Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 44

Chapter 44

He Qiyu watched as Chen Shu ended the call.

Are you going back?

Chen Shu said, Yes.

He Qiyu remained relatively calm. To… accompany your friend?

Mm. Chen Shu found Cui Jiancheng’s name in his contacts and dialed before casually adding, Book the earliest flight with an extra checked luggage spot. You all should stay here.

He Qiyu wanted to say more.

For instance, Cui Jiancheng had just introduced Han Shan to Chen Shu today, and this was precisely the time when he should be putting in more effort. For the sake of his career, he should set aside personal matters for now.

Moreover, the person was merely uncomfortable—hardly serious enough to warrant an immediate visit. If absolutely necessary, she could go on Chen Shu’s behalf and help send this clingy person to the hospital.

Preferably for an extended observation period.

So they wouldn’t fall ill at the slightest separation.

But before her suggestions could fully form in her mind, Cui Jiancheng had already approved Chen Shu’s leave request over the phone without even asking for specific reasons, readily granting permission.

He Qiyu fell silent.

Chen Shu never took leave on set, which had built him a solid reputation.

Jade Sister, what a coincidence! The next flight is in just two hours! Xiao Tian exclaimed happily.

… With such helpful teammates, He Qiyu had no choice but to book Chen Shu’s ticket.

At the airport, she saw Chen Shu receive another call from his mysterious lover.

The other person asked something unclear.

Chen Shu checked the time and replied, Boarding in half an hour.

Yan Jingchuan said, What’s your arrival time? I’ll pick you up.

Chen Shu said, No need, it’s too late. You should sleep, I’ll take a taxi back.

Even if you don’t tell me, Zhang Shi can find out.

Zhang Shi, sitting nearby, silently glanced at his watch upon hearing this.

Zhang Shi could indeed find out, but Zhang Shi was tired.

Zhang Shi just wanted to sleep!!

He hadn’t closed his eyes since returning last night. Director Yan, aren’t you tired?!

Fine. With that, Yan Jingchuan ended the call and lightly tapped the table.

The pin-drop silent meeting room gradually resumed with work reports.

Zhang Shi looked at the shocked yet too-scared-to-gossip faces around the table, feeling somewhat comforted.

Yan Jingchuan interrupting a meeting for a phone call was unprecedented.

The call’s content was enough to set everyone’s imagination running.

Finally.

He had waited for this day.

No longer was he the only one riding the emotional rollercoaster of Director Yan’s love life.

He believed Director Yan’s romantic news would soon spread throughout the entire group.

After the meeting ended.

Zhang Shi accompanied Yan Jingchuan back to the office to change clothes before heading directly to the airport.

Sitting in the front seat, Zhang Shi saw through the rearview mirror that Yan Jingchuan was still reviewing documents. He advised, Director Yan, it’ll take nearly two hours to get to the airport. You haven’t fully recovered yet, and you haven’t slept for so long. Would you like to rest?

Yan Jingchuan looked up at him.

Meeting those penetrating, profound eyes, Zhang Shi’s heart tightened.

Over the past few months, due to Director Yan’s health condition, he had been working closely alongside him, blurring the lines between professional and personal boundaries.

My apologies, Director Yan.

Yan Jingchuan had already averted his gaze and said calmly, You’ve worked hard during this period.

Zhang Shi hurriedly responded, Not at all!

His words barely faded—

Notify finance: starting this month, your bonus increases by ten percent.

A windfall!

Zhang Shi’s eyes lit up. Thank you, Director Yan!

Checking the rearview mirror again.

Director Yan’s expression remained normal, showing no signs of fatigue at all.

Indeed, before the car accident, pulling all-nighters with Director Yan had been routine for him. Even though Director Yan’s health wasn’t great now, his iron-willed mental state remained unchanged.

Thinking this, he refrained from further comment.

They soon arrived at the airport. Not long after, Zhang Shi spotted Chen Shu in the distance. Before he could turn to ask for instructions, he heard a soft click.

Yan Jingchuan opened the car door, stepped out, and stood beside it.

Chen Shu approached pushing a dog crate and asked upon seeing him, Why wait outside instead of in the car?

Yan Jingchuan said, It makes no difference.

Don’t push yourself if you’re unwell. Chen Shu gestured for him to get back in the car, then opened the dog crate.

Wangcai obediently jumped into the vehicle and settled at Yan Jingchuan’s feet.

While Zhang Shi helped store the dog crate in the trunk, he returned just in time to hear Yan Jingchuan explain, I’ve already consulted a doctor. It’s nothing serious.

Chen Shu glanced at him, closed the car door, and got in from the other side.

The car shifted slightly.

Yan Jingchuan reached out to stroke Wangcai’s head, then turned to Chen Shu. Were you tired from flying back overnight?

Chen Shu said, Not at all.

Soon, Zhang Shi also got in the car. Director Yan, shall we head directly to Hengtai Residential Area?

Yan Jingchuan replied, Yes.

He set aside the documents beside him and turned to Chen Shu again. Sorry for making you rush back so suddenly for my sake.

Chen Shu chuckled lightly. Whenever you ask, I’ll come to your side.

At these words, Yan Jingchuan’s hand stilled mid-pet over Wangcai’s fur. He looked at Chen Shu as a strange, fleeting tingling sensation swept through his chest—subtle yet spreading, leaving an elusive afterglow he couldn’t quite grasp.

Unconsciously, his fingers tightened around his cane.

The corners of his usually stern lips lifted faintly. Thank you.

Chen Shu said, It’s what I should do.

With still over half a year left in their one-year agreement, Chen Shu intended to fulfill Yan Jingchuan’s requests as best he could.

Zhang Shi watched through the rearview mirror, his face wooden as he twisted open a bottle of mineral water to soothe his chilled, parched heart.

Is showing off affection really that satisfying?

Does it fulfill some twisted desire or fantasy of yours??

Fortunately, such conversations ended quickly.

The car fell silent.

After replying to a message from He Qiyu, Chen Shu noticed Yan Jingchuan rubbing the bridge of his nose in his peripheral vision. Sleepy?

Zhang Shi couldn’t resist another peek in the rearview mirror.

Chen Shu said, Get some rest early when we’re back.

Yan Jingchuan said, Alright.

Zhang Shi: …

Director Yan, you weren’t like this earlier!

Sensing something, Yan Jingchuan turned to look at him.

Zhang Shi quickly composed himself. Director Yan, what time should the driver pick you and Mr. Chen up tomorrow to go to the old residence?

The old residence?

Chen Shu looked at Yan Jingchuan.

Yan Jingchuan explained, There’s a banquet the day after tomorrow. I need you to accompany me.

Then, pausing slightly, he added, If that’s alright?

Chen Shu met his gaze.

Lately, perhaps out of respect, Yan Jingchuan had been phrasing things more as questions.

But a banquet attended by Yan Jingchuan…

Chen Shu only asked, Are you sure?

Since Yan Jingchuan had specifically called him back for the event, it was likely meant to publicly acknowledge their relationship.

However, Yan Jingchuan was different from Li Sheng. Their arrangement was nominal at best, hardly necessitating a public announcement. Given Yan Jingchuan’s status, doing so would only fuel gossip.

Misinterpreting his concern, Zhang Shi reassured him, Don’t worry, Mr. Chen. The day after tomorrow is a birthday banquet specially hosted by the old master for Director Yan. It’s invitation-only, and no media will be present.

Chen Shu was still a public figure; any romantic involvement would cause an earthquake, let alone news of a same-sex relationship. It was no surprise for him to have such concerns.

Birthday banquet? Chen Shu looked at Yan Jingchuan. Is your birthday the day after tomorrow?

Yan Jingchuan said, Mm.

Chen Shu smiled. Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I would’ve had time to prepare a gift.

Yan Jingchuan said, Your presence is enough.

Zhang Shi tightened his grip on the water bottle in his hand, squeezing out a distorted squeak.

He quickly loosened his hold upon hearing Yan Jingchuan say, Tomorrow afternoon, Chen Shu and I will arrive before dinner.

Knowing he was referring to the pickup time for the driver, Zhang Shi nodded. Understood.

They soon returned to Hengtai Residence. After seeing Yan Jingchuan and Chen Shu upstairs, Zhang Shi left.

It was already late at night. Noticing the weariness in Yan Jingchuan’s eyes, Chen Shu didn’t engage in further conversation. They each returned to their rooms to wash up and rest.

The next morning.

As soon as Chen Shu opened his bedroom door, he saw Yan Jingchuan standing in the living room, next to a row of clothing racks.

Hearing the movement, Yan Jingchuan turned around.

Zhang Shi also emerged from behind the racks, gesturing, Mr. Chen, look—these are the suits Director Yan specially customized for you.

Chen Shu couldn’t help but laugh.

Clothes delivered right to his hands—this was truly the treatment of being kept.

Yan Jingchuan said, They were rushed, so the fit might not be perfect.

Zhang Shi suggested, Would you like to try one on, Mr. Chen?

Since both tonight and the following night required formal attire, Chen Shu didn’t refuse and casually picked one up.

But Yan Jingchuan reached out and pressed the back of his hand. Try this one instead.

Chen Shu obligingly took the suit he offered and returned to his room to try it on.

Yan Jingchuan watched him approach.

Dressed in the tailored suit, Chen Shu’s excellent physique was even more accentuated.

Broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs—the slightly taut fabric hinted at the contours of firm, powerful muscles as he moved.

Director Yan has impeccable taste! Mr. Chen looks even more dashing in this outfit!

Hearing Zhang Shi’s voice, Yan Jingchuan snapped back to reality.

He pressed his lips together and averted his gaze. How is it?

Chen Shu said, It fits perfectly.

Zhang Shi chimed in, Of course it fits perfectly. Director Yan provided all the measurements himself.

Is that so? Chen Shu smiled and looked at Yan Jingchuan. Then I should thank Director Yan.

Yan Jingchuan rubbed the top of his cane, keeping his eyes on Zhang Shi. You’re getting more talkative.

Recognizing that Yan Jingchuan never truly got angry in front of Chen Shu, Zhang Shi apologized lightly and stepped aside.

After confirming the fit, Chen Shu returned to his room to change. He had breakfast with the two of them and noticed the coffee table was already covered with work documents. He said to Yan Jingchuan, I’ll leave you to your work. I need to go out for a bit.

Yan Jingchuan said, Alright.

Chen Shu took the keys and left, heading first to the company.

After his recent leave, He Qiyu had specifically reminded him to come in and re-record some voice work. The assigned manager, having coordinated with He Qiyu, was fully prepared. The re-recording started and ended quickly.

Chen Shu took the opportunity to gather some information from the staff, then took a taxi to buy what he needed. By the time he returned to Hengtai Residence, it was nearly noon.

After lunch, around three in the afternoon, Zhang Shi checked the time and called the driver before heading downstairs first.

Chen Shu changed into the suit Yan Jingchuan had selected for him. When he returned to the living room, he noticed Yan Jingchuan wearing a suit of a similar style.

Before heading downstairs, Yan Jingchuan looked at him. It wasn’t convenient to explain in detail over the phone. The reason I asked you to return this time is because I need your help with something.

From today’s arrangements and the impromptu birthday dinner, Chen Shu had already sensed some clues. What is it?

As expected, Yan Jingchuan said, I’d like you to pretend to be my lover in front of my family.

Hearing this, Chen Shu smiled. No problem.

He was a professional actor.

Romantic scenes were well within his scope of work.

Seeing his agreement, Yan Jingchuan averted his gaze. Let’s go.

Tonight, they were returning to the old mansion together. Chen Shu hadn’t asked for reasons, and Yan Jingchuan hadn’t brought it up either.

Downstairs, the driver and Zhang Shi were waiting by the door.

Yan Jingchuan and Chen Shu got into the car one after another, and the vehicle slowly started moving.

During the ride, Zhang Shi glanced at Chen Shu in the rearview mirror several times, noticing the complete lack of nervousness on his face, and couldn’t help but feel impressed.

Meeting the family for the first time, and he could remain so calm?

But this matter had nothing to do with him anyway, so he stayed silent.

When they reached the estate of the Yan family’s old mansion, the car circled around the flower beds and finally stopped in front of the villa cluster.

Chen Shu got out first and walked to Yan Jingchuan’s side. Raising a hand to stop Zhang Shi, he opened the car door himself.

Seeing him, Yan Jingchuan’s movements paused slightly.

Mindful of the people nearby, Chen Shu leaned close to him and whispered, Between lovers, we should be more intimate.

The familiar body warmth pressed too close made Yan Jingchuan’s heartbeat skip a beat, though he remained unaware of it.

Gripping his cane tighter, his tone betrayed no change. How intimate did you have in mind?

Chen Shu’s soft chuckle sounded by his ear, making his spine stiffen momentarily.

However intimate Director Yan wants.

Hearing this, Yan Jingchuan looked up at him.

Chen Shu had already withdrawn slightly.

He extended his hand toward Yan Jingchuan, a smile still lingering at his lips. Jingchuan?

It was an address never used before.

Yan Jingchuan met Chen Shu’s gaze for a moment, then slowly grasped the outstretched hand.

A pretend lover.

It wouldn’t hurt to make it more convincing.