Chapter 2

...

Judy Bianchi continued, "Times are tough right now, and the company is feeling the pinch. I hope everyone can be like Oscar and always think about the company's best interests."

She shot me a chilly glance, and my colleagues, seeing which way the wind was blowing, piled on.

"Ms. Bianchi is spot on. We should all take a page out of Oscar's book."

"Honestly, for the company's sake, a little sacrifice is the least we can do."

"Some people have no sense of dedication at all! They forget that without the company supporting them, they'd be starving on the streets!"

I scoffed. It was easy for them to talk when the knife wasn't cutting into their own flesh.

These people all assumed Oscar and Judy had some special connection. In my previous life, they'd sided with him, piling the blame on me.

"If we're talking about costs, I suggest a 30% pay cut across the board for every employee," I countered.

The words were barely out of my mouth before everyone shot me resentful glares.

Judy frowned. "I'll have to think that one over."

"I've got another idea," I said. "These days, it's all about developing well-rounded talent. We could rotate Oscar through every department for internships. That way, we won't be limited to specialists in single roles."

Everyone jumped in with enthusiastic nods.

"We're all for it! Welcome aboard!"

"Start in our department!"

"Come to ours first!"

Oscar's eyes lit up with smug satisfaction, and I smirked because that was exactly what I wanted things to go on like.

A few days later, the HR Director suddenly blasted the work group chat with dozens of photos, tagging everyone: [Half the desks empty after 9 AM. Sloppy attendance, $500 fine!]

The next moment, complaints erupted throughout the office.

"I just stepped out for a water refill and got hit with a $500 fine? Treating us like slaves? This is ridiculous!"

"I was just in the bathroom. Do they expect me to hold it in?"

"I'm even worse off! I just bent down to pick up a pen, and I got photographed not at my desk. This is worse than a sweatshop!"

Dissatisfied with the new rule, they stormed toward the HR Director's office. As they reached the door, they heard a heated argument inside.

"Oscar, what the hell did you post from my computer?" George Gonzalez growled.

"Sir, I was just helping the company. Only with heavy fines will people stop slacking off," Oscar replied, unapologetic.

"Who permitted you to do that? You're just an intern," George countered.

Oscar lifted his chin defiantly. "If it's for the company's good, anyone can step up. Rank doesn't matter."

George's face flushed with anger. "You're out of line! I'm reporting this to Ms. Bianchi! Let her be the judge!"

"Go ahead," Oscar snorted. "I stand by what I did, and I am sure she will back me up."

George was left speechless.

When Judy heard about it, she chewed George out and publicly praised Oscar. With her backing, Oscar walked around like he owned the place.