The Fall Guy? Not This Time

The manager rejected my request on the spot. He even issued a formal notice, emphasizing that unless there were special circumstances, everyone was required to attend the team-building event.

With no other choice, I agreed.

On Friday morning, we set off from the company.

After arriving at the venue, the first thing everyone did after getting off the bus was head to the hotel to check in and get their room assignments.

I was assigned a room with another colleague.

After dropping off my luggage, I stepped out of the room—and the moment I opened the door, I ran straight into Simon.

He was standing right outside, staring intently at my room number. The instant he saw me, he quickly looked away. Then he broke into a smile and slung an arm over my shoulder.

"Tyler, you're still mad, aren't you? What happened last time was my fault. We're best buds! Don't stay mad at me, okay?"

Since that day, I hadn't spoken a single word to him at work. I wasn't angry—I just wanted to use the distance to slowly cut him out of my life.

But I couldn't make it too obvious yet. So I snorted and brushed his hand off.

"I'm not mad. I'm not that petty. I know you were just trying to invite me out."

Seeing my softened attitude, Simon immediately seized the moment.

"Yeah, I was just being stupid back then. I didn't mean to force you or make things awkward. I promise—nothing like that will ever happen again!"

I let out a sigh, pretending to reluctantly forgive him.

"Fine. But don't let it happen again."

At that, Simon nodded eagerly.

Then came what he really wanted. He looked at me and asked, "Since you've forgiven me… Tyler, can I stay in your room tonight? Ashley said she's sharing with her coworkers, so I'm on my own. You're the closest one to me here, so… can I switch and stay with you?"

He put on a pleading smile, trying to win me over. But at that moment, all I could think about was the post I had just read.

Earlier in my room, I had checked it again—and Simon had posted another update.

[Already at the team-building location! What should I do next? Anyone got advice?]

That same user replied: [Find an excuse to share a room with your buddy. That way it'll be easier to make your move. Get them drunk at night, and when no one's paying attention, bring your girlfriend into your buddy's room. That'll do it.]

Simon had eagerly liked the comment. He had even said he'd send the guy a cash reward once it was done.

Sure enough, not long after posting that reply, he showed up at my door.

First, he tried to smooth things over and get my forgiveness—then he moved straight into executing his plan.

Meeting his pleading gaze, a sudden thought crossed my mind. Since Simon had no regard for our friendship and was willing to ruin me, I'd let him taste regret and misery for himself.

A cold smirk formed in my heart, though my face remained calm.

I placed my hand lightly over the back of his and said gently, "Alright."

"Really?!" Simon clearly hadn't expected me to agree so easily.

He chatted with me excitedly for a few moments, then we headed downstairs together.

On the first floor, everyone was gathered around having a barbecue.

My gaze swept across the crowd before landing on a greasy-haired, pot-bellied man standing in the corner.

Jay Heston was a colleague from my department. Not only was he older, unhygienic, and sloppy, but his character was just as bad—he often harassed people in our department in private. To us, he had never been a decent person.

An hour earlier, he had approached me about switching rooms.

"Tyler, can you swap rooms with me later?"

I had asked, puzzled, "Why do you want to switch? Is your room not good? Why not ask the front desk?"

Jay had awkwardly rubbed his oily hair.

"My room's too big. I don't like it—I prefer smaller rooms. The front desk said there aren't any available, and no one's willing to switch with me…

"So I thought of you guys. You and Simon could share my big room. It's a perfect idea, don't you think?"

At the time, I had refused. But now, it seemed only fitting to let one bad man deal with another.

A flicker of anticipation stirred within me for what tomorrow might bring.

I walked over to Jay and smiled.

"Jay, still looking to switch rooms?"