You never know the internal process of the hiring

Hiring manager is the person to make the decision.
HR is only a middle man.
You don't know what is the reason you didn't get offer now, you may get offer tomorrow.
Your friend's answer to the question is really dumb.At least he/she doesn't know how to be a reference to help a friends.
Keep the communication channel with the HR, with the hiring manager to get the most updated information.
As long as you can talk with them, that means your English is good.
Keep looking.

Wish you all the best.