Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter 96: Extra Story One

Chapter 96: Extra Story One

A year had passed since the world-renowned wedding of the century.

The explosive news of Chen Shu—at the peak of his entertainment career—marrying Yan Jingchuan, chairman of the top-tier conglomerate Yan Corporation, remained a hot topic even today, with undiminished popularity.

As a male idol who debuted young, getting married at just 22 during his career ascent led many to believe his wedding-period film Nameless would be his peak. No one expected it was merely the beginning.

Within a year,

Chen Shu had swept nearly all domestic awards and gained international fame, accumulating countless honors.

And not just as an actor.

His directorial brilliance began shining irresistibly just one month after the wedding.

His directorial debut first won numerous awards overseas, then triggered a box office frenzy upon its domestic release.

One box office record after another stacked upon his head like heavyweight titles.

Today, these titles were repeatedly mentioned to promote a variety show.

Titled Our Vacation, it was a couples reality show with unannounced specifics, but confirmed to broadcast live. The most anticipated aspect was its guest lineup.

When the dual announcement trailer for Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan dropped, Weibo momentarily crashed.

As everyone knew, after the wedding, Chen Shu had disregarded all the stunned reactions without even attempting to stabilize his fanbase, directly transitioning behind the scenes. With no buffer—as abrupt as his marriage announcement—most media couldn’t even track him down for interviews, let alone variety appearances.

Since Ready, Action!, Chen Shu had accepted no public engagements.

To be precise, apart from the globally live-streamed wedding, he only appeared during award ceremony broadcasts. Yan Jingchuan was even more inaccessible.

Thus, their exceptional participation in Our Vacation sparked endless online speculation:

“Is it really possible? Someone of Yan Jingchuan’s status would publicly join a variety show?”

“It’s officially announced—can’t just be a gimmick, right? They said it’ll livestream at 6 PM sharp. I’m waiting to see what tricks the producers have!”

“Suspect Chen Shu can’t stand being called Yan Jingchuan’s kept boy and took this show to clear his name. Who’d want that reputation? Understandable.”

“He WAS kept though. Otherwise, how’d he repay his family debts so fast? Get such good resources? LOL, stop brainwashing yourselves stans—your gege would kill to be Yan Jingchuan’s sugar baby.”

En route to the filming location, He Qiyu frowned at these toxic discussions.

Chen Shu’s meteoric rise inevitably attracted envy and hateful followers. Despite the studio’s repeated suppression, the gossip persisted. Noticing fans countering the negativity below, she screenshotted and forwarded them to the group chat before glancing aside.

Yan Jingchuan and Chen Shu sat side-by-side, conversing in low tones.

He Qiyu stiffened her posture uncomfortably.

Given the choice, she’d rather die than share a car with Director Yan.

As they neared the destination, she opened the app—the show had already begun airing the morning’s preview segment.

Chen Shu, Director Yan, the program is starting. Would you like to watch?

Yan Jingchuan said, Play it.

Okay. He Qiyu gestured for Xiao Tian to start the video.

The program was currently showing the first couple’s interview.

The bullet screen comments were enabled, densely covering the entire screen, but half were filled with Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan’s names. When an occasional unfriendly comment floated by, He Qiyu’s heart jumped. She quickly glanced at Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan, and seeing that neither seemed to have noticed, she stepped forward and turned off the bullet screen comments.

Returning to her seat, she secretly picked up her phone, muted the variety show page, and scrolled through the comments below.

As expected.

The comment section was also largely dominated by their names, mixed with many speculative comments both positive and negative—all rather clichéd.

If you ask me, Chen Shu joining this program is a terrible move. It’s fully live-streamed—how he interacts with Yan Jingchuan will be completely exposed. Does he expect Yan Jingchuan to play along? I’ve seen Yan Jingchuan’s interview videos; with that kind of personality, it’s probably difficult.

All I see is that Chen Shu’s team is utterly incompetent. That century wedding was such great material—why not market it as a perfect love story? Wouldn’t it be better for Chen Shu to just quietly be the golden canary behind the big shot? Why insist on joining a program to prove himself? Better be careful—if his persona backfires, there’s no taking it back.

He Qiyu found it exasperating to read. She messaged the studio to handle it promptly, then shifted her focus back to the variety show itself.

This segment served as an introduction before the live broadcast began, aiming to capture authentic footage. Four teams had set out simultaneously, making surprise visits early this morning, which indeed made for compelling viewing.

After the first three segments concluded, they finally reached the last clip. He Qiyu straightened up slightly and picked up her phone to watch attentively.

The scene opened with the director’s knocking.

Then, the door opened.

Chen Shu’s face appeared on camera.

Seeing him fully dressed, the director’s disappointment was palpable: Teacher Chen, you’re up early.

He Qiyu glanced at Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan beside her.

Both were watching the edited footage. Just as she was about to look away, her gaze drifted downward, noticing their intertwined hands. She looked down at her own empty palm and sighed inwardly.

Suddenly, barking pulled her attention back.

Woof! Woof! Woof!

The following cameraman instinctively stepped back.

Wangcai.

At the sound of this voice, the camera panned sideways.

Yan Jingchuan was walking slowly out of the bedroom.

Like Chen Shu, he wore slightly loose light gray short sleeves and pants, shedding some of his commanding presence in favor of a more relaxed, at-home vibe—though he still maintained an air of aloofness.

Wangcai obediently ran to his feet but, before he could seek affection, was leashed and shut in the bedroom.

Good morning, Director Yan, the director greeted first.

Chen Shu fetched several drinks from the refrigerator and handed them to everyone, then walked with Yan Jingchuan to the sofa.

A staff member approached to help them put on their equipment, but Yan Jingchuan raised a hand to take it: I’ll do it.

The camera recorded all their movements, and the editing preserved every detail.

The director waited patiently until they were finished before tentatively asking, Shall we begin?

Yan Jingchuan gave a slight nod and said calmly, Sit.

Ah! Following the director’s cue, he sat upright outside the camera frame, his nervously fidgeting hands accidentally captured by the lens. After exchanging pleasantries amid the teasing bullet screen comments, the interview began.

One template question after another passed until the finale, when the director finally asked:

Actually, I’m quite curious—what brought both of you to participate in our program ‘Our Holiday’? After all, Teacher Chen hasn’t appeared on variety shows for over a year.

Hearing this, Chen Shu responded first: The program is quite innovative.
The director gave a dry laugh.

He Qiyu understood.

Such a vague answer held no promotional value.

The director pressed further: Teacher Chen, did you join ‘Our Holiday’ simply because it seemed novel?

Chen Shu said, You could say that.

At this point, the bullet screen comments exploded, dissecting his statement from every angle in an attempt to uncover deeper meanings.

He Qiyu was also watching their interview for the first time and felt genuinely curious.

Having learned from past experiences, she fully supported Chen Shu’s career transformation after marriage. History had proven her decision right.

Throughout the year, Chen Shu achieved great success with endless variety show invitations, yet he never paid them any mind.

Except for Our Holiday—shortly after she forwarded the invitation to him, Chen Shu confirmed his participation.

Wasn’t he supposed to be preparing for a new film? Why the sudden interest in variety shows?

Could it be to publicly display affection?

He Qiyu remained perplexed.

Unfortunately, neither she nor the director managed to extract a concrete answer from Chen Shu.

The director then shifted focus, asking Yan Jingchuan: Director Yan, do you share Teacher Chen’s perspective?

His tone carried the characteristic caution reserved for Yan Jingchuan, yet remained flat—merely a routine inquiry.

Perhaps the director assumed that despite Yan Jingchuan’s special status, as an industry outsider joining the show alongside Chen Shu, he’d merely been invited by Chen Shu and wouldn’t offer anything substantial.

He Qiyu, however, pricked up her ears.

Yan Jingchuan said, No.

No? The director’s off-camera voice immediately responded, barely containing his curiosity. Then what was your reason? Frankly, your participation in ‘Our Holiday’ has surprised both our team and netizens alike.

Yan Jingchuan glanced at Chen Shu, his expression unchanged: Teacher Chen’s work keeps him too busy. This was the only method I could use to secure his schedule.

Hearing this response, He Qiyu and the director both froze.

The director might momentarily doubt the statement’s sincerity.

But she knew Director Yan was dead serious—not joking in the slightest. Every day of the past two years could attest to that.

She just never expected Director Yan to state it so casually.

Really?

Without any restraint in front of the cameras…?

He Qiyu instinctively turned to look beside her, but catching a glimpse of Yan Jingchuan mid-turn, she swiftly faced forward again.

Then again.

Director Yan had no need for restraint—the ones who should exercise caution were everyone beyond the camera lens.

In the footage, Chen Shu also turned to glance at Yan Jingchuan, smiling as he said, Don’t slander me.

But clearly having no intention to elaborate on camera, he continued to the director, Carry on.

Watching this segment inside the car, Chen Shu explained: I told you—the film is still in preparation. It won’t start filming that soon.

Yan Jingchuan offered no confirmation: Is that so.

If you prefer, we could cancel the production entirely.

Yan Jingchuan turned to face him.

The wedding ring on his ring finger was held in Yan Jingchuan’s palm when Chen Shu said, All my time can be yours.

… He Qiyu listened with an expressionless face, grateful that the variety show gave her something else to focus on.

The director didn’t let the topic drop and pressed further, So was it Director Yan’s decision to join the program?

Yan Jingchuan replied, Yes.

This outcome was truly surprising.

It wasn’t just the director and He Qiyu who were taken aback—the astonishment of the audience in the bullet screen comments was even more evident.

Wait, Yan Jingchuan dragged Chen Shu onto a variety show? This is a plot twist I never imagined…

Is Yan Jingchuan complaining that Chen Shu is too busy to come home and spend time with him? Their dynamic is so different from what I pictured…

Is this an act? I don’t believe an entertainer like Chen Shu could be busier than a corporate CEO. With a 48-hour live stream, I’d advise someone: you can’t fake your true nature.

The person above is hilarious. Why would a CEO put on an act of affection for your benefit? Who do you think you are?

Seeing these arguments, He Qiyu curled her lip.

Chen Shu wasn’t just an ordinary entertainer anymore. The effort a director puts into preparing a film far exceeds that of an actor, and on top of filming, Chen Shu was also involved in editing.

If you asked whether he was busy, he certainly was.

Given Director Yan’s usual demeanor, it made perfect sense for him to say something like that…

As she was lost in thought, the car came to a stop.

Xiao Tian hopped out and swiftly opened the car door.

Seeing this, the waiting staff hurried over.

Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan stepped out together and followed the staff toward the venue.

The remaining stretch wasn’t accessible by car, but it was only a five-minute walk to the filming area. The production crew had rented a large local courtyard to serve as a temporary base.

Hearing that Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan had arrived, the director came out to greet them. However, just as the two finished putting on their equipment, a knock came from outside the lounge door.

Teacher Chen, Director Yan, it’s time.

The director stood up and glanced questioningly at Chen Shu.

Chen Shu casually picked up his small suitcase. Let’s go.

Yan Jingchuan, holding Wangcai’s leash, walked to his side. After just a couple of steps, their hands brushed and then intertwined, fingers lacing together.

The slightly hard ring rubbed against his palm again, shimmering under the evening sun.

Chen Shu held his hand firmly and walked straight into the camera frame.

He Qiyu watched them walk away before moving behind the monitor to observe the on-screen footage.

Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan had already reached the fence outside the filming location.

The courtyard was equipped with cameras covering every angle and handheld cameras following their movements. The moment they appeared, their figures were precisely captured.

The bullet screen comments erupted with excitement.

Ahhh, they’re finally here!

Chen Shu, Chen Shu!! Ahhh, I’ve been waiting so long!!

The two of them standing together is just perfect—I’ve rewatched their wedding video so many times, and finally, there’s new content!!

Wow, they make such a majestic entrance, yet they’re holding hands like a young couple. Tsk tsk tsk.

Noticing the livestream’s soaring popularity, the main screen remained fixed on the split shot of Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan.

As they climbed the slope, the dirt path grew uneven and steep. Chen Shu switched his suitcase to his left hand and moved Yan Jingchuan to the inner side. Be careful.

Two years had passed, and Yan Jingchuan’s soul displacement issue had mostly healed, but the physical damage from the car accident had never fully recovered. The cane he always carried had become a permanent habit.

After switching positions, Chen Shu continued without pause, only stopping halfway to glance at the person beside him.

Stepping out of the obstructed view, the scenery gradually opened up.

The location carefully selected by the production team was exceptionally pleasant. Despite the sweltering August heat, there was no trace of summer’s oppression in the air—only lush greenery swaying in the gentle breeze, revealing undulating mountain ranges through the gaps in the branches and leaves.

Yan Jingchuan followed his gaze, then reached out to hold his hand. Satisfied now?

Chen Shu glanced back at him. When have I ever been unsatisfied?

Yan Jingchuan said, Putting your film on hold and being forced to join this show—I’d understand if you had complaints.

Chen Shu raised an eyebrow. Thank you for your understanding, Director Yan.

He continued walking forward. But there was no coercion. It was entirely voluntary.

Hearing this, Yan Jingchuan looked at his profile, a faint smile tugging at his lips, and said nothing more.

In the courtyard, the guests who had arrived earlier were still getting acquainted when they noticed the commotion outside the gate.

Did someone just arrive?

The courtyard gate stood wide open, offering a clear view of the scene inside.

Before joining the show, He Qiyu had thoroughly briefed Chen Shu on all the guests, so he had some familiarity with the people before him.

There were the model couple of the industry, veteran actors Guan Yongming and Liao Xia;

The middle-aged power duo Yuan Xiyuan and Zhu Meng, who fell in love on set and became a formidable pair;

And the newlywed idol couple Wen Hanyin and Zhong Shiyi, who had just emerged from a highly publicized whirlwind romance.

As Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan entered, the others came forward to greet them.

Guan Yongming, the senior among them, who had spoken first, smiled at his beloved Liao Xia behind him. See? I told you someone was coming!

The other five also stepped forward.

Chen Shu shook hands with each of them before heading into the main hall.

Inside, a table was set with meals. Now that everyone had arrived, it was time to dine.

After the meal, Zhong Shiyi found the clue card prepared by the production team and read it aloud.

Our Holiday consisted of eight episodes, one per week, with each episode filmed over forty-eight hours.

According to the clues, the first four episodes would take place in this picturesque village, far from the city’s hustle and bustle, embracing the beauty of nature. The latter four would involve each couple planning one episode, with the production team responsible for execution.

It also says that during this time, we can’t rely on external help. We have to be self-sufficient using what’s available here for food, clothing, and shelter. Anything else must be earned through labor. After finishing the last part, Zhong Shiyi looked utterly bewildered.

As a couple, Wen Hanyin was quick to act. He went out to check the kitchen and returned to report, There are condiments and staple foods like rice and flour, but no vegetables. The yard has plenty planted, though none seem ripe yet.

No matter, having food is enough. We can figure out the rest tomorrow morning, Guan Yongming declared decisively. Everyone’s tired from traveling today. Let’s tidy up and get some rest.

He and Liao Xia, being the oldest, had limited energy and soon retired to their room.

Seeing this, the others also returned to their respective rooms.

I’m going out to take a look. Chen Shu set down his suitcase and, noticing the star-filled sky outside, turned to see Yan Jingchuan pouring water for Wangcai. He stepped out alone past the threshold.

Both in the past and now, such a holiday was a first for him.

While filming, he occasionally encountered similar scenes, but there was never anyone to share them with.

Wen Hanyin and Zhong Shiyi shared the same sentiment.

Among the eight, aside from Chen Shu on the surface, they were the youngest.

Even though Chen Shu was only twenty-three years old, his achievements were already far beyond their reach. With the title of highest-grossing director alone, Chen Shu was someone to look up to.

Seeing him come out, the two stood up from the stone bench: Teacher Chen.

Continue your chat. Chen Shu nodded at them, but his peripheral vision caught the scenery behind the wall. He turned and walked toward the courtyard.

Wen Hanyin and Zhong Shiyi watched him leave, exchanged a glance, and were hesitating whether to follow when they heard Yan Jingchuan’s voice from nearby.

Where is Chen Shu?

Yan Jingchuan frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping across the courtyard before settling on the two by the stone table.

Yan Jingchuan—a name that thundered in their ears.

Meeting his gaze, Wen Hanyin and Zhong Shiyi instinctively tensed up.

Teacher Chen… seems like… he went outside.

Thank you. Hearing the answer, Yan Jingchuan also turned and walked out of the courtyard.

Just outside, he spotted Chen Shu’s figure.

Seeing him, Chen Shu raised a hand and beckoned lightly: Come here.

As Yan Jingchuan approached, he asked: What are you looking at?

Fruit trees, Chen Shu said. Peaches, cherries. Which one do you want to eat?

Yan Jingchuan said: Either is fine.

Chen Shu said: Then we’ll have both.

Just then, Wen Hanyin and his wife also came out. Seeing the fruit-laden trees, they excitedly brought basins from the kitchen, picked some fruit, and went back inside to share.

Chen Shu left the kitchen to them and washed the fruit at the courtyard tap.

Yan Jingchuan stood beside him holding a porcelain plate. Chen Shu casually picked up a washed cherry and brought it to his lips.

Watching him eat it, Chen Shu withdrew his hand, using his thumb to wipe away the water droplet that had brushed against Yan Jingchuan’s thin lips. He then averted his gaze and piled the remaining fruit onto the plate: Go sit down. I’ll join you after washing these.

Yan Jingchuan said: I’ll stay with you.

The cameras diligently captured their interactions, broadcasting them to countless households.

Bullet screen comments never ceased.

The more I watch, the stranger it seems. This is completely different from the online analyses, right? Yan Jingchuan and Chen Shu’s interactions are so ordinary—even a bit clingy.

Extremely clingy! I specifically paid attention—these two haven’t been apart for more than two minutes since the broadcast started. Even Wen Hanyin’s newlywed couple isn’t this clingy!!

Watching these comments, He Qiyu—who was also lurking in the livestream—felt her eyelids twitch violently.

Director Yan, please show some restraint!

Your clingy spirit nature is about to be exposed so soon!!