Chapter 3 — I Hide Eight Languages For Three Years

He continued: "This year we went through many challenges, but also achieved remarkable results." He paused for a moment, his voice lowered.

"Of course, there are also regrets. In the first half of the year, we lost an important international customer. The reason is simple - the language barrier."

The whole hall immediately fell silent.

"That made me think a lot. A company that wants to go international but can't even do basic communication well... what can it say about going international?"

He turned to the two foreign guests and said a few sentences in English. The man stood up. Tham Vien introduced: "This is Deputy General Director Fernando of Alvarez Group, and this is Marketing Director Sofia." Applause rang out, mixed with whispers.

"Alvarez? Haven't they refused to cooperate?"

“Why did you appear here?”

Tham Vien signaled everyone to be quiet.

"After a period of effort, I am happy to announce... Alvarez has agreed to give us a second chance. The two sides will cooperate fully, in the next three years to jointly develop the country H market."

His voice rose.

“The total value of the project… is expected to exceed one hundred million.”

One hundred million. The whole hall seemed to explode. I also froze. This is the company's largest order ever.

“But,” Tham Vien changed his tone, “to carry out this project, we must establish a professional team.”

He looked around the auditorium, his eyes slow but steady.

“That team needs the most basic competency — proficiency in Spanish.”

The whole hall immediately stirred.

“Spanish?”

“Does anyone know about the company?”

Tham Vien raised his hand to signal silence.

"I know the company is currently lacking human resources in this area. So, I made a decision."

Everyone simultaneously held their breath. His eyes slowly scanned each person. Then suddenly, he switched to another language.

“El proximo ano, dare un aumento salarial del 59% a todos los presentes que hablen espanol.”

Fluent Spanish rang out in the hall. The whole space was silent. No one understands. It's just me. Every word, every syllable... I understand it clearly.

“Next year, everyone here who knows Spanish… will get a 59% raise.”

Fifty-nine percent. Currently my salary is twelve thousand. A 59% increase… that's over seven thousand per month. A year is nearly a hundred thousand. But this... is just the beginning. Tham Vien raised his glass and repeated in Chinese: “As I just said, all employees who know Spanish will receive a 59% salary increase from next year.” The hall exploded.

“Fifty-nine percent?!”

“That much?!”

I clenched my wine glass, my knuckles turning white. Tieu Vu next to him softly asked: "Do you understand?" I shook my head, mechanically: "No." Tham Vien continued: “In addition to salary increases, those who know Spanish also have opportunities for training abroad, along with a percentage of projects.” He stopped.

“Now, whoever knows Spanish, please raise your hand.”

The whole hall was silent. No one moved. More than two hundred people... not a single hand was raised. I felt Tham Vien's eyes scanning the crowd, slowly, as if searching for something. I bowed my head. Don't dare look up. Palms are wet. Raise your hand… or not? If you raise your hand, how can you explain three years of concealment? How will my colleagues view me? The jobs I turned down, the emails I pretended not to understand... 59% salary increase. One hundred million project. Once in a lifetime opportunity. My fingers trembled slightly. On stage, Tham Vien waited for nearly a minute, his smile gradually disappearing.

“Is there really no one?”

In his voice, there was a bit of disappointment. Fernando and Sofia looked at each other, their expressions unable to hide their regret. Luu Phong stood up, confused: "Boss Tham, we did a survey before, the company's internal—"

“Stop.” Tham Vien interrupted.

The atmosphere became even quieter. I hear my heart clearly. Thump. Thump. Almost suffocating. Tham Vien turned to the head of human resources: "If there is no one internally, then recruit externally. Within a month, at all costs must find at least five people fluent in Spanish." The head of the human resources department quickly nodded.

"Also," he looked at the entire hall, his voice becoming serious, "today's promise is still valid in the future. Anyone who knows Spanish... raises salary by 59%."

He raised his glass.

“I hope everyone thinks carefully.”

Having finished speaking, he drank it all. Sporadic applause rang out. But it's more than just gossip.

“59%… is too big.”

“Boss, how short of people are you?”

“If only I knew…”

I bowed my head, my nails digging deep into my palms. I didn't raise my hand. The decision three years ago... at this moment, caused me to miss that opportunity. The party continues. Performances took place one after another, singing, dancing, comedy. But I couldn't see anything. I mechanically picked up the food, nodded and smiled, my mind a mess. My eyes kept stopping on the stage. Look at Tham Vien standing next to two foreign guests, chatting. Inside my heart... began to stir. Fernando occasionally said a few words, and Tham Vien responded fluently. Sofia laughed happily. I suddenly realized that Tham Vien's Spanish... was much better than I thought. When did he learn? I suddenly remembered that last month he continuously flew to country H. Could it be that... during that time, he was learning the language? For this project, he really went all out. At nine o'clock, the party entered the awards section. Tham Vien went on stage and announced the list of excellent employees.

“Sales Department, Luc Vy.”

I was stunned for a second.

“Luc Vy?” Tieu Vu nudged me, "Call you."

I regained my composure, stood up, and walked onto the stage. Tham Vien gave me the envelope and trophy and smiled: "You have done very well in the past three years, continue to improve."

“Thank you, boss Tham.” I received the trophy.

As soon as he turned around, he suddenly lowered his voice and said a sentence.

“It's a pity I don't know Spanish.”

My steps stopped. I raised my head to look at him. Tham Vien's face remained calm, not showing any unusual signs. But that sentence... was like a thorn, sticking straight into my heart. Unfortunately I don't know Spanish. I forced a smile and walked down the stage. Returning to his seat, Tieu Vu said: "Congratulations."