Reborn in 2000: I'm the Boss's Driver

The days flowed by like the afternoon sun in autumn, bright and warm, clearly projecting the outline of life onto the steel city in late autumn of 2003.

Lin Fan's life entered a busy yet orderly rhythm. Several lines, like gradually becoming clearer silk threads, began to be silently woven and intersected in his hands.

"Ke Lai Xiang" became a regular place for him to have dinner. He would go two or three times a week, and try to avoid peak hours, choosing a time after 7:30 when there were fewer customers. He didn't always order the same dishes, but he always preferred the seat by the window where he could see people coming and going at the bar.

At first, Wang Juan treated him with the usual politeness of a regular customer. Ordering, serving, paying – the standard service process, her face bearing that trained, somewhat standardized smile. Lin Fan wasn't in a hurry, only saying a few more inconsequential words to her than to other customers.

"Business seems even busier today than the day before yesterday?"

"These shredded potatoes are stir-fried until crispy, and the heat is just right."

"What time do you get off work? Be careful on your way home so late."

He didn't say much, his tone was calm and natural, carrying just the right amount of concern without being overly enthusiastic, like a regular customer casually chatting. At first, Wang Juan would only give a brief response, but after a while, she probably felt that this young customer was not talkative but quite friendly, and would occasionally reply with a word or two.

"Yeah, weekends are the busiest."

"The chef has been cooking like this for over ten years."

"At ten o'clock, a few of us were going the same way, and everything was fine."

One time, Lin Fan finished eating and realized he'd left his phone on the table, so he went back to get it. He happened to see Wang Juan tidying up his table, carefully wiping it with a cloth, her profile showing focused concentration under the light. He put his phone back in his pocket and said, "Thank you." Wang Juan looked up, saw him, a hint of surprise flashing across her face, then she smiled, revealing her dimple: "You left something behind?"

"Oh, I almost forgot. Thank you." Lin Fan looked at her and smiled. At that moment, he clearly saw that the professional politeness in her eyes had faded, replaced by a genuine shyness and kindness that belonged to her age.

From that day on, whenever Lin Fan went there, Wang Juan would nod at him first, and her smile seemed a little more genuine. Sometimes, when Lin Fan arrived late and there were only leftovers, she would quietly remind him, "Sir, the braised pork might be a little cold. Would you like to order a stir-fry instead?" Although it was still just a service greeting, that subtle thoughtfulness warmed Lin Fan's heart.

They started having brief conversations that went beyond ordering food and paying the bill. For example, once Lin Fan casually complimented her on a dish she recommended, and Wang Juan would whisper, "Actually, that stir-fried green beans is the chef's specialty, even tastier than the one on the menu." Or, when Lin Fan saw her struggling to carry a case of beer and got up to help, she would blush and thank him quietly.

The relationship was like spring rain nourishing the soil, seeping in little by little, slow yet solid. Lin Fan enjoyed the process, unhurried and patient. He knew that for a girl like Wang Juan, who was struggling alone in the city, sensitive and guarded, excessive enthusiasm would only scare her away. What he needed was a gentle, gradual approach, letting her get used to his presence and slowly lower her defenses.

The other line of thought was home. The warehouse was finally completely finished. His father's voice on the phone was so loud it almost shattered the receiver: "Fanzi! It's done! Painted snow-white inside and out, the floor is gleaming, and the front door is installed, sparkling clean! That Boss Cheng came to see it, and he's extremely satisfied! The contract is signed! The money's all transferred!"

Even through the phone line, Lin Fan could feel his father's triumphant excitement and pride. For an old farmer, seeing his son's "experiment" in creating a money-making machine actually succeed, the sense of accomplishment was a hundred times stronger than harvesting a few more loads of grain.

According to the contract, Cheng Shaoan paid a year's rent of 20,000 yuan upfront, plus a 5,000 yuan deposit. As soon as the money arrived, Lin Fan immediately went home and brought his parents to Gangcheng. At first, his father was hesitant, saying he wasn't used to living in an apartment building and couldn't bear to part with his old friends from the village. His mother was also worried about causing trouble for her son.

"Dad, Mom, my bedroom's just sitting empty anyway. Since you're here, Mom can cook me a hot meal. Dad, if you can't stay idle, I'll ask around to see if there are any easy jobs nearby, like guarding the gate. You can always go back to the village whenever you want; the buses are very convenient." Lin Fan coaxed and persuaded them, "You should really enjoy your retirement."

Finally, his parents moved in. Moving into the bright and clean new apartment, his father initially seemed unsure what to do with himself, wandering around the room with his hands behind his back, touching the smooth walls and looking at the spotless bathroom. His mother, on the other hand, plunged into the kitchen, planning what to eat each day and how to nourish her son. The small two-bedroom apartment, with the addition of two more people, was suddenly filled with a lively, warm atmosphere. Every day when Lin Fan came home from get off work, he could find a hot meal waiting for him, hear his mother's caring chatter, and see his father sitting on a small stool on the balcony, squinting at the silhouettes of people coming and going below. The feeling of home had never been so tangible and warm.

Almost at the same time that the parents settled down, a piece of news spread like wildfire through the Finance Bureau, stirring the hearts of many—the bureau was going to build employee welfare housing!

The news initially circulated vaguely from the logistics department and the labor union. It's said the location has been decided in the new development zone in the west of the city, a slightly more remote area than the current Anjuyuan, but with supposedly well-planned amenities. The housing is mainly intended to address the housing needs of some employees within the bureau who are homeless or facing housing difficulties. The size and price will definitely be more favorable than market prices, but specific policies and allocation methods are still uncertain.

The news was like a stone thrown into a calm pond, creating quite a few ripples in the not-so-shallow waters of the Finance Bureau. Those who owned houses were calculating whether they could upgrade to a larger one or trade in their old one for a new one; those who didn't were even more eager, secretly calculating their seniority and professional titles, wondering who to ask and what preparations to make in advance. In the office, the break room, and the canteen, this topic became a hot topic of private conversation.

Lin Fan had naturally heard the rumors as well. A slight thought crossed his mind. The apartment in Anjuyuan was their foothold, but it wasn't very big, and it would feel a bit cramped when his parents came to visit. If he could get a share of the welfare housing policy... even just a small apartment would be excellent for improving his family's living conditions, or as a future investment.

But he quickly dismissed the thought. He knew his own limitations. As a logistics staff member who hadn't even been officially hired yet, and who had gotten the job through connections, he had absolutely no say in matters involving the distribution of significant interests; he probably didn't even have a chance to be eligible for the lottery. Right now, he needed to focus on securing the path Zhou Wenyuan had paved for him.

Speaking of Zhou Wenyuan, Lin Fan could sense that Brother Zhou was working diligently yet quietly to get him promoted. Now, when Section Chief Jiang from the logistics department saw him, he no longer just glanced at him; occasionally he would nod or ask, "Little Lin, delivering materials?" His tone held a more casual, familiar tone.

Director Du seemed to have sensed something as well. Once, in private, Director Du, holding a teacup, watched Lin Fan organize documents and casually remarked, "Lin, you've done a good job these past few months in the office. However, young people should broaden their horizons. It would be good to have the opportunity to go to a place that can better develop one's character."

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat. He knew that Director Du had heard rumors and was giving him a heads-up, which was also a form of approval and blessing. He respectfully replied, "Thank you for your guidance and care all this time, Director. No matter where I am, I will remember your teachings and do my best."

Finally, on an ordinary afternoon at the end of November, Zhou Wenyuan called Lin Fan to his office. This time, there was no one else in the office.

"Sit down." Zhou Wenyuan gestured to the chair opposite him, his expression as calm as ever, but with a hint of relief in his eyes. "We've almost finished communicating with Section Chief Jiang in the Logistics Department. Old Liu, who's in charge of vehicle dispatch and maintenance in their department, will officially retire next month. That'll open up a support staff position."

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat, and he held his breath to listen.

"This position mainly involves handling the daily dispatch and registration of the bureau's official vehicles, contacting maintenance services, managing fuel cards, and assisting with driver attendance—all miscellaneous tasks. The work is tedious, requires meticulousness, and you also need to know a bit about vehicles." Zhou Wenyuan looked at him. "I recommended you to Section Chief Jiang. He also inquired about your performance in the office and thought you were alright. However, once you're in, you'll start from the very bottom. Also, a support staff position is a support staff position; it's different from administrative or public institution positions. There are limitations on your salary and career development, and you need to understand that."

"I understand, Brother Zhou!" Lin Fan immediately replied, his tone firm. "I'm not afraid of trivial tasks, nor am I afraid of learning from scratch. I'll be content with a formal position where I can work steadily! Thank you, Brother Zhou!"

"Saying thank you isn't enough," Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand. "Once you're inside, you'll have to show real skills. Vehicle dispatching may seem simple, but there's a lot to it. How to arrange things more efficiently, how to deal with the drivers, how to control maintenance costs—these are all things to consider. Also, you must be discreet. Fuel cards and maintenance receipts are sensitive items. Don't make things difficult for me and Section Chief Jiang."

"I understand! Don't worry, Brother Zhou, I will definitely do a good job and abide by the rules." Lin Fan solemnly promised.

"Hmm." Zhou Wenyuan nodded, his expression softening. "The paperwork will begin at the beginning of next month, and I estimate it will be officially completed around New Year's Day. In the meantime, make sure the handover of work in the office is smooth and doesn't leave any loose ends. Also..." He paused, as if remembering something, "You got your driver's license, right? How's your driving usually?"

"Take it, Brother Zhou. My driving skills are alright. I practiced at driving school before, and I've also driven my brother-in-law's car occasionally," Lin Fan replied, vaguely guessing Zhou Wenyuan's intentions.

"Okay, I understand." Zhou Wenyuan didn't say anything more, but instead asked about his parents' resettlement and his progress in his studies at the Open University. Lin Fan reported back one by one.

Emerging from Zhou Wenyuan's office, Lin Fan felt a surge of energy, his legs carrying him on a whim. Logistics Department, a formal support staff position! Although it was the most basic post, it was significant. It wasn't just a stable job and income, but a brand new starting point, a foothold that would allow him to legitimately stay in the Finance Bureau and continue climbing the ranks.

He immediately shared the good news with his parents. His mother was so happy that she wiped away tears, saying, "My son has made something of himself, he's got a government job." His father didn't say much, but patted him heavily on the shoulder, a wide smile on his face, his eyes full of satisfaction.

When his sister Lin Ping and brother-in-law Sun Lin found out, they were happy for him. Sun Lin even gave him a special reminder: "The logistics department is a place with many people and a lot of things to do. When you get there, talk less, listen more, observe more, and do the things your superiors assign you properly. Don't touch anything you shouldn't touch. Be especially careful with anything related to cars or money." Lin Fan repeatedly agreed.

In early December, Lin Fan successfully completed the procedures for transferring from the office to the logistics department. His new position was in a small cubicle near the door of the logistics department, with an old desk, an old-fashioned computer, and a vehicle dispatch registration form and a row of car keys hanging on the wall. The work was indeed tedious: every morning, he would register vehicle requests from various departments, coordinate driver dispatches, record vehicle mileage and fuel consumption, contact designated repair shops to handle vehicle malfunctions, and manage a dizzying stack of fuel cards and repair slips…

Lin Fan showed no impatience whatsoever. He applied the same meticulousness and diligence he displayed in the office, quickly organizing the previously somewhat chaotic registers into a perfectly organized system. He humbly sought advice on vehicle knowledge from the experienced drivers, befriended the mechanics at the repair shop to learn about parts prices, and meticulously recorded the maintenance schedule and common problems for each vehicle in a small notebook. Every document he handled was always clear and accurate, down to the last detail.

After observing the young man secretly for a few days, Section Chief Jiang was quite satisfied with his steadiness and organization. He privately told Zhou Wenyuan, "Wenyuan, your recommendation of this Xiao Lin is indeed excellent. He is observant and has a clear understanding of the situation. He is much better than that old fox from before."

Zhou Wenyuan simply smiled faintly: "As long as it works."

Zhou Wenyuan's intention in asking Lin Fan about his driving skills soon became clear. Sometimes, when Zhou Wenyuan needed to attend meetings in the city or conduct research in the districts and counties below, the bureau's drivers were too busy, or he felt that having a personal driver would be too conspicuous, so he would inform Section Chief Jiang in advance and ask Lin Fan to drive him in that slightly worn Santana.

For Lin Fan, this was both a mission and an opportunity. He drove extremely steadily, knew the roads well, and was very observant. In the car, if Zhou Wenyuan didn't speak, he would concentrate on driving and never make small talk. If Zhou Wenyuan answered a phone call or closed his eyes to rest, he would turn the music down to the minimum or turn it off altogether. If Zhou Wenyuan casually asked about someone or something in the bureau, he would answer objectively and concisely, without embellishment. When they arrived at their destination, he would have already found a parking spot, get out of the car to open the door for Zhou Wenyuan, and silently follow behind at a distance, handing him documents or carrying his bag when needed.

After several trips, Zhou Wenyuan was clearly satisfied with this worry-free and reliable way of traveling. Lin Fan gradually became half of his "unofficial" entourage. This trust carried more weight than any verbal praise.

When going out with superiors, it's inevitable to encounter some social obligations or people from subordinate units wanting to express their "goodwill." Lin Fan strictly adheres to Zhou Wenyuan's rules, which are also his own bottom line: For inexpensive "gifts" like cigarettes, tea, local specialties, fruits, and snacks, if he can't refuse and Zhou Wenyuan tacitly approves, he will accept them on Zhou Wenyuan's behalf, but he will always clearly record the source. Anything involving cash, shopping cards, or valuable gifts, he resolutely refuses, politely but without room for compromise: "Section Chief Zhou instructed us that we cannot accept this. We appreciate your kind intentions."

Once, a man from the county finance bureau tried to slip Lin Fan a thick envelope while Zhou Wenyuan was in the restroom, saying it was "a little tip." Lin Fan's face darkened, and he pushed the envelope back, saying sternly, "Comrade, this is inappropriate. Section Chief Zhou will criticize me if he finds out. Please take it back." The man tried to give it to him again, but Lin Fan had already turned and walked away, standing by his car.

When Zhou Wenyuan returned, he seemed to sense something, glanced at Lin Fan, but didn't ask. On the way back, however, he said to Lin Fan, "Some doors, once opened, can't be closed again. You did the right thing."

These words reassured Lin Fan. He knew that he was upholding not only the rules, but also Zhou Wenyuan's trust in him and the integrity of his future path.

As he spent more and more time with Zhou Wenyuan, the way some people in the bureau looked at him gradually changed. Before, they thought of him as "that capable little temporary worker in the office," then "Xiao Lin, the new guy in the logistics department," and now, occasionally, people would whisper, "That's one of Section Chief Zhou's men." Their tone was less casual and more ambiguous. Even some mid-level managers would politely nod and greet him when they saw him.

Lin Fan remained clear-headed throughout. He kept his identity in mind—a support staff member in the logistics department, Zhou Wenyuan's driver and clerk. He was neither arrogant nor servile, meticulous in his work and silent when necessary.

His world expanded and intertwined little by little. The warmth of his new home, the steady rise in his career, the growing trust with Zhou Wenyuan, and the girl in "Ke Lai Xiang" whose smile gradually brightened... all the lines stretched forward clearly and powerfully under the winter sun of 2003.

He was like a tree rooted in a crevice in the rock, its roots striving to draw nourishment downwards, while its branches and leaves stretched slowly but firmly toward the sunlight. He knew that even greater storms might be yet to come, but at this moment, the ground beneath his feet was firm enough.