Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 23:

Chapter 23:

Yan Jingchuan suddenly stopped.

Zhang Shi’s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly stopped as well.

Had he guessed wrong?

Did Director Yan not want to bring things into the open yet, preferring to take things slow and steady?

Director Yan—

The dog’s owner?

Two voices spoke at the same time.

Yan Jingchuan’s gaze gradually darkened.

Keep Chen Shu by his side?

Before Zhang Shi’s reminder, he had never considered including Chen Shu in his plans.

But since Chen Shu had no intention of selling Wangcai, this method was indeed the most feasible.

He glanced briefly at Zhang Shi and continued forward, Tell me your thoughts.

Zhang Shi’s lips twitched.

These were clearly all your ideas—why make things so convoluted…

Unfortunately, since the boss had asked for his thoughts, he had no choice but to rack his brains for a solution.

I think, aside from the dog, Chen Shu cares most about his family. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have entered the entertainment industry just to earn money, Zhang Shi began with an analysis.

Hmm.

Zhang Shi continued, I’ve looked into it. After Chen Shu was wrongfully accused and withdrew from the competition, his family’s shop has been booming day by day, with an excellent reputation. It’s only a matter of time before they expand; they’re just held back by lack of funds. Director Yan, why don’t we take this opportunity to invest in the Chen family by buying shares, helping them expand and operate a chain? Offering help in their time of need is sure to earn Chen Shu’s goodwill!

Yan Jingchuan nodded, Leave it to you to handle.

He had already decided to help the Chen family make a comeback. Since Zhang Shi had brought it up now, there was no harm in starting early.

Zhang Shi’s lips twitched again.

He had just managed to sort out the company’s mess and was hoping for a couple of leisurely days, but it seemed that wasn’t going to happen.

Then he heard Yan Jingchuan speak again.

Do you have any other ideas to make Chen Shu agree to this proposal as soon as possible?

Zhang Shi was surprised, As soon as possible?

He hadn’t expected Director Yan to change tactics so quickly. Did he no longer want to keep things hidden after bringing them into the open?

Yan Jingchuan said, Yes.

…Chen Shu isn’t interested in money, but he personally told me before that he wants to transition into acting, Zhang Shi remarked inwardly, surprised by Director Yan’s sudden urgency, and suggested, How about I sound him out for you first?

Acting?

Yan Jingchuan also recalled that conversation, and his heart stirred. No need, he said.

He would discuss this matter personally.

With that, he walked out the door.

The driver was already waiting by the car.

—

After saying goodbye to He Qiyu, Chen Shu left the company with Wangcai. He contacted Zhang Shi’s driver, got into the car, and headed to the restaurant where he had arranged to meet Yan Jingchuan.

Located in a bustling area of the city center, the restaurant was surprisingly tranquil.

As soon as he entered, a waiter approached him. Seeing Chen Shu and the dog in his arms, the waiter’s expression shifted slightly, and he glanced behind him.

Hello, are you Mr. Chen Shu? the manager promptly stepped forward.

Yes, I am. Guessing that Yan Jingchuan had already made arrangements, Chen Shu skipped the step of asking whether pets were allowed.

Please come this way, Mr. Chen.

The manager led him to Yan Jingchuan’s private room, knocked lightly twice, politely gestured to Chen Shu, and then turned to leave.

Chen Shu pushed the door open.

His eyes met Yan Jingchuan’s as the latter looked over.

He was the only one in the room.

Chen Shu noticed that this time, Yan Jingchuan wasn’t in a wheelchair but had a cane resting beside him.

You’re here. Seeing Chen Shu, Yan Jingchuan gripped his cane and stood up from the sofa.

Woof!

Seeing Yan Jingchuan, Wangcai barked and wagged his tail in Chen Shu’s arms.

Sorry, he refused to stay at home, Chen Shu said to Yan Jingchuan, rubbing Wangcai’s forehead with his thumb.

Before coming, he had gone back once and locked Wangcai in the cage. Before he even reached the door, Wangcai started barking so loudly it would definitely disturb the neighbors.

Yan Jingchuan said, It’s fine.

It was even better if Chen Shu brought the dog along—it would allow him to stay in the body longer.

After speaking, the two walked around the screen and arrived at the dining table.

Chen Shu had already ordered on the electronic screen. Seeing Wangcai extend its front paws as if about to leap onto the table, he casually scooped it back.

Don’t move around.

Hearing this familiar phrase, Yan Jingchuan’s fingers paused slightly as he lifted his gaze to look over.

Chen Shu had one arm wrapped around the chest of the dog that was lunging forward. His distinct knuckles were partially hidden by the fur as he pressed it back into his embrace with a little force, then habitually rubbed it twice as a form of comfort.

The warmth of his palm and the sensation of his fingertips seemed to travel through the air, lingering over Yan Jingchuan’s chest.

… Yan Jingchuan averted his gaze and subtly picked up his water glass to take a sip.

Noticing his movement, Chen Shu asked, Director Yan, what did you want to see me about today?

Yan Jingchuan had no choice but to look at him again.

In front of him, Wangcai was forced to stand upright, its two front paws resting on the back of Chen Shu’s hand. It turned its head and opened its mouth, trying to lick him, but when Chen Shu stroked its chin, it slowly lay back in his arms, eyelids drooping, mouth still open—completely relaxed and looking utterly blissful.

Yan Jingchuan: …

Director Yan?

Yan Jingchuan snapped back to attention.

With a stern expression, he set the water glass back on the table and looked at Chen Shu. I heard that Mr. Chen enjoys acting.

Chen Shu replied, I have plans to pursue it.

He had only discussed this topic with Zhang Shi, so it made sense that Yan Jingchuan would know, though it was still somewhat unexpected. As the head of the massive Yan Group, why would he take an interest in an artist signed under a subsidiary company?

Woof!

Wangcai’s bark interrupted their conversation.

Unhappy with Chen Shu’s distraction, it lifted a paw to scratch its own head, then nuzzled into Chen Shu’s palm—a coquettish gesture that was both practiced and natural, clearly done countless times before.

Yan Jingchuan’s grip on his cane tightened repeatedly as he struggled to ignore the dog’s actions and turned back to Chen Shu.

Even though he knew the man before him was unaware that two souls resided within this dog’s body, his back still stiffened involuntarily.

When Chen Shu looked up, he happened to see Yan Jingchuan withdrawing his gaze.

It probably wasn’t his imagination.

Both times he had met Yan Jingchuan, the other man had looked at him strangely.

I’d like to propose a deal with you, Mr. Chen.

Yan Jingchuan’s gaze swept over Chen Shu’s hand as it stroked Wangcai’s neck. He closed his eyes briefly before continuing, If you want to act, you can choose any project from Huayuan’s entire portfolio. For projects Huayuan doesn’t have, Zhang Shi will arrange them for you.

Chen Shu asked, What kind of deal?

All you need to do is one thing.

Yan Jingchuan met his gaze, his thin lips parting slightly. Stay by my side.

During his meeting with Zhang Shi, Chen Shu had made his position very clear.

No matter the offer, his decision wouldn’t change.

And what Zhang Shi said was also correct.

Since he couldn’t have the dog, staying with the dog’s owner would achieve the same result.

Chen Shu couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

He and Yan Jingchuan had never crossed paths before, and there were no memories related to Yan Jingchuan in his original self’s mind. Why would the other propose such a deal?

Yan Jingchuan added, As long as you agree, as long as you ask—within my capabilities, I can grant you anything.

Hearing this, Chen Shu chuckled lightly. Director Yan, are you trying to keep me?

Upon arriving in this novel, the original host had already experienced being kept by the male lead. He never expected that even after leaving Xinning Entertainment, he still couldn’t avoid such an encounter.

However, compared to the past, the transaction proposed by Yan Jingchuan clearly offered far more favorable terms.

Within Yan Jingchuan’s capabilities.

Just this single phrase was enough to convey the weight of this deal.

Yan Jingchuan neither confirmed nor denied it, tacitly accepting this interpretation.

He then asked, What does Mr. Chen think?

Chen Shu replied, I’d like to know the reason behind Director Yan proposing this transaction.

Yan Jingchuan simply stated, Mr. Chen meets my standards.

Chen Shu looked at him.

Traces of recent illness still lingered on the other man’s face, his lips slightly pale, yet his expression remained domineering and stern, his tone carrying the calm of someone accustomed to not being contradicted.

In the book, aside from the Yan Corporation, Yan Jingchuan held nothing and no one in regard, and he had never been involved in any personal affairs. His demeanor stood in stark contrast to the promiscuous male lead.

The original text specifically noted that it was precisely Yan Jingchuan’s coldness and integrity that made Chi Yu too afraid to even test him.

Who would have thought that such a person could also be interested in men and propose such an arrangement?

Chen Shu smiled and said, I’m sorry, Director Yan, but I’m not interested in this transaction.

If you have concerns, I can give you my word, Yan Jingchuan said. I won’t force you to do anything you’re unwilling to do.

In this transaction, all he needed was the dog; Chen Shu was merely incidental.

Besides, even without the transaction, he would still carry out everything he had proposed.

Chen Shu’s surprise deepened.

Proposing to keep someone but not forcing them to do anything—according to Yan Jingchuan’s meaning, this transaction seemed more like a one-sided, unconditional offering.

Yet, given Yan Jingchuan’s status and character, there was no need for him to lie.

Considering this, Chen Shu asked, How long will this transaction last?

Yan Jingchuan said, One year.

He was certain Chen Shu wouldn’t refuse.

Zhang Shi could discern Chen Shu’s personality, and having spent day and night with him, Yan Jingchuan saw it even more clearly.

Chen Shu’s actions were indeed as elusive as the wind—usually casual, as if he could detach himself from any situation at any moment, like an observer who could walk away at will, his preferences and thoughts impossible to decipher.

Zhang Shi was also right about one thing: Chen Shu cared about only one thing.

Earning money to pay off his debts.

That was Chen Shu’s original purpose for entering the entertainment industry.

Participating in the talent show, agreeing to sign with Zhang Shi—it was all for this singular goal.

Now, Yan Jingchuan could provide Chen Shu with a platform, the resources he needed most, and everything required to achieve his objective.

One year was a duration Chen Shu could accept, and it was also sufficient for Yan Jingchuan to find a solution.

And just as expected.

Hearing the timeframe, Chen Shu looked deeply at Yan Jingchuan, the corners of his lips lifting slightly in a faint smile.

Alright, he said. I agree.

That evening.

At Yan Jingchuan’s request, Chen Shu moved from the dormitory to Yan Jingchuan’s residence near Huayuan.

He didn’t have much with him, only the suitcase he had arrived with and Wangcai.

Considering he would be living with Yan Jingchuan, he didn’t bring Xiao Tian along, leaving him in the dormitory instead.

When he arrived at Yan Jingchuan’s place, Chen Shu knocked on the door.

It opened quickly.

Yan Jingchuan stood behind the door, already turning toward the living room.

There’s a spare key on the table, he said. I’m not familiar with this place either. If you have any questions, check the manual.

The apartment wasn’t very large.

The three-bedroom, two-living-room apartment had all three doors wide open, revealing one study and two bedrooms with neatly made beds, both suitable for living in.

Chen Shu placed his suitcase in one of the bedrooms and turned around to see Yan Jingchuan still standing in the living room. Leaning on his cane, it was clear he wasn’t feeling well.

Why not sit down?

Yan Jingchuan replied gravely, I’m not tired.

Back in his own body, he disliked having to look up at Chen Shu.

Since Yan Jingchuan said he wasn’t tired, Chen Shu didn’t press further. He casually picked up Wangcai’s dog crate and carried it into the bedroom.

Watching his movements, Yan Jingchuan remarked calmly, You could keep it in the living room.

From the restaurant until now, he hadn’t experienced any signs of returning to the dog’s body. The closer he stayed, the longer he could maintain his current form.

No,Chen Shu said. He can be noisy sometimes and might disturb your rest.

Yan Jingchuan: …

As the distance increased, he felt the warm energy inside him begin to stagnate. After a long pause, he finally took a couple of steps forward with his cane.

Hearing the footsteps, Chen Shu turned to look at him. Is there something you need, Director Yan?

… Meeting his gaze, Yan Jingchuan fell silent for a moment, then turned and walked into the adjacent study.

Chen Shu watched his retreating figure, not quite understanding what that was about. Still, this Director Yan seemed quite different from the personality he’d read about in the book. But he didn’t dwell on it. After washing up, he closed the door and went to bed.

Early the next morning, Chen Shu woke to faint voices outside his door. Opening it, he saw Zhang Shi and nodded in greeting before heading to the bathroom.

His demeanor was perfectly ordinary, but Zhang Shi couldn’t match his calm. Even after a whole night had passed, the shock from the previous evening lingered in his heart.

Director Yan and Chen Shu were living together.

He had been the one to remind Director Yan and the one to suggest the plan, yet he still found it hard to believe. Director Yan and Chen Shu—living together!

But then again, it made sense. Director Yan was decisive in everything he did, and probably the same applied to matters of the heart… right? With that thought, Zhang Shi managed to steady his emotions.

However, the next second, seeing Chen Shu emerge from the bathroom again, his inner turmoil surged once more. Director Yan! And Chen Shu! They were really living together?!

When Chen Shu came out of the bedroom carrying Wangcai, he immediately noticed Zhang Shi’s stunned expression.

Yan Jingchuan also saw the backpack slung over Chen Shu’s shoulder and frowned slightly. Are you going out?

Yes,Chen Shu said. After a moment’s thought, he decided to inform his new roommate. The MV for my new song will be filmed out of town for three days.

…Three days?Yan Jingchuan’s expression darkened imperceptibly.

Mm.Noticing the documents in Zhang Shi’s hands, Chen Shu said to both of them, I won’t disturb your work. I’ll be going now.

Yan Jingchuan watched as his figure disappeared behind the door. With a soft thud, the door cut off his line of sight—and also disrupted the steadily flowing energy inside him.

Zhang Shi, observing Yan Jingchuan’s prolonged gaze, clicked his tongue inwardly. Seriously? He can’t handle being apart for just three days?

He then spoke up to remind him, Director Yan, the company’s recent—

Where is Chen Shu’s MV being filmed?

Cut off abruptly, Zhang Shi was taken aback before replying, The MV? I’m not really sure.

Find out,Yan Jingchuan said coldly. Including Chen Shu’s hotel. I’ll work from there.

Zhang Shi was dumbfounded.

Seriously? He’s only leaving for three days—do you really need to chase after him that urgently??

Author’s Note: Thank you to the little angels who voted for me with their special tickets or nourished me with nutrient solutions between May 24, 2021, 07:13:38 and May 25, 2021, 23:35:25~

Thanks to the little angels who threw landmines: Civil Affairs Bureau 9; Get Rich! and Country Orange Cat 5; This Love Not Given 2; I’m So Confused, Master Attack Authors Are Treasures, Chong Yi, 38477551, Dreaming of Owning a Wangcai’s Xing, Jade Tower Empty Cold Sound Broken, Know My Love Sorrow, xyx, Qiao Li, Xi Zhao 1;

Thanks to the little angels who irrigated with nutrient solutions: Yearly Lamp 33 bottles; Cool Sheng 30 bottles; Anyway Just Very Cute 29 bottles; This Love Not Given 22 bottles; Jun Qian, Oh My 160cm, Strawberry 20 bottles; Master Attack Authors Are Treasures 16 bottles; Yu Chen, eee, Gong Bao, Nan Qiao Mei Mei, Jiu Qing, Teasing Ye, Mo 10 bottles; Great Sword’s Warehouse Manager 7 bottles; Fish Wood Child 6 bottles; Xi You He Hua, Not Mysterious Black Cat, Big River I’m Small Stream, …, An Lou, Client Requests Redo, Qing You, Ne Zha Zha Ya 5 bottles; When Attaining Bodhi, 19752140 4 bottles; Late Years, daisy leaf 3 bottles; Little Second Lang, S.X, North, Qi Qi, Lin Yu 2 bottles; Heart Wings, Cool Step Moonlight, Stars Don’t Understand Planets, Punch Card Machine, Purple You, Mu Han Xuan, Yi Cheng Frost Fall, Better Drink Alcohol, Universe World Invincible Cutest, Wu Xi Zhi Xin, 51683879, Nice, Shi Jiu, Don’t Eat Tofu 1 bottle;

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