At first, I didn't think much of it.

As early as last week, our manager had mentioned the possibility of a team-building event. I just hadn't expected it to land on this Friday and Saturday.

After briefly going over the destination, he added with a smile, "This time it's a countryside retreat. We'll be teaming up with another department. All of you who are single—maybe you'll find someone."

Then he turned to Simon.

"You've got it easy. You can go with your girlfriend—consider it a company-sponsored trip."

Hearing that, I frowned.

Instinctively, I glanced at Simon.

He was already looking at me. Our eyes met, and I clearly caught the flicker of smug satisfaction in his gaze.

No way…

Could it be that our department being paired with his girlfriend's department had something to do with him?

After the manager finished speaking, everyone went back to work. Only then did I open the post I hadn't checked for the past two days.

By now, nearly five hundred new comments had piled up.

I scrolled through them one by one.

The more I read, the angrier I became.

Another user had offered him fresh advice.

[If they won't go willingly, then find a way to make sure they have no choice. Tell me your situation.I'll come up with something for you.]

Simon quickly laid it all out.

[We work in the same department. My girlfriend is in another department. Our company is planning a team-building event soon—does that count as an opportunity?]

The other user replied excitedly: [Of course it does! Team-building is even better! When the time comes, everyone in the company will know they spent the night together. You think he won't take responsibility then?"

Simon: [But team assignments are pretty random, and there are a lot of people. There's no guarantee I'll even be near him…]

The user immediately shot back: [Are you stupid? Someone has to be in charge of the arrangements. Find out who it is, get close to them, and see if you can pull some strings to get placed together.]

For the sake of breaking the ice, the company always randomly paired two departments and had them compete against others during team-building.

I kept scrolling until the very end.

There, I saw Simon's reply: [Thanks, man. I found the person in charge and gave him a gift. I told him I wanted to be grouped with my girlfriend, and he agreed!]

Then, almost immediately, Simon posted another update: [The plan is progressing smoothly. Just got confirmation—I've been grouped with my girlfriend's department! Everyone, wait for my good news.]

I looked up at Simon, who was humming to himself across from me, and felt a chill settle deep in my chest.

Without hesitation, I stood up and headed straight for the manager's office.

"Mr. Bailey," I said, "can I opt out of this team-building event?"

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?"