Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 32

Chapter 32

After the concert ended, Chen Shu stepped off the stage, took the towel handed to him by Xiao Tian, wiped his sweat, and returned to the dressing room.

He Qiyu was waiting for him inside.

Seeing him return, she stood up, hesitating for a moment as if wanting to say something, but then swallowed her words, remembering something.

Director Yan had instructed her not to let Chen Shu know about his visit today, so it was better to say nothing.

Chen Shu didn’t notice her unusual behavior.

After changing his clothes, he checked the time and prepared to leave with Wangcai.

Hey, Chen Shu, aren’t you joining everyone for dinner? He Qiyu asked as he hurried toward the door.

After all the hard work and today’s success, the celebration dinner was essential—a chance for everyone to relax and recharge for tomorrow’s busy schedule.

Chen Shu replied, No, I have plans.

Then, turning to He Qiyu, he added, Put tonight’s dinner on my tab. You handle the rest.

Though usually easygoing, once he made a decision, he wouldn’t change it.

Hearing his tone, He Qiyu knew he was determined to leave, and her heart sank.

She recalled the phone call Chen Shu had made before the concert started.

Having plans probably referred to the person waiting at the hotel.

Leaving in such a hurry, unwilling to delay even a moment—could he still be in the honeymoon phase?

This wouldn’t do.

Chen Shu was still in his rising phase; a relationship would not only distract him but could also harm his career if exposed.

No matter how she looked at it, it seemed all risk and no reward.

She had to talk some sense into him.

But just as she resolved to do so, she looked up to find Chen Shu’s figure already gone, the door closing behind him.

—

Chen Shu took a car to avoid the crowd and headed to the hotel.

He Qiyu hadn’t scheduled the dinner in advance, and since he had promised Yan Jingchuan first, there was no need to explain over such a small matter.

Arriving at the hotel room, he knocked on Yan Jingchuan’s door.

Zhang Shi was the one who answered.

He and Yan Jingchuan were practically inseparable, and Chen Shu was used to it by now.

Seeing Chen Shu, Zhang Shi breathed a sigh of relief. Mr. Chen, Director Yan is in a bad mood. Could you try talking to him?

Bad mood? Chen Shu glanced at Yan Jingchuan in the living room but saw no sign of it.

Yet Zhang Shi insisted, Yes!

He didn’t know why, but ever since they attended Chen Shu’s concert, he had sensed the heavy atmosphere around Director Yan growing worse.

At one point, thinking it might be the noisy venue—something Director Yan disliked—he had even asked if they should return to the hotel early.

But Director Yan had flatly refused.

Probably because he couldn’t bear to leave Chen Shu, Zhang Shi thought.

It wasn’t until the concert was nearly over that Director Yan finally returned Wangcai to the dressing room and drove back to the hotel.

On the way, seeing Director Yan’s expression, Zhang Shi hadn’t dared to breathe too loudly, anxiously waiting for Chen Shu’s return.

If Mr. Chen talks to him, Director Yan is sure to listen.

Hearing this, Chen Shu raised an eyebrow slightly, unsure why Zhang Shi held such a belief.

Zhang Shi turned and gestured, Director Yan is over here.

Yan Jingchuan had already heard the commotion at the door.

Hearing Chen Shu’s footsteps approach, he merely glanced at his watch without looking up, waiting for Chen Shu to speak first.

But Chen Shu didn’t speak.

The footsteps passed behind him.

… Yan Jingchuan’s grip on the file tightened unconsciously.

Chen Shu went to the minibar, poured a glass of water, then retraced his steps and sat down beside him.

Zhang Shi pricked up his ears.

I heard Director Yan is in a bad mood?

Yan Jingchuan turned to look at him.

His gaze slid down from his collar, noticing the wrinkled fabric gathered at his abdomen, the image from the large screen flashing quickly through his mind.

Yan Jingchuan abruptly withdrew his gaze and said coldly, Heard? From whom?

… Zhang Shi immediately retreated from his line of sight, eavesdropping from behind the wall.

Chen Shu only said, So it’s true that you’re in a bad mood?

He glanced at the medicine box Yan Jingchuan had set aside on the table again. Is it because you didn’t take your medicine?

Zhang Shi: …?

Is this supposed to be persuasion?

This is clearly adding fuel to the fire!

Chen Shu asked, Do you need help today?

Remembering the last time, Yan Jingchuan’s face darkened. No need!

He set down the documents in his hand, bent over to take the medicine, then stood up. There’s a piano in the living room. Come with me.

Chen Shu hadn’t expected to practice today.

But since the conditions were convenient, he had no objections.

Zhang Shi stood behind the wall, watching the two disappear side by side through the doorway. Soon after, the sound of piano music drifted out from the partially open door, leaving him with a stifled feeling in his chest.

That’s it?

He’s already been persuaded??

Zhang Shi, unwilling to believe it, pretended to go to the study and quietly passed by the door.

Inside the piano room.

Yan Jingchuan was leaning on his cane beside Chen Shu. Soon, he bent over to correct a wrong key Chen Shu had played, their clothes brushing against each other, shoulders and arms entwined.

When he accidentally touched the back of Chen Shu’s hand, Yan Jingchuan paused, then withdrew his hand and clasped it behind his back.

Chen Shu glanced at him and shifted over, making room beside him.

Sit.

Chen Shu said, If you’re not feeling well, don’t push yourself.

Yan Jingchuan pressed his lips together and sat down beside him. I’m fine.

Fine?

Chen Shu looked at his profile, chuckled softly, and said nothing more.

—

After the practice session ended, the meal Chen Shu had ordered was delivered upstairs.

Yan Jingchuan frowned. You haven’t eaten yet?

Chen Shu said, No.

Yan Jingchuan’s frown deepened. There’s no need to rush like this in the future. Your health is important.

It was already past ten o’clock.

Chen Shu’s performance at the concert was physically demanding. He hadn’t expected Chen Shu to rush back without even eating.

Zhang Shi, listening from the side, felt a pang of bitterness.

During his busiest times, he had worked day and night without rest, without even a moment to drink water, let alone eat—he was practically on the verge of transcending mortality. And that went double for Director Yan himself.

But even then, he had never heard Director Yan express concern for his or anyone else’s health.

And Chen Shu had only skipped a meal for a few hours.

How could the gap between people be so vast!

Unaware of Zhang Shi’s inner turmoil, Chen Shu only said to Yan Jingchuan, It’s fine. It’s not too late to eat now.

Yan Jingchuan said, Rest early after you finish eating.

Chen Shu often lost track of time during training and ended up going to bed late at night.

Chen Shu: Alright.

Zhang Shi waited, feeling somewhat sour, until the two finished their affectionate banter before following Yan Jingchuan to the study to continue reporting on work.

After eating, Chen Shu didn’t disturb them. He returned to his room, washed up, confirmed the next day’s schedule with He Qiyu, and went to bed.

The next day.

He woke up early to head to the venue for rehearsal.

But when he went to the small bar to get water, he caught sight of Yan Jingchuan’s back.

Are you hungry?

Before Chen Shu could speak, Yan Jingchuan turned around.

In his hands were a piece of toasted bread and a cup of hot milk.

Chen Shu was somewhat surprised. For me?

Yan Jingchuan replied indifferently, Yes.

Since Chen Shu had rushed back to the hotel from the concert because of him last night and missed his meal, this breakfast was to even the score.

Chen Shu said, Thank you.

He took the plate handed to him by Yan Jingchuan. You made this?

Yan Jingchuan said, Mm.

Chen Shu took a bite and smiled. Tastes good.

Yan Jingchuan looked at him.

So satisfied with just a piece of toast.

Pathetic.

When Chen Shu looked up, Yan Jingchuan had already averted his gaze.

After finishing breakfast, the two returned to the living room.

Chen Shu bid farewell to Yan Jingchuan, took his things downstairs, and headed to the venue.

He Qiyu arrived earlier than him, bursting with words she had pondered all night long to tell him.

Unfortunately, Chen Shu started working as soon as he arrived, and with so many people around, she couldn’t find an opportunity to slip in a word. She had no choice but to suppress her thoughts for the time being, planning to wait until after the concert to speak with him.

8:00 PM.

He Qiyu saw Chen Shu off to the stage. Before she could even warm her seat in the break room, she heard a knock at the door.

She went to open it and saw the familiar face outside. Her surprise wasn’t as intense as it had been the night before.

Director Yan.

Yan Jingchuan walked to the sofa and picked Wangcai out of the cage.

Having learned from yesterday’s experience, Zhang Shi didn’t utter another word this time.

But there was no need for him to say anything anyway. After picking up Wangcai, Yan Jingchuan turned and headed toward the front stage.

He Qiyu led the way as usual.

Zhang Shi followed behind Yan Jingchuan, wanting to slip away but lacking the courage. He could only brace himself and follow along.

Just like yesterday.

By the time they arrived, the concert had already begun.

Zhang Shi initially cautiously observed his boss’s expression but soon got swept up in the atmosphere and began genuinely enjoying the performance.

It wasn’t until Yan Jingchuan suddenly stood up with his cane that Zhang Shi snapped back to reality and hurriedly followed.

Halfway there.

The figure in front of him abruptly stopped.

Zhang Shi’s eyelids twitched violently. Director Yan?

Yan Jingchuan said, Was this concert your idea?

Yes. Zhang Shi swallowed, unsure why the blame was shifting to him.

Yan Jingchuan continued forward. I didn’t realize Assistant Zhang had such expertise in this area.

Zhang Shi grew increasingly uneasy. Director Yan, didn’t you tell me to find a way to make Mr. Chen famous?

Yan Jingchuan’s hand gripping the cane tightened, then relaxed.

That’s right.

He only intended to make Chen Shu famous. Whether Chen Shu held concerts or how he held them was none of his concern—let alone what Chen Shu wore during the concert—

The image he had just seen on the big screen flashed before his eyes. Yan Jingchuan’s expression remained blank, but his relaxed fingers subtly clenched again.

Hearing no response for a long time, Zhang Shi’s heart raced with anxiety.

What exactly did Director Yan mean?

Was he dissatisfied with the concert?

Or dissatisfied with him?

Or dissatisfied with all his current plans to make Chen Shu famous??

Zhang Shi returned to the break room with his heart in his throat. Seeing that Yan Jingchuan showed no intention of leaving yet, he hesitated again and again before finally asking, Director Yan, after much thought, I feel that concerts might not be the best path for Mr. Chen’s development. I recall Mr. Chen mentioning before that he wants to act. Should we have Huayun find a way to help Mr. Chen transition into acting?

Acting?

A flicker of interest passed through Yan Jingchuan’s eyes.

He looked at Zhang Shi. Chen Shu wants to act?

Zhang Shi nodded. Yes, he told me himself. But the timing wasn’t right then, and I was worried he’d become suspicious, so I didn’t agree directly.

Good.

Yan Jingchuan stroked Wangcai’s forehead in his arms, as if casually mentioning it. Let Chen Shu do what he wants to do.

Zhang Shi stole a glance at his expression finally softening and secretly let out a long sigh of relief: Alright.

He waited a moment. Seeing that the concert had already ended but Yan Jingchuan still showed no intention of leaving, he asked again: Director Yan, aren’t we leaving early today?

Yan Jingchuan said: Hmm.

He had only come to watch a concert – there was no reason for him to avoid Chen Shu.

Not long after, the door opened again.

Chen Shu and He Qiyu entered from outside.

Chen Shu, there’s something I want to discuss with you, He Qiyu said directly as she opened the door, thinking there wouldn’t be anyone inside.

When she saw Yan Jingchuan, she swallowed her words abruptly.

Chen Shu was also somewhat surprised: Director Yan?

Yan Jingchuan said: Are you finished? Come back with me.

He Qiyu was astonished again: Director Yan is staying at the same hotel as us?

Yes, Chen Shu answered for Yan Jingchuan, then asked her, You have something to discuss?

He Qiyu hesitated for a moment, not daring to disturb Yan Jingchuan and Chen Shu’s reunion: We can discuss it back at the company too.

Yan Jingchuan noticed her discomfort: Since we’re going the same way, come along.

He Qiyu was flattered: Thank you, Director Yan!

After getting in the car, Yan Jingchuan looked at Chen Shu: I ordered dinner at the hotel. If you want to eat now, I’ll have the driver find a restaurant nearby.

Chen Shu smiled: No need, let’s eat back at the hotel.

The more time they spent together, the more he could appreciate the difference between the real person and the character in the book.

Yan Jingchuan’s true personality was cold on the outside but warm-hearted, much easier to get along with than he appeared.

Zhang Shi: …

He secretly pinched his thigh.

Then, in the stinging pain that made his skin tremble, he confirmed he was still in reality.

Chen Shu turned to He Qiyu: What did you want to discuss?

He Qiyu hesitated for two seconds.

But thinking that Zhang Shi and Director Yan would never concern themselves with an artist’s love life, she didn’t beat around the bush.

She looked at Chen Shu and said directly: I want to ask you something first.

Chen Shu said: Go ahead.

He Qiyu, watching his expression, then said: Are you… in a relationship?

Hearing this, Zhang Shi frowned.

What’s going on? Had Director Yan and Chen Shu’s cohabitation been discovered?

He looked in the rearview mirror.

The mirror clearly reflected Yan Jingchuan’s figure.

Yan Jingchuan was slowly turning to look at Chen Shu.