Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 66

Chapter 66

Yan Xinli didn’t notice Yan Jingchuan’s expression and only said, If it bothers you, why not talk to Chen Shu about it?

As a father, he rarely—one could say almost never—had the chance to have heart-to-heart conversations with Yan Jingchuan. But romance was probably the only area where Yan Jingchuan lacked expertise while he could offer advice.

Seizing this first opportunity to impart experience to his son, Yan Xinli was brimming with motivation.

Do you need to practice what to say with me first? I’m available anytime.

Yan Jingchuan said, No need.

Yan Xinli: …

Fortunately, his paternal confidence had long been accustomed to being crushed by Yan Jingchuan, so he quickly bounced back. Then how are you going to talk to Chen Shu?

This time, Yan Jingchuan didn’t respond.

He looked at Chen Shu, his thoughts still tangled by Yan Xinli’s earlier words.

Lover.

He and Chen Shu had never been in that kind of relationship.

Between them existed only a one-year agreement on paper.

He knew this perfectly well, yet Yan Xinli’s words struck like a heavy hammer, directly shattering the confusion that had lingered for so long. They allowed the dormant seeds to instantly grow and spread rapidly, while the meaning behind those words persistently haunted his mind.

Could it be that his concern for Chen Shu was truly abnormal?

Ah, they’re coming over.

Hearing Yan Xinli’s reminder, Yan Jingchuan snapped back to attention.

Chen Shu had already crossed the garden with Duan Xu.

Yan Xinli smiled and greeted them, Good morning.

Chen Shu said, Morning.

Seeing Yan Jingchuan again, Duan Xu glanced at Chen Shu, no longer surprised but still somewhat uncomfortable. He also greeted, Morning.

Yan Jingchuan watched the two of them.

Was he not supposed to care about Chen Shu’s social interactions either?

Chen Shu noticed his gaze and walked over to his side.

Before he could steady himself, he felt a warmth brush against his palm.

Chen Shu glanced down, then casually grasped the hand before turning to look at Yan Jingchuan with a slightly raised eyebrow.

Since Yan Xinli and Wen Jiao had accepted Yan Jingchuan’s relationship quite well, and Yan Jinqing—the one who most enjoyed watching the drama—wasn’t present, Yan Jingchuan didn’t need to force himself like this.

Yan Jingchuan simply pretended not to see his expression.

Chen Shu didn’t mind either.

Out of courtesy, he proceeded to introduce Duan Xu to Yan Xinli.

No need for you to tell me—I already know, Yan Xinli said with a laugh. We watched your livestream. He was on the show with you, right?

Duan Xu couldn’t hide his surprise. You watched our show?

He thought someone of Yan Xinli’s status would never pay attention to a variety program.

After speaking, he looked at Chen Shu and only then noticed the subtle interaction between Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan. His smile froze for a moment before he quickly turned his attention back to Yan Xinli.

Yan Xinli nodded. Of course. We found out when Jingchuan watched Chen Shu’s first livestream. The show is pretty good, though a bit scary.

At this, he warmed to the topic. Actually, I was initially a bit disappointed that Chen Shu didn’t—

Let’s continue inside, Yan Jingchuan abruptly interrupted him. Breakfast is ready.

Yan Xinli immediately forgot what he was about to say. You haven’t eaten yet?

Yan Jingchuan said, No.

Then you two eat first. Your mom and I will take a walk around. After saying this, Yan Xinli spotted Wen Jiao returning with some items and took the opportunity to leave, taking Duan Xu with him and leaving the couple to their privacy.

Duan Xu didn’t insist on staying.

His excitement had already faded considerably upon seeing Yan Jingchuan, and the scene he witnessed just now made the remaining bit vanish without a trace.

The speculation in his heart had turned into reality before his eyes, yet he felt no joy, only a strange discomfort, and even his farewell had been hurried.

His complexion was noticeably worse than when he arrived, and on the way back, Yan Xinli asked with concern, Are you feeling unwell?

Chen Shu hadn’t yet looked away when he heard Yan Jingchuan ask from beside him, Do you like him?

Chen Shu fell silent for a moment, still unable to grasp where Yan Jingchuan’s question came from, but replied, No.

Yan Jingchuan said, So, there’s someone else you like?

Not that either, Chen Shu said. I don’t have anyone I like right now.

Yan Jingchuan’s face darkened.

Only then did Chen Shu ask, Why are you asking this?

Yan Jingchuan said coldly, If you had someone you fancied, I might consider letting you go early.

Understanding his meaning, Chen Shu smiled and said, Don’t worry, Director Yan. I won’t easily break a promise I’ve already made. For this year, you’ll be my only lover.

Yan Jingchuan’s heart skipped a beat.

But he knew that the term lover from Chen Shu was only due to their contract.

Chen Shu had already turned and walked toward the door. Let’s go, it’s time to eat.

Since Yan Xinli and Wen Jiao hadn’t gone far yet, he didn’t let go of Yan Jingchuan’s hand.

Yan Jingchuan asked again, Duan Xu was here earlier. Aren’t you afraid he might find out?

Chen Shu said, It doesn’t matter.

After resolving the debts left by his original family, everything could start anew. For now, Yan Jingchuan’s needs took priority.

Yan Jingchuan pressed his lips together.

He looked down at their intertwined hands beside him. The surging impulse had brought words to his lips, but hesitation held him back time and again.

He still couldn’t clarify his own feelings, nor could he discern Chen Shu’s thoughts.

Only one thing made him hold back from probing further: Chen Shu had always treated their relationship as nothing more than an agreement, unwavering from start to finish. And he had promised Chen Shu from the very beginning that he would never force him to do anything against his will.

Besides, he wasn’t even sure himself.

At the very least, he needed to understand his feelings at this moment—to confirm they weren’t just a misunderstanding influenced by words.

Woof!

Yan Jingchuan looked up.

Wangcai, who had dashed out from some corner, leaped to the doorway, front paws on the ground, wagging his tail vigorously to welcome them inside.

Chen Shu patted him, and Wangcai dutifully ran circles around Yan Jingchuan’s feet.

Lately, busy with work commitments, Yan Jingchuan had been taking care of Wangcai for him. The dog had developed a habit of seeking Yan Jingchuan for food instead of Chen Shu.

Yan Jingchuan prepared the dog food first before joining Chen Shu at the table for breakfast.

Not long after, Wen Jiao knocked on the door and stood at the entrance, saying to them, Let’s go, we’re all going hiking together!

However, among the five of them, the elderly Yan Jinqing had osteoporosis, the young Yan Jingchuan hadn’t fully recovered from his injury, and while the two middle-aged ones were well-maintained and looked only in their thirties, they were severely out of shape. So, in the end, they took a sightseeing bus up the winding mountain road.

The mountain scenery was spectacular. The restaurant perched on the edge of the summit was half made of glass, offering a panoramic view from inside, where they had lunch.

There’s an even more amazing spot ahead, Wen Jiao suggested after leaving the restaurant. The weather’s nice today—shall we explore it together?

Yan Jinqing made the final decision: You arrange it.

With no work for once, Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan stayed on the mountain with the other three until the afternoon.

On the sightseeing bus down the mountain.

Yan Xinli watched the two figures sitting closely side by side in the front row, a look of relief on his face.

He couldn’t help but recall the last vacation when Chen Shu couldn’t make it due to filming commitments, and Yan Jingchuan had stayed in his room the entire time.

This time, with Chen Shu accompanying him, Yan Jingchuan finally seemed to be enjoying a proper vacation.

Thinking this, he nudged the shoulder beside him and leaned in to whisper: Look, Chen Shu and Jingchuan are really—

As he spoke, Yan Xinli turned his face and was startled by the unexpected elderly countenance before him: —Dad!

Yan Jinqing looked at him coldly: What were you going to say? Chen Shu and Jingchuan are really what?

Succumbing to his father’s authority, Yan Xinli changed his words: Really too outrageous!

Oh? Yan Jinqing became interested, sitting up and patting Yan Jingchuan’s shoulder. Jingchuan, your father has something to say to you.

Yan Xinli: ……..

His mind went blank for a second before he quickly turned to Wen Jiao for help.

Wen Jiao sighed helplessly and said to the two: I’ve already asked the housekeeper to fill the hot spring in your courtyard. You can go soak in it after dinner.

Yan Xinli said with feigned seriousness: Yes, that’s exactly what I was going to say.

Yan Jinqing snorted but didn’t say anything more.

After finishing dinner, when the five returned to their respective villas, the sky was gradually darkening.

Passing by the backyard door, Chen Shu saw the hot spring inside indeed steaming with heat.

He looked at Yan Jingchuan: Do you want to soak in the hot spring?

Yan Jingchuan countered: Do you want to?

Chen Shu said: Yes.

Yan Jingchuan replied without changing expression: I was planning to go too.

Chen Shu glanced into the courtyard: It should be spacious enough.

Since they slept together every night, sharing a hot spring was even more ordinary.

Yan Jingchuan paused before saying: Okay.

Chen Shu then went to shower in the bathroom, changed into the slightly loose swim trunks provided by the villa, and before leaving, thought for a moment before taking a towel from nearby to wrap around his waist before opening the door. Stepping out of the bedroom and seeing Yan Jingchuan in a bathrobe, he hesitated briefly, but then thought that it would have to be removed in the water anyway, and covering up more would be superfluous. He didn’t comment, simply saying: Let’s go.Yan Jingchuan walked behind him, keeping his gaze as much as possible above his shoulders.

Chen Shu had already opened the glass door to the backyard.

The courtyard lights were bright as daylight, with no obstruction to visibility.

The two stepped over the threshold into the courtyard.

The night was slightly cool, making the steaming heat from the hot spring feel particularly comfortable.

Chen Shu untied the towel and tossed it onto a nearby lounge chair, entering the water first. Seeing the water depth reached his thighs and the steps were slippery from the spring water, he turned around.

He reached his hand toward Yan Jingchuan: Come down.

The distance wasn’t far, so Yan Jingchuan wasn’t using his cane. His bathrobe had just been untied, the front hanging open.

Meeting Chen Shu’s gaze, his movements froze.

Chen Shu looked at him: Do you need help?

No need. Yan Jingchuan pressed his lips together, turned sideways to remove his bathrobe, placed it on another adjacent lounge chair, then stepped forward to take Chen Shu’s hand.

Chen Shu also stepped forward, his left hand lightly supporting Yan Jingchuan’s right arm: Be careful.

Yan Jingchuan said: Mm.

But just as he descended one step—

Wangcai burst into the courtyard like the wind.

Woof!

Running into the yard and spotting the pool, it sharply changed direction without slowing down, excitedly lunging forward.

Wangcai!

But Chen Shu’s warning came too late.

Wangcai leaped into the air, landing squarely on Yan Jingchuan’s back.

Yan Jingchuan was knocked off balance by it and instinctively grabbed Chen Shu’s arm, but the unyielding impact still sent him stumbling forward.

Chen Shu also tightened his grip in return. Seeing that Yan Jingchuan couldn’t steady himself, he frowned and pulled him into an embrace. Carried by momentum, he stepped back but was blocked by the water’s resistance, causing both him and Yan Jingchuan to fall into the pool together.

Splash!

The water erupted in all directions from the force of their fall.

Wangcai ran a few steps away to avoid the spray, then quickly returned. Standing by the pool’s edge, he grew even more excited, shifting his stance restlessly. Anxiously watching the two emerge from the water, he barked urgently and circled the pool, eager to jump in.

Woof!

Chen Shu only had time to hold Yan Jingchuan tightly and swim to the edge of the pool. Are you okay?

Yan Jingchuan’s entire body went rigid.

Perhaps the sensation of skin pressed so closely together was too unfamiliar—every inch of friction through the drenching spring water made his nerves tense.

He said stiffly, I’m fine.