony,
01:08:40Louie Anderson found me
01:08:41on the hotel terrace.
01:08:43Tired?
01:08:45A little.
01:08:46Five cities, two months.
01:08:47You handled all the narration translation work
01:08:49across every language by yourself.
01:08:51I am used to it.
01:08:53Do not get used to carrying everything alone.
01:08:57This is not a proposal,
01:08:58so don't be nervous.
01:09:01It's custom made
01:09:02because you said your father
01:09:04once told you that you were the bridge.
01:09:07This?
01:09:08There is a line engraved on the bridge.
01:09:11It has the word bridge
01:09:12engraved in nine languages.
01:09:15The ninth language is Russian.
01:09:17I studied for three months
01:09:18just to learn one word.
01:09:20The Cairo night wind
01:09:21swept across the terrace.
01:09:23In the distance,
01:09:24the banks of the Nile
01:09:25were bright with lights.
01:09:28Louie Anderson, you really are.
01:09:30What?
01:09:33Too good at this.
01:09:37Only with you.
01:09:44Five years later,
01:09:45Crownwell's International Cultural Exchange Department
01:09:47had become an industry benchmark.
01:09:49It ran more than 20 cross-cultural projects every year,
01:09:52with revenue exceeding 200 million.
01:09:55Revenue is up another 30% this year.
01:09:57Mm-hmm.
01:09:58Your salary should be adjusted this year.
01:10:01To how much?
01:10:02You tell me.
01:10:04One dollar.
01:10:07Seriously?
01:10:08Put the rest into a scholarship
01:10:10to support young people studying languages.
01:10:12Name it after my parents.
01:10:14The Michael Smith and Evelyn Chen Language Scholarship.
01:10:17How do you know my mother's name?
01:10:19I am your husband.
01:10:20How could I not know your mother's name?
01:10:23Outside the window
01:10:24was the skyline of the whole city.
01:10:26It was no longer that rental apartment
01:10:28with the broken heating.
01:10:29But sometimes,
01:10:30I still think of that window
01:10:31and the nights when I crouched there eating soup.
01:10:34Back then,
01:10:35I was fluent in eight languages,
01:10:37made $2,000 a year,
01:10:38and rejected a $10 million inheritance.
01:10:41I hid myself in the deepest corner,
01:10:43thinking that as long as I stayed silent,
01:10:45it would not hurt.
01:10:46In his letter,
01:10:47my father wrote,
01:10:48Be brave enough to be yourself.
01:10:50It took me a long time to understand that.
01:10:54But luckily,
01:10:56I did it.
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