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

In early November, Gangcheng City held an economic work conference, which all the top two leaders of various bureaus, commissions, and offices were required to attend. Zhou Wenyuan naturally had to go as well, and Lin Fan drove him there.

The meeting was held at the municipal government's conference center, where a long line of cars was parked in front. Lin Fan parked his Mitsubishi Pajero but didn't follow Zhou Wenyuan inside—for meetings like this, the leaders' drivers waited in a special lounge.

The lounge was a large room on the first floor wing, furnished with several rows of chairs, tea, and newspapers. When Lin Fan pushed open the door, there were already more than a dozen people sitting inside, some smoking, some chatting, creating a smoky atmosphere.

He found a seat by the window and sat down. Just as he took out a cigarette, someone leaned over next to him.

"Hey bro, can I borrow a light?"

Lin Fan handed over the lighter. The man lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and sized Lin Fan up: "Unfamiliar face, new here? Which leader are you with?"

"From the Finance Bureau, with Deputy Director Zhou," Lin Fan said.

"Hey, it's Director Zhou!" The man's eyes lit up. "I've heard Director Zhou is young and promising, with a bright future. Brother, you're in luck following him."

"It's alright." Lin Fan's smile froze instantly, because this was his good brother from his past life, only younger now. "And you? Which leader are you with?"

"Me? I'm from the machine factory, working with Deputy Director Zhang." The man exhaled a puff of smoke. "My surname is Wang, Wang Xin. What's your surname, brother?"

In his previous life, when he was thirty, he met Wang Xin at a dinner party. At that time, Wang Xin was a driver for the leaders of the machine factory. The two got along well and became good brothers. Later, Wang Xin was always frustrated and unsuccessful. He drove for more than ten years at the machine factory but never even became the deputy captain of the team.

I never expected to meet you so early in this life.

"My surname is Lin, Lin Fan." Lin Fan composed himself. "Hello, Brother Wang."

"Hello, Brother Lin." Wang Xin was very enthusiastic. "Your Finance Bureau must offer good benefits and lucrative positions, right? I heard the perks are good and there's a lot of money to be made."

"It's all just rumors, just an ordinary company," Lin Fan said vaguely. "How's Brother Wang doing at the machine factory? That's a big factory, the benefits should be pretty good."

"Not bad at all," Wang Xin sighed. "They call it a big company, but it's been dead for a long time. They don't pay salaries in full, and there are no bonuses. I've been driving for eight years, and I'm still just a regular driver. All the team leaders and deputy leaders are people with connections. People like us without connections, we'll just be drivers until we die."

These words were exactly the same as what Wang Xin had complained about in his previous life. Lin Fan remembered that in his previous life, Wang Xin had always wanted to be a team leader, or even just a deputy captain, but he never had the chance. Several leaders came and went, each time saying they would consider him, but nothing ever came of it.

"Don't be discouraged, Brother Wang, there will always be opportunities," Lin Fan said.

"Opportunity?" Wang Xin smiled bitterly. "I've figured it out. In a state-owned enterprise, being capable isn't enough; you need connections. I'm not good with words, and I don't know how to flatter the bosses. The only thing I'm good at is driving. The bosses find me useful, but they never think of me when it comes to benefits."

The two started chatting. Wang Xin was a straightforward person, saying whatever came to mind without holding anything back. The more Lin Fan listened, the more familiar he felt—just like the Wang Xin from his previous life, even the tone of his voice was the same.

As they were chatting, a few more drivers came in. One of them, a fat man, shouted as soon as he entered, "Hey, everyone's here? It's going to be a long wait today, probably two hours."

"Brother Li is here," someone greeted. "You've gotten fatter again. The food looks good."

"Not bad at all, eating boxed lunches every day." The fat man sat down, glanced at Lin Fan, and said, "This guy looks unfamiliar, new here?"

Wang Xin introduced: "This is from the Finance Bureau, with Director Zhou. Brother Lin, this is Mr. Li from the Government Office, with Vice Mayor Liu."

"Hello, Master Li." Lin Fan nodded.

"Director Zhou's men, impressive." Master Li sized Lin Fan up and down. "You look quite energetic, young man. How old are you?"

"Twenty-one."

"He joined Director Zhou at twenty-one; his future is limitless," said Master Li. "Unlike us, who have been driving for half our lives and are still just drivers."

Those words carried a hint of sarcasm. Lin Fan smiled but didn't respond.

The drivers started chatting idly, gossiping about everyone's business, which leader was getting promoted, which unit had run into trouble—they were incredibly well-informed. Lin Fan listened, occasionally chiming in with a few words, keeping a low profile.

Wang Xin sat next to him and whispered, "Brother Lin, don't mind Lao Li. That's just how he is. He thinks he's something special just because he's with the vice mayor, and he looks down on those of us who are with deputy leaders."

"It's alright, I'm young, I'll listen more and talk less," Lin Fan said.

"You have a good temper." Wang Xin patted him on the shoulder. "We hit it off, let's keep in touch. I work at the machine shop, I can't help with other things, but I know everything about cars. If you need repairs or maintenance, come to me, I guarantee it'll be cheap."

"Okay, then thank you in advance, Brother Wang."

The two exchanged phone numbers. Lin Fan looked at the name "Wang Xin" in his contacts, his heart filled with mixed emotions. His good brother from his past life had met again in this one. This time, he had to help Wang Xin; he couldn't let him suffer the same misery as in his previous life.

The meeting lasted two and a half hours. When it adjourned, Zhou Wenyuan came out looking rather grim.

"Xiao Lin, let's go back to the station." Zhou Wenyuan got into the car and loosened his tie. "This meeting is suffocating."

"What's wrong, Brother Zhou?" Lin Fan started the car.

"The city wants to cut government spending and requires all departments to reduce their budgets," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Our finance bureau is the first to be affected and has to take the lead. But how can you just cut budgets like that? Every department relies on money to get things done."

"What should we do then?"

"We'll just have to bite the bullet and do it," Zhou Wenyuan sighed. "We need to have a meeting when we get back to figure out how to cut the price. Xiao Lin, keep an eye on this and help us gather some information."

"clear."

Back at the Finance Bureau, Zhou Wenyuan was in a meeting. Lin Fan returned to the garage and began sorting through the gifts he had accumulated over the past few days. With the end of the year approaching, the number of people giving gifts had increased again, and the garage was overflowing. Lin Fan started categorizing the gifts and then distributing them to the few departments that didn't offer much financial reward—those departments were practically beholden to him these days.

I was busy when my phone rang. It was an unknown number.

"Hello, who is this?"

"Brother Fan! It's me, Liu Qiang!" The voice on the other end of the phone was loud. "Do you remember me? The one we used to go to the internet cafe together all the time in high school!"

Lin Fan paused for a moment, then remembered. Liu Qiang was his high school classmate; the two were good friends. Back then, they often skipped classes to go to internet cafes to play games, sometimes for an entire day. Later, Lin Fan didn't get into university, and neither did Liu Qiang, who went to learn to drive, and then they lost contact.

"Qiangzi? How come you have my number?"

"I had to ask several people before I finally found out," Liu Qiang said. "Brother Fan, what are you doing now? Still at the Finance Bureau?"

"I'm here, driving and doing odd jobs," Lin Fan said. "And you? What are you doing?"

"I bought a van to deliver goods," Liu Qiang sighed. "But today I had some bad luck; the traffic police impounded it."

"Why was it deducted?"

"They said I was overloaded and modified the truck," Liu Qiang said, his voice trembling with tears. "Actually, I just hauled a little more cargo and added a partition in the cargo bed. Brother Fan, why am I so unlucky? I bought this truck on loan, and I still have to pay the loan every month. Every day they deduct money from my license, I lose money."

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "Which traffic police team impounded it?"

"Second Brigade, the one on Jianshe Road."

"Okay, I got it," Lin Fan said. "Don't worry, I'll ask around for you. I'll call you when I hear anything."

"Brother Fan, can you really help?" Liu Qiang asked skeptically. "I heard the traffic police are corrupt; you can't get your car back without connections."

"Give it a try, and we'll see if it works."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan thought for a moment and then called his father, the team leader.

Lin Fan briefly explained the situation. The team leader was very polite and simply told Lin Fan that his friend could go pick up the car. He would just make a call. Lin Fan quickly thanked him.

Lin Fan called Liu Qiang back and explained the situation.

"That's great..." Liu Qiang exclaimed excitedly, "Brother Fan, thank you so much. I never imagined you were so capable, even having connections in the traffic police."

"What skills do you have? You just know a few people," Lin Fan said. "By the way, when you go there, be nice to them and buy them a pack of cigarettes."

"I know, I know."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan shook his head. Liu Qiang was still the same as ever, impulsive and unreliable in everything he did. But since he was a classmate, he'd help him out if he could.

The next morning, Lin Fan was tidying up in the garage when Liu Qiang called.

"Brother Fan! The car's out!" Liu Qiang exclaimed excitedly. "Thank you so much! You're my savior!"

"Alright, alright, stop exaggerating." Lin Fan laughed. "It's good that the car is out. Be careful next time, don't overload it."

"Definitely!" Liu Qiang said. "Brother Fan, where are you? I'll treat you to dinner; I really need to thank you properly."

"No need, I'm at work."

"That night, definitely tonight!" Liu Qiang insisted. "Brother Fan, if you look down on me, I'll really have no face to see you."

Lin Fan thought for a moment and said, "Okay, Juxianlou tonight, six o'clock."

"Alright! See you there!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan continued working. He sorted the cigarettes and alcohol, packed the tea into boxes, and packaged the health products. He gave away what he could, and kept what he could.

I was busy when Wang Xin called.

"Brother Lin, busy?"

"Brother Wang, not busy, just packing up," Lin Fan said. "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing much, just wanted to let you know that our machine shop's fleet is going to be reorganized soon, and they might be promoting a deputy captain," Wang Xin said. "I was thinking, maybe I can try to get one this time. Brother Lin, you know a lot of people at the Finance Bureau, could you help me find out who has a good relationship with our leaders?"

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat. In his previous life, Wang Xin was stuck at the vice-captain position and never made it to the top.

"Brother Wang, who's in charge of your factory's fleet?"

"It falls under the factory office, specifically under the jurisdiction of Deputy Director Zhao," Wang Xin said. "Old Zhao is a difficult person to talk to. I don't have much of a relationship with him; we just nod to each other when we meet."

"Okay, I'll ask around for you," Lin Fan said. "But Brother Wang, just asking around won't help with this kind of thing; you have to take action. You have to show your appreciation and make the necessary connections."

"I understand," Wang Xin sighed, "but I'm not good with words and I don't know how to handle things. I don't even know what to give as a gift or how much to give."

"Here's what I'll do: I'll prepare something for you," Lin Fan said. "Cigarettes, alcohol, tea—I have them ready. Take them to Old Zhao. Don't make them too expensive, but don't make them too shabby either. Just say you're thanking the leader for his care over the years and that you'd like to get a promotion."

"I can't accept that..." Wang Xin hesitated, "How much is the stuff? I'll pay you."

"Why bring up money? We get along well, it's only right that I help you out," Lin Fan said. "Brother Wang, are you free this afternoon? Come to the Finance Bureau's parking garage, I'll give you the stuff."

"I have time! Thank you so much, Brother Lin!"

Wang Xin arrived at 3 PM. He drove an older Santana, which looked to be in average condition.

Lin Fan had already prepared everything—two packs of Zhonghua cigarettes, two bottles of Wuliangye liquor, and two boxes of Tieguanyin tea, all packed in a black plastic bag.

"Brother Wang, here you go." Lin Fan handed over the bag. "It has cigarettes, alcohol, and tea. It's not expensive, but it's presentable. Take it to Lao Zhao. Don't be too direct. Just say you heard the team is going to be reorganized and you want to get promoted. Ask the leaders to take care of you. I'll find someone to pass on your message."

Wang Xin took the bag, his eyes a little red: "Brother Lin, we've only known each other for a few days, and you're already helping me like this..."

"Why are you saying all this?" Lin Fan patted him on the shoulder. "Brother Wang, we click. I think you're a genuine person. Genuine people are often taken advantage of at work, so we need to help each other out."

"You're right." Wang Xin nodded vigorously. "Brother Lin, I'll remember this favor. If you ever need my help in the future, just let me know."

"Okay, I'll definitely contact you if I need anything."

After seeing Wang Xin off, Lin Fan continued working. He was thinking to himself that he had to see this through to the end. Simply giving a gift wasn't enough; he also needed to find an opportunity to speak to the people at the machine factory.

Just then, Zhou Wenyuan arrived.

"Kobayashi, are you done cleaning up?"

"That's about it, Brother Zhou," Lin Fan said. "Is there something wrong?"

"Come with me to the machine factory tonight. Deputy Director Zhang is treating us to dinner," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The machine factory is launching a new project and wants to apply for government subsidies. This is my responsibility, so I have to go and take a look."

Lin Fan's eyes lit up. The machine factory? Deputy Factory Director Zhang? Isn't that the leader Wang Xin works for?

"Okay, I'll get the car ready."

At six o'clock in the evening, Lin Fan drove Zhou Wenyuan to the machine factory's guesthouse. On the way, Zhou Wenyuan said, "The city attaches great importance to this machine factory project. If it can be launched, it can create more than a thousand jobs. But the investment is too large, requiring 500 million yuan. The factory wants to apply for a government subsidy of 100 million yuan, but it will be quite difficult."

"Then let's go..."

"The main thing is to see how things go and hear what they have to say," Zhou Wenyuan said. "A five-hundred-million-yuan investment is no small matter. We need to conduct on-site investigations and get a clear understanding of the situation."

When we arrived at the guesthouse, Deputy Factory Director Zhang was already waiting at the door. He was in his fifties, and his hair was neatly combed.

"Director Zhou, welcome, welcome!"

"Director Zhang, you're too kind."

Upon entering the private room, the dishes were already laid out. Besides Deputy Factory Director Zhang, several mid-level managers from the factory were also present. Lin Fan, as the driver, was supposed to be at the driver's seat, but Zhou Wenyuan said, "Lin, sit down too, and listen."

Lin Fan sat down next to Zhou Wenyuan.

After a few rounds of drinks, Deputy Factory Director Zhang began to introduce the project. Lin Fan listened attentively, occasionally asking a few questions that were quite insightful.

Deputy Factory Director Zhang was a little surprised: "This young comrade is...?"

"Xiao Lin from our bureau is working with me," Zhou Wenyuan said. "He's a young man who loves to learn."

"Not bad, not bad, the younger generation is truly formidable," praised Deputy Factory Director Zhang.

After discussing the project, they started chatting casually. Deputy Factory Director Zhang mentioned the factory's difficulties: "Director Zhou, to be honest, our machine factory is having a tough time right now. It's an old state-owned enterprise, burdened with heavy baggage, and we're suffering from a serious brain drain. Even many of the drivers in the fleet have jumped ship. Those who remain are just coasting along, lacking any motivation."

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat, and he seized the opportunity to say, "Director Zhang, I know a driver at your factory named Wang Xin. He said he's been working here for eight years, his skills are good, and he's a reliable person."

"Wang Xin?" Deputy Factory Director Zhang thought for a moment. "Oh, the one with me. He's quite reliable, a steady driver, and doesn't talk much. By the way, do you know Xiao Lin?"

"We met by chance," Lin Fan said. "Listening to him talk about things at the factory was quite touching. He said he wanted to advance his career, but didn't have the opportunity."

Deputy Factory Director Zhang nodded: "Xiao Wang is good, but he's too honest. In state-owned enterprises, honest people suffer. However, the fleet does need to be reorganized soon, I'll see if I can arrange a position for him."

"That's wonderful." Lin Fan raised his glass. "Director Zhang, I'd like to toast you on behalf of Wang Xin."

"You're too kind."

Zhou Wenyuan watched from the side without saying a word, but there was an approving look in his eyes.

After the dinner, on the way home, Zhou Wenyuan said, "Xiao Lin, you did a great job today. You listened to the project and helped your friend at the same time—a win-win situation."

"I just mentioned it casually," Lin Fan said. "Wang Xin is a good guy; we should help him if we can."

"Helping people is fine, but you have to be careful about the degree," Zhou Wenyuan said. "In government offices, you have to be tactful when helping others. Bringing it up in this kind of setting is just right. It lets Director Zhang know what you mean without seeming abrupt."

"I've got it."

After seeing Zhou Wenyuan off, Lin Fan called Wang Xin.

"Brother Wang, have you delivered the items?"

"It's been delivered!" Wang Xin exclaimed excitedly. "Old Zhao accepted it, and he was very kind. He told me to work hard and he'd consider me for a chance. Brother Lin, thank you so much!"

"Don't thank me yet, there's more good news," Lin Fan said. "Tonight, I went to the machine factory with Director Zhou and had dinner with Deputy Director Zhang. I mentioned you, and Director Zhang said that the fleet needs to be reorganized, and they will consider making arrangements for you."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, then Wang Xin's choked voice came through: "Brother Lin... I... I don't know what to say..."

"Don't say anything, just wait for good news," Lin Fan said. "Brother Wang, work hard from now on and don't let this opportunity go to waste."

"Absolutely! Brother Lin, you are my benefactor..."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan felt quite emotional. His good brother from his past life could finally help him in this one. Although it was just a deputy captain position in the convoy, it was a significant step forward for Wang Xin.

That's enough. Help those who need help, and do what needs to be done.

At 7:30 p.m., Lin Fan arrived at Juxianlou. Liu Qiang was already waiting there, along with a woman in her early twenties, quite pretty.

"Brother Fan! Over here!" Liu Qiang waved.

Lin Fan walked over and sat down. Liu Qiang introduced, "Brother Fan, this is my girlfriend, Xiao Li. Xiao Li, this is Brother Fan I told you about, my high school classmate, he's really awesome now."

"Hello, Brother Fan," Xiaoli greeted him softly.

"Hello." Lin Fan smiled. "Qiangzi, that's great, you already have a girlfriend."

"Hehe, we just finished talking about it." Liu Qiang scratched his head. "Brother Fan, let's order. It's on me today."

They ordered a few dishes and a bottle of baijiu (Chinese liquor). Liu Qiang filled Lin Fan's glass: "Brother Fan, this is a toast to you. If it weren't for you, I don't know how long my car would be impounded."

"Alright, don't be so polite." Lin Fan clinked glasses with him. "Just be more careful next time."

The two chatted over drinks. Liu Qiang recounted his experiences over the years—he failed to get into university, learned to drive, drove for others for two years, saved some money, took out a loan to buy a van, and started his own business. It was hard work, but better than working for someone else.

"It's just unstable, sometimes good, sometimes bad," Liu Qiang sighed. "When it's good, I can earn four or five thousand a month, but when it's bad, it's only two or three thousand. I still have to pay the car loan and insurance, so there's not much left."

"Take it slow, it will get better," Lin Fan said.

"Brother Fan, are you really working at the Finance Bureau now?" Liu Qiang asked. "I heard it's really hard to get into the Finance Bureau; you need connections."

"I'm just a driver, a temporary worker turned permanent," Lin Fan said casually. "I run errands and do odd jobs for the boss."

"That's not bad either," Liu Qiang said enviously. "A secure job, stable. Unlike me, I don't know where my next meal will come from."

"Everyone has their own difficulties," Lin Fan said. "Qiangzi, if you really want to do this, I suggest you register a company and do it properly. The delivery market is big now, and you can make a lot of money if you do it well."

"Registering a company? How much does that cost?"

"It doesn't cost much, just a few thousand yuan," Lin Fan said. "Once we register a company, we can issue invoices and take on jobs from large organizations. Those small, scattered jobs don't last long."

Liu Qiang seemed thoughtful: "Brother Fan, you're right... I'll think about it."

After finishing their meal, Lin Fan paid the bill. As the three of them walked out of the restaurant, Liu Qiang said, "Brother Fan, if you ever need my help, just let me know. I may not have much else, but I'm strong."

"Okay, I'll definitely come to you if I need anything." Lin Fan patted him on the shoulder. "Qiangzi, keep up the good work, things will get better and better."

"Um!"

Watching Liu Qiang and Xiao Li leave, Lin Fan felt a pang of emotion. High school classmates, now going their separate ways, on different paths. But the friendship remained; he'd help them out if he could.

This is the life he wants—a career, love, friends, and brothers.

Although the road ahead is long and there is still much to be done, every step is taken with a firm footing.

This is enough.

Driving home, Lin Fan found his parents already asleep. He tiptoed back to his room and checked his phone. Wang Juan had texted him: "Are you asleep? The store made over nine thousand in sales today."

Lin Fan replied, "Just got back. Wow, the new store is getting better and better."

"It's all thanks to our regular customers. Have you eaten yet?"

"I ate with my high school classmates."

"Get some rest early, don't overwork yourself."

Goodnight, you too.

"Good night."

Lin Fan put down his phone and stood by the window. The night was deep, but his heart was bright.

On this day, he met his brother from a past life, helped his high school classmate, and paved the way for Wang Xin. Although they were all small things, they added up and slowly wove together a net.

Within this network, he has benefactors like Zhou Wenyuan, lovers like Wang Juan, brothers like Wang Xin, and friends like Liu Qiang.

This is his network of connections, his foundation.

Although he was just a driver, someone who ran errands for his superiors, as long as he had a solid foundation and the right connections, there were endless possibilities for the future.

Lost in thought, Lin Fan fell asleep. In his dream, he saw Wang Xin become the team leader, Liu Qiang's delivery company open, and Wang Juan's store expand into a chain...

Everything was so wonderful.

Tomorrow will be another new day. And he is ready.