380 Attention Lapse (2/2)

It was more comfortable for the speakers, especially the ones doing presentations, because they could talk without any interruptions. Simultaneous interpretations were also ideal for conferences like this for a more natural flow.

However, this method put a lot of strain on interpreters. Even though Iris insisted that she could do it for the entire duration of the conference, her two professors rejected the idea. They warned her that there were documented interpreters who collapsed because they did simultaneous interpretations for more than an hour without rest.

It was actually very dangerous. As a result, Iris and Professor Hisakawa would take turns interpreting every thirty minutes for this conference.

Finally, the China-Malaysia business conference began. Iris and Professor Hisakawa sat together at their designated seats. She brought a tablet and a stylus for taking notes while Professor Hisakawa had a notebook and a pen.

The Malaysian language was something that she only recently learned, so she wasn't as confident in using it compared to the languages she already knew in her past life. Fortunately, she had a talent in acquiring languages easily.

She interpreted in both Mandarin and Malaysian, taking turns with Professor Hisakawa throughout the entire conference.

There were Chinese Malaysian delegates in attendance, but they still needed an interpreter because of the differences in Standard Mandarin and Malaysian Mandarin.

Because Iris wasn't very used to the Malaysian language, she encountered some difficulties while interpreting. Whether it was not so accurate translations or taking a couple seconds longer to provide the interpretation, things didn't go as smoothly as yesterday.

After the conference, Iris sat back in her chair and released a big sigh. She also gulped water to soothe her throat.

”That was challenging,” she whispered.

”Indeed,” Professor Hisakawa replied. Then he looked at his notes. ”Although the delegates think that you did well, your performance this morning is not up to Cross Academy standards. You made too many less than ideal translations and the hesitations are painful to listen to. This level is not much better than average interpreters. You get a C- from me for this conference. You need to improve on your Malay. Always aim for an A+.”

”I understand, Professor.”

”You noticed the difference between your performance and mine, right? Learn from how I interpreted and improve your own techniques.”

”Yes, Professor. I will.”

Iris felt disappointed in herself for her less than stellar performance. She was determined to do better next time.

Lunch time.

She didn't speak much during this time to rest her vocal cords. She ate with the two professors and then reviewed for the next conference in the afternoon.

When she heard that there were still some Black Stars waiting for her outside, she became alarmed. It was a hot summer day. She asked someone to order some food and drinks for them and to encourage them to find some shade under the blazing sun. And even though she didn't have very good feelings for the entertainment news media and the rumourmongers, she also instructed to give them food and drinks just because it was too hot outside.

The Black Stars were very touched by her thoughtfulness. Even the media felt more inclined to write good things about her because of the food.

After lunch, it was time for the China-Japan conference.

Just like in the morning, the delegates requested for a simultaneous interpretation. Iris and Professor Hisakawa would take turns once again every thirty minutes or so.

Iris felt more confident about her Japanese language skills. During her past life as Evelina, she was actually more fluent in it than Mandarin.

When Jin Liwei stepped on the stage for his presentation, her interpretation was on point. The two actually rehearsed together before. She had memorized his entire presentation and of course her interpretation for it as well. This was the only time that Professor Hisakawa allowed her to interpret the whole way.

Iris also couldn't help but smile stupidly while watching her darling during his presentation. He looked so handsome that she almost ran to the stage to hug him.

”Concentrate!” Professor Hisakawa rebuked her when her voice started sounding giggly.

It instantly brought her back to earth. She blushed a little before clearing her head from anything besides her job as an interpreter.

”Good.” Professor Hisakawa nodded when he saw that she returned to a focused state.

He would've given full marks to her performance in this China-Japan conference if it wasn't for this brief attention lapse.

'Oh well. She's a woman in love,' was all he could say to himself.

Finally, the China-Japan conference ended, and so did the second day of the international business conference.

Iris Long's reputation as a skilled interpreter was reinforced even further in the business industry. Many of the delegates, both Chinese and foreign, already put her in their top lists of preferred interpreters to hire.