Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 19:

Chapter 19:

#Chen Shu’s Father Guang Sheng Finance Explodes# Boiling

#Chen Shu in Debt Tens of Millions# New

As a phenomenally popular talent show, Here For You lived up to its name. Just reaching the second round of public performances, the discussions it sparked continuously surged like tidal waves.

Anyone living in the internet era would have heard of this name, even if they hadn’t watched the show.

Chen Shu, as the undisputed most-talked-about trainee in Here For You, had always enjoyed soaring attention.

As soon as this exposé broke, the topic skyrocketed to the top of the trending search list, and new related content climbed rapidly.

Before this, Chen Shu already had many labels attached to him.

High-value powerhouse, eternal TOP, first-ever trainee to bring a dog to a talent show—whether in livestreams or edited clips, every episode highlighted his positive appeal.

But today, such a major scandal erupted without warning.

Rational viewers called for waiting for follow-up developments, suggesting it wasn’t too late to reserve judgment until Chen Shu came forward to explain.

Since the incident had just broken, it wasn’t right to condemn Chen Shu without giving him a chance to defend himself.

Such comments were immediately attacked by the pre-prepared Internet water army, who labeled them as brainless fanatics.

Have you lost your basic sense of morality just to chase after a star?

Last week, comparisons had already been made online about the family backgrounds of various Here For You trainees. Now, with the mystery of Chen Shu’s family situation unveiled, deeper investigations into his background were underway.

The Chen family’s current home address, storefronts, names, and phone numbers were quickly dug up one by one.

Some netizens urgently called for a stop.

Without a final conclusion, how could they recklessly spread Chen Shu’s private information without knowing the truth?

But marketing accounts, smelling the heat, ignored these concerns and continued tirelessly reposting all eye-catching updates.

The exploded lending company.

The boss fleeing, leaving retail investors bankrupt.

These two key pieces of information placed side by side inevitably led to speculation.

The well-prepared Internet water army quickly stepped in. Finding that netizens’ comments weren’t sufficiently one-sided, they immediately executed a backup plan, attempting to magnify Chen Shu’s every move in the show to an extreme degree.

However, they discovered that since arriving on the island, Chen Shu hadn’t possessed a single item that could be considered a luxury product.

When packing his luggage, his personal belongings were pitifully few—his entire suitcase was filled with Wangcai’s food and drinks.

Up to this point in the show, he had no luxury watches, no trendy brands, and mostly wore the Class Uniform, saving even his own clothes.

His lifestyle was excessively simple.

On the entire island, no trainee appeared poorer than him, making him a breath of fresh air.

But since they had to keep the topic alive, they resorted to bringing up old issues again.

Chen Shu must have pulled strings to bring his dog to the island, right?

How could Chen Shu’s stats be this high without money backing them?

Come on, bring up that post from before calculating how much it costs to compete in a talent show!

Just as the online chaos reached its peak, the livestream of Here For You’s second-round public performance was still ongoing.

Most viewers in the livestream were still immersed in the performances.

When the STYLE team appeared under the stage lights in crisp suits and jazz hats, the live audience’s screams nearly blew the roof off!

Broad shoulders, narrow waists, and long legs—a perfect match for popular aesthetics.

The seven members took their positions on stage, heads slightly bowed, one hand lightly pressing down their hat brims.

Seven long shadows stretched across the stage, creating a uniquely stylish visual.

The prelude had just begun when the seven performers moved in sync to the edge of the stage, rhythmically tossing their hats into the audience amid enthusiastic cheers before regrouping to continue their dance routine.

The viewing room erupted in awe as well.

They actually interacted with the crowd!

Heavens, Brother Shu is so handsome! His figure is perfect for that suit!

The audience shared similar sentiments.

When Chen Shu first arrived on the island, his frame had been somewhat slender. After a month of intense training, a subtle layer of muscle now showed beneath his white shirt, shedding his boyish youthfulness and carrying an aura distinct from the other trainees.

Chen Shu has such versatile style—he can pull off anything!

Ahhhh handsome, wear suits more often! I’m obsessed!!

But just as everyone was immersed in the performance, a line suddenly appeared in the real-time bullet screen comments:

How dare he keep singing here? I’ll just ask—when will Chen Shu be eliminated?

The comment appeared out of nowhere, immediately followed by a flood of question marks.

Soon, similar bullet screen comments multiplied rapidly, flooding the entire screen and severely disrupting the viewing experience, prompting many viewers to investigate the situation.

Meanwhile, the live venue—cut off from external communications—continued unaffected.

After the song ended, Chen Shu and his group listened to the mentors’ feedback before returning to the viewing room to await the voting results for the second-round public performance.

As online tallying required additional time, Qu Jiangxue first announced the live audience voting rankings.

Topping the list was unmistakably Chen Shu’s STYLE.

Gu Wei gave a perfunctory clap or two.

Haunted by the near-failure of the previous public performance, his company and family had advised maintaining a low profile this round during their weekly call, so no special arrangements had been made for the live audience.

Chi Yu was still clapping vigorously: Chen Shu’s group was seriously so cool! I loved their performance the most!

Gu Wei dug his fingernails into his palm.

Only the thought of soon being rid of Chen Shu’s presence calmed him.

What use was a high ranking? It would only be his final moment of glory.

When he looked up again, Qu Jiangxue on the large screen had just finished announcing the team rankings and now held the cue card for individual vote results.

In first place, Qu Jiangxue couldn’t help smiling at the name, seems we all share the same preference. Congratulations to Chen Shu!

Jiang Xing, still buzzing with excitement, beamed: Wow Captain, you’re first again! Congrats!

Chen Shu smiled. Thank you.

Beside him, Gu Wei took a deep breath, frustration and anxiety simmering inside.

Why was there still no movement? Had something gone wrong again like last time?

Now—

Abruptly.

The live broadcast onscreen flickered and suddenly switched to the theme song MV of Here For You.

A notification appeared in the center:

Reconnecting to live stream…

Immediately after, a staff member knocked and entered, standing at the doorway to announce: Is Chen Shu here? The director requests his presence.

Hearing this, Gu Wei failed to suppress a smirk.

Finally!

—

Onstage, Qu Jiangxue had been holding her microphone ready to continue hosting when she noticed the director frantically waving at her from below. Puzzled, she stepped offstage to approach him.

Is something wrong? she asked, noting his anxious expression.

She knew that as this was a live broadcast, the director wouldn’t interrupt without urgent reason.

The four mentors had gathered too, wearing the same confused expressions as hers.

Though the studio temperature remained comfortably constant, beads of sweat had formed on the director’s forehead.

Hearing Qu Jiangxue’s question, he let out a long sigh. Teacher Qu, let’s not discuss this for now. When the live broadcast resumes later, please return to the stage, but there’s no need to read the online voting results. Kindly inform the audience that the results will be announced tomorrow instead, and today’s live broadcast will end early here.

After speaking, he had no time to explain in detail. Before Qu Jiangxue could press further, he hurried away.

The topic of Chen Shu was trending on social media, and the live stream’s viewership surged, but nearly all the newcomers were there to criticize him. The bullet screen comments were a chaotic mess, and the comment section was filled with condemnations of the production team, demanding an explanation.

The earlier announcement that Chen Shu had won both championships seemed to have provoked public outrage.

What began as rational protests was soon overtaken by an Internet water army. Extreme remarks set the tone, and a continuous stream of viewers vented their anger through bullet screen comments, flooding the screen with vulgar language. This drove many viewers away, causing a sharp drop in the number of online participants.

If this continued, even before the live stream ended, Here For You would be cemented with a negative reputation.

The director had no choice but to decide to temporarily shut down the live broadcast, opting for an offline discussion to resolve the issue.

After notifying Qu Jiangxue, he didn’t stay to hear her out but turned and headed straight for the meeting room.

By the time he arrived, Chen Shu had just entered as well.

There was a third person in the meeting room: Ding Yihua, the producer of Here For You.

The staff had rushed Chen Shu over, so he hadn’t returned to the dormitory and was still holding Wangcai in his arms.

Who asked you to come? Ding Yihua’s eyelids twitched slightly at the sight of this combination, reminded of the previous night.

It was me, the director said. Li Na wants to see him.

Before Ding Yihua could respond, the ringtone from the phone on the table suddenly sounded.

It was a sponsor.

Since the online uproar erupted, this wasn’t the first sponsor calling to demand an explanation. Each of these financial backers had to be handled with care.

Ding Yihua answered the phone with an ingratiating laugh.

After listening to his explanations and assurances, the director watched as Ding Yihua hung up, only for a second call of inquiry to come in immediately.

Ding Yihua had no choice but to gesture to the director, signaling for him to communicate with Chen Shu, while he stepped outside.

Chen Shu… the director thought for a moment before asking, Is your father Chen Hexuan?

Chen Shu replied, Yes.

From overhearing Ding Yihua’s conversation with the sponsor, he had already deduced why the director had summoned him.

Logically speaking, even if the Chen family’s debts were exposed, it shouldn’t have had such a significant impact on him, as his parents were actively repaying the debts. However, judging by the reactions of the two men, the situation seemed far from optimistic.

Recalling Gu Wei’s unusual behavior that morning, Chen Shu understood.

The Chen family’s debts wouldn’t normally have caused such a stir.

Unless someone deliberately twisted the facts to create a narrative.

The Gu family was well aware of the details behind the bankruptcy of Chen Shu’s family. Spreading half-truths and so-called exposés online to stir up trouble was entirely consistent with their usual tactics.

Hearing his confirmation, the director’s expression turned somewhat awkward.

So, the online exposé was true.

Chen Hexuan’s Guangsheng Finance had engaged in deposit-taking and lending, only to collapse a year later amid scandal. It was rumored that the owner had absconded with the funds, leaving individual investors with nothing. The full story could be found online even before today.

Chen Shu was actually Chen Hexuan’s son.

With such a significant stain on his family’s reputation, anyone would view his son unfavorably.

If he continued participating in the show under this cloud, it was easy to imagine the level of backlash he would face from netizens.

In that case, there’s nothing I can do, the director adopted a more formal tone. Your family’s affairs are now exposed online, and it’s highly unfavorable for you.

He paused, then continued, Judging by the time, Xinning’s people should be arriving soon. Your agent has requested to meet with you first, then we’ll discuss how to handle this matter together. But you’d better prepare yourself mentally—if your personal issues affect the program’s ratings, the sponsors won’t agree to let you stay on this stage.

His previous impression of Chen Shu had been excellent.

With constant trending topics and strong capabilities, Chen Shu had brought substantial traffic to the program. His fans managed to push him to first place, which essentially created tangible profits, making him a veritable money magnet.

Yet even his favorable impression inevitably faded after hearing the exposé, let alone the audience’s.

The audience currently has only one demand: your competition withdrawal, the director stated bluntly.

Having already guessed it was Gu Wei’s doing, this outcome was within Chen Shu’s expectations.

Yan Jingchuan rolled over and stood up from his embrace.

Chen Shu being forced to withdraw?

Considering Chen Shu’s youth, the director was still analyzing the subsequent repercussions this incident might cause.

My family does owe tens of millions, but the debt is being repaid monthly, Chen Shu explained on behalf of the original owner, seeing that the director was unaware.

The director was first stunned, then delighted: Monthly repayments? Do you have evidence?

The audience’s intense dislike for Chen Shu stemmed from the widespread online exposés claiming that the boss of Guangsheng Finance had absconded with the funds, leaving cheated retail investors to fend for themselves.

Could the exposé be false?

Chen Shu said, I’m not certain, but there should be receipts.

The original owner’s parents had never involved him in the family’s debt matters, so he wasn’t clear about the specific repayment situation.

The related content in the original text was also briefly mentioned, only stating that because the business partner disappeared, Chen Hexuan had to sell all assets to fill the gap, eventually leaving tens of millions in debt, repaid monthly through the barbecue shop’s profits.

That’s great, that’s wonderful! The director clenched his fist and struck the table. This way, with proper PR handling, there might still be a chance to turn this around.

Even if Chen Hexuan was in debt, monthly repayments at least showed strong willingness to repay, which would feel entirely different to the audience.

Chen Shu smiled slightly but didn’t speak further.

If it were that simple, today’s events wouldn’t have happened.

The director easily grasped this logic, but Xinning Entertainment—fully aware of the original owner’s debt situation—must have considered it too, yet things still progressed to this stage.

Clearly, the company valued Gu Wei more.

The book mentioned that to enter the entertainment industry, the Gu family went to great lengths to pave the way for Gu Wei, resorting to any means necessary, including spending heavily to get close to a shareholder of Xinning Entertainment.

After Gu Wei joined the talent show, the Gu family also invested heavily in the program, becoming one of the main sponsors of Here For You.

With these two relationships in place, neither the company nor the program team was likely to help him out of goodwill.

The director was about to say more when the door opened again.

Producer Ding Yihua entered with Xinning Entertainment’s representatives.

Chen Shu, do you have any idea how much trouble you’ve caused the company? The moment she entered, the woman raised her eyebrows and raised her voice.

She was Li Na, the agent for all Xinning Entertainment trainees participating in Here For You, who had previously spoken with Chi Yu over the phone.

Ding Yihua stood by observing, and after listening asked, Agent Li, what are your plans?

Li Na then composed her expression and said to him, Director Ding, Chen Shu is a trainee from Xinning. Given what’s happened, I’d like to speak with him alone for a few minutes. Is that alright?

Hurry up, Ding Yihua frowned before turning and walking out with the director.

As soon as they stepped outside, the director grabbed Ding Yihua’s arm. Teacher Ding, I just heard Chen Shu say that his family’s debt is actually—

Director, Ding Yihua said quietly, Chen Shu’s debt has nothing to do with us. All the sponsors are putting pressure on us. I just want to resolve this issue quickly.

The director hesitated. But…

Ding Yihua implied meaningfully, This kind of mess is best left untouched by the production team.

So the production team had already decided to abandon Chen Shu?

Understanding his underlying message, the director’s expression turned complicated.

—

Inside the room.

Li Na looked at Chen Shu, her tone condescending again. Chen Shu, you’ve caused such a huge mess. Can you even afford to cover the company’s losses?

Then her tone shifted. Of course, as long as you’re willing to pay a small price, there might still be room for negotiation.

Chen Shu only asked, How long has it been since this incident happened?

What? Li Na was taken aback, completely unprepared for this kind of response.

Chen Shu looked at her. The live broadcast was forced to end. Rumors must have spread widely by now. When does the company plan to help me clarify things?

Li Na’s expression immediately became somewhat unnatural.

Had Chen Shu been possessed today? In the past, whenever she used both kindness and authority, he would have been scared into agreeing to anything. Why was he asking such tricky questions now?

We’ll discuss that later, she evaded, taking a tablet from her bag and walking over to sit at the table. Come sit down too. Take a look at this first.

The screen was filled with netizens’ outrage over Chen Hexuan’s unpaid debts and their furious backlash against Chen Shu—a shocking sight.

Chen Shu had never been exposed to such things before. Even in his previous life as an actor, his agent would never show him the sparse negative comments online.

Doing so only disturbed an artist’s mindset without any benefit.

Yet Li Na had specifically screenshotted the most extreme comments and presented them to him without reservation.

After Chen Shu finished reading, Li Na pulled out a contract from her bag. Sign this after you’ve read it, and the company will naturally help you resolve your difficulties.

The screenshots accurately reflected the netizens’ attitude. To clarify things, he would need the company’s help. She believed Chen Shu would know what to do.

Chen Shu flipped through the contract.

After just the first page, he chuckled softly.

Today’s events were outside the original plot, but Xinning Entertainment’s exploitative, bloodsucking nature remained unchanged.

Yan Jingchuan jumped from his arms onto the table and pressed a paw against his finger to stop him from turning the page.

The new contract drafted by Xinning was completely unequal. Signing such a contract would make him no different from a puppet on strings in the future.

Given Chen Shu’s current situation, there was absolutely no need to sell himself to Xinning just to clear his name.

What are you laughing at? Li Na frowned, then forced her voice to soften. I understand if you think the new contract isn’t good enough, but you need to consider things from the company’s perspective too. The company invested so much money in training you, and before you’ve even earned it back, you’ve caused such massive losses. If you don’t make some appropriate concessions, why should the company continue investing in you and help you through this crisis?

Chen Shu stopped flipping pages, reaching out to stroke Wangcai’s back as he responded with a light laugh, I’m just an employee. There’s no need for me to think from the company’s perspective.

You—!

Besides, every cent of the company’s training expenses has been recorded under my account. After saying this, Chen Shu looked up at Li Na. Or perhaps this debt doesn’t need to be repaid by me?

It seems you prefer hardship over courtesy! With her patience exhausted, Li Na’s expression turned cold. Let me make this clear: if you don’t sign, the company won’t help you! Don’t think that just because you’ve gained a bit of popularity now, you’re some big star. Without the company’s support, not only will your reputation be ruined, but you’ll even lose your spot in this competition! Dreaming of debuting in a group? Maybe in your next life!

Having laid out her ultimatum and seeing Chen Shu remain unmoved, she grew furious. Chen Shu, I’m asking you one last time: are you going to sign or not?

Chen Shu simply scooped Wangcai into his arms and casually replied, I’m not signing.

Rumors thrive on information gaps. Such misunderstandings can only last for a short time—enough to force him to withdraw from the competition, but they would soon dissolve afterward.

Even if he had to withdraw, he had no intention of cooperating with Xinning. If the path through the competition was blocked, he still had his original profession to fall back on.

Starting from minor roles, he would eventually find the right opportunity.

Li Na’s face was as dark as storm clouds.

The premiere of Here For You had sparked such explosive popularity for Chen Shu that the company’s upper management had taken special notice. Her task today was to seize this opportunity and make Chen Shu sign a new contract, securing maximum benefits for the company. But Chen Shu remained impervious to both soft and hard tactics, leaving her in a dilemma.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Manager Li, are you finished? The audience is still causing an uproar. We don’t have time to delay any longer.

Almost done! Li Na called back over her shoulder. Taking a deep breath, she tried persuading him again, Chen Shu, you need to think this through carefully. If you sign this contract, the company will prioritize giving you the best resources to help you rise to fame. Don’t you want to pay off your family’s debts? With the company’s support now, why are you still hesitating? Besides, the contract has a term—it’s not forever—

Manager Li, Chen Shu interrupted her, my decision won’t change.

Li Na’s expression soured, and she abruptly stood up from the table.

The chair scraped against the floor with a sharp noise, prompting another knock from outside.

I need to make a phone call. Li Na opened the door, uttered a hurried excuse, and strode away down the hallway.

By the time she returned, Ding Yihua had already connected with the public relations team for Here For You.

A vacant spot remained at the bottom of the screen, reserved for the public relations representative of Xinning Entertainment.

But upon her return, Li Na showed no intention of connecting them.

She addressed the group, For this matter, the company has temporarily granted me full authority.

After speaking, she shot a mocking glance at Chen Shu.

She had already consulted with upper management, and they agreed with her approach.

Since Chen Shu didn’t know what was good for him, let him taste some hardship first. Once he withdrew from the competition and lost all his current glory, if he wanted to come back, they could always add a few extra clauses to the contract.

Consider it a lesson for him.

—

The emergency public relations meeting officially began, and the director signaled for Chen Shu to return to his dormitory and await the outcome.

When Chen Shu returned, the dormitory lobby was buzzing with noise.

All 55 trainees were present, waiting for the staff to provide an explanation together.

Chen Shu! Chi Yu, who had been chatting with his teammates, was the first to spot Chen Shu at the entrance and hurried over to greet him.

Captain, I heard the director asked you to come over. Jiang Xing jogged up as well, asking curiously, Did the director tell you why the live stream was suspended tonight?

At the mention of this, the hall gradually quieted down, everyone waiting for Chen Shu’s response.

It’s related to me. Chen Shu didn’t hide the truth, answering the question for the crowd who had been waiting for a long time.

Chi Yu asked with a laugh, Don’t tell me another sponsor has taken a liking to you? But that wouldn’t require stopping the livestreams entirely.

Chen Shu stated bluntly, If nothing unexpected happens, I’ll be withdrawing from the competition.

Hearing the words competition withdrawal, Chi Yu blinked in stunned silence.

A hush instantly spread contagiously around them.

Chen Shu withdrawing?

How was that possible?!

Chen Shu had already turned and walked toward his room.

Snapping back to reality, Chi Yu saw his retreating figure and hurried after him.

Behind them, buzzing discussions quickly erupted, continuous and unending.

Chi Yu closed the door upon entering the room.

Chen Shu, what’s really going on!

Chen Shu was opening his suitcase and gave a brief explanation upon hearing this.

Turning around, he saw Wangcai squatting on the bed watching him, its dark eyes seeming to carry human-like emotions. He smiled and patted it before continuing to pack its dog food.

Yan Jingchuan watched his retreating figure from nearby, then after a moment walked over and lay down in his familiar spot by the pillow.

Being slandered and forced to withdraw from the competition because of it.

A month of hard work gone to waste – what a blow this must be to Chen Shu.

But just as well, with the talent show ending early, the plan could also start ahead of schedule.

Some people wanted Chen Shu to be crushed beyond recovery.

He would make Chen Shu soar to unprecedented heights.

Receiving the call from the hospital, Zhang Shi rushed over as quickly as possible, arriving at the hospital room in record time.

As he entered, he saw Director Yan holding a tablet.

Moving closer, he saw the tablet screen displaying a page the director never paid attention to.

Trending search?

Why would Director Yan suddenly be interested in this website?

But having already reached Yan Jingchuan’s side, Zhang Shi didn’t let his mind wander further. Director Yan, the company recently

Company matters can wait.

Huh?

Zhang Shi was stunned for half a second.

You only wake up a few times each month, and company matters aren’t urgent? Then what could be?

Yan Jingchuan said, Chen Shu has withdrawn from the competition.

Chen Shu again?

Zhang Shi’s confusion deepened.

Before he could ask, the next moment he heard Yan Jingchuan’s consistently cold voice speak. I want you to spare no expense in making him famous.