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

Lin Fan got up very early on the first Saturday of December.

The sky outside the window was still gray and hazy; winter in the steel city brings light late. He got up quietly, without disturbing Wang Juan, who was still fast asleep. He went downstairs to the kitchen, boiled a kettle of water, and then began preparing breakfast.

This was a habit he developed after moving in with Wang Juan—whoever got up early made breakfast. Breakfast was actually very simple: some porridge, a few steamed buns, two fried eggs, and a side dish. But it was this simple, home-cooked meal that filled the house with warmth and life.

The porridge simmered in the pot as Lin Fan stood by the window, watching the sky gradually brighten. In the Riverside Garden residential area, early risers were already exercising, their breath visible in the cool air.

"Up so early?"

Lin Fan heard Wang Juan's voice behind him. He turned around and saw her wearing pajamas, her hair a little messy, leaning sleepily against the kitchen door frame.

"Did I wake you up?" Lin Fan walked over and kissed her on the forehead.

"No, I woke up naturally." Wang Juan rubbed her eyes. "Are we going to my parents' house today?"

"Okay, I'll go after breakfast," Lin Fan said. "You can sleep a little longer; I'll wake you up when breakfast is ready."

"I'm not going to sleep, I'll help you." Wang Juan walked into the kitchen, took the spatula from Lin Fan's hand, and said, "Go sit down, I'll fry the eggs."

"Okay, then you do it."

Lin Fan stepped aside, watching Wang Juan skillfully crack the eggs and put them in the pan. Morning light streamed in through the window, bathing her in a soft glow. The scene was so ordinary, yet so precious.

"What are you looking at?" Wang Juan turned around and saw Lin Fan looking at her, her face turning slightly red.

"Look how beautiful my wife is," Lin Fan said with a smile.

"You're such a chatterbox." Wang Juan smiled, pursing her lips, and scooped the fried eggs into a plate. "Alright, let's eat."

The two sat in the dining room, enjoying their simple breakfast. Wang Juan's porridge was cooked to perfection, neither too thin nor too thick; the fried egg was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sprinkled with chopped green onions and soy sauce. Lin Fan ate two bowls of porridge and three steamed buns, still wanting more.

"That's enough, stop eating until you're stuffed," Wang Juan laughed at him. "You're acting like you've never eaten before."

"Your cooking is so delicious," Lin Fan said. "By the way, I'm going to my parents' house today, so I'll eat lunch at home. Mom will definitely cook a whole table of dishes."

"Then I'll have to eat less breakfast and save room," Wang Juan said. "I've been craving Mom's braised pork for so long."

"Then let Mom do it today."

After finishing their meal, the two tidied up and prepared to go out. Wang Juan took a few new clothes—a new cotton-padded coat for her father and a wool scarf for her mother, both of which she had specially chosen while shopping a few days ago.

"Let's go." Lin Fan picked up the bag.

"Wait, there's also this." Wang Juan brought out two gift boxes from the kitchen. "These are pastries I bought yesterday. I'm bringing them for Mom and Dad to try."

"You've thought of everything."

The two set off by car. The drive from Riverside Garden to Anju Garden was only about thirty minutes. Saturday morning traffic was light, and the road was clear.

On the way, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, do you think Mom and Dad will be happy?"

"I'll definitely be happy," Lin Fan said, "but they might also say we're wasting money."

The car drove into Anjuyuan residential complex. This was the first house Lin Fan bought after his rebirth, costing 88,000 yuan at the time. Now it seems like a worthwhile purchase—the same type of apartment is now priced at 130,000 to 140,000 yuan per square meter.

After parking the car, the two carried their things upstairs to the second floor.

Lin Fan knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" came the mother's voice from inside.

"Mom, it's me, Xiaofan."

The door opened, and the mother, wearing an apron and with flour still on her hands, said, "Xiaofan, Juan'er, you're here! Come in quickly, it's cold outside."

The room was warm and cozy, with a wonderful aroma of noodles.

"Mom, what are you doing?" Wang Juan asked.

"Let's make dumplings," Mother said with a smile. "Your dad's off today, and he said he wanted to eat dumplings. Since you're here, let's make a lot."

Lin Fan put down his things and went to the balcony. His father was there, watering several potted plants with a small spray bottle. The plants were things his mother had found at the morning market; they weren't expensive varieties, but they were thriving.

"dad."

"Xiao Fan is here." The father turned around, a smile on his face. "Is he off today?"

"Okay, let's rest," Lin Fan said.

The mother called to Juanzi, "You two sit down, the dumplings will be ready soon. Old man, go buy some vegetables, we'll cook a few more dishes for lunch."

"I'll go," Wang Juan stood up. "Dad, you rest, I'll go buy it."

"Juan'er, you sit down. Let your dad go," the mother said. "He knows where the market is."

The father had already stood up: "I'll go, I'll go, you guys keep chatting."

After her father left, her mother pulled Wang Juan to continue making dumplings. Lin Fan went to the kitchen to boil water, preparing to cook the dumplings.

The dumplings were wrapped, and the water was boiling. Lin Fan cooked the dumplings, Wang Juan prepared the dipping sauce, and their mother watched from the side, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

Just then, my father returned, carrying a large bag of vegetables: a live fish, a piece of pork belly, several hairy crabs, and various vegetables.

"You bought so much?" the mother said.

"I'm so happy today." The father had a rare smile on his face. "Xiao Fan has made something of himself. Let's celebrate."

Lunch was plentiful. The dumplings were filled with cabbage and pork, and were fresh and juicy. Father bought fish, and Mother made braised fish; the pork belly was made into braised pork, which was fatty but not greasy; the hairy crabs were steamed and dipped in ginger and vinegar sauce; there were also some stir-fried greens and a seaweed and egg drop soup.

Four people sat around a table, the food steaming hot.

"Come on, Dad, let me toast you." Lin Fan poured his father a drink. "I wish you and Mom good health and a long life."

"Okay, okay." The father picked up his wine glass, his hand still trembling slightly. "Xiao Fan, I won't say much, just one sentence—live a good life and be good to Juan'er."

"Don't worry, Dad."

The father and son downed a glass. The liquor warmed them both up.

Wang Juan also served her mother some food: "Mom, eat more. This braised pork is so tender, your cooking is excellent."

"Eat as much as you like." The mother smiled broadly. "Juan'er, when are you and Xiao Fan getting married? Mom is looking forward to holding her grandson."

"Mom..." Wang Juan blushed, "We'll get our marriage certificate next year when we reach the legal age."

"Okay, okay, good next year," the mother said. "I'll throw you a banquet then, it'll be a lively and festive occasion."

Speaking of the wedding banquet, Lin Fan recalled the scene of their engagement. It was October, and they had set up six tables at the best restaurant in the steel city. Both sets of parents came, along with Zhou Ge, his brother-in-law, his sister, and friends like Wang Xin and Liu Qiang. Wang Juan's parents were so happy to see their daughter find a good home that they kept wiping away tears.

Wang Juan looked especially beautiful that day, wearing a red cheongsam, standing shyly beside him. The parents of both families met and chatted amiably. His father and Wang Juan's father drank several cups together, addressing each other as brothers; his mother and Wang Juan's mother held hands and spoke intimately, as close as old sisters.

After the engagement banquet, Wang Juan's parents stayed in Gangcheng for a few days. Wang Juan accompanied them shopping, bought them new clothes, and even took them to see the house in Riverside Garden. The elderly couple were extremely satisfied with Lin Fan, saying their daughter was very lucky.

These memories are still vivid, Lin Fan thought, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

"What are you laughing at?" Wang Juan nudged him.

"I remember when we got engaged," Lin Fan said. "You looked so beautiful that day."

"It doesn't look good now?" Wang Juan feigned anger.

"It looks even better now," Lin Fan quickly said. "I can't get enough of looking at it every day."

"These two kids," the mother said with a smile and a shake of her head. "Old man, let's eat our food and ignore them."

The father smiled and poured himself another glass of wine.

After dinner, Wang Juan insisted on washing the dishes, but her mother wouldn't let her, and the two argued in the kitchen. In the end, Wang Juan won, put on an apron, and started washing. Her mother stood beside her, chatting with her as she wiped the dishes.

In the living room, Lin Fan and his father sat on the sofa drinking tea.

"Dad, what are your thoughts on the new house?" Lin Fan asked.

"I don't have any particular thoughts, you can arrange it," the father said. "It's just that your mother might be reluctant to leave here. She's lived here for a long time and has developed an attachment to it."

"I can understand that," Lin Fan said. "But the new house is indeed better. It's bigger, on a better floor, and it's right across from my sister's. Plus, it's in the Finance Bureau's staff quarters, so the neighbors are all colleagues from the same unit. It's safer, and the environment is better."

"That's true," the father nodded. "Your sister lives across the street, so it's convenient."

"Don't worry about the renovation. I'll find a renovation company, and you and Mom can take a look at the design. If you're not satisfied, we can revise it," Lin Fan said. "The most important thing is that it's suitable for the elderly; safety is our top priority."

"You can handle it as you see fit." The father looked at his son, his eyes filled with both relief and emotion. "Xiao Fan, you've really grown up. I used to worry that you wouldn't do well in the city, but now it seems I was overthinking it."

"Dad, I'm just getting started," Lin Fan said. "It will only get better from here on out."

"Yes, Dad believes in you." His father patted his hand. "But I have to remind you of something—the taller the tree, the more the wind will blow. Now that you're working for Director Zhou and making money in business, it's inevitable that some people will be envious. You need to keep a low profile and not be ostentatious."

"I understand, Dad." Lin Fan nodded earnestly. "Brother Zhou often reminds me of this too."

"Director Zhou is a benefactor; you should be grateful," the father said. "He's been so good to our family, finding jobs for you and for me, and now he's even helping you get an apartment. You should remember this kindness for the rest of your life."

"I know."

As the father and son chatted, Wang Juan and her mother finished washing the dishes and came out of the kitchen.

The four chatted for a while longer about the new house. Lin Fan shared his ideas for decorating, and his mother made a few requests: the kitchen needed to be large, as she loved to cook; the balcony needed to be good for drying clothes; and the bedroom needed to face the sun…

Lin Fan wrote them down one by one.

Around 3 PM, Lin Fan and Wang Juan prepared to go home. Their mother packed a large bag of dumplings and insisted that they take it with them.

"I freeze them in the refrigerator, and cook a few whenever I want to eat them. It's convenient."

"Thank you, Mom."

"Don't thank me, let's go, it's getting dark." The mother saw her to the door, "Drive carefully on the road."

"Okay, Mom, you can go back now."

She went downstairs, got into the car, and drove out of the residential area. Wang Juan sat in the passenger seat, watching the street scene recede outside the window.

"Lin Fan, Mom and Dad are so happy today," she said.

"Yes, I'm happy too," Lin Fan said. "Seeing them smile makes me happier than if I earned the money myself."

"You're a good son," Wang Juan said, looking at him. "You'll also be a good husband and a good father in the future."

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat, and he reached out to take her hand: "And you? Are you ready to be a mother?"

Wang Juan blushed again: "We're not married yet..."

"Soon," Lin Fan smiled. "Next year, when I'm old enough, we'll get our marriage certificate. Then we'll have a wedding, and then..."

"And then what?"

"Then we'll have a baby," Lin Fan said. "Boy or girl, as long as it looks like you."

"It would be better if you were like me," Wang Juan said softly, "intelligent and composed."

The two smiled at each other, and a warm atmosphere filled the car.

By the time they returned to the riverside garden, it was already dark. The two ate a simple dinner—some dumplings that their mother had given them, and some stir-fried vegetables.

After dinner, Lin Fan went to his study to read. He was graduating from his correspondence university next year, so he needed to catch up on his studies. Brother Zhou had said that once he got his diploma, he would be eligible to take the civil service exam. This was a big deal and couldn't be taken lightly.

Wang Juan was watching TV in the living room with the volume very low, so as not to disturb him.

After reading for two hours, Lin Fan went out to stretch his legs. Wang Juan had already fallen asleep on the sofa, the TV still on.

Lin Fan walked over, gently turned off the TV, picked her up, and Wang Juan stirred but didn't wake up.

Looking at her peaceful sleeping face, Lin Fan's heart was full. This was the life he wanted—a home, a lover, a career, and hope.

In the two years since his rebirth, he has come a long way, from a temporary worker to a permanent employee, from having nothing to owning three houses, a business, and stocks. More importantly, he found his wife from his previous life, allowed his parents to enjoy life early on, and met a benefactor like Brother Zhou.

All of this stems from that simple goal: a stable and prosperous life.

It's not about being extremely wealthy or powerful, but about providing a good life for my family, a warm home for myself and my loved one, a decent job, and enough money to weather life's storms.

It now appears that this goal is being achieved step by step.

But Lin Fan knew that wasn't enough. 2005 was approaching—the eve of the internet explosion, the starting point for housing price increases, and the incubation period for a stock market bull run. He still had so much to do—he needed to continue holding his stocks, appropriately increase his real estate holdings, steadily expand his business, and strive for advancement at work…

Take it one step at a time, without rushing or getting impatient.

This is the wisdom of middle-aged people—not being greedy for quick success, not being rash, but taking steady steps and making steady progress.

The steel city outside the window is ablaze with lights, a city rapidly developing. Lin Fan, too, must find his place in this great tide of the times and protect his own happiness.

He gently carried Wang Juan upstairs. Wang Juan stirred in his arms and mumbled, "Lin Fan..."

"Go to sleep, we're home," he said softly.

"Mmm..." Wang Juan hugged his neck and fell into a deep sleep again.

In the master bedroom, the light was soft. Lin Fan placed Wang Juan on the bed, covered her with the blanket, and then gently kissed her forehead.

Goodnight, Juan'er.

Turn off the lights and lie down. In the darkness, you can hear Wang Juan's even breathing.

Lin Fan closed his eyes, feeling calm and at peace.

Tomorrow is another day. He must continue to work hard, for his family, for this stable and prosperous life.

Outside the window, the winter nights in the steel city are long and cold.

But inside, it was warm as spring.

This is home.

This is everything he wants to protect.