Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 20:

Chapter 20:

The news of Chen Shu’s competition withdrawal was causing an uproar online.

At this point, the trending topic that had explosively topped the charts had shifted from #Chen Shu in Debt for Tens of Millions# to #Chen Shu Withdraws from Competition#.

The top post was a joint statement issued by the two official parties.

It was very straightforward: due to the negative social impact caused by Chen Shu, the program team had decided on his competition withdrawal. Chen Shu himself had no objections and would leave the 《Here For You》 filming base tomorrow.

Some netizens noticed that the profile picture of the top-ranked contestant in the 《Here For You》 voting channel had quickly turned black, and the vote count had been cleared.

Upon refreshing again, the black profile picture also disappeared, with the next-ranked Chi Yu taking over the first place. Subsequently, everyone’s ranking automatically moved up one spot.

From the initial exposure to the joint statement released by the 《Here For You》 official account and Xinning Entertainment, only a few hours had passed.

The fact that the official parties could make a decision in such a short time showed a very rapid response.

Initially, the comments under the statement were filled with praise.

Later, the Internet water army retreated, leaving only curious netizens. Without a large number of inflammatory comments steering the narrative, people gradually began to sense something amiss.

Wait, shouldn’t Chen Shu himself speak up about this?

This… This is the first time I’ve seen a celebrity who doesn’t play the victim or struggle when something happens. Did he admit it outright because the evidence was too solid?

Chen Shu just withdrew from the competition like that? It all happened so fast, I’m stunned…

However, this sense of unease lasted less than an hour before a new topic suddenly appeared.

#Rumors About Chen Shu’s Father Refusing to Repay Debts#

Not only did it appear out of nowhere, but after two refreshes, it directly climbed to the top of the rankings. Meanwhile, the Black Hot Search that was still being widely discussed by netizens quickly dropped, with an unmistakably strong scent of money behind it.

Before the heat died down, the click-through rate for the topic was skyrocketing.

The top post was a related blog with over ten thousand likes, comments, and reposts.

Xianggua Finance V: I’ve been getting DMs asking about Guangsheng. I only realized what was happening after seeing the hot search, but after Guangsheng went bankrupt, the person who ran off with the money wasn’t Chen Hexuan [facepalm]. It was his partner, someone surnamed Sha. Chen was actually screwed over by Sha. However, Chen has great character—not only did he sell all his assets to help small investors recover their money as much as possible, but he also took on jobs to continue repaying the debt. I recently heard he opened a barbecue shop, and business is pretty good, but the earnings are still going toward repayments [laugh-cry]. This has been widely praised in the industry because, after the bankruptcy liquidation, he technically didn’t have to repay this money—after all, he lost everything himself. Some in the industry even think he’s a fool. So, I was quite surprised to see the hot search. Saying Chen refused to repay debts is just a rumor and slander…

Attached was the organizational structure of Guangsheng Finance.

Indeed, there were two major shareholders.

The reversal came so quickly that netizens, who were already somewhat confused, were caught off guard.

Not only did Chen Shu’s father not refuse to repay debts, but he had been working hard to repay money that wasn’t even his responsibility?

So, his character wasn’t flawed—it was actually too good!

Fearing there might be more twists, netizens were extremely cautious. Over half of the comments expressed hesitation about waiting for further updates.

But instead of a rebuttal, what followed was even more solid evidence.

Again, from Xianggua Finance.

Since I had some free time, I asked a friend to get contact information for a few small investors and conducted some informal online interviews.

Attached were six long screenshots of chat logs.

The questioning approach was consistent: verify identities, obtain evidence of their investments in Guangsheng, and then ask whether Chen Hexuan had continued to repay the money recently.

Among the records was one person whose payment had just been settled last month. Receipts of varying amounts were lined up for each month, and the excitement in the chat logs overflowed from the text, filled with praise for the couple Chen Hexuan and Hua Yun as great benefactors.

Seeing these records, netizens were shaken.

The official super topic for 《Here For You》 was flooded with viewers demanding the program team revoke Chen Shu’s competition withdrawal.

Damn, isn’t Chen Shu an innocent victim?? The program team withdrew Chen Shu without even giving him a chance to explain—are they out of their minds??!

How much traffic did Chen Shu bring to 《Here For You》? The fans’ vote-casting was real money! Chen Shu didn’t default, so the program team better pay us back!!

I don’t believe Chen Shu was unaware of his family’s situation. How could the program team decide on withdrawal without even verifying?? What kind of idiots would do something so self-destructive???

But unlike their previous swift responses, the 《Here For You》 program team gave no reply, even as the trending search remained at the top of the charts all night.

—

The trainees still on the island knew nothing of the turmoil outside.

Suddenly learning of Chen Shu’s competition withdrawal, they were both confused and shocked.

With no internet access, they couldn’t check online information. When they asked the program team, all staff members remained tight-lipped.

Jiang Xing and others wanted to ask Chen Shu directly but were afraid of reopening his wounds. Not knowing how to broach the subject, they simply helped persuade everyone not to disturb Chen Shu and let him rest properly.

Chen Shu paid no attention to the discussions around him. At the usual time, he went out to walk Wangcai as always.

Tonight, Wangcai was inexplicably excited again. After running a lap downstairs, it still hadn’t had enough. Chen Shu brought it to a bench to rest, but it dug three large holes in the garden.

By the time Chen Shu filled the holes, Wangcai had already dragged its leash and madly circled the garden five times.

Wangcai.

Wangcai screeched to a halt, dashed through the garden, leaped onto him, and panted with its tongue out and mouth open.

Chen Shu crouched down to pick it up. Watching it squirm and burrow incessantly in his arms, he couldn’t help but frown slightly.

For some unknown reason, Wangcai underwent drastic personality changes at regular intervals, as if it had a Second Dogality.

Fortunately, aside from becoming more lively, there were no other abnormalities.

This time after leaving the island, he would take it for a check-up.

When he returned to the dorm, Gu Wei was in his room, leaning against Chi Yu’s bed and chatting with him about something.

Seeing Chen Shu enter, Gu Wei feigned concern: Chen Shu, I heard you’re withdrawing from the competition. Are you okay?

Chen Shu looked him up and down, chuckled lightly, and turned to enter the bathroom.

The mockery hidden in Gu Wei’s eyes instantly turned to anger.

How could he still laugh after being withdrawn by the program team? How absurd!

Chi Yu took in every change in Gu Wei’s expression, feeling utterly weary.

He had long suspected that Gu Wei might plot against Chen Shu. Today, Gu Wei’s behavior was so obvious that it was hard not to be suspicious.

Just thinking about debuting in a group with someone like this in the future exhausted him.

Gu Wei didn’t notice Chi Yu’s expression. He turned his back to the camera and snorted silently.

Hearing the sound of water from the bathroom, he guessed Chen Shu wouldn’t be out anytime soon. After bidding farewell to Chi Yu, he left and returned to his own room.

During this time, Chen Shu emerged from the bathroom once in his pajamas, grabbed a towel, and returned to the sink.

Wangcai.

As Yan Jingchuan’s consciousness returned, he heard Chen Shu’s voice.

Before he could open his eyes, he was drenched by streams of warm water.

Time for a bath. Don’t move around.

Yan Jingchuan’s entire body stiffened.

Chen Shu’s hands followed the warm water stream as they glided over his entire body. The sensation of his fingertips threading through the fur and gently massaging was too distinct, making his heartstrings tighten.

Of all times to return now.

Of all times when his energy was completely drained.

Yan Jingchuan closed his eyes, brows tightly furrowed, doing his utmost to ignore the overly unrestrained caresses on his body.

He couldn’t tell how much time had passed.

Chen Shu rinsed the sand and mud off Wangcai’s body, pinched its two front paws with one hand, gave it another thorough rinse from top to bottom, then turned off the shower, picked up a towel to wrap it in, and returned to the bedside.

Yan Jingchuan’s body relaxed slightly.

But less than a minute later.

Chen Shu returned with a hairdryer.

Before he could even sit down, he saw Chen Wangcai immediately get up and escape from the towel.

Chen Shu casually scooped it back and made it lie on the towel.

The hairdryer turned on.

It struggled again, flipping over under the five-finger mountain.

So Chen Shu first dried the fur on its back, then lifted its front paws to make it stand, preventing further struggling.

Waves of hot air swept over mercilessly.

Yan Jingchuan kept his eyes closed, his dog face darkening.

When the hairdryer finally stopped and Chen Shu released his grip, he turned and walked away.

Seeing this, Chen Shu chuckled lightly: If you don’t like baths, don’t play in the sand anymore.

… Yan Jingchuan silently bore this unjust blame, lying down with his back to Chen Shu by the pillow.

Chen Shu patted the dog’s head, stood up to return the hairdryer to the bathroom, cleaned the sink, and when he turned around, he came face to face with Chi Yu who looked like he had something to say but was hesitating.

Chen Shu… Chi Yu said, The program team didn’t distribute phones today. If we still can’t contact the outside world tomorrow, I’ll fake illness again to go out. I can ask my dad to think of a way to help clarify this matter for you. Maybe…

His words trailed off there.

With Gu Wei around, all the trainees from Xinning knew about Chen Shu’s family situation—it was clearly a misunderstanding.

Over the past month, he’d grown closer to Chen Shu than before, considering him his best friend.

How could he stand by and do nothing when his best friend was being misunderstood?

While Chen Shu was walking the dog, he had gone to find the director to explain that the Chen family hadn’t refused to repay debts, but the director just helplessly waved him away, telling him to go back.

The program team simply didn’t care about the truth.

It was obvious that Chen Shu’s competition withdrawal was a setup.

For a moment, Chi Yu really wanted to leave with Chen Shu.

Reason stopped him, but it also left him mentally exhausted.

No need, I’ll find a way to handle the clarification myself. Chen Shu appreciated his goodwill. There’s still a live broadcast tomorrow, you should get some rest early.

…Alright, you should get some sleep early too. Chi Yu wanted to press further but didn’t know where to start, and since it was indeed late, he didn’t disturb further.

Chen Shu turned off the light and walked to the bed to sit down.

Clarifying the rumors actually wasn’t important right now.

The crucial night had passed—the competition withdrawal was now a fact. No matter who the opponent was, their goal had been achieved.

But even if there was a turnaround, he had no intention of staying on the island to engage in scheming battles with whoever was behind this.

Where there’s a first time, there will be a second.

Rather than constantly guarding against thieves, it was better to make a fresh start early.

—

The next day.

Just as Chen Shu finished washing up and was about to leave, Jiang Xing and others stopped him to say goodbye.

From the moment Yun Jie saw him, tears hadn’t stopped flowing, making others’ eyes moisten too.

Captain…

Looking at them, Chen Shu just smiled and said: Do your best.

Jiang Xing covered his mouth, holding back sobs.

He never imagined that among all the teammates, the captain would be the first to leave the island.

Chen Shu had already turned around.

Everyone followed him downstairs.

The others who had come from Xinning were also there.

Chen Shu’s competition withdrawal was such a huge hotspot—they just wanted to grab some screen time.

To fit in, Gu Wei had to suppress his irritation and join everyone in seeing him off.

Along the way, a staff member reminded him: Chen Shu, someone is looking for you downstairs.

Chen Shu didn’t pause. When he reached the ground floor, he first saw Qu Jiangxue and the four mentors.

Unlike the trainees, they weren’t restricted on the island and had learned the full story last night, though they hadn’t revealed anything.

Upon seeing Chen Shu, the five of them approached together.

Chen Shu, I will continue to raise your case with the program team, Su Xian said, after glancing at the crowd behind him.

Chen Shu’s performance on the show was evident to all. None of them wanted to see such an outstanding trainee leave the stage over a misunderstanding.

《Here For You》 was exploding with online traffic.

As a trainee, it would be hard to find another opportunity like this to showcase himself.

So when they saw the news early in the morning, all five had come without prior agreement.

Gu Wei’s mouth twisted downward at the words.

Why did Chen Shu deserve so many people speaking up for him?

Ji Xinyan also nodded. While there’s still time, we should be able to get the program team to cancel your competition withdrawal.

Cancel the withdrawal?

Before Chen Shu could speak, Chi Yu asked first, What do you mean? Can Chen Shu not withdraw from the competition?

Ji Xinyan looked at him, his tone unconsciously relaxed, his expression much more natural. The matter has been clarified. I don’t think Chen Shu needs to withdraw, but we’re still communicating with the director.

Hearing this, Chen Shu raised an eyebrow slightly.

Clarified?

Gu Wei clenched his fist tightly.

Clarified so quickly?

But the program team wouldn’t change the withdrawal decision—even if it was clarified, it wouldn’t matter.

Once he left 《Here For You》, the company wouldn’t be Chen Shu’s backing anymore. From now on, Chen Shu would never be able to make a comeback!

Just as this thought crossed his mind, a voice sounded from a distance, drawing nearer.

Mr. Chen, hello. We meet again.

Zhang Shi stepped forward from behind the four mentors, smiling.

He had come fully prepared.

Director Yan had instructed him to spare no expense in making Chen Shu famous. This time, unlike his previous discreet visit, he made a grand entrance, appearing openly in front of everyone.

To make someone famous, the more conspicuous, the better.

Although the Yan Group only had one media and film company under its umbrella—which didn’t quite align with Chen Shu’s needs—and he was a special assistant to the group, not some talent scout in the entertainment industry, Director Yan had ordered him to spare no expense, so he didn’t dare ask too many questions.

For this Chen Shu, Director Yan treated tens of millions as mere pocket change, mentioning him repeatedly every time he woke up. From last night’s tone, it seemed Chen Shu’s status might even be above the company’s.

He was just a small assistant. How could he dare neglect someone Director Yan valued so highly?

If necessary, he’d set up an entire department just to serve Chen Shu alone!

With this mindset, after working overtime last night to personally oversee the resolution of Chen Shu’s minor online troubles, Zhang Shi had come in person again this morning.

This time, I’m here on behalf of Huayuan Media to discuss cooperation with you, Mr. Chen, Zhang Shi said directly upon meeting Chen Shu. I wonder if you have time?

Huayuan Media!

At the mention of this name, both mentors and trainees couldn’t hide their surprise.

As everyone knows, Huayuan Media is one of the three veteran giants in the entertainment industry. After being acquired by Yan Group in recent years, it has developed rapidly with increasingly abundant resources, gradually leaving the other two peer companies behind.

Yet such a giant actually approached Chen Shu personally to discuss cooperation?

Even knowing they were on camera, Gu Wei couldn’t help but show a drastic change in expression.

How was this possible!

Ji Xinyan and the other four also exchanged glances.

They had just been worrying about where Chen Shu would go after leaving 《Here For You》, but before they could finish speaking, Chen Shu already had an opportunity to reach a higher starting point.

Huayuan Media?

That was a company most people in the entertainment industry would desperately try to sign with. Never mind these trainees—even they usually couldn’t get access to it.

Chi Yu directly pushed Chen Shu and whispered, Huayuan is under Yan Group’s umbrella—they definitely don’t lack resources.

Chen Shu looked at Zhang Shi but didn’t speak immediately.

Last time Zhang Shi came to him was to buy Wangcai, offering a price that even his past self might have been tempted by.

And this time, representing Huayuan Media?

Zhang Shi was the special assistant to Yan Group’s chairman, not a Huayuan Media employee.

He was currently just a trainee who hadn’t fully debuted yet.

What reason could make the massive Yan Group show him such special favor?

Mr. Chen, it’s not convenient to talk here. Shall we discuss this after we leave? Noticing Chen Shu wouldn’t easily agree, Zhang Shi maintained his smile. The car is right over there.

Chen Shu didn’t refuse.

After bidding farewell to everyone, he got in the car with Zhang Shi and left.

The others watched their departing figures with varied expressions.

Gu Wei dug his fingernails hard into his palm but had already lost the sensation of pain.

How could Huayuan Media possibly be interested in Chen Shu?

Was Chen Shu going to be involved with Yan Group?

The more he thought about it…

Gu Wei lowered his head, the raging shock and fury inside him overwhelming, his expression turning extremely unpleasant.

How could this happen?!

—

In the car.

Chen Shu held Wangcai, his thumb gently stroking its head.

Yan Jingchuan lay in the crook of his arm, already accustomed to this level of contact, and only half-opened his eyes to look at Zhang Shi.

Zhang Shi said, Mr. Chen, I know your contract with Xinning Entertainment hasn’t expired yet, but you don’t need to worry about that. Huayuan will cover your breach penalty.

Chen Shu also looked at him. I’d like to know why Huayuan wants to sign me.

Huayuan Media was a film and television company whose main business didn’t even involve singers, let alone idol groups from talent shows.

Zhang Shi remained unperturbed. Times are changing. Huayuan also needs to adapt to the trends and develop interests across more dimensions.

The answer was perfectly balanced, leaving no room for criticism.

Chen Shu didn’t press further.

His suspicions didn’t disappear, but there really was no more reasonable explanation.

After all, given Yan Group’s scale, even if they truly wanted something from him, there was no need for such elaborate measures.

Recently, you’ve generated significant discussion online. Huayuan is interested in the traffic you bring. Before coming, Zhang Shi had crammed this knowledge and spoke confidently. He then handed over a tablet. This is our sincerity.

Chen Shu reached out and took it.

On the screen was the clarification topic that still hadn’t dropped out of the top three.

Seeing the popular content, Chen Shu recalled what Ji Xinyan had mentioned earlier.

So it was Yan Group’s doing—no wonder it happened so quickly.

Zhang Shi waited for him to finish reading, then handed over the contract beside him: This is the drafted content. If you have any opinions, we can discuss them as appropriate.

Chen Shu skimmed through it briefly.

Compared to the terms offered by Xinning Entertainment yesterday, this contract was detailed and fair, including commitments for singles, albums, and even concerts. The contract duration wasn’t long either, making it overly generous for a newcomer.

How is it? Zhang Shi asked.

Chen Shu was uncharacteristically hesitant.

Aside from the doubts surrounding the whole situation, if Huayuan Media was signing him to pivot their business direction, his future development would likely lean toward the stage. But his main career was acting after all. Once he signed, he might truly have to switch professions.

Seeing him remain silent for so long, Zhang Shi couldn’t help but ask again: Is there any problem with the contract?

The contract is fine, it’s a personal reason. Zhang Shi had shown sincerity, so Chen Shu didn’t beat around the bush either. I want to try acting. Participating in the talent show was just a temporary transition.

…

Zhang Shi fell silent, his face gradually turning green.

To secure the signing without exposing Director Yan, he had gone through great lengths to find an excuse, even forcing Huayuan Media to expand their business. He hadn’t slept all night finalizing the plan.

And in the end.

Chen Shu wanted to act.

He felt sorry for the hardworking employees at Huayuan Media who were losing sleep over this.

But most importantly, he couldn’t fail Director Yan’s instructions.

Zhang Shi twitched the corner of his mouth: Acting is no problem either.

Acting is no problem?

Chen Shu’s hand, which was turning the page, paused slightly as he looked at him.

Zhang Shi’s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly added: Of course, after establishing a firm footing at Huayuan. But don’t worry, it won’t take long.

Chen Shu stroked Wangcai’s back, his gaze slightly lowered.

The terms Zhang Shi offered were very lenient, almost accommodating every request. Besides, he still had debts to pay off, so continuing this transition period was acceptable.

Any other questions? Zhang Shi asked cautiously.

Chen Shu handed the contract back to him.

Zhang Shi’s vision darkened: You still don’t agree?

He was still haunted by Chen Shu’s previous refusal to sell his dog even for tens of millions and was worried this mission would fail again. Then he’d have no face to go back and see Director Yan.

Chen Shu said: No, I agree.

He had never planned to stay with Xinning Entertainment anyway. With Huayuan as a strong backing, paying off the original owner’s debts would be easier.

Regardless of Zhang Shi’s reasons, as long as the contract was properly notarized and error-free, this cooperation would only bring him benefits without any drawbacks.

A sudden turn of events.

Zhang Shi was overjoyed. Still in the car, he kept making calls on his phone and managed to settle the breach penalty with Xinning that very afternoon.

8 PM.

Chen Shu officially signed the termination agreement.

When Xinning issued their official statement, netizens who were following the drama were still cursing under 《Here For You》’s official Weibo posts and various marketing accounts that had previously slandered Chen Shu.

These accounts had desperately reposted for clout last night but played dead after the truth came out – utterly shameless!

When the termination announcement came out, netizens remembered that as Chen Shu’s signed company, Xinning had been even more silent last night. Not only did they not help clarify the rumors for their artist, but now they went straight to terminating the contract?

Chen Shu was cursed to sign with you guys, completely held back!

A company that doesn’t fight for their artist’s interests at all, just go bankrupt already!

But before they finished cursing, another statement was released.

Huayuan Media V: Successfully partnered with @Chen Shu, @Chen Shu Studio grateful to have you~

The fans’ anger had barely ignited before it was extinguished by the prestigious name of Huayuan Media.

Holy crap, Chen Shu signed with Huayuan Media!

Damn, isn’t this a blessing in disguise?

Clicking into the two tagged accounts revealed their follower counts skyrocketing at an alarming rate!

But the fans’ surprises were far from over.

Immediately after.

Chen Shu Studio posted its first official statement.

Chen Shu Studio: Yesterday, our artist @Chen Shu became the subject of false rumors that attracted public attention. First, we sincerely apologize to the public for this incident. Second, regarding the media outlets and individuals who spread misinformation, our company has engaged lawyers to gather evidence in accordance with the law and will file lawsuits one by one. If any cases have been overlooked, please feel free to privately message us with reminders. Thank you all.

Attached was an image of a case acceptance notice.

As soon as the statement was released.

The marketing accounts that had been silent all day suddenly became active, swiftly deleting all content related to Chen Shu.

Netizens were instantly thrilled.

Whoa! Are they already backing up their newly signed artist like this? So satisfying!

The three statements spread rapidly across the internet. Combined with the unfair decision made against Chen Shu by the 《Here For You》 program team, netizens launched boycotts across various topics, and even the super topic discussions were affected.

The number of live stream viewers at the 8 PM simultaneous broadcast plummeted.

The program team was overwhelmed with anxiety.

But the topics on the trending search list only rose without falling. Apart from waiting, they had no other options.

After a full four days, the hype gradually subsided.

On the afternoon of the fourth day.

Chen Shu received a call from Zhang Shi and arrived at Huaze Tower as scheduled.

Zhang Shi was already waiting at the entrance.

Seeing Chen Shu, he stepped forward: You’re here.

Chen Shu, holding the squirming Wangcai in his arms, walked with him toward the elevator.

During the ride up, Zhang Shi suddenly cleared his throat.

Chen Shu pulled his sleeve out of Wangcai’s mouth and looked up at him.

Well… Zhang Shi coughed again, seemingly unsure how to broach the subject, It’s just that…

Chen Shu asked, What is it?

Zhang Shi scratched his temple and looked down at his feet as if casually mentioning.

…It’s nothing much, just that the chairman of the parent company, Director Yan Jingchuan, happened to visit Huayuan today.

Author’s Note: Zhang Shi: Coincidence, it’s all a coincidence!

Well, ten minutes early still counts as early…

Small red envelopes continue to drop in the comments section.

Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or provided nutrient solutions between 2021-05-21 19:06:40 and 2021-05-22 17:48:18~

Special thanks to the little angel who threw a hand grenade: Xun Yaocao 1;

Thanks to the little angels who threw landmines: 48684756, Bei Ming, Zhong Yi, Sui Shi Deng, Hu Luo Beijing Roast Duck Pear Mountain, Mao Pi, Zhi Wo Xiang Si Ku 1 each;

Gratitude to the little angels who provided nutrient solutions: Bei Ming 20 bottles; Qiu Hengheng, Xia Qing, Wu Dao Shao Shuai 10 bottles; Yu Mu Zi 6 bottles; Bei, Yin Lai Hu Pan 5 bottles; Mu Chun Zhi Chu 3 bottles; Zhang Shang Ming Zhu’s Girlfriend, Qi Bu 2 bottles; No. 018 1 bottle;

Thank you all very much for your support. I will continue to work hard!