Who is Helping Me Win by Lying Down [Transmigration] - Chapter35

Chapter35

Hunger strike?

Chen Shu stroked Wangcai’s belly—it definitely wasn’t as plump as usual.

Watching his movements, Yan Jingchuan felt as if that familiar touch was brushing against his own skin. His grip tightened slightly around his cane before he averted his gaze.

How long has it been since he ate?

Hearing Chen Shu’s voice, Yan Jingchuan turned back to face him. His last meal was at nine this morning. As he spoke, he tapped lightly on the table.

Only then did Chen Shu notice that Yan Jingchuan had brought along Wangcai’s favorite dog food.

Thank you. Chen Shu casually scooped up a handful from the bag, but before he could bring it to Wangcai, the dog eagerly plunged his snout in, scattering more than he managed to eat.

Seeing this, Yan Jingchuan stood up. Let’s go upstairs.

Alright. Chen Shu carried Wangcai and walked side by side with Yan Jingchuan toward the door.

Zhang Shi and He Qiyu followed closely behind.

He Qiyu’s eyes widened at the sight of the dog in Chen Shu’s arms. Is this… Wangcai?

Chen Shu replied, Mm. Cancel my flight ticket. Contact Director Cui—I’ll join the crew tomorrow.

He Qiyu glanced at Yan Jingchuan before responding, Okay.

So Chen Shu had gone back just to bring the dog along.

But Director Yan and Chen Shu seemed unusually close. For someone as busy as Director Yan to personally deliver Chen Shu’s dog…

Yan Jingchuan looked only at Chen Shu. Joining the crew?

Chen Shu said, Yes. I need to start preparations as soon as possible.

Yan Jingchuan frowned. You didn’t tell me in advance.

Chen Shu explained, I booked a flight for tonight. I was planning to tell you after I got back.

Yan Jingchuan then asked, How long will this TV drama take to shoot?

Chen Shu wasn’t very familiar with TV production schedules. I’m not sure either. Probably two to three months.

Two to three months?

The furrow between Yan Jingchuan’s brows deepened.

Wangcai had already become listless after just two days without Chen Shu. Separated for so long, he definitely wouldn’t last.

Zhang Shi, observing the situation, feigned surprise. How could it take that long!

He Qiyu explained on Chen Shu’s behalf, Director Yan, it’s not two or three months.

Zhang Shi barely had time to feel relieved.

It’s at least three months.

Zhang Shi: …

He shot He Qiyu a glare.

If you don’t know how to speak properly, then keep your mouth shut!

He Qiyu was baffled by his glare.

She had thought that since Director Yan went out of his way to bring Wangcai to Chen Shu, and their interaction seemed perfectly normal, they might be friends. So she had tried to explain Chen Shu’s schedule to Director Yan.

But noticing Zhang Shi’s clear intention to stop her from continuing, she withdrew.

Still, what she said was correct.

Moon in the Mirror was a large-scale ancient costume Xianxia drama. Whether during pre-production preparations or the actual filming period, it would naturally take considerable time.

Three months was a conservative estimate—four months wasn’t out of the question.

But under Zhang Shi’s intimidating gaze, she didn’t get to explain this.

Later, inside the elevator,

Zhang Shi stole a glance at Director Yan’s expression, then braced himself and asked, Even if it takes that long, you wouldn’t need to stay here the entire time, right?

Chen Shu said, I would.

But He Qiyu said, Not necessarily.

Zhang Shi’s eyes lit up.

This drama has outdoor scenes. It’s not entirely filmed at the studio base.

Zhang Shi: …

He couldn’t help but raise a hand to massage his forehead,

using the motion to suppress the urge to strangle He Qiyu.

Fortunately, with a ding, they reached He Qiyu’s floor.

She didn’t interfere further with Chen Shu and Yan Jingchuan’s matters. Once the doors opened, she carefully slipped out along the edge of the elevator.

After she left, Chen Shu turned to Yan Jingchuan. When are you planning to go back? I’ll see you off.

Yan Jingchuan still had the massive Yan Corporation to manage. Filming often took months, and there was no reason to waste time here.

Hearing this question, Yan Jingchuan felt inexplicably displeased. So eager to send me away? Is there something inconvenient for you to do?

His tone made Zhang Shi’s eyelids twitch violently as he retreated into a corner to minimize his presence.

Chen Shu said, It’s not inconvenient for me, but for you.

Yan Jingchuan turned to look at him.

Chen Shu continued, Your health isn’t good, and the hotel doesn’t have comprehensive medical equipment.

If he were to suddenly fall unconscious like last time, it wouldn’t be convenient to handle on-site either.

Chen Shu was concerned about his health.

The furrow between Yan Jingchuan’s brows gradually eased. Is that the only reason?

Ding— The elevator doors opened.

Chen Shu was already walking out. Hearing this, he smiled and asked, What other reason could there be?

From their time together recently, he had clearly observed:

Whatever reason Yan Jingchuan had for keeping him, it definitely wasn’t out of personal desire. Cohabitation was merely like having an additional roommate for Yan Jingchuan—whether at his residence or a hotel made no difference.

Yan Jingchuan watched his retreating figure.

Soon, he declared decisively, During your filming period, you’ll stay with me.

Chen Shu raised an eyebrow slightly.

Though somewhat surprised, he didn’t refuse. Alright.

Yan Jingchuan was his Sugar Daddy for the contracted year.

When accepting favors, one couldn’t afford to be picky. Moreover, regarding signed contracts, he had always maintained a professional attitude.

As long as Yan Jingchuan’s requests didn’t cross his bottom line and were within his capabilities, he would agree.

Hearing his immediate response,

The gathering gloom in Yan Jingchuan’s heart quietly dissipated, unnoticed by its owner.

Zhang Shi followed behind the two.

Watching his boss’s emotions once again easily smoothed over by Chen Shu, his mouth twitched.

In the past, Director Yan had been aloof and inscrutable, his emotions never showing. Even after years by his side, Zhang Shi still felt immense pressure facing him, often wishing Director Yan’s personality would change.

Now that this wish had come true,

He just wanted to strangle his past self who made that wish.

Being unable to read him was fine—

At least it didn’t test one’s heart.

The past had been fine too.

If the sky fell, Director Yan would hold it up.

But now…

Staying here to accompany Chen Shu during filming??

Not returning to the company for three whole months???

Happiness belonged to the boss.

All the suffering fell to the assistant!

Please…

Hurry up and change back!!

Perhaps sensing Zhang Shi’s silent plea,

Yan Jingchuan glanced back at him. You’ll have to work hard during this period. Any problems?

Zhang Shi clenched his fist.

He stated firmly, Don’t worry, Director Yan. I guarantee there won’t be any problems!

—

Zhang Shi didn’t disclose the news of Yan Jingchuan staying at the crew’s hotel; even He Qiyu was unaware.

The next day, on the way to the set, she only sent the schedule to Chen Shu.

It was packed from morning till night.

No other way. Director Cui is rushing to meet the filming start date, and your role was confirmed late, so we have to hustle, He Qiyu explained, to avoid any misunderstanding.

Chen Shu wasn’t the only one in the crew; all other actors had similarly tight schedules. But since Chen Shu was new and this was his first acting job, she had to explain every detail thoroughly.

Chen Shu didn’t interrupt her.

By the time she finished, the car happened to stop.

Only when opening the car door did He Qiyu notice Chen Shu was empty-handed. Huh? Where’s your Wangcai?

Chen Shu said, At the hotel.

He Qiyu asked worriedly, Will it be alright staying alone at the hotel?

Chen Shu said, It’ll be fine.

If Yan Jingchuan hadn’t been around, his original plan was to leave Wangcai in the car and take it out for walks whenever he had time. But now the task of caring for it had fallen to Yan Jingchuan.

Alright then. Hearing his assurance, He Qiyu didn’t press further.

After they got out of the car, a staff member led them forward.

Yesterday, Cui Jiancheng had not only finalized the male lead but also the last main supporting actor for the second male role. This morning was the first full cast table read.

He Qiyu had initially wanted to tell Chen Shu not to be nervous, but then she remembered how satisfied Cui Jiancheng had been with Chen Shu after yesterday’s audition. Realizing that Chen Shu’s acting skills far surpassed her own understanding, she kept quiet.

However, when they reached the door of the table read room and saw someone approaching just like them, she couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

Duan Xu?

What was he doing here?

She had called Cui Jiancheng last night, and his stance hadn’t changed. It was impossible for him to replace the lead actor at the last minute without notifying her.

Wait—

He Qiyu suddenly remembered something.

Could it be the second male role?

But given the resources Duan Xu had access to, would he really be willing to play a supporting role to Chen Shu in this series?

He Qiyu frowned.

Then again, Duan Xu’s big-budget lead roles had flopped without a trace, and he was too proud to appear on variety shows, leaving him with little public attention. If he didn’t secure a standout work soon, it would be hard to maintain audience interest.

No matter what, Cui Jiancheng’s series guaranteed ratings and industry recognition, making it the perfect stepping stone.

But thinking of Duan Xu’s usual behavior, He Qiyu felt a headache coming on.

Yesterday, she had assumed Chen Shu wouldn’t cross paths with Duan Xu, so she hadn’t bothered introducing him to this young master. Who would have thought Duan Xu would settle for a supporting role just to join the production?

With Milan Film and Television backing him, Duan Xu’s team had always been bold and unafraid of consequences. It was best to avoid getting involved.

As the distance between them narrowed, He Qiyu only had time to warn Chen Shu, Be careful around Duan Xu. His team is very skilled at using marketing tactics to elevate themselves by putting others down.

When Duan Xu was the male lead, he’d even issued press releases claiming he outshone the female lead. Who knew what tricks he might pull against Chen Shu, who had outperformed him? She needed to be prepared.

Especially since, right after her warning, she saw Duan Xu glance in their direction, then say something to his manager with a sour expression.

Unfortunately, they had already arrived, leaving her no time to say more.

A conversation from the other side reached them.

Duan Xu, don’t be difficult.

Duan Xu replied impatiently, I know.

After speaking, he glanced at Chen Shu again, forced a casual smile, greeted them briefly, and turned to enter the room.

His manager followed.

He Qiyu guessed he was plotting something but still responded with a smile.

Chen Shu parted ways with her at the door. When he entered, Duan Xu hadn’t gone far.

Hearing the noise, Duan Xu turned back, hesitated for a moment, then walked over.

Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Duan Xu.

Chen Shu glanced at the hand extended toward him and gave it a brief, perfunctory shake. I’m Chen Shu.

The young man in front of him couldn’t be more than twenty years old, his emotions written all over his face. No careful observation was needed—his half-hearted attempt at friendliness was obvious.

Duan Xu gestured sideways. Shall we go together?

Chen Shu said, Sure.

The two took their seats at the large round table for the table read, but for the rest of the day, they exchanged no further words.

—

Night fell.

7:30 PM.

Chen Shu had just stepped out of the training room when a notification chimed from his pocket.

He took out his phone and saw a message from Yan Jingchuan.

Same format as before.

One photo, one line of text.

Yan Jingchuan: Wangcai has poor appetite tonight.

Looking at the photo of Wangcai lying listlessly by his food bowl, Chen Shu chuckled and replied.

I’ll be back within half an hour.

Another notification sounded.

Yan Jingchuan: Okay.

Just then, He Qiyu approached from nearby.

Seeing Chen Shu holding his phone, she asked in surprise, You already know?

Most young artists liked to frequently check online news about themselves, but having worked with Chen Shu for some time now, she knew he never paid attention to online trends. Even his social media accounts were managed by her, and he never even asked for the passwords.

Chen Shu said, Know what?

So you didn’t know. I was wondering.

He Qiyu also pulled out her phone and opened a page. Look, Moon in the Mirror posted your costume fitting photo.

She had just returned from Cui Jiancheng’s place. Not long after she reposted this update, the reposts, comments, and likes were rapidly skyrocketing.

Since participating in 《Here For You》, netizens had always held Chen Shu in high regard, with their positive impression peaking when he was forced into competition withdrawal. Afterward, his popularity never declined, especially since almost every song he released after debut was of excellent quality, with most going viral online and converting waves of casual listeners into fans.

Because he was so prolific, everyone thought the message from Chen Shu’s account this time would be about a new song. No one expected that Chen Shu would unexpectedly cross over into acting without any warning, even releasing costume fitting photos already.

The comments section first filled with fans’ pleasant surprises.

Soon, combining Chen Shu’s popularity with 《Moon in the Mirror》’s buzz, related topics quickly climbed the trending searches and flooded netizens’ feeds.

#Chen Shu Moon in the Mirror Costume Fitting Photo#

Then came the overwhelming doubts.

Um? No offense to Chen Shu, but this guy has released two singles and one album since debut, plus held two concerts. He must be counting every second of his time. Suddenly acting? Doesn’t he need any training??

Moon in the Mirror? What the?? I thought I could relax since the director is Cui Jiancheng, but I’m the idiot here [smile]

Casting a zero-acting-experience idol star as the male lead in Moon in the Mirror? Cui Jiancheng, blink twice if you’re being held hostage???

Moon in the Mirror was actually my most anticipated drama, but it’s also going the traffic star route?? I’m tired, just end it all…

He Qiyu didn’t show Chen Shu these comments to avoid affecting his mood, only screenshotting them for the company’s PR team to handle.

After arriving at the hotel, she asked, You haven’t eaten yet. Want to go to the restaurant first?

Chen Shu checked his watch. No, I have plans.

Plans?

He Qiyu was puzzled.

At this hour? Plans with whom?

But she didn’t press further, saying, Then I’ll have the driver come back to take you.

Chen Shu said, No need. The person is at the hotel.

He Qiyu: …

The person is at the hotel?

What person?

A mysterious lover??

Outwardly stunned, inwardly frantic.

No way?

Even while secluded for filming, they’re still chasing him this closely!!

Special thanks to the angels who launched rocket launchers: yarcime (1);

Special thanks to the angels who launched grenades: Xun Yaocao (1);

Special thanks to the angels who launched landmines: A Chang (3); yarcime (2); Fushui Nanshou Ba Le (1);

Special thanks to the angels who irrigated nutrient solutions: Is Your Family Not Annoyed by You (40 bottles); Wei Wan (34 bottles); The One Eating Dirt (10 bottles); Fiona (6 bottles); Weigh Two Liang for Me, Mu Xue (3 bottles); Corrupt, Bored and Moldy (2 bottles); San Doesn’t Want to Work Hard, Nice, Babo’er Benben, Plant System (1 bottle each);

Thank you all very much for your support. I will continue to work hard!