Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Chen Shu stood up and walked toward Yan Jingchuan.

Yan Jingchuan’s expression was unreadable. “Li Sheng asked to meet you?”

His voice was cold and deep, with a distinctive edge.

On the other end of the call, He Qiyu felt her scalp tingle just hearing his voice. She nearly dropped her phone.

Director Yan!

The thought flashed through her mind before she registered what Yan Jingchuan had said and recalled what she had just revealed over the phone.

She had talked about Chen Shu’s admirer—right in front of Director Yan.

Given Director Yan’s possessiveness toward Chen Shu…

He Qiyu’s hand trembled slightly as she held the card.

What should she do…?

Was it too late to pretend this call never happened…?

She pressed the phone tightly against her ear, straining to hear what was happening on the other end, not daring to make a sound for fear of giving herself away.

She heard Chen Shu’s voice first.

“Today was the first time I met Li Sheng. It was just a coincidence—we didn’t interact.”

Good!

Clear things up first!

“He sent flowers on your first meeting. What will he give you the next time?”

He Qiyu: “…”

Judging by the situation, Director Yan’s sudden jealousy would be hard to swallow. She listened, feeling as if she were sitting on pins and needles, afraid to move and make noise. Turning her face toward the bouquet on the table, she stared at it as if it were a ticking time bomb.

Fortunately, Chen Shu spoke again soon.

“I won’t meet him again.” He had already reached Yan Jingchuan’s side, and his voice grew clearer. “Today was an accident. I’ll have He Qiyu turn him down. Don’t overthink it.”

Yan Jingchuan’s tone softened slightly as he averted his gaze. “I’m not overthinking it.”

Chen Shu raised his hand, intending to take the phone back, but chuckled softly at his words.

Yan Jingchuan’s voice deepened. “What are you laughing at?”

Chen Shu simply clasped Yan Jingchuan’s hand along with the phone. “Jingchuan, look at me.”

The grip around his hand wasn’t forceful, but it captured Yan Jingchuan’s full attention.

Hearing those words, he instinctively turned back to meet Chen Shu’s gaze, tightening his hold on the phone unconsciously. “What do you want to say?”

Chen Shu looked into his eyes. “I once told you that no matter what you ask of me, I’ll agree. That’s my promise to you.”

Yan Jingchuan’s lips pressed together thinly, his breath hitching slightly.

“I know Li Sheng’s reputation, and I understand your concerns. You’re free to ask me to stay away from him.” Chen Shu said. “But you also have to trust me.”

In the brief silence, Yan Jingchuan could almost hear his own heartbeat. He lowered his gaze, avoiding Chen Shu’s eyes. “Trust you with what?”

“Trust that I’ll keep my word.”

Yan Jingchuan was taken aback and looked up at him.

Once again, he met Chen Shu’s smiling eyes.

“Trust me.” Chen Shu said. “Don’t overthink it.”

Yan Jingchuan’s fingers tightened and loosened around the phone. For a moment, he thought he could hear the frantic beating of his own heart. Then he came back to himself.

“Okay.”

Only then did Chen Shu release his hand.

Sensing Yan Jingchuan’s earlier unease, he didn’t take the phone back. Keeping it on speaker, he said to He Qiyu, “Find an excuse to turn down Li Sheng’s invitation. From now on, you don’t need to consult me about matters like this—handle them the same way.”

The warmth in his voice when speaking to one person instantly cooled, and He Qiyu immediately realized he was addressing her. Feeling a pang of bitterness, she hurriedly replied, “Okay!”

Afterward, recalling Chen Shu’s earlier words, she couldn’t help but grumble inwardly.

She had always thought Director Yan’s possessiveness toward Chen Shu was unusual, but now she understood—it was entirely enabled.

Agree to any request?

Who could resist that?!

No wonder Director Yan’s jealousy only seemed to grow.

“Is there anything else?”

He Qiyu snapped back to attention and quickly said, “No, that’s all. I’ll take care of it right away.”

Thinking back to the words she had just spoken to Yan Jingchuan, she was still trembling with fear. After replying briefly, she hurriedly hung up.

Chen Shu also put away his phone and looked at Yan Jingchuan.

Yan Jingchuan remained expressionless and changed the subject: Are you free tomorrow evening?

Chen Shu thought for a moment: It’s still uncertain.

He Qiyu was negotiating a new gig. Since it was an emergency replacement, she would likely rush to sign the contract, so he might not have free time tomorrow.

And indeed.

The next morning, while Chen Shu was in the music room receiving Yan Jingchuan’s long-awaited personal guidance on a piece, halfway through playing a song, he received another call from He Qiyu.

Under Yan Jingchuan’s silent gaze, Chen Shu put the call on speaker: What is it?

He Qiyu said: Remember that variety show I mentioned yesterday? The negotiations are almost done. If you’re free this afternoon, shall we meet? Chen Shu replied: Mm.

He Qiyu said: Then I’ll pick you up this afternoon.

She had contacted Chen Shu during a bathroom break. After briefly explaining, she ended the call.

Yan Jingchuan listened to the entire conversation: A new variety show?

Chen Shu said: Yes.

Yan Jingchuan frowned.

One variety show already took up a day and a half of Chen Shu’s week. With two shows, Chen Shu might only have half his time left for free use.

But he didn’t want to interfere too much with Chen Shu’s work. What he wanted wasn’t to control Chen Shu’s life.

What’s wrong?

Yan Jingchuan glanced at him: Nothing.

After speaking, his hand resting on the piano keys paused briefly before pressing over Chen Shu’s hand, Let’s continue. I’ll teach you.

Chen Shu didn’t pay much mind: Okay.

After practicing in the music room, the two had lunch and took Wangcai downstairs for a few walks.

Zhang Shi had arrived early looking for opportunities, but could only wait until they finished walking the silly dog before following them upstairs.

Under his devout prayers, Chen Shu finally received He Qiyu’s call, changed clothes, bid farewell to Yan Jingchuan, and left.

The car was waiting right outside.

After Chen Shu got in the car, He Qiyu briefed him about the morning’s negotiation details during the ride.

These were all specific contractual terms. Knowing Chen Shu had little interest in such matters, she kept it concise, only explaining the important points.

The show is called ‘Operation Prep,’ a large-scale competitive survival reality show with six guests. It premieres next Sunday, right after the Escape Room episode – clearly aiming to capitalize on the hype. From their description, the show requires both physical exertion and mental effort. They’re spending heavily to get you, probably because they were impressed by your performance in Escape Room and want to use you to attract viewers.

Having demands was normal. In fact, understanding their motives made accepting the money feel more justified.

Producing shows wasn’t charity work. When someone suddenly offers big money to hire Chen Shu, her biggest fear was whether there were any hidden schemes.

Just as He Qiyu finished speaking, the car stopped.

Seeing the staff member who had been waiting at the entrance approach, she said nothing more.

The three went upstairs together. Since He Qiyu had already negotiated everything beforehand, Chen Shu only needed to sign, making the process smooth and quick.

On the way back, He Qiyu had Xiao Tian drive to the company first.

Although Chen Shu’s side projects were flourishing, the company was still working hard on his main career. Taking advantage of Chen Shu’s current availability, it was the perfect time to finalize the new song at the company.

But upon entering the company lobby, He Qiyu was stopped by the receptionist.

Jade Sister, Jade Sister!

He Qiyu walked over.

The receptionist pulled a bouquet of roses from under the counter: Flowers delivered today. For Chen Shu.

He Qiyu: …

It was this flower that caused her trouble yesterday, and now it’s causing mischief again today.

But fortunately, Chen Shu was right beside her this time.

Thank you, she said, taking only the folded card from among the petals. You can have the flowers.

Then she walked over to Chen Shu and read the contents of the card in a low voice, Until you change your mind. Li Sheng.

Chen Shu glanced at her.

He Qiyu immediately closed the card: Understood, I won’t bother you with these things in the future.

Chen Shu simply said, Let’s go.

After going upstairs to finalize the song selection, by the time he returned to his residence, the sky had already darkened completely.

But when he opened the door, the living room was as bright as daylight.

Yan Jingchuan was still waiting for him.

Seeing that all the dishes on the table were covered with food covers, Chen Shu looked at him: Haven’t eaten yet?

Yan Jingchuan said, Just finished work.

Chen Shu said, Together?

Okay, Yan Jingchuan said, standing up and walking to the table to sit down.

After the meal, the two took turns washing up and went to bed together.

The next day.

After breakfast, Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan took Wangcai for their usual walk downstairs.

Not long after returning, Yan Jingchuan went to the bedroom and changed into a suit.

Chen Shu asked, Going out?

Grandfather’s birthday is today, I need to go back to the old mansion, Yan Jingchuan said. Before that, I’ll take you to the airport first.

To the airport?

Yan Jingchuan countered, Aren’t you recording the show today?

Right. Chen Shu then remembered he hadn’t mentioned the contract termination with Escape Room to Yan Jingchuan. After explaining, he added, The new variety show starts next week, so I’m not recording anything this week.

A faint light flickered in Yan Jingchuan’s eyes: Since you’re not recording, come with me to the old mansion.

Having heard him mention Yan Jinqing’s birthday, Chen Shu had already guessed his arrangement: Okay.

Yan Jingchuan returned to the bedroom and retrieved a suit from the walk-in closet.

Chen Shu took it and changed, only then noticing that the style and color were very similar to what Yan Jingchuan was wearing.

He opened the wardrobe and saw that almost all the suits inside were arranged in pairs of similar sets.

Yan Jingchuan reached out to close the wardrobe door, turned and walked toward the door, his tone casual: We should get going.

Chen Shu smiled and went downstairs with him to get in the car.

Wangcai followed behind them and jumped into the car as well.

Watching it excitedly circling under Yan Jingchuan’s legs, Chen Shu said casually, During this period, I’ll find a place to board Wangcai.

Hearing its name, Wangcai pounced at his feet.

Yan Jingchuan frowned: Why?

Chen Shu said, In another month, I’ll be joining a film crew, and you’ll be busy with company matters. We won’t have time to take care of it. Letting it adapt to the environment in advance is better than making a last-minute decision.

Yan Jingchuan said, No need, I’ll take care of it.

He immediately added, I don’t trust boarding facilities. If hygiene standards aren’t met, it could affect Wangcai’s health.

Health concerns were indeed important to consider.

Chen Shu said, You have a point, but—

Yan Jingchuan interrupted him: Or are you saying you don’t trust me to take care of it?

Of course not, Chen Shu said, pressing down on Wangcai’s head as it nudged his palm. Let me think more about the boarding arrangement.

Yan Jingchuan said firmly, No need to think about it. I don’t agree.

Chen Shu glanced at him and didn’t insist further.

The car slowed as it passed through the garden.

When Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan arrived at the Yan family old mansion, the other attendees of this family birthday banquet had already gathered.

Seeing Chen Shu, everyone recalled the scene from last time when Yan Jingchuan had publicly come out, exchanging uneasy glances. When they saw Yan Jinqing emerge from inside, they fell into a hushed silence.

Neither of these two, grandfather and grandson, were easy to deal with. If they started arguing, helping either side would be troublesome…

Unexpectedly, when Yan Jinqing saw the two of them, he only snorted and even greeted them: Since you’re here, go inside. What are you standing at the door for?

Thinking of Yan Jinqing’s recent arrangements, Chen Shu took Yan Jingchuan’s hand and entered the front hall.

Yan Jinqing pretended not to see it.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Everyone watched his expression and, seeing that he actually wasn’t very angry about this matter, stepped forward one after another to continue the previous conversation.

Not long after, the butler approached Yan Jinqing and whispered something to him.

Yan Jinqing waved his hand and said, Let’s go, everyone to dinner.

This birthday celebration wasn’t extravagant, and dinner was just a family banquet. Because there were many relatives, the dining table was quite lively.

Yan Jinqing had limited fondness for such liveliness.

After the meal ended, he didn’t keep anyone behind.

When Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan returned from walking the dog, the surroundings were already quiet.

Yan Jingchuan said, Let’s go upstairs.

Chen Shu said, Mm.

With Yan Jinqing absent, he didn’t do anything unnecessary.

But after taking two steps forward, Yan Jinqing’s voice came from around the corner.

In the future, don’t invite anyone else. At my age, what’s the point of celebrating birthdays?

Yan Xinli acknowledged this.

The two’s conversation grew closer.

Chen Shu was about to take Yan Jingchuan’s hand again.

Yan Jingchuan suddenly stopped, turned to look at him.

Then took a step closer, grasped his outstretched hand, and slightly lowered his gaze.

This look was familiar.

Chen Shu remembered seeing it once before in the restaurant.

Around the corner, Yan Jinqing’s voice drew increasingly near.

Yan Jingchuan tightened his grip on Chen Shu’s hand.

Chen Shu looked at him, feeling somewhat helpless at his implied question, and when the footsteps were about to turn the corner, said softly, Close your eyes.

Yan Jingchuan’s heartbeat grew slightly disordered.

He barely managed to comply.

Chen Shu raised his hand to the back of his head, his fingertips threading through the hair standing out distinctly in the darkness.

The next second.

Chen Shu’s kiss pressed against his lips.

Warm breath brushed past the corner of his mouth, filling the gaps.

The familiar yet unfamiliar sensation was also overly clear in the darkness.

Yan Jingchuan originally wanted to open his eyes.

But only gripped his cane tighter.