Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Returning to the outdoor filming location, Chen Shu rested overnight at the hotel and began making up for missed shots the next day.

Fortunately, the scenes of the other actors hadn’t been completed either, so there was ample time. He quickly caught up with the schedule without affecting the filming progress.

After finishing his work for the day, Duan Xu sat in the rest area reading the script. When Chen Shu was done, he stood up.

Going to find Chen Shu? Lai Yan sighed helplessly.

Duan Xu said, Yes.

Although Chen Shu had been absent these past few days, most of Duan Xu’s outdoor scenes were paired with him. Unlike Chen Shu, who could get into character quickly, Duan Xu still needed to rehearse.

Lai Yan said, That’s good.

After personally witnessing Yan Jingchuan visiting Chen Shu on set, he had abandoned his previous plans.

He wasn’t a fool. If Chen Shu were just an ordinary celebrity, he could rely on large-scale Internet water armies to maintain Duan Xu’s popularity. But now that he knew Chen Shu wasn’t ordinary, of course he couldn’t act recklessly.

He Qiyu’s attitude toward collaborative promotion was clear. He neither wanted to offend Yan Jingchuan nor risk capsizing in a minor conflict.

However, he didn’t prevent Duan Xu from getting closer to Chen Shu. On the contrary, he hoped they would become friends.

First there was Yan Jingchuan, and now Han Shan had appeared.

Even a fool could see that this Chen Shu was not only thriving on stage but also destined for a bright future in both television and film.

Building a relationship with such a person could only bring benefits.

He might be able to help you with something in the future.

Seeing the calculation in Lai Yan’s eyes, Duan Xu felt a surge of irritation. Enough!

Lai Yan was taken aback. What?

I want to be friends with Chen Shu simply because he’s worth befriending, not because of your schemes or to gain something from him, Duan Xu said coldly. Also, you’d better replan my career direction from now on. No more of these underhanded tactics.

Lai Yan said, But this is the fastest way to monetize traffic.

I don’t need monetization. Duan Xu looked at him impatiently. I’ve given you enough time to experiment, yet I’ve achieved nothing. I can only play supporting roles in idol dramas, and everyone avoids me like the plague. Do you think I’m blind? What’s the use of the traffic you gained through marketing? You’d be better off using the energy you wasted on picking scripts for me.

Lai Yan opened his mouth, wanting to persuade him further.

Duan Xu issued an ultimatum: Adjust the plan as soon as possible.

With that, he grabbed the script from the table and turned to walk straight toward Chen Shu.

Xiao Tian, who was packing things beside Chen Shu, noticed him first and greeted him proactively: Teacher Duan.

After Yan Jingchuan’s visit to the set, Duan Xu’s team had withdrawn all their marketing targeting Chen Shu. He Qiyu had instructed Xiao Tian that there was no need to be strictly guarded against Duan Xu anymore.

During subsequent filming, Duan Xu often treated the crew to food and drinks when he was in a good mood. Having accepted his generosity, Xiao Tian greeted him with a smile.

Only after greeting him did Xiao Tian notice Duan Xu’s expression. Teacher Duan, are you in a bad mood?

Duan Xu had already reached Chen Shu. Seeing Chen Shu look over, he simply said, No.

He hadn’t originally planned to confront Lai Yan so soon.

After all, they had worked together for a long time, and he wanted to save some face.

But for some reason, hearing Lai Yan’s words made him inexplicably furious.

Aside from the beginning, there had been no exchange of interests between him and Chen Shu.

He deeply regretted that the start of their relationship hadn’t been entirely proper, but things had returned to normal since then. The last thing he wanted was for Chen Shu to misunderstand anything again.

He then asked, I haven’t asked you yet, why did you take leave so urgently? Did something happen?

Regarding Yan Jingchuan, Chen Shu didn’t elaborate much: It’s a small matter, not important.

Duan Xu didn’t press further: If you need any help, just say the word anytime.

Chen Shu glanced at him and smiled faintly: Thank you.

Don’t mention it. Meeting his eyes, Duan Xu lowered his head to pet Wangcai.

As expected, he was avoided.

Yan Jingchuan shot him a cold look and walked to the other side of Chen Shu.

Duan Xu was used to being ignored by Wangcai. Seeing Chen Shu turn to leave, he withdrew his hand and followed: Do you have time? We have our scene tomorrow morning, I’d like to rehearse with you in advance.

He thought Chen Shu wouldn’t refuse.

Over the past two months of filming, Chen Shu had always agreed to rehearsal requests.

Not convenient today, let’s do it tomorrow.

Duan Xu was surprised: Why?

Chen Shu said: The set has wrapped up for the day.

Recalling previous times, Duan Xu realized they had always rehearsed on set.

Recently, to make up for Chen Shu’s scenes, he usually filmed until the very end before wrapping up.

But they lived in the same hotel, so it shouldn’t be inconvenient: We could go to my room at the hotel, or yours?

Listening to their conversation, Yan Jingchuan’s dog face darkened as he looked up at Chen Shu.

Chen Shu said: The hotel would be even less convenient.

Duan Xu was puzzled: Why is that?

Chen Shu stated frankly: After filming started, you and I got caught up in an awkward rumor. We should avoid meeting privately as much as possible to prevent paparazzi from following us.

Yan Jingchuan had expressed displeasure about this rumor from the very beginning.

Since it bothered him, Chen Shu didn’t want to create complications and preferred to avoid trouble.

Duan Xu felt somewhat awkward: That was just an accident. Don’t worry, that kind of situation won’t happen again. Besides, we’re both men, people won’t really misunderstand.

Chen Shu said: No.

Remembering how Yan Jingchuan had specifically questioned him about this accident, he chuckled lightly, Someone will.

Hearing his laughter, Duan Xu instinctively turned to look at him.

When he first met Chen Shu on set, he thought Chen Shu’s particular aloofness and sense of distance were due to the script’s character requirements, making him seem difficult to approach.

But after getting to know him better, he realized this was simply Chen Shu’s personality – in fact, the script character showed more emotional fluctuation.

Like with smiles.

Whether polite or genuine, as an actor, he could easily tell.

The one directed at him earlier was polite.

This one right now came from the heart.

Watching the curve of Chen Shu’s lips, Duan Xu gripped his script as another inexplicable impulse surged through him: Someone will? Don’t tell me – you seem so quiet, but you actually have a girlfriend already?

Chen Shu thought for a moment: You could say that.

His one-year arrangement with Yan Jingchuan hadn’t ended yet. Although strictly speaking it was a sugar daddy relationship, he didn’t need to explain it so clearly to Duan Xu.

As he finished speaking, the leash in his hand suddenly grew heavy.

Wangcai, what are you spacing out for.

Feeling the pull from ahead, Yan Jingchuan lowered his head to watch the path and continued forward.

He followed in silence as they walked half the distance with Duan Xu.

He looked at Chen Shu.

Chen Shu’s profile remained impassive, showing no indication of whether revealing this matter had affected him.

After another stretch of silence.

Duan Xu suppressed his vague irritation and asked: You’re telling me just like that? Aren’t you afraid I’ll leak it?

Chen Shu countered: Would you?

Duan Xu forced a laugh: Of course not, I was joking.

He and Chen Shu were filming together in the same group. Before the drama aired, news broke that Chen Shu had a girlfriend, which wasn’t good for Moon in the Mirror either.

Besides.

He wouldn’t do something like that.

Is your reason for going back this time also because of your girlfriend? Duan Xu asked.

Chen Shu said, You could say that.

Duan Xu rubbed the pages of the script. You really care about your girlfriend, then.

Listening to his constant mentions of girlfriend, Yan Jingchuan’s dog face darkened with displeasure.

But I’m curious—since you’ve already found a girlfriend, aren’t you afraid that exposure might affect your career? I remember you debuted through a talent show; you should be especially cautious about this sort of thing.

Chen Shu said, No matter how you debut, the most important thing should always be your work.

Duan Xu looked at him, driven by a stubborn impulse, and asked again, So, you thought it through carefully before deciding to be with your girlfriend?

Chen Shu asked, Why?

Nothing. Duan Xu avoided his gaze. I just wanted to know how much you like her.

Chen Shu smiled.

Duan Xu didn’t know about his agreement with Yan Jingchuan. It was better to let him misunderstand.

But seeing the smile on his lips, Duan Xu found it irritating. I hope your girlfriend is worth the risks you’re taking for her.

Chen Shu didn’t respond one way or the other.

Yan Jingchuan couldn’t see their expressions, but just hearing Duan Xu’s tone, his dog brow furrowed slightly.

When they reached the car, He Qiyu got out to greet them.

Seeing Chen Shu and Duan Xu walking together, she asked, Are you two heading back together?

Duan Xu looked at Chen Shu. It might not be convenient to go back to the hotel together, but sharing the ride should be fine, right?

Chen Shu nodded. Get in.

Only then did Duan Xu slightly loosen his tight grip on the script.

He followed Chen Shu into the car and took a seat beside him.

Chen Shu opened the script. Where do you want to start?

Duan Xu leaned in and pointed to a section. Let’s start here.

Chen Shu said, Okay.

He Qiyu, sitting on the other side, watched with amazement.

If she hadn’t confirmed that Duan Xu’s team had completely given up on marketing and hype, she would have thought he was trying to get closer again.

This young master was notoriously hard to get along with, but when he was with Chen Shu, it was completely unnoticeable.

Seeing the two of them leaning closer and closer, He Qiyu shook her head and was about to add food to Wangcai’s dog bowl when she realized it was empty.

Looking around, she saw that Wangcai, who had jumped down from his seat, had already walked over to Chen Shu.

Duan Xu was reciting his lines and hadn’t reacted yet when a dark shadow passed in front of him, leaped up, and jumped directly into Chen Shu’s arms.

Chen Shu caught him in time to prevent him from slipping and falling, laughing as he said, Don’t cause trouble.

Duan Xu turned his face.

The black dog was like a barrier, completely blocking his view.

… Duan Xu gripped the script. Chen Shu, how are we supposed to go over the script like this?

Chen Shu rubbed Wangcai’s neck. Wangcai.

Chen Wangcai glanced disdainfully at Duan Xu, then lay down right where he was, settling firmly on Chen Shu’s lap.

Duan Xu: …

Why was this dog so weird?

But Chen Shu clearly doted on Wangcai, so he didn’t say anything more.

Chen Shu said, Let’s continue.

Duan Xu had no choice but to ignore the irritation of being looked down on by a dog and even moved aside to make more room for it.

When they returned to the hotel.

Before getting out of the car, Duan Xu looked hesitantly at Chen Shu. There’s only one page left.

Chen Shu was just lifting Wangcai out of the car.

Duan Xu said, If you don’t have time to walk the dog today, why don’t I accompany you for a short walk? Just around the hotel. If you’re worried, you can have Manager He or Xiao Tian come along. That way, even if we get photographed, it shouldn’t be a big deal.

Chen Shu glanced at his watch. Alright.

However, after he clipped on the leash, Chen Wangcai seemed rooted to the spot, sitting on the ground without moving.

He Qiyu remarked, It looks like Wangcai doesn’t want to go for a walk today.

Xiao Tian explained to Duan Xu, He often gets lazy in the evenings. Sometimes Brother Shu even has to carry him upstairs.

Duan Xu: …

In his opinion, this dog simply had it out for him.

But Chen Shu clearly doted on Wangcai.

Yet, with an inexplicable reluctance to give up, he asked again, Shall we still go?

As expected, Chen Shu only said, Next time.

Duan Xu couldn’t insist either, so he nodded and said, See you tomorrow then.

Mm. After bidding farewell, Chen Shu and he went upstairs separately.

While still in the elevator, Wangcai suddenly regained his energy.

Since it had chosen not to walk downstairs, Chen Shu pressed down the dog’s head as it tried to jump on him and brought it back to the room.

After opening the door, he immediately spotted Yan Jingchuan sitting on the sofa.

Hearing the noise, Yan Jingchuan didn’t turn around.

You’re back.