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

At nine o'clock on Saturday morning, Lin Fan took a bus to the Donghe Wholesale Market.

Crossing one district, twenty kilometers, the bus journey took an hour. He leaned against the window, watching the city gradually transform from high-rise buildings in the city center into factories, warehouses, and wholesale markets on the outskirts.

Donghe Garment Wholesale Market is one of the largest garment distribution centers in Gangcheng City, covering an area of ​​more than 20 acres with three trading halls and a daily customer flow of over 50,000. Wang Juan's stall is in the western section, a "good location"—the rent is high, and the customer flow is very large.

When Lin Fan arrived at the stall, Wang Juan was packing a package for a customer. She was wearing a new white T-shirt and jeans, her ponytail was tied high, and there were fine beads of sweat on her forehead.

"Don't worry about this sweater, it won't pill much. It's impossible for a wool sweater to be completely pill-free, but it won't lose its shape after washing." She said as she deftly folded the sweater. "If there are any quality issues, you can bring it back for an exchange anytime."

The customer, a middle-aged woman, smiled as she paid, saying, "Young lady, you know how to do business. I'll come back next time."

After seeing the client off, Wang Juan turned around and saw Lin Fan, her eyes lighting up: "You're here!"

"Hmm." Lin Fan walked into the stall. "Business is really good."

It was indeed a good spot. The stall, less than fifteen square meters in size, was crammed with seven or eight customers browsing the goods. Xiao Fang was greeting customers at the door, Xiao Li was taking orders at the counter, and Wang Juan was moving between the shelves, handling inquiries from three or four people at the same time.

"Sister Juan, how much is this trench coat?"

"Two hundred and sixty, wholesale price one hundred and eighty."

"Can I try it?"

"able."

"Does this sweater come in other colors?"

"Yes, off-white, light gray, and camel are all on the back shelf."

Wang Juan spoke quickly but clearly, her hands moving constantly. Lin Fan looked at it for a while, then walked behind the counter: "Xiao Li, let me see the ledger."

Xiaoli recognized him and quickly handed him the ledger: "Brother Lin, this is this week's."

Lin Fan opened the book. The accounts were meticulously recorded, including daily revenue, costs, profits, and even the sales volume of each product. The handwriting was Wang Juan's, neat and legible.

He quickly calculated in his mind: In the first seven days of business, the total revenue was 28,600 yuan. After deducting the cost of goods at around 17,000 yuan, and further deducting fixed expenses such as rent, labor, and utilities of about 2,000 yuan, the net profit was about 9,600 yuan. That's an average of over 1,300 yuan per day.

It was even better than expected.

"Brother Lin," Xiaoli whispered, "Sister Juan is amazing. She keeps accounts until midnight every day. Some customers want to pay on credit, but Sister Juan refuses to agree to it, saying that cash on delivery is the rule."

"You did the right thing." Lin Fan nodded. There's a lot of triangular debt in the wholesale market, and many stalls go bankrupt because of accounts receivable.

The flow of customers only slowed down slightly around 11:30. Wang Juan told the two girls to go eat, then poured herself a glass of water and drank most of it in one go.

"Are you tired?" Lin Fan asked.

"Tired, but happy." Wang Juan wiped her mouth, her eyes sparkling. "Lin Fan, do you know what? Yesterday we sold over five thousand, with a profit of almost two thousand. I've never seen so much money before."

"There will be more in the future." Lin Fan took out throat lozenges from his bag. "Here, as promised."

Wang Juan took it, peeled one, and put it in her mouth: "Sweet."

"What time did you schedule with the agent in the provincial capital?"

"Two o'clock in the afternoon." Wang Juan glanced at her watch. "I think... he's quite sincere. Last time he came, he even brought a map of the wholesale markets in the provincial capital."

"Then let's meet," Lin Fan said. "But remember a few things: First, the agency area must be clearly defined, and he can't just roam around the whole province; second, the agency fee can be waived, but there must be a monthly sales target; third, the first cooperation must be cash, and we can discuss payment terms after establishing credit."

Wang Juan carefully wrote it down: "Yes, I've written it all down in my notebook."

"Also," Lin Fan pulled a page from the ledger, "this beige knit sweater sold 87 pieces this week, making it the best-selling item. We can add another 100 pieces next time we restock. As for this denim skirt, only nine pieces have been sold. Ask 'Qilifang' if they can exchange it for a different style."

"I've already asked," Wang Juan said. "Manager Li said it's possible to exchange it, but I'd have to cover the shipping costs. I calculated that exchanging the goods is more cost-effective than keeping them unsold, so I agreed."

Lin Fan smiled: "You learn very quickly."

"It's because you taught me well," Wang Juan said a little shyly. "Actually, I think about it every night, what would you do if you were me? As I think about it, I know what to do."

These words warmed Lin Fan's heart. In his past life, Wang Juan was just like that—she seemed gentle and kind, but she was actually strong-willed, quick to learn, and meticulous in her work.

"Oh, right," Wang Juan said, taking a paper bag from under the counter, "I bought this for you."

Lin Fan took it; inside was a dark gray sweater, soft in texture.

"It's getting cold, and I always see you wearing cotton shirts." Wang Juan lowered her head to organize the shelves, her ears slightly red. "This... isn't expensive, but it's warm."

"Thank you." Lin Fan put the paper bag away. "I really like it."

The two ate lunch at a small restaurant outside the market. Wang Juan ordered two dishes and insisted on paying, saying, "It's my treat today to celebrate our first anniversary of opening."

"Okay." Lin Fan didn't argue.

During the meal, Wang Juan talked a lot: Xiao Fang is efficient but careless; she gave a customer fifty yuan too much change yesterday, but luckily she got it back; Xiao Li is meticulous and keeps accurate records, but she's not very good at greeting customers; the owner of the stall next door is a very nice person and taught her a lot about the ways of the market…

Lin Fan listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a word or two. Sunlight streamed through the plastic curtain, casting dappled shadows on Wang Juan's face. Her eyes shone brightly as she spoke, her gestures vivid, like an actor who had finally found her stage.

"Lin Fan," she suddenly stopped, "thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity," Wang Juan said earnestly. "If it weren't for you, I would still be working as a waitress in a restaurant, earning four hundred yuan a month, with no future in sight."

Lin Fan shook his head: "You seized the opportunity yourself."

"No," Wang Juan said stubbornly, "you gave me the opportunity and taught me how to seize it. I will remember it for the rest of my life."

Lin Fan looked at her, recalling his past life. In his past life, Wang Juan had endured much hardship with him, living in a dilapidated bungalow, running a street stall, and later opening a small shop. She worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk, and by the age of forty, she was riddled with illnesses. But she never complained, always saying, "Being with you, even hardship is sweet."

In this life, he wants to make her happy, not bitter.

"Wang Juan," he said, "this is just the beginning. In the future, we will have our own brand and our own specialty stores."

"Really?" Wang Juan's eyes lit up even more.

"Really." Lin Fan nodded, "But we have to take it one step at a time. First, we need to stabilize the stall before we talk about expansion."

"Okay!" Wang Juan nodded emphatically, "I'll do whatever you say."

After finishing my meal and returning to the stall, the provincial capital's agent was already waiting at the door. He was a man in his early thirties, surnamed Zhao, wearing a suit and tie, carrying a briefcase, and looked very professional.

The two parties discussed the matter in the rented warehouse. Lin Fan let Wang Juan lead the conversation while he sat and listened.

Wang Juan was a little nervous at first, but she quickly got into the zone. She took out a draft of the agency agreement she had prepared—a template that Lin Fan had downloaded from the internet and modified; the terms were clear and the rights and responsibilities were well-defined.

After reviewing the agreement, Agent Zhao proposed several revisions: he requested exclusive agency rights for the three major wholesale markets in the provincial capital; the initial payment could be made in cash, but a three-month payment period was required; and promotional materials were also to be provided.

Wang Juan looked at Lin Fan. Lin Fan nodded slightly.

"Boss Zhao," Wang Juan began, "the exclusive agency area can only include two wholesale markets—the East District and the West District. We already have other clients in talks regarding the South District market. The payment period is at most one month, and it depends on the initial cooperation. We can provide promotional materials."

Agent Zhao pondered for a moment: "Manager Wang is very professional. Okay, we'll do it your way. I need 50,000 worth of goods for the first batch. I can pay a 30,000 deposit today, and pay the balance upon delivery."

"Okay." Wang Juan took out a calculator. "Please select the style and quantity, and I'll give you a quote."

The negotiations lasted two hours, and an agency agreement was finally signed: the initial payment was 52,000 yuan, with a one-month payment period, and the agency area included two wholesale markets. Agent Zhao paid a cash deposit of 30,000 yuan on the spot.

After seeing Agent Zhao off, Wang Juan let out a long sigh of relief and slumped into her chair: "I was so nervous."

"Well done," Lin Fan praised sincerely, "even better than I expected."

"Really?" Wang Juan smiled, a childlike smugness in her smile. "Actually, I was just putting on a brave face; my palms were sweaty."

"Good job." Lin Fan handed her a tissue. "There will be more and more situations like this in the future. You'll get used to it."

under

Lin Fan said, "Give yourself and Xiao Fang and Xiao Li some bonuses. They've worked hard all week. You take 500 yuan and they each take 100 yuan."

Wang Juan's eyes were a little red as she turned her head and asked, "Lin Fan, why are you so good to me?"

"Because you deserve it," Lin Fan said softly.

The warehouse fell silent, save for the faint sounds of the market outside. Sunlight streamed in through the high windows, and the air smelled of fabric and dust.

After a long while, Wang Juan turned her head, her eyes red, but she smiled and said, "Then I will work harder so that you don't lose money."

"You won't let me lose out," Lin Fan smiled. "I have faith in you."

On Sunday, Lin Fan ate at home.

Father Lin Jianguo was wearing an auxiliary police uniform—olive-colored, without shoulder insignia, but neatly pressed, making his back stand straight. Mother circled him twice, muttering, "You know, he really does look quite dashing."

"Of course." Lin Jianguo looked at himself in the mirror. "Our captain said that when we put on the uniform, we're government employees, so we have to be mindful of our image."

Lin Fan smiled: "Dad, are you settling into work?"

"I've adapted! I've adapted so well." Lin Jianguo sat down and couldn't stop talking about his work. "Our traffic team is responsible for two main roads, with cars coming and going every day. My job is to register vehicles from outside the area and check for anything suspicious. Yesterday I even helped check a motorcycle without a license plate..."

The mother brought the dishes to the table: "Alright, alright, let's eat first. Your dad has been nagging about this ever since he came back yesterday; I'm sick of hearing it."

Braised pork belly, steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables, and tomato and egg soup. Simple home-style dishes, but steaming hot. The family sat around the table; the father talked about work, the mother chatted about everyday matters, and the sister called to say that her husband was going on another business trip with his boss this week.

Lin Fan served food to his parents and listened to them talk, his heart filled with joy. This was the simplest happiness he had ever wanted.

Lin Fan looked at his father's rough hands, the hands that once supported the whole family, and now they had found a foothold again.

Back in his room that evening, Lin Fan opened his notebook and wrote down a summary of the week:

[Unit Line]:

• The probationary period for the support staff position has been completed and will take effect next month.

• Accompanied Zhou Ke on a research trip to the Transportation Bureau, gaining initial exposure to core work.

The provincial department's document report has been approved; I will attend the seminar with Zhou Ke next week.

Father's job secured, family stability +1

[Business Line]:

The stall's net profit for the first week was approximately 1.1 yuan, exceeding expectations.

• Provincial capital agency agreement signed, initial orders total 5.2.

Wang Juan has grown rapidly and is now able to negotiate independently.

[Relationship Line]:

Zhou Ke's trust level continued to rise, and he entered the "one of us" category.

• His relationship with Wang Juan developed from a domestic worker relationship to an emotional one.

• Family satisfaction has significantly improved.

After finishing writing, he closed his notebook and looked out the window. Night had fallen, and only a few lights remained on in the neighborhood. The sound of car horns drifted from afar—

He remembered his past life. At this time in his past life, he would probably be playing games all night in an internet cafe, or drinking and bragging with his friends. He would spend all his monthly salary, have no plans for the future, and feel that his life was just like this.

Having been reborn, he seized everything he could: a foothold within the system, a stable source of wealth, his parents' well-being, and the person he cherished.

But this is only the beginning.

Next week's provincial seminar will be his first appearance on a larger stage. The expansion of his clothing business requires more systematic planning. His relationship with Wang Juan also needs a clearer definition.

The road ahead is still long, but he is no longer lost.

Lin Fan turned off the desk lamp and lay down on the bed. In the darkness, he remembered Wang Juan asking him with red eyes in the warehouse earlier that day, "Why are you so good to me?"

The answer is actually quite simple: because you owed me in my past life, I have to repay you double in this life.

But he couldn't say that. All he could do was pave the way step by step, so that she could walk steadily and far, until she no longer had to worry about making a living, until she could pursue the life she wanted to the fullest.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, casting a silvery glow on the floor. Lin Fan closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, feeling utterly at peace.

Tomorrow marks the start of a new week. Life, with its dual tracks running parallel, will continue to move forward.

All the efforts, all the calculations, all the careful planning, ultimately point to the same goal:

Let this life be without regrets.