Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 72

Chapter 72

After two meetings with the Yan family, Chen Shu could tell that Yan Jinqing was very dissatisfied with him.

This was normal.

Even if it weren’t the prominent Yan family, having a same-sex partner wouldn’t be easily accepted. After all, Yan Jingchuan was the heir to Yan Corporation, and after him, there still needed to be another successor to take over such a vast conglomerate.

No matter how much dissatisfaction and dislike Yan Jinqing had toward him, Chen Shu could understand it.

Under these circumstances, the fact that Yan Jinqing hadn’t taken any action against him instead came as a surprise.

Perhaps it was the second meeting not long ago that reminded Yan Jinqing, leading to tonight’s dinner.

Chen Shu looked at Yan Jingchuan: How does Director Yan want me to cooperate?

Cooperate?

The hard lines of Yan Jingchuan’s jaw softened gradually.

He met Chen Shu’s gaze, pressed his lips together, and set down his water glass.

It might be better to let Chen Shu misunderstand like this.

Cooperating with him to deal with non-existent family matters was at least a reason.

Yan Jingchuan countered: What do you think?

Chen Shu said: I’m fine with anything.

As they spoke, a knock came from outside the door.

The manager pushed in a food cart, served the dishes, and said respectfully: Director Yan, Mr. Chen, please enjoy your meal.

When welcoming Yan Jingchuan earlier, Chen Shu had noticed that the manager recognized him, but his attitude toward Yan Jingchuan went beyond that of a typical customer.

Behind the manager, a woman in a white dress bowed slightly to them, then carefully walked to the corner behind the screen partition where instruments were placed and sat down.

Soon after, a melodious tune filled the room—not noisy, but with just the right amount of quiet.

The manager had already withdrawn again.

Though there was now an additional person in the room, she was far enough away yet still quite noticeable.

Chen Shu didn’t pay much attention to the figure in the corner.

The music would cover the sound of their conversation, and being closer to the instrument, she likely wouldn’t have extra hearing to focus on the guests’ talk.

Noticing Yan Jingchuan’s slightly furrowed brow, he glanced over and casually asked: Is this place part of Yan Corporation’s properties?

Hearing Chen Shu’s voice, Yan Jingchuan said: Yes.

Understanding, Chen Shu then asked: What about this meal?

Yan Jingchuan’s gaze shifted slightly, his expression unchanged: It was arranged by Grandfather.

Chen Shu glanced at his now smoothed brow: Are you worried the old man might have arranged someone here?

After a brief silence, Yan Jingchuan said: It’s not impossible.

Don’t worry, Chen Shu said. If they can’t spot any flaws in person, secondhand information won’t reveal anything either.

The dining table wasn’t large, and with two men sitting face to face, the space felt even narrower. Leaning forward slightly, they could almost feel each other’s breath.

Yan Jingchuan looked closely at Chen Shu’s features, about to move forward—

Alright.

Chen Shu lowered his head and picked up his knife and fork. Let’s eat.

… Yan Jingchuan’s back stiffened slightly. Okay.

During the meal, Chen Shu informed Yan Jingchuan in advance about his upcoming trip.

Having received the new script for Nameless, he would meet with Han Shan as soon as possible.

Yan Jingchuan frowned: How many days will you be gone this time?

Chen Shu said: If all goes well, just one day. And it’s local.

Only then did Yan Jingchuan smooth out his expression: Go early and return early.

Chen Shu said: Mm.

Yan Jingchuan watched him.

Since misunderstanding that this dinner had an ulterior motive, Chen Shu no longer let his mind wander, focusing entirely on the meal itself.

In the room, the music, subtle fragrance, and warm lighting were all in place—the atmosphere was just right, and the restaurant’s setup was more thoughtful than he had expected.

But Chen Shu’s focus was merely an act, a performance put on for the sake of the charade.

He was well aware that he shouldn’t use such despicable means to deceive Chen Shu’s trust, yet his sense of right and wrong always reacted too slowly. Once the words were spoken, he had little room left for choice.

He also wanted to see how far Chen Shu would go in playing along with him.

After the meal.

Chen Shu slipped the script and his phone into his pocket, casually draping his coat over his arm.

Yan Jingchuan also stood up, put his coat back on, and walked over to Chen Shu.

Seeing the guests preparing to leave, the piano music stopped, and the woman in the corner rose quietly to wait.

Chen Shu glanced at her.

Yan Jingchuan stood by his side.

Hesitation lasted only half a moment.

Feeling the familiar touch in his palm, Chen Shu didn’t need to look down this time. He casually took Yan Jingchuan’s outstretched hand, allowing his fingers to intertwine, their hands clasped together.

Whether Yan Jinqing had planted someone or not, or whether it was her, it was always better to be safe than sorry.

Let’s go.

Suppressing an unconscious smile at the corner of his lips, Yan Jingchuan replied, Alright.

The two left the restaurant together and returned to their residence by car.

As soon as they entered, Chen Shu received a call from He Qiyu.

She had arranged to meet Han Shan the next day and would need to leave in the morning.

Watching Chen Shu hang up, Yan Jingchuan asked, Leaving again tomorrow?

Chen Shu said, Yes. For the audition.

He had mentioned it earlier at the restaurant, so Yan Jingchuan didn’t press further.

The next morning, Chen Shu set off with Yan Jingchuan as usual, said goodbye downstairs, and got into their respective cars.

By the time Chen Shu arrived at the meeting place, the rest of the main creative team was already there.

Han Shan introduced everyone to Chen Shu before getting down to business.

Chen Shu had only recently received the new script. Han Shan had originally intended to take things step by step, using this table read as an opportunity to first gauge Chen Shu’s understanding of the character. Long passages of dialogue would be enough to assess the actor’s skill, and he could later find a chance to ask Chen Shu to improvise a scene to see how it went. Whatever the outcome, it was best not to offend him.

Unexpectedly, Chen Shu showed no awareness of being a sugar daddy. Though still unfamiliar with the audition process, he didn’t shy away from performing. Even for a short sample of lines, his micro-expressions and tone would adjust accordingly. Without any guidance, a complete character emerged right before his eyes.

As the day went on and Han Shan delved deeper into conversation with Chen Shu, his initial anxiety gradually eased, replaced by growing surprise and delight.

The anticipation that had started on the set of Moon in the Mirror became uncontrollable after truly interacting with Chen Shu.

Recalling Chen Shu’s comment on the phone yesterday that the new script had its ups and downs, Han Shan ended up discussing it with Chen Shu from morning till night.

It wasn’t until late evening that he reluctantly let Chen Shu leave, arranging to meet again the next morning before parting.

Chen Shu only had the Escape Room variety show to film, so his schedule was relatively free, and he didn’t refuse.

However, the very next day.

While Chen Shu and Han Shan were discussing a scene, He Qiyu suddenly knocked and entered.

Sorry, Director Han, I need to borrow Chen Shu for a moment. In front of Han Shan, He Qiyu kept her composure.

Han Shan said, Go ahead.

He Qiyu looked at Chen Shu.

Chen Shu stood and walked out the door.

He Qiyu closed the door, her expression immediately darkening: Chen Shu, we need to fly to the Escape Room studio right away.

She walked a few steps away, leading Chen Shu into the adjacent room, and then explained the phone call she had just received in detail.

The producer of Escape Room had just notified her that starting from the next episode, a newcomer would replace Chen Shu as the new permanent guest on the show.

From the next episode onward, Chen Shu would temporarily have no role in the program.

In other words, this so-called newcomer had snatched Chen Shu’s spot.

The other party told me the newcomer is named Jian Haochen, a newly debuted artist from Milan Entertainment. Mentioning Milan Entertainment, He Qiyu couldn’t help but feel furious. For a fresh debut to snatch such a valuable resource—he’s likely connected to Li Sheng from Xinrun Group. But no matter what, we can’t give up this opportunity.

Initially, she hadn’t recommended Chen Shu participate in variety shows because she didn’t want him to lose focus.

Now with Nameless secured and the popularity of Escape Room skyrocketing—surpassing even the earlier Here For You—it was arguably the hottest large-scale reality show, if not the hottest outright.

Giving up at this stage would be throwing away an opportunity for nothing.

Moreover, Chen Shu’s performance on the show was evident to all. The most viral video clips and trending searches were dominated by topics related to Chen Shu.

She wouldn’t go so far as to say Escape Room and Chen Shu had mutually elevated each other, but Chen Shu had undoubtedly brought significant traffic to the show.

Just look at the dense barrage of comments at the start of each live broadcast—it was clear how many viewers tuned in specifically for Chen Shu.

Just because the production team couldn’t afford to offend other guests, were they supposed to hand over the popularity Chen Shu had painstakingly built to someone else?

He Qiyu absolutely refused to swallow this injustice!

This is a unilateral breach of contract by ‘Escape Room.’ I must demand an explanation from them!

After listening to her, Chen Shu only asked, How much is the penalty for breach of contract?

He Qiyu: …

Her angry expression froze on her face. What?

Chen Shu said, Since ‘Nameless’ has revised the script, if the penalty is reasonable, I plan to invest additional funds.

He Qiyu: ……..

How could she have forgotten?

Chen Shu only participated in variety shows to make money.

But penalties were one thing—maintaining long-term exposure was the foundation for earning more. Draining the pond to catch the fish might bring temporary glory, but it wasn’t sustainable.

The penalty… I forgot too. Let me check the contract. After saying this, He Qiyu continued persuading, But I should still go and see if there’s any room for negotiation.

Chen Shu said, Fine.

He Qiyu breathed a sigh of relief. Then I’ll set off now.

Seeing Chen Shu agree, she apologized and bid farewell to Han Shan while accompanying Chen Shu back, then turned and left.

Chen Shu had no interest in reclaiming his spot on the show and evidently wouldn’t seek Director Yan’s backing to intimidate those opportunistic schemers. She could only rely on herself.

After she left, Chen Shu, Han Shan, and the others continued discussing the script until the afternoon, when they finally remembered to have lunch.

Not long after finishing the meal, Chen Shu received a call from Yan Jingchuan.

What time will you be back tonight?

Chen Shu asked first, Do you have plans?

Yan Jingchuan said, What did you think of the restaurant last time?

Chen Shu laughed. Is this the old master’s idea again?

There was a second of silence on the other end.

Then Yan Jingchuan’s voice came through: Yes.

Chen Shu then asked for the time and told him, I’ll try my best to be there on time.

Yan Jingchuan said, Okay.

After hanging up, Chen Shu returned to his room.

As dusk approached, he declined Han Shan’s invitation and got up to leave.

Xiao Tian drove him to the restaurant entrance. Shu-ge, are you sure you don’t need me to wait here?

Chen Shu said, Mm.

Alright. Xiao Tian had no choice but to watch Chen Shu enter the building before turning the steering wheel back onto the main road.

When Chen Shu entered the restaurant, the manager, who remembered his face well, immediately came out from the front desk. After greeting him, he led Chen Shu to Yan Jingchuan’s private room.

Director Yan is waiting for you.

As he spoke, he reached out and opened the door.

Sure enough, Yan Jingchuan was standing by the window.

Hearing the noise, he turned around and spotted Chen Shu at a glance.

What were you looking at? Chen Shu asked casually.

Yan Jingchuan said, I thought I could see the entrance from here.

The manager’s heart skipped a beat, and he quietly retreated.

Chen Shu asked, Can you see it?

Yan Jingchuan walked over to him with his cane. No.

Chen Shu walked with him to the dining table and took a seat.

After ordering, the manager came to serve the dishes as usual.

Soft music played during the meal and ended when the two got up.

Chen Shu picked up his coat and casually took Yan Jingchuan’s hand, about to move forward when the grip on his hand held firm.

He turned to look at Yan Jingchuan.

Yan Jingchuan stood in place, waiting for him to turn back before taking a step forward, nearly pressing against him face to face.

Chen Shu was somewhat surprised.

Hindered by the possible presence of Yan Jinqing’s spy, he didn’t pull away. Jingchuan?

Yan Jingchuan’s gaze lowered slightly, resting on his parted lips. Chen Shu…

Hm?

Only when Yan Jingchuan heard the frantic beating of his heart did he realize he was holding his breath.

He took another half step forward, pressing his cane against Chen Shu’s lower back, and whispered, Between lovers, we should be more intimate.

The words sounded so familiar.

Chen Shu chuckled softly. How intimate do you want to be?

Yan Jingchuan’s gaze swept over his lips again. With a firm grip, he closed the last bit of distance between them, leaning in slightly.

His implication was too obvious.

Especially when his heated breath paused right there, his slightly pursed lips hovering just before his own.

Do you mind? Yan Jingchuan asked, his tone seemingly calm, but his heartstrings were stretched taut.

Chen Shu’s brow twitched slightly.

Staring at Yan Jingchuan so close before him, a fleeting sense of strangeness stirred within his heart.

Even if his silence lasted only a second, it felt exceptionally long.

Not wanting to wait for his refusal in the end, Yan Jingchuan closed his eyes and kissed him first.

Chen Shu raised his hand to rest on Yan Jingchuan’s shoulder, feeling his palm tighten for a moment. After a pause, his hand moved to the back of Yan Jingchuan’s neck, his thumb stroking below his jaw and behind his ear, but he didn’t push him away.

Let it serve as a belated consent.