Chapter 43 The Storm Begins

On Wednesday afternoon, the atmosphere in the small conference room of the Translation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was somewhat delicate.

This was an impromptu internal seminar to discuss the simultaneous interpretation arrangements for next week's China-EU Economic and Trade Forum. A dozen or so people sat in the meeting room, all key personnel from the Translation Department. Song Zhiyi sat by the window, a thick professional dictionary spread out in front of her.

She officially returned to work three days ago after her vacation. After being sent abroad for more than two years, she should have had an adjustment period, but the company has been very busy lately, so she threw herself into work almost as soon as she got back.

"The simultaneous interpretation task at the main venue of next week's forum is very heavy." The deputy director who chaired the meeting pushed up his glasses. "The top-level translators are needed for German, French, English and Spanish. French and German, in particular, involve a lot of professional business terms."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present: "As for the French side, my suggestion is to have Song Zhiyi take charge of the translation. She was on exchange in France and worked in Geneva for two years, so she is very familiar with the EU's economic and trade system and legal framework."

As soon as he finished speaking, a few soft coughs were heard in the conference room.

A middle-aged woman sitting opposite Song Zhiyi—Zhang Li, a senior translator in the French team—frowned slightly but remained silent. A younger male translator next to her couldn't help but speak up: "Deputy Director, Zhiyi just got back, shouldn't she take some time to adjust? Besides, Teacher Zhang is also in the French team."

The words were polite, but the meaning was clear.

The deputy director glanced at him: "Of course, Professor Zhang will also be there, but the main venue needs two people to take turns. I know Zhiyi's capabilities; the negotiations she participated in in Geneva were no less difficult than this forum."

“But…” The young translator wanted to say something, but Zhang Li stopped him with a look.

Zhang Li smiled, her tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority: "The deputy director is right, Zhiyi is indeed capable. However, I also agree with Xiao Wang's opinion that Zhiyi has just returned and may need some time to familiarize herself with the domestic meeting style and terminology. How about this, Zhiyi and I will go to the main venue together, I'll do the first round, and she'll do the second round?"

This sounds like a compromise, but in reality—the first round of translation is often the most stressful because it involves setting the tone and getting familiar with the speaker's style and rhythm. The second round is relatively easier, focusing more on identifying and filling in any gaps in understanding.

Moreover, the phrase "re-familiarize yourself with the domestic style" implies that you've been abroad for too long and may no longer understand the situation in China.

The meeting room fell silent. Everyone looked at Song Zhiyi.

Song Zhiyi had been listening quietly, her face expressionless. At this moment, she looked up at Zhang Li, her gaze calm: "Teacher Zhang is right, I do need to familiarize myself with things again. Then let's do as you say."

She spoke very naturally, without any dissatisfaction or grievance, as if it were just an objective work arrangement.

The deputy director glanced at her, hesitated, and finally nodded: "Then it's settled. As for the German language..."

The meeting continued. But the atmosphere had changed.

After the meeting, Song Zhiyi packed her things to leave. The young translator, Xiao Wang, leaned over and whispered, "Sister Zhiyi, don't take it to heart. Teacher Zhang... she's just a little resentful."

Song Zhiyi glanced at him: "It's alright. Teacher Zhang's suggestion is very reasonable."

After she finished speaking, she picked up her briefcase and left the meeting room.

In the corridor, several translators from other language groups huddled together and spoke in hushed tones. When they saw Song Zhiyi come out, their voices paused, and their eyes held a subtle expression.

"I heard she's doing really well abroad, participating in negotiations and assisting with the evacuation of overseas citizens..."

"So what? We'll just have to start all over again when we get back."

"But she's lucky; she married into the Huo family. With that connection, who in the department would dare disrespect her?"

"Shhh - keep your voice down..."

She spoke in a very low voice, but Song Zhiyi still heard her. She didn't stop, walking straight to her office with her back ramrod straight.

This wasn't the first time she'd heard such comments.

In the month since she returned to China, all sorts of rumors have been circulating within the company—saying that she got promoted through connections, that her achievements abroad were all hype, and that she was able to participate in those important negotiations because of the Huo family's background...

Some even say that she got into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through connections.

Song Zhiyi never cared about these things. She knew very well that in this industry, talent was the only passport. Rumors and gossip couldn't hurt her in the slightest.

But what she didn't expect was that these rumors would affect her actual work arrangements.

What was even more unexpected was that even a seasoned translator like Zhang Li would develop a prejudice against her because of those rumors.

In her office, Song Zhiyi turned on her computer and pulled up the relevant materials for next week's forum. The densely packed trade and economic terminology, legal provisions, and policy documents... she needed to thoroughly understand them all within a week.

It wasn't easy. But she got used to it.

My phone vibrated; it was a text message from Huo Yanli—the first non-essential contact between them.

"I received the prescription for my stomach ailment. Thank you."

It's a very simple sentence.

Song Zhiyi replied, "You're welcome. Follow the prescription and avoid spicy and cold foods."

Then she put her phone aside and continued looking at the information.

She didn't have time to pay attention to those pointless rumors, nor did she have the energy to explain anything. She just needed to do her job well and let her abilities speak for themselves.