Chapter 7 — I Hide Eight Languages For Three Years

"You stood by the side, watching everything, not saying anything. Now you stand up to be a hero, receive a 50% salary increase, and receive the title of chief liaison officer. Do you feel so glorious?"

I stood still, speechless. Because what she said... was all true. Before leaving, Hua Lam threw back a sentence:

“You owe Truong Vu an apology.”

That sentence swirled in my head all night. The next morning, I went to Truong Vu. He works in the logistics department, is much thinner, and has dark eye circles.

“Truong Vu.”

He looked up at me, his eyes a bit wary.

"I know you. Luc Vy, who knows eight languages."

“The J water project… is my fault.”

I speak frankly. His expression changed.

“What did you say?”

"That day I listened to the call recording. I knew the software had mistranslated. The customer said it was adjusting the delivery time, not immediate delivery. But I did not stand up."

I looked straight into his eyes.

"As a result, the project failed, the responsibility fell on you. You were demoted two levels."

Truong Vu's hand tightened and then let go.

“You came to find me… just to talk about this?”

“Not only that.”

I took out a file and placed it in front of him.

"This is the explanation I wrote, clearly analyzing the translation error that day. I have submitted a copy to boss Tham, requesting to cancel the disciplinary decision and restore your position."

Truong Vu stared at the stack of papers, his fingers shaking slightly.

"Why?" His voice was hoarse. "You can completely ignore it. It's been more than a year."

"Because Hua Lam is right. I owe you an apology."

Truong Vu was silent for a long time. Then he stood up and held out his hand.

“Sorry, I accept.”

I took his hand. His hands were cold.

"But later," Truong Vu looked at me, his eyes very straight, "don't hide it anymore. Be quiet, the injured person is not the only one."

That sentence... weighs more than anything. I nodded. In the afternoon, Tham Vien called me to his office. As soon as I entered, I saw on the table a printed copy of the document I had just submitted.

"I have signed and canceled Truong Vu's disciplinary decision." he said.

“Thank you boss.”

"No need to thank me. I just did what I should do."

Tham Vien leaned back in his chair and looked at me for a few seconds.

"There is something that needs to be announced. Yesterday I met Tien Quoc An directly, he agreed to come back. But not to the finance department, but with you to take charge of the Alvarez project."

“Does Mr. Tien agree?”

“He actually said: 'If Luc Vy steps out, I can't step back.’”

My nose is stinging.

"The project will officially launch the day after tomorrow. I explained clearly to Fernando. He said, if the company had someone like you, he would feel more secure. But there is one request—"

“What request?”

"He wants to talk to you face to face. In Spanish. Competency test."

My heart rate slightly increased. But no more fear.

"No problem."

The next morning, exactly ten o'clock, the call came. In Tham Vien's office, I, him, Luu Phong, Tran Lam, and Tien Quoc An—five people sat around the conference table. The air... was as tense as a piano string. But this time, I'm not hiding anymore. I'm… ready. The phone is connected, turn on the speakerphone. Fernando's voice rang out, perfect Castile accent.

“Senorita Lu? Encantado. He oido mucho sobre usted.”

"Miss Luc? It's a pleasure. I've heard of you for a long time."

I replied, my voice calm.

“Igualmente, senor Fernando. Lamento que las circunstancias de nuestro primer contacto no hayan sido ideales. Espero que podamos establecer una comunicacion mas fluida a partir de ahora.”

“It's a pleasure, Mr. Fernando. I'm sorry that our first contact didn't really go smoothly. Hopefully from now on, the exchange will be more convenient.”

In the room, everyone held their breath. Tran Lam opened his mouth, completely not understanding the content, but looking at Tien Quoc An... he was nodding slightly, the corners of his lips curled up. Fernando laughed on the other end of the line. Then suddenly, he increased his speaking speed and started going straight into the details of the project. Supply cycle, logistics allocation point, tax optimization plan, domestic warehousing model. No deceleration at all.