Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Chen Shu raised his arm, bending his elbow to press against the back of the chair, then slid his hand down to Yan Jingchuan’s head, halting the downward momentum—but it was already too late. The sensation at his lips made him pause.

Feeling Yan Jingchuan’s hand not letting go but tightening instead, he said softly, Sorry.

Yan Jingchuan seemed startled by his words.

As Chen Shu moved to stand up, he was held back by the resistance behind him and couldn’t help but look at Yan Jingchuan.

Yan Jingchuan pressed his thin lips into a firm line, his jaw rigid.

With only half a breath’s distance between their faces, he met Chen Shu’s gaze, his spine stiffening further.

The warmth of their bodies pressed together was already familiar to him, but the tight embrace of a person felt entirely different from before.

The heartbeat of another seemed to pierce through his chest and merge into one—otherwise, it wouldn’t be thumping like a drum.

Director Yan?

Yan Jingchuan snapped back to reality and was about to release his grip on Chen Shu’s arm—

Woof!

Wangcai, inexplicably excited, suddenly leaped onto the sofa, prancing as he raised his front paws and pounced toward the two.

He was always swift as the wind, his movements lightning-fast.

Before Chen Shu could turn his head, he felt a heavy weight on his back and frowned. Wangcai—

Before he could finish speaking, the arm braced against the sofa slid downward again.

His lips landed firmly on Yan Jingchuan’s.

Yan Jingchuan’s pupils contracted sharply.

Woof!

Wangcai pranced a couple more times, his front paws landing on the floor, then spun anxiously in a circle on the sofa.

Chen Shu braced one hand beside Yan Jingchuan’s leg, caught Wangcai as he pounced a second time, and tucked him under his arm as he straightened up.

Yan Jingchuan slowly sat up with him.

The room remained silent for a long while.

Chen Shu set Wangcai down and looked at Yan Jingchuan. His gaze inadvertently brushed over Yan Jingchuan’s lips before he asked, Are you okay?

I’m fine. Yan Jingchuan avoided Chen Shu’s gaze. He didn’t sit for long, bending over to pick up the documents from the floor and placing them back on the table before rising with the support of his cane.

Chen Shu watched him.

Compared to earlier, Yan Jingchuan seemed to have regained some strength.

But as Chen Shu’s eyes swept over the coffee stain on Yan Jingchuan’s front, he took half a step forward. After a moment’s thought, he simply raised his hand to Yan Jingchuan’s side. Let me walk you.

Yan Jingchuan paused briefly, as if considering, then reached out and rested his hand on Chen Shu’s forearm.

Chen Shu paid it no mind and helped him back to the bedroom.

Woof!

Wangcai followed closely behind the two, pouncing against Chen Shu’s calf and weaving between their feet.

Chen Shu guided Yan Jingchuan to sit on the sofa by the bed. Before he could speak again, Wangcai leaped to his side and barked, forcing him to pick the dog up.

Wangcai curled awkwardly in his arms, wagging his tail and wiggling his rear, nuzzling insistently against Chen Shu’s chin.

Chen Shu chuckled and rubbed the back of Wangcai’s neck.

Wangcai then stood up, resting his paws on Chen Shu’s shoulder, and turned to look at Yan Jingchuan.

Yan Jingchuan glared coldly at Chen Shu’s hand, which was still stroking Wangcai’s back. If you spoil him now, he’ll only grow more unruly later.

Chen Shu smiled. He’s well-behaved most of the time.

That was only because, most of the time, it wasn’t the real Wangcai.

Yan Jingchuan’s expression darkened as he stood and headed toward the walk-in closet.

Chen Shu asked, Do you need any help?

Yan Jingchuan didn’t look back. Just take care of your dog.

This time, Chen Shu didn’t insist.

Changing clothes was too private a matter, and besides, Yan Jingchuan probably wasn’t that weak.

Be careful, then.

Yan Jingchuan stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Chen Shu.

Chen Shu added, If anything happens, I’ll be right next door.

Yan Jingchuan’s expression softened slightly. Go rest. I’m fine.

Mm.

With that, Chen Shu turned and left, carrying Wangcai in his arms.

The two of them tacitly avoided mentioning last night’s incident.

Early the next morning, due to company matters, Zhang Shi had no choice but to go upstairs to see Yan Jingchuan ahead of schedule.

Before entering, he stood at the door for a long time mentally preparing himself before mustering enough courage.

However, when he pushed the door open, the atmosphere in the room wasn’t tense as he had imagined but rather relaxed and natural.

Chen Shu stood by the table holding a glass of water.

Director Yan sat on the sofa, fastening Wangcai’s leash for him.

Seeing Zhang Shi, Chen Shu greeted him and said to Yan Jingchuan, I should be able to come back early tonight.

Will you be back for dinner? Yan Jingchuan asked.

Chen Shu glanced at his watch: Not necessarily, you eat first, no need to wait for me.

Yan Jingchuan said, Call me tonight. Okay, Chen Shu replied, then remembered something and turned toward the bedroom.

Zhang Shi walked from the doorway to the living room, his expression shifting from trepidation back to numb resignation.

These two made up right after quarreling, deeply in love without doubts.

He was the only one who had lain awake worried until midnight.

Why couldn’t he ever learn his lesson, always overestimating his ability to speculate about these two’s relationship.

What is it.

Hearing Yan Jingchuan’s voice, Zhang Shi snapped back to attention. Just as he was about to speak, he instinctively glanced in Chen Shu’s direction and first said, It’s related to the old master.

Noticing his glance, Yan Jingchuan said calmly, Speak.

Realizing Director Yan had no intention of hiding anything from Chen Shu, Zhang Shi continued, It’s Li Hongshu. After you removed him from the company, he might have visited the old residence. The old residence just called, saying the old master wants you to return for a visit.

Yan Jingchuan said, Hm.

Zhang Shi asked, Director Yan, will you be going back then?

Li Hongshu had just complained, and the old residence immediately called. He couldn’t help overthinking—could the old master still care about past ties and want Director Yan to reverse his decision?

Yan Jingchuan said, No rush.

The old master only ever contacted him for one reason, which he didn’t take seriously.

Zhang Shi said uneasily, Director Yan, the butler specifically said the old master insists you return.

Return? Chen Shu came out of the bedroom upon hearing this and looked at Yan Jingchuan. When?

Yan Jingchuan met his gaze, suddenly struck by an idea: After finishing this film, accompany me back to the old residence.

Zhang Shi was stunned.

Taking him directly to the old residence?

Was this making it official?!

Since there was no description of the old residence in the book, Chen Shu didn’t mind: Okay.

After speaking, he walked up to Yan Jingchuan and reached out his hand.

Yan Jingchuan glanced at his palm, then looked up at him.

Chen Shu looked down, meeting his gaze, and chuckled softly: The dog leash.

… Yan Jingchuan fell silent for a moment, then with a dark expression handed him the leash.

Chen Shu said, I’m leaving.

Yan Jingchuan replied as usual: Be careful on the road.

Mm. Chen Shu nodded to Zhang Shi and went downstairs with Wangcai.

He Qiyu was already waiting in the car, accompanied by Xiao Tian who had just arrived last night. They both greeted him when he got in.

Morning, Shu-ge!

He Qiyu said, It’s good that Xiao Tian is here. He can follow you from morning till night and also keep you separated from Duan Xu.

Though Xiao Tian was confused, he responded enthusiastically: Don’t worry, Shu-ge and Yu-jie! Just leave any tasks to me!

Taking advantage of the commute, He Qiyu briefed him on the arrangements.

Xiao Tian listened attentively, and as soon as they arrived on set, he carried out his duties as instructed.

Chen Shu was sitting in the rest area, and Wangcai held a small fan beside him, blowing air toward Chen Shu. When Chen Shu finished filming and stepped off the set, Wangcai was the first to rush over, wiping his sweat and handing him water.

Duan Xu finally found an opportunity to rehearse lines and immediately squeezed between the two of them.

Brother Shu, your phone is ringing—it seems like a call. Should you answer it?

Watching Chen Shu get pulled away by Xiao Tian yet again, Duan Xu’s grip on the script tightened.

What on earth is wrong with this assistant!

He Qiyu observed the entire scene and, at noon, specially treated Xiao Tian to a lavish meal, encouraging him to keep up the good work.

But Duan Xu, likely frustrated by repeated setbacks, didn’t show up again for the rest of the afternoon.

During the break before the final scene, Chen Shu changed clothes and went to take Wangcai out of the car.

However, after only half the usual walk, Wangcai sat down on the ground and refused to go further, so Chen Shu turned back with him.

On the way back, they happened to run into Duan Xu.

Seeing Chen Shu, Duan Xu first glanced behind him and, not spotting Xiao Tian, moved to approach.

But before he could reach Chen Shu—

Xiao Tian’s voice emerged from some corner again.

Brother Shu, Wangcai’s food is ready!

In the fading sunset, Duan Xu’s displeased expression was hard to make out clearly. He brushed past Chen Shu without a word.

Xiao Tian, spotting them from afar, jogged over with a grin and handed Chen Shu a bottle of water. Brother Shu, you must be tired. Have some water.

Thank you. Chen Shu led Wangcai back to the car, fed him until he was full, and then lifted him into the vehicle.

Just as Xiao Tian was about to close the car door, Wangcai jumped out and trailed behind Chen Shu.

Chen Shu tried to lead him back, but Wangcai simply sat down.

Xiao Tian scratched his head. Brother Shu, does Wangcai want to follow you?

Chen Shu looked down at Wangcai.

Chen Wangcai remained silent, none of the liveliness he had shown in the morning.

In this state, he was always the most well-behaved.

Since he refused to get in the car, Chen Shu took him to the rest area.

Everyone on the set knew he had a dog, and no one seemed surprised as they walked by.

Xiao Tian followed Chen Shu and, noticing Duan Xu was also there, quickly pulled up a chair to sit beside Chen Shu. He poured tea, offered water, fanned him—doing everything he could think of, sticking close without leaving an inch.

Brother Shu—oh!

Xiao Tian stood up, intending to find something else to do, when he noticed Wangcai, who had been sitting nearby, suddenly stand and walk between him and Chen Shu, stopping in front of Chen Shu.

Chen Shu had just set down his script.

Chen Wangcai leaped straight from the ground into his arms.

Chen Shu smiled and casually stroked his chin.

Xiao Tian opened his mouth, but seeing the deep, dark look in Wangcai’s eyes, he momentarily forgot what he was about to say and sat back down without thinking.

Do normal dogs stare so intently at people…?

And this dog’s gaze seemed a little frightening…

Not long after, the crew announced it was time to start filming.

Chen Shu went to change back into his period costume, tied Wangcai’s leash to the chair, and headed to the set for a rehearsal.

Xiao Tian followed closely behind.

He stood by the set, ready at all times. Apart from necessary rehearsals, he made sure Duan Xu couldn’t get near Chen Shu. Even if the two had a moment alone, Xiao Tian would shamelessly stand nearby, guarding against anyone taking intimate photos.

Duan Xu had long noticed his deliberate behavior and understood that the team’s plan had likely fallen through.

But now, even if he only wanted to chat more with Chen Shu about the script, Xiao Tian would interrupt. The worst part was that this situation was caused by that plan making the other person overly suspicious, leaving him feeling both guilty and irritated, with a ball of anger pent up inside him with no outlet.

Soon after, today’s filming wrapped up.

Xiao Tian clung to Chen Shu’s arm again: “Shu-ge, Sis Yu said the car is already waiting for you.”

Duan Xu could only watch helplessly as he dragged Chen Shu away once more.

After changing clothes, Chen Shu first took out his phone and dialed a number.

But no one answered.

Probably busy.

Chen Shu checked the time and didn’t call again.

He untied the dog leash, but when he moved forward, the weight behind him didn’t budge.

Chen Shu looked back and found Wangcai staring in Xiao Tian’s direction.

“Wangcai.”

Yan Jingchuan withdrew his gaze and turned to Chen Shu.

Chen Shu said, “Let’s go.”

Only then did Yan Jingchuan follow him into the car.

He Qiyu noticed that Wangcai sat beside Chen Shu on the way back but didn’t look at him even once.

When they arrived at the hotel and got out of the car, Wangcai walked ahead of Chen Shu.

Observing this, she asked curiously: “What’s wrong with Wangcai today? Wasn’t he always super attached to you?”

Chen Wangcai’s ears twitched.

“He’s been like this since he was young – sometimes good, sometimes bad. Probably brought adolescence along from the womb.”

“…” Hearing Chen Shu’s explanation, Yan Jingchuan’s dog face darkened.

He Qiyu didn’t doubt him: “So that’s how it is.”

After chatting, the three took the elevator to their respective rooms.

After entering his room and seeing no sign of Yan Jingchuan or Zhang Shi in the living room, Chen Shu closed the door, first removed Wangcai’s leash, then continued forward.

“Woof!”

In the short time it took to go upstairs, Wangcai’s adolescence had ended.

He darted out from under Chen Shu’s feet and headed straight for Yan Jingchuan’s bedroom door.

The next second.

Yan Jingchuan walked out leaning on his cane.

Chen Shu said, “You didn’t leave?”

Zhang Shi had mentioned returning this morning, and not seeing Yan Jingchuan earlier, he had assumed they had already departed.

Without looking at him, Yan Jingchuan asked in a deep voice: “Are you disappointed?”

Chen Shu smiled: “Why would I be disappointed?”

Seeing Yan Jingchuan remain silent, Chen Shu returned to his room to shower. When he came out, room service happened to be delivering dinner.

Seeing Chen Shu emerge, Yan Jingchuan frowned and closed the completely untouched contract, standing up to say: “Let’s eat.”

However, unlike usual.

Tonight’s dinner was particularly quiet.

While Chen Shu was still reviewing the script, he suddenly heard Yan Jingchuan say.

“Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll visit your set.”