Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 71

Chapter 71

After the additional post-live recording, the guests each went to attend their own schedules and didn’t stay long at the filming location.

Chen Shu was the first to leave.

When Duan Xu came out of the restroom and didn’t see Chen Shu, he asked others and learned that Chen Shu was already gone.

Not even giving a chance to say goodbye in person?

Duan Xu smiled self-deprecatingly.

He wasn’t a fool – he could clearly tell that Chen Shu was deliberately keeping his distance from him.

As for the reason, he couldn’t be certain it was related to that Director Yan, but it was probably close.

Chen Shu had always been very tolerant toward his lover, quite different from his attitude toward outsiders.

He was just an outsider.

Duan Xu put the script in his hand back into his bag and turned to leave.

He didn’t plan to ask anymore.

Chen Shu had made it so obvious – taking initiative would only be seen as pestering.

Only when they arrived at the airport together did He Qiyu ask: Do you have issues with Duan Xu?

Chen Shu said: No.

He had no reason to lie.

He Qiyu didn’t doubt the truthfulness of his words, but she didn’t understand why he would distance himself from Duan Xu if there were no issues.

Although Chen Shu had never been particularly warm, having been by his side for so long, she still had basic discernment.

During this program recording, unless necessary, Chen Shu and Duan Xu had never been alone together.

Then in the next moment.

The three words clingy spirit suddenly flashed through her mind.

He Qiyu’s mouth twitched.

Ever since learning that Chen Shu’s mysterious lover was Director Yan, this term had appeared less and less in her mind.

But Chen Shu only had this one lover, and the clingy spirit’s nature wouldn’t change because of status. The clingy spirit’s identity only changed her.

He Qiyu didn’t ask further, carefully reminding: Regardless, it’s best not to affect the filming. After all, Escape Room is broadcast live – it wouldn’t be good if the audience noticed.

Chen Shu said: Mm.

The topic ended there.

Before boarding, Chen Shu received a call from Yan Jingchuan.

After confirming the landing time, Yan Jingchuan was silent for a moment, then said: I still have a meeting this afternoon, I can’t come pick you up.

He had originally thought Chen Shu was returning tomorrow, so his schedule today was packed.

Chen Shu said: It’s fine, work comes first.

Yan Jingchuan said: I’ll send a car to the airport.

Chen Shu said: Okay.

As he finished speaking, he heard Zhang Shi’s voice through the receiver, Still busy?

Before Yan Jingchuan could speak.

Then let’s hang up, Chen Shu said. The plane is about to take off too.

…Okay.

Before Chen Shu could put down his phone, He Qiyu happened to receive a call.

After hanging up, she told Chen Shu: It was Director Han. He called you but you were on another call, so he called me instead. He said ‘The Nameless’ will start filming in one month, and he’s sent the new script to the company. I’ll give it to you after we get back.

Chen Shu said: Mm.

He Qiyu said: He also wants to arrange a meeting for you to chat with several key creators.

Though phrased as chatting together, it was actually for an audition. Even though Han Shan didn’t state it explicitly, she believed Chen Shu could understand.

She could understand Han Shan’s position too.

Chen Shu had been busy since wrapping up his previous project and hadn’t had time for a formal audition for The Nameless, yet he had become a major investor in The Nameless, so Han Shan had to speak carefully.

Chen Shu said: You arrange it, just tell me the time.

He Qiyu nodded: Understood.

As they talked, the plane slowly taxied and took off.

After landing, the driver who had been waiting at the airport early came to pick them up and take them to the car.

Hearing that Director Yan wasn’t in, He Qiyu felt relieved.

Getting into the car, she asked, Shall we go to Huayuan Media first?

The new script was at the company. If Chen Shu could take it now, she’d be spared the nerve-wracking trip of delivering it to his doorstep.

The driver looked at Chen Shu.

Chen Shu gave a slight nod.

Only then did the driver turn the steering wheel toward Huayuan Media.

Upon arrival, He Qiyu retrieved the script and handed it to Chen Shu without getting back in the car.

As the car started again, the driver skillfully navigated back to Hengtai Community.

Chen Shu thanked him, got out, and went upstairs.

When he opened the door, there was no sound from Wangcai inside.

The dog crate was empty, and the leash was missing too.

Had Yan Jingchuan taken Wangcai to Yan Corporation?

Chen Shu set down his briefcase and looked at the vacant dog crate.

He had indeed troubled Yan Jingchuan enough with Wangcai’s matters.

Now that Wangcai had grown up and was no longer as resistant to people other than him and Yan Jingchuan as he was when younger, it would be better to find a boarding place for him when he went out in the future. This would be more convenient for both him and Yan Jingchuan.

But this matter wasn’t urgent yet.

Chen Shu first went to take a shower, then picked up the new script for The Nameless to read.

As the sunlight outside the window gradually sank westward, the heavy glow of dusk filtered through the glass and crept onto the pages in Chen Shu’s hands, he finally realized two hours had passed.

He set down the script, stood up, and walked out of the bedroom just as his phone rang with an incoming call.

It was Yan Jingchuan.

Hearing the call connect, he said, The driver is waiting for you downstairs.

The driver? Chen Shu walked to the window and indeed saw Yan Jingchuan’s car parked below.

Yan Jingchuan said, It’s too late today. We won’t be having dinner at home.

Chen Shu laughed, Since we always order meals, does it matter where we eat?

… Yan Jingchuan’s voice deepened, You don’t want to come?

Chen Shu had no choice but to say, I’ll come. Definitely.

Yan Jingchuan said, I’ll be waiting for you at the company.

Chen Shu glanced at the call record on the screen, turned to change clothes, then went downstairs and got into the car.

Arriving at Yan Corporation Tower, Yan Jingchuan was waiting at the entrance.

Though people came and went around them, the atmosphere was quieter than in a conference room.

Passing employees unanimously stole glances in this direction.

They wondered who could be important enough to make Director Yan wait in person.

Zhang Shi still stood behind Yan Jingchuan.

Spotting the car approaching from afar, he was about to remind Yan Jingchuan when he noticed Director Yan had already turned to look.

The car stopped right in front of Yan Jingchuan.

Chen Shu opened the door and got out, Your illness isn’t better yet. Why didn’t you wait inside?

Yan Jingchuan said, Waiting a while doesn’t matter.

Get in the car. Chen Shu reached out and grasped his wrist, about to help him into the car when he noticed the sapphire cufflinks at his sleeves, then took in his attire for the day.

A somewhat formal three-piece mist-blue suit, impeccably tailored, perfectly accentuating Yan Jingchuan’s excellent physique—broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs. Even leaning on his cane, his posture remained erect.

Under his scrutiny, Yan Jingchuan’s fingers tightened slightly around the cane, Chen Shu.

Chen Shu didn’t avoid the topic and asked him, When you said we’d eat out, did you mean attending a banquet?

Yan Jingchuan said, No.

Then the business discussed today must be quite important.

Chen Shu didn’t probe further, merely lowering his gaze to sweep over the cufflinks Yan Jingchuan wore before continuing to help him into the car.

This pair of cufflinks was the birthday gift he had given Yan Jingchuan.

Back then, Yan Jingchuan said he liked them very much. Chen Shu thought it was just polite talk, never expecting to see them again.

Zhang Shi consciously stood by the car, not stepping forward to assist.

He glanced at his boss in a suit and leather shoes, then at Chen Shu wearing a light gray tracksuit—clearly thrown on casually for going out—and sighed inwardly.

Director Yan, oh Director Yan, how can you be so low-key when it comes to romance!

But since the boss was willing to do this, he, as a subordinate, could only follow orders.

He had only one task: to take this silly dog home. You can’t bring it on a date.

After Yan Jingchuan settled in and learned that Zhang Shi wanted to take Wangcai home first, Chen Shu thanked him and closed the car door.

As he walked around the back of the car to the other side, the surrounding onlookers quickly averted their gaze, afraid of being noticed.

As an actor, Chen Shu was long accustomed to being stared at. Even though he had noticed, he didn’t mind.

The Yan Corporation employees were probably more interested in looking at Yan Jingchuan.

At this thought, Chen Shu paused slightly and glanced to the side.

The employees quickened their pace.

Zhang Shi, standing opposite him, explained, Don’t mind them, Mr. Chen. Director Yan never waits for anyone, especially here. Everyone’s just a bit curious.

Then, remembering that Chen Shu was a celebrity and might cause a stir if recognized, he urged him to get in the car.

Chen Shu withdrew his gaze and ducked into the car.

With a thud, the door closed.

The driver, knowing the address, started the car after receiving instructions.

When they arrived at the reserved restaurant, the manager hurriedly led them to a private room.

It was peak dining hours, and the restaurant was fully occupied, but the atmosphere remained serene. The soft murmurs of the customers were overshadowed by the performance on stage, leaving only the melodious music without any chaos.

As they passed through the corridor, the private room area felt even more elegant.

Right this way, please, the manager said, pushing open the door to the private room.

A faint scent of incense wafted to their noses.

Chen Shu entered and saw that the room was fully equipped, with the rest area and dining area clearly separated by a screen.

The manager quietly retreated, closing the door softly.

Chen Shu took off his jacket and draped it over the back of the sofa, then sat down at the dining table with Yan Jingchuan.

What would you like to eat? Yan Jingchuan opened the menu and gestured for him to choose.

Chen Shu quickly placed his order.

While waiting for the food, he took out his script and was about to open it when he inadvertently caught sight of Yan Jingchuan across from him.

Yan Jingchuan was expressionless, staring at the script in his hand.

Chen Shu explained, It’s for my new movie.

Yan Jingchuan lifted his gaze and fixed it on him.

Chen Shu sighed helplessly, closed the script, and placed it on the edge of the table. I won’t read it. Satisfied, Director Yan?

Director Yan averted his eyes. The script is in your hands. Whether you read it or not has nothing to do with me.

So, Director Yan means I can read it?

Yan Jingchuan frowned and turned back to Chen Shu.

But his eyes met Chen Shu’s smiling gaze, and his heartbeat suddenly skipped a beat.

Just then, the sudden ring of an incoming call shattered the quiet at the table.

Chen Shu stood up and walked to the sofa to retrieve his phone. As he was about to answer, he turned to Yan Jingchuan, a faint, lingering smile on his lips. If I can’t read the script, can I at least answer the phone?

Yan Jingchuan raised his glass to drink water, pretending not to hear.

Chen Shu’s smile deepened as he answered the call and returned to the table to sit down.

Han Shan’s voice came through the receiver, Chen Shu, have you read the new script?

Chen Shu’s hand rested on the edge of the table, and at these words, his fingertips lightly tapped the paper. Yes.

What do you think?

I’ve only read half of it, Chen Shu clarified first, then added, If the structure remains unchanged, the revisions in the first half have their pros and cons.

Han Shan had no choice but to heed the investor’s opinion. Specifically?

Chen Shu raised his hand and flipped open the script: Scene three—

Just as he started speaking, he lifted his gaze and saw the familiar expressionless face. He paused briefly before changing his tone, Let’s discuss the details when we meet in person.

Guessing that he might be in an inconvenient situation, Han Shan didn’t press further: Alright then!

Chen Shu ended the call and placed his phone on top of the script.

Yan Jingchuan watched his movements, then immediately heard him say.

Go on, what exactly is this about?

Yan Jingchuan’s eyes flickered slightly: What?

Chen Shu’s gaze fell on the sapphire sparkling at Yan Jingchuan’s cuff as he drank water, then suddenly recalled what Zhang Shi had said at the entrance of Yan Corporation.

—Director Yan never waits for anyone, especially not here.

So why was Yan Jingchuan doing this today?

Letting all Yan Corporation employees witness this scene, even the excuse about going out for lunch was too flimsy to hold up.

Whatever required Yan Jingchuan to go through such pains to conceal must be related to the Yan family.

With previous experience as reference, Chen Shu understood: You want to put on a show for your family?

Hearing this, Yan Jingchuan’s expression gradually darkened.

Author’s note: ??