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

On Thursday morning, as soon as Lin Fan arrived at his office, he saw a brand-new black Santana parked downstairs.

The car itself wasn't unusual, but the license plate was—it started with WJ, indicating it was a People's Armed Police plate.

Just then, Section Chief Jiang from the logistics department walked over with a smile: "Xiao Lin, what are you looking at?"

"Good morning, Section Chief Jiang." Lin Fan pointed to the car. "This car..."

"This is for your Treasury Section." Section Chief Jiang took out the keys and handed them over. "Section Chief Zhou is a cadre from the Provincial Department. He often has to travel to the provincial capital, and using the bureau's car involves complicated procedures. This car was coordinated with the Armed Police Detachment and is temporarily for your section's use. It will also be convenient for picking up and dropping off Section Chief Zhou."

Lin Fan took the keys; they felt heavy. He knew this wasn't an ordinary vehicle—it was a police car, which allowed them to drive freely in the city, pass through toll booths without paying, and skip queues—a privilege in a way.

"Is this... appropriate?" Lin Fan asked cautiously.

"What's inappropriate about it?" Section Chief Jiang patted him on the shoulder. "Section Chief Zhou has contributed so much to the bureau; 'borrowing' a car is only right. Besides, the car has all the paperwork; the Armed Police detachment has already given the go-ahead. Use it without worry."

Lin Fan understood. This wasn't just a simple car assignment; it was a sign of the bureau's high regard for Zhou Wenyuan and a symbol of his status.

"Thank you, Section Chief Jiang." He carefully put away the key. "I will definitely keep it safe and serve Section Chief Zhou well."

"That's right." Section Chief Jiang lowered his voice. "Xiao Lin, work hard with Section Chief Zhou. He's young and promising, with a bright future. You can't go wrong following him."

"clear."

After seeing Section Chief Jiang off, Lin Fan circled the car. It was a new car, its black paint gleaming in the morning light. He opened the door and got in; the interior was simple, the seats comfortable, and the dashboard spotless.

Just as I was about to get off the bus, Zhou Wenyuan arrived.

"Good morning, Section Chief." Lin Fan quickly got out of the car. "Section Chief Jiang just delivered this car, saying it's for our section to borrow."

Zhou Wenyuan glanced at the license plate and frowned slightly: "Armed Police license plate?"

"They said it was coordinated with the branch office to make it easier for you to travel to the provincial capital."

Zhou Wenyuan was silent for a few seconds, then nodded: "That's fine. It saves us from having to apply every time we need to use the bureau's car. You can keep the keys and drive it as usual."

"Yes."

The two went upstairs. Zhao Xiaowen was already in the office, organizing the materials she had brought back from the Education Bureau the day before.

"Xiaowen, how's the data compilation from the Transportation Bureau coming along?" Lin Fan asked.

"The basic work is done." Zhao Xiaowen handed over a report. "The problems mainly focus on three aspects: First, splitting projects to circumvent bidding involves five projects with a total amount of 1.2 million yuan; second, the acceptance procedures are not standardized, with eight projects having only simple acceptance reports without the supervisor's signature; and third, contract management is chaotic, with some contracts not even having a signing date."

Lin Fan quickly glanced at the report: "Is the evidence solid?"

"It's solid," Zhao Xiaowen said. "We have copies, and we're still keeping the originals as collateral."

"Okay." Lin Fan handed the report to Zhou Wenyuan. "Section Chief, please take a look."

Zhou Wenyuan looked at the report for a few minutes, then put it down: "This is a significant problem. But we need to handle it strategically. How about this, I'll arrange to have lunch with Director Zheng of the Transportation Bureau this afternoon to get a heads-up."

"Do you need me to come along?"

"No need," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Take care of what you're doing now. Any progress with the Education Bureau and the Health Bureau?"

Lin Fan reported: "The Education Bureau's report is basically true; they misappropriated 200,000 yuan of funds intended for dilapidated housing renovation to pay salaries. The Health Bureau falsely reported procurement amounts, embezzling 150,000 yuan. Both have admitted to it and promised to rectify the situation."

"How was your attitude?"

"The Education Bureau was very cooperative; the director personally received us and said they would raise the funds immediately to make up the difference," Lin Fan said. "The Health Bureau was a bit opposed; the director was away on a business trip, so the deputy director received us and implied that this was standard practice and everyone did it this way."

Zhou Wenyuan snorted coldly: "Standard practice? Who gave them this standard practice? Go to the Health Bureau again this afternoon and talk to the director directly. Tell him I said that either they should take the initiative to rectify the situation, or they should wait for the inspection team's official report and bear the consequences themselves."

"clear."

"Also," Zhou Wenyuan thought for a moment, "drive the armed police vehicle along. Sometimes, a vehicle is more useful than a person."

Lin Fan was taken aback, but then he understood—this wasn't just showing off, but sending a signal: the inspection team had the confidence and support.

At 2 p.m., Lin Fan drove his Santana with the license plate of the Armed Police to the Health Bureau again.

The security guard glanced at the license plate and let the car through without asking any questions. The car stopped in front of the building, and several people coming in and out couldn't help but glance at it a couple more times.

Lin Fan went straight to the bureau chief's office on the fifth floor. He knocked and entered. Bureau Chief Wang Ming was on the phone. When he saw Lin Fan, his expression changed.

"...Okay, that's all for now, we'll talk again later." He hung up the phone hastily. "Team Leader Lin, please have a seat."

Lin Fan sat down opposite him and got straight to the point: "Director Wang, we need a clear answer regarding the matter of falsely reporting the purchase of epidemic prevention materials to embezzle funds."

Wang Ming wiped his sweat: "Well... Team Leader Lin, you might not be aware of the situation. During the SARS outbreak last year, our health system was under immense pressure, and many expenditures couldn't go through the normal procedures. Misappropriating funds is wrong, but it was a last resort."

"A last resort?" Lin Fan asked calmly. "Director Wang, I remember the city allocated five million yuan in special funds for epidemic prevention to the health system last year, right? Still not enough?"

"Well... some expenses can't be listed," Wang Ming stammered. "For example, subsidies for frontline medical staff, overtime pay, and... some hospitality expenses."

"Hospitality fees?" Lin Fan stared at him. "Who are we hosting?"

Wang Ming fell silent.

"Director Wang," Lin Fan softened his tone, "the inspection team isn't here to assign blame, but to help with rectification. If you proactively clarify things and make up the money, we can consider a lenient approach. But if you conceal it, the nature of the matter will be different once we find out."

The office was so quiet you could hear the ticking of the clock.

After a long silence, Wang Ming sighed, "Team Leader Lin, to be honest, of that 150,000, about 80,000 was indeed used to distribute subsidies. The remaining 70,000... was used to host the provincial inspection team and exchange delegations from other cities."

Do you have a receipt?

"Yes, but they're issuing office supplies and epidemic prevention materials." Wang Ming lowered his head. "I know it's wrong, but... everyone's doing it."

Lin Fan took out his notebook: "Tell me in detail how it was done. Make sure you know the time, place, participants, and amount of money."

Wang Ming confessed everything in detail. After finishing, he seemed relieved: "Team Leader Lin, I'm willing to accept the consequences. I'll return the money that's due, and I'll write the self-criticism that's required. I just ask... that it don't disrupt the normal work of the Health Bureau."

"The inspection team will study the matter," Lin Fan said, closing his notebook. "But the rectification must be thorough. First, the 70,000 yuan in hospitality expenses must be returned to the treasury. Second, the financial system must be improved to prevent similar problems from occurring again. Third, a written self-criticism must be submitted to the inspection team next week."

"Yes, yes, I will definitely do as you say." Wang Ming nodded repeatedly.

As Lin Fan left the health bureau, he encountered several section chiefs in the corridor. They all looked at him with complex expressions—awe, hostility, and curiosity.

Lin Fan went downstairs, got into the car, and started the engine. In the rearview mirror, Wang Ming stood by the window, watching him leave.

On his way back to the Finance Bureau, Lin Fan called Zhou Wenyuan to report the situation.

Zhou Wenyuan said on the other end of the phone, "Well handled. You upheld the principles while also giving them a way out. Here's what you do: have the Health Bureau write a rectification report and attach the refund receipt. The inspection team's report can say 'The rectification has been completed proactively.'"

"clear."

"Oh, right," Zhou Wenyuan said, "I've made an appointment with Director Zheng of the Transportation Bureau for dinner tonight. You should come too. Six o'clock, Juxianlou."

"it is good."

Juxianlou is a long-established restaurant in Gangcheng, with a simple and elegant decor and private rooms offering good privacy. Lin Fan arrived promptly at six o'clock, and Zhou Wenyuan and Director Zheng were already there.

Director Zheng, in his early fifties, was slightly overweight and had a kind smile. Upon seeing Lin Fan, he stood up to shake hands: "This must be Xiao Lin? Old Zhou has mentioned you; you're young and promising."

"Hello, Director Zheng." Lin Fan bowed slightly.

"Sit down, sit down, don't be shy." Director Zheng gestured to the waiter to serve the food. "Old Zhou, it's been years since we ate together, hasn't it?"

"It's been three years," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The last time was at the Party School."

"Yes, time flies," Director Zheng remarked. "Back then, you were a section chief in the provincial department. Now you're a section chief in our city. It's a waste of your talent."

"Training at the grassroots level is good," Zhou Wenyuan smiled. "Old Zheng, you've been at the Transportation Bureau for half a year now, right? How's it going, are you settling in?"

"Adaptation is one thing, but the people below..." Director Zheng shook his head. "As you know, the Transportation Bureau is a large organization with many historical issues. Some of the older comrades, relying on their seniority, are not very obedient."

The dishes were served, and Director Zheng invited everyone to eat. After a few drinks, they started talking.

"Old Zhou, I know about the problems your inspection team found." Director Zheng put down his wine glass. "To be honest, it's not surprising. When I first took office, I noticed that those old guys in the engineering department weren't exactly clean. But it's a matter of 'one move affects the whole situation,' so I haven't been able to bring myself to take action."

Zhou Wenyuan poured Director Zheng a glass of wine: "Now the opportunity has come. The inspection team will expose the problems for you, and you can take this opportunity to rectify them."

"That's what I think too," Director Zheng nodded. "But we have to be careful how we handle it. Old Zhao, the head of the engineering section, has been in this job for twenty years and has a deep network of connections. Taking him down directly might cause a backlash."

Lin Fan listened quietly without interrupting. This was a conversation between leaders; he only needed to listen and speak when necessary.

"Okay," Zhou Wenyuan said, "the inspection team report should clearly state the problems, but the recommendations should be more flexible—'It is recommended that the Transportation Bureau conduct internal rectification and strengthen management.' You can decide on the specifics of how to rectify it."

Director Zheng's eyes lit up: "This is good. It provides both pressure and room for maneuver."

"However," Zhou Wenyuan changed the subject, "those who need to be dealt with still need to be dealt with. If someone like Lao Zhao is kept in a key position, he'll cause trouble sooner or later."

"I understand." Director Zheng nodded. "I plan to transfer him to the trade union, a promotion in name only. He'll be promoted from deputy section chief of the engineering department. He's a young man, energetic and clean."

"This arrangement is perfect." Zhou Wenyuan raised his glass. "Come on, let's drink to Lao Zheng's grand plan for reorganization."

The three clinked glasses. After finishing his drink, Director Zheng looked at Lin Fan and said, "Lin, thank you for your hard work during this inspection. I heard you are very meticulous in your work and have a good grasp of the problems."

"Director Zheng, you flatter me. It's all thanks to Section Chief Zhou's excellent guidance," Lin Fan said modestly.

"Young man, don't be arrogant or impatient, good." Director Zheng nodded with satisfaction. "Old Zhou, you've trained your apprentice well."

"He proved himself capable," Zhou Wenyuan smiled. "Xiao Lin, let's toast Director Zheng."

Lin Fan quickly stood up, raised his glass with both hands, and said, "Director Zheng, I'd like to toast you. I look forward to your guidance in the future."

"Good, good, good." Director Zheng drank it all in one gulp.

The meal lasted until after 8 p.m. As the meal was ending, Director Zheng shook Zhou Wenyuan's hand: "Old Zhou, please take good care of the inspection team. I will definitely handle the issues with the Transportation Bureau properly and give you an explanation."

"We understand and support each other," Zhou Wenyuan said.

After seeing Director Zheng off, Lin Fan and Zhou Wenyuan stood at the restaurant entrance. The streets were brightly lit at night, and a cold wind was blowing.

"Section Chief, shall we go back to the station?" Lin Fan asked.

"I'm not going back, I'm going home," Zhou Wenyuan said. "You should also go home and rest early. The inspection team is having a debriefing meeting tomorrow, so prepare your report."

"Yes."

Lin Fan went to get the car. The Santana with the armed police license plate was parked conspicuously on the side of the road. Zhou Wenyuan got into the back seat and closed his eyes to rest.

He drove very steadily. As they approached Zhou Wenyuan's house, he suddenly spoke: "Xiao Lin, did you understand what happened with today's meal?"

"I understand some of it now," Lin Fan said. "The inspection team is not only investigating problems, but also coordinating relationships and promoting the work."

"That's right." Zhou Wenyuan opened his eyes. "When working in government offices, you can't go it alone. You have to leverage resources and form alliances. We've investigated the problems at the Transportation Bureau, and Director Zheng can use this opportunity to rectify them. It's a win-win situation."

"But what if Director Zheng doesn't cooperate?"

"Then we'll report it truthfully," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But looking at it today, Lao Zheng is a smart man. He knows when to be tough and when to compromise."

The car stopped downstairs at Zhou Wenyuan's house. Before getting out, he said, "Tomorrow is the summary meeting. You will represent the inspection team to report. Focus on the problems, but also on the rectification progress. Be calm and use precise language."

"clear."

"Also," Zhou Wenyuan paused, "regarding the armed police vehicles, some people might gossip. You don't need to worry about it, just drive them as usual. Sometimes, appropriate 'privileges' aren't a bad thing; they can reduce a lot of unnecessary trouble."

"Yes."

Lin Fan watched Zhou Wenyuan go upstairs before driving away. He understood Zhou Wenyuan's meaning—in the government, being too low-key would invite contempt, while being too high-profile would invite jealousy. Finding the right balance was an art.

It was past nine o'clock when I got home. My parents were still awake, watching TV.

"Xiao Fan is back? Have you eaten?" his mother asked.

"I ate, I ate out." Lin Fan changed his shoes. "How was work today, Dad?"

"That's good," Lin Jianguo said. "The team leader talked to me today and said that next month I'll be transferred to a long-term temporary job and my salary will increase to 1,500."

"That's great!" Lin Fan smiled. "Dad, you've done a good job, and the leaders are all noticing."

"It's because of your boss's influence." Lin Jianguo understood perfectly. "The team leader said that Section Chief Zhou put in a good word for me and told me to do a good job."

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat. Zhou Wenyuan remembered even such a small thing; he had indeed treated him well.

After washing up and returning to his room, Lin Fan began preparing his report for tomorrow. Zhao Xiaowen had already sent him the first draft, which was very detailed, but some parts were too straightforward and needed polishing.

As he made the revisions, he reflected on his experiences over the past period: from the formation of the inspection team to the in-depth inspections of various units, to the discovery of problems and the promotion of rectification... Every step was not easy, but it was also very rewarding.

The most important takeaway was not how many problems were uncovered, but how to operate within the system—to adhere to principles while also being flexible; to dare to confront tough issues while also being good at coordination.

This is true growth.

It was already 11 PM when Lin Fan finished revising the materials. He sent Wang Juan a text message: "Are you asleep?"

The reply came quickly: "Not yet, we're doing the accounting. Today the West District store sold over four thousand, and the old store wholesaled over eight thousand worth of goods."

"Great job. Get some rest, don't overwork yourself."

"You too. Are you busy tomorrow?"

"The debriefing meeting will probably take a whole day."

"Then I won't bother you anymore. Good night."

"Good night."

Lin Fan put down his phone and walked to the window. The night was deep, with scattered lights in the distance. This winter of 2003 was much warmer than he remembered.

Because he is no longer alone. He has a guide like Zhou Wenyuan, a companion like Wang Juan, and supporters like his parents.

The road ahead is long, but he has found his direction and his strength.

The inspection team's debriefing meeting was held at 9:00 AM on Friday in the conference room on the third floor of the bureau.

Bureau leaders, heads of various departments, and all members of the inspection team attended. The atmosphere in the meeting room was serious, and no one whispered among themselves.

Zhou Wenyuan chaired the meeting: "After two weeks of intensive work, the first phase of the special inspection on budget execution has basically concluded. Now, I would like to invite Comrade Lin Fan, the deputy head of the inspection team, to report on the inspection findings."

Lin Fan stood up and walked to the podium. He was wearing a white shirt and black trousers today, and his hair was neatly combed, making him look much more mature than his actual age.

"Distinguished leaders and colleagues, on behalf of the inspection team, I would like to report on our work..."

His voice was clear, and his pace was moderate. He first briefly introduced the inspection process, and then focused on reporting the problems found:

"A total of 8 municipal departments and 4 county-level departments were inspected. 46 problems were found, mainly concentrated in areas such as untimely fund allocation, misappropriation of special funds, and irregular project management."

He cited several typical cases—the Transportation Bureau splitting projects to circumvent bidding, the Education Bureau misappropriating funds for dilapidated housing renovation, and the Health Bureau falsely reporting purchases to embezzle funds. Each case included specific data, existing problems, and rectification progress.

When reporting on the rectification progress, he specifically emphasized: "The vast majority of units have a positive attitude and are actively cooperating with the rectification. To date, 350,000 yuan of illegally obtained funds have been recovered, eight systems have been improved, and two people have been reassigned."

This is what Zhou Wenyuan taught him—to expose problems while also affirming the need for rectification. This demonstrates the authority of the inspection team and also gives the inspected unit a way out.

After the presentation, the meeting room was silent for a few seconds. Then someone started clapping, and then the applause grew louder.

The bureau leader spoke, affirming the work of the inspection team and requiring all units to conduct self-examination and self-correction based on the problems identified, and to establish a long-term mechanism.

After the meeting, Section Chief Wu from the Budget Department came over and patted Lin Fan on the shoulder: "Xiao Lin, you gave a very good report. You pointed out the problems and also provided solutions. Young man, you're quite capable."

"Thank you for your encouragement, Section Chief Wu."

"By the way," Section Chief Wu lowered his voice, "although the inspection team has finished, there is still follow-up work to be done. Some units may have a backlash, so you need to be prepared."

"Understood, we will follow up and supervise."

Back in the office, Zhao Xiaowen said excitedly, "Team Leader Lin, you spoke so well! I felt so inspired listening to you down there."

"It's because you prepared the materials well," Lin Fan smiled. "You've worked hard these past few days. Although the inspection team has finished, there are still some follow-up tasks, and I'll need your help again."

"It's no trouble at all, it's my pleasure," Zhao Xiaowen said. "Team Leader Lin, I've learned a lot from you during this time. What I learned in school was all theory, and now I realize how complicated the actual operation is."

"That's how it is working in government offices," Lin Fan said. "It combines theory and practice, principles and flexibility. Take it slow, and you'll become more and more proficient."

Just then, Zhou Wenyuan pushed the door open and came in.

"Section Chief."

Zhou Wenyuan nodded: "The report was good. The bureau leaders were very satisfied, saying that the inspection team's work was thorough and effective."

"It's the result of everyone's joint efforts," Lin Fan said.

"We should affirm what deserves affirmation." Zhou Wenyuan sat down. "Although the inspection team has finished their work, some things still need to be done. At the Transportation Bureau, Director Zheng has already begun reorganization, and Old Zhao, the head of the Engineering Section, has been transferred to the labor union. The money from the Education Bureau and the Health Bureau has also been returned."

Lin Fan breathed a sigh of relief. This showed that the inspection had not been in vain and had indeed promoted rectification.

"There's one more thing," Zhou Wenyuan said, taking a document out of his bag. "The Party Committee of the Bureau has reviewed your performance and agreed to recommend you for Party membership. I am your introducer. Please write down your application for Party membership and hand it to me."

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for.

"Section Chief, I will definitely do my best."

"It's not about hard work," Zhou Wenyuan said seriously. "I recommended you, so you have to live up to my expectations."

"Understood." Lin Fan nodded emphatically. "Thank you, Section Chief."

Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand: "Alright, go get busy. Write the inspection team's work summary this afternoon and submit it to the provincial department next week."

"Yes."

After Zhou Wenyuan left, Zhao Xiaowen said enviously, "Team Leader Lin, you are so lucky to have a leader like Section Chief Zhou."

"Yes," Lin Fan said with emotion, "that's why we have to work even harder and not let him down."

At lunchtime in the cafeteria, Lin Fan encountered several young people from other departments. They all looked at Lin Fan with envy—the deputy leader of the inspection team, driving an armed police vehicle, being groomed by Section Chief Zhou, and now about to join the Party.

"Lin Group, don't forget us when you become successful," someone joked.

"Don't mention it," Lin Fan smiled. "We're all colleagues, we should learn from each other."

After finishing his meal, he called Wang Juan and told her about joining the Party.

Wang Juan was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone, then said, "Lin Fan, this is good news. You focus on your work, don't worry about the shop, I can handle it."

"But……"

"No buts." Wang Juan said firmly, "You've helped me so much, now it's my turn to support you. From today onwards, you can go home and study after get off work, and just reconcile the store's accounts once a week."

Lin Fan felt a warmth in his heart: "Then... thank you for your hard work."

"It's not hard work," Wang Juan smiled. "Just treat me to a meal when you have time."

"must."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan stood at the entrance of the cafeteria, looking at the bare branches of trees in the courtyard. Winter had come, but spring was not far behind.