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

Chapter 38 Buying a Car

On the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month, a heavy snow fell in the steel city.

When Lin Fan woke up in the morning, he saw a vast expanse of white outside his window, with a thick layer covering the trees, cars, and rooftops. He tiptoed downstairs to make breakfast, and just as he started cooking the porridge, Wang Juan came downstairs as well.

"It's snowing?" Wang Juan asked sleepily as she walked to the window. "Snowing so heavily."

"Yeah, it didn't stop all night," Lin Fan said. "Be careful when you go to the store today, the roads are slippery."

"I know." Wang Juan yawned. "But I have to go to the provincial capital today to talk to the suppliers about next year's spring clothing."

Lin Fan frowned: "Do we really have to go today? With such heavy snow, the highway might be closed."

"It's already arranged, it's hard to change," Wang Juan said. "I'll take the train, it's fine if it's slower."

Lin Fan didn't speak, but he was already thinking about it. Wang Juan's business was growing bigger and bigger, and she was going to the provincial capital every few days. It was alright in the summer, but in the cold winter, taking the bus back and forth was really tough.

He had mentioned buying Wang Juan a car before, but she always said it wasn't necessary and that taking a taxi was fine. But now it seems that's not the case.

After breakfast, Lin Fan took Wang Juan to the train station. The snow on the road hadn't been cleared yet, so the car drove slowly.

"Be careful on the road, call me when you arrive." Lin Fan helped Wang Juan carry her bag.

"Okay, you can go back now." Wang Juan entered the station.

Lin Fan stood in the snow, watching the train slowly pull out of the station, feeling a pang of sadness. He felt sorry for Wang Juan, who was working so hard.

Back in the car, Lin Fan didn't rush off. He lit a cigarette and smoked it slowly. The car was well-heated, and the snow was still falling outside the window.

It's time to buy a car.

It's not just for Wang Juan, it's also for business. Wang Juan currently has three stores, one provincial capital agency, and is about to open a fourth store. The company is also being registered, and not having a car is indeed inconvenient.

But you need a driver's license to buy a car. Wang Juan hasn't learned to drive yet.

Lin Fan thought for a moment, stubbed out his cigarette, and started the car. He didn't go back to his workplace; he went straight to the traffic police station.

He knew people at the traffic police station. His father worked there as a gatekeeper and knew everyone in the team. Lin Fan often picked his father up from get off work and had met several captains and instructors, offered them cigarettes, and chatted with them; they were all very familiar with each other.

When I arrived at the traffic police station, I parked the car and went straight to the gatekeeper's office to find my father.

His father was reading the newspaper when he saw him arrive, and was a little surprised: "Xiao Fan? What brings you here?"

"Dad, I need to talk to you about something." Lin Fan sat down. "Wang Juan keeps going to the provincial capital these days, and I'm thinking of buying her a car. But she doesn't have a driver's license. Do you think it's possible to..."

The father understood: "You want to get the license quickly?"

"Hmm, the regular course is too slow, it takes almost half a year. Is there any way to get into an accelerated program?"

The father thought for a moment and said, "I'll ask Instructor Wang. He's in charge of the driving school, so he should be able to put in a good word for me."

"Thank you, Dad."

My father went out to make a phone call and returned in about ten minutes.

"Instructor Wang said that the rules are strict now, and you can't get your certificate on the same day," the father said. "But we can put you in the fast track class, and you can get your certificate in a month."

"A month is fine too," Lin Fan said. "Then please tell Instructor Wang to make the necessary arrangements and spend the money if necessary."

"Okay, I'll take care of it," the father said. "Do you have enough money? Buying a car isn't cheap."

"That's enough, don't worry."

Leaving the traffic police station, Lin Fan felt half relieved. With his driver's license issue settled, the next step was choosing a car.

Instead of returning to his workplace, he went directly to several 4S dealerships. He looked at Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda, and Buick. Finally, at the Honda dealership, he settled on the CR-V, a four-wheel-drive SUV with a high ground clearance, perfect for the northern winters.

The salesman was a young man, very enthusiastic: "Brother, this car just came out and it's selling really well. It has a four-wheel drive system, so it won't slip in snowy weather. It's also spacious, and the back seats can be folded down, making it great for hauling cargo."

Lin Fan looked it over inside and out, and it was indeed quite nice. He sat inside to try it out; the view was good, and the interior was exquisite.

"How much?"

"The base price is 248,000 yuan, and the total cost, including all fees, is around 280,000 yuan," the salesperson said. "We have cars in stock right now, both white and black."

"Can you make it cheaper?"

"Brother, this car is in high demand, so it won't be much cheaper," the salesperson said. "But I can give you a full set of accessories, including floor mats, window tinting, and a dashcam."

Lin Fan thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I'll order one. A white one."

"Okay! You pay the deposit, and I'll process the formalities for you."

I paid a 5,000 yuan deposit and signed the contract. The salesperson asked, "Sir, do you have any requirements for the license plate? We can handle that for you."

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "Can I choose a number?"

"Yes, I know someone at the vehicle management office who can handle it. What number do you want?"

"Are there any with four 9s?"

The salesperson paused for a moment: "Four 9s? That's a premium number, you'll need to pull some strings."

It was already noon when Lin Fan left the 4S store. He called Zhou Wenyuan and said he had something to do and would be at the office later that afternoon. Zhou Wenyuan readily agreed.

In the afternoon, Lin Fan went to the traffic police station again and met with Instructor Wang. Instructor Wang was in his fifties and quite amiable.

"Xiao Lin, your dad told me," Instructor Wang said. "The fast track class is fine, I'll arrange it."

"Understood, thank you, Instructor Wang." Lin Fan handed over five packs of cigarettes.

Instructor Wang hesitated for a moment, then accepted: "Then I won't stand on ceremony. Here's what we'll do: have Wang Juan come tomorrow to fill out the form and have her photo taken, and I'll make the arrangements for her."

Thank you so much.

"Don't mention it. Your dad's doing a great job here. We're all on the same side."

With the matter settled, Lin Fan felt relieved. He drove back to his workplace, arriving after 3 PM.

Zhou Wenyuan was reviewing documents in his office when he saw him come in and asked, "Finished?"

"It's all done." Lin Fan sat down. "Brother Zhou, I want to buy Wang Juan a car."

"Buying a car? That's great!" Zhou Wenyuan laughed. "What kind of car?"

"Honda CR-V, four-wheel drive."

"Yes, I've seen that car before, it's quite nice," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Does Wang Juan have a driver's license?"

"It's being processed, on an expedited basis, you'll get your certificate in a month."

"Okay, having a car is convenient," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But you have to remind her to be careful when driving, especially in winter, as a new driver."

"I know." Lin Fan paused. "Brother Zhou, there's something else. I want to get a license plate with four 9s. Do you have any connections?"

Zhou Wenyuan glanced at him: "You've got pretty high standards, kid. A license plate with four 9s isn't easy to get."

"I know, that's why I'm contacting you."

Zhou Wenyuan thought for a moment: "I'll ask Old Li at the vehicle management office; he owes me a favor. But it might not work out, but I'll give it a try."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

"No need to thank me, we'll talk about it after it's done."

For the next few days, Lin Fan was extremely busy. He worked during the day and accompanied Wang Juan to driving school in the afternoons. Wang Juan wanted to learn well, and she studied the theory classes diligently, filling a whole notebook with notes. Their practical driving instructor, surnamed Zhang, was the best instructor at the school and taught patiently.

Wang Juan was a little nervous: "Lin Fan, can I learn? I can't even ride a bicycle properly."

"Driving is easier than riding a bicycle," Lin Fan encouraged her. "Just do as the instructor says, and you'll definitely succeed."

After a week of practice, Wang Juan has made great progress. Her reverse parking and parallel parking skills are quite good. Coach Zhang said, "Wang Juan drives well, has a stable mindset, and will have no problem on the road."

Lin Fan was pleased to hear this.

The car purchase was also progressing smoothly. The dealership called to say the car had arrived and he could pick it up. Lin Fan took some time to go there; the white CR-V was clean and gleaming in the showroom.

The salesman said, "Brother, I asked about the license plate. It's really hard to get one with four 9s. The vehicle management office said it's a reserve number and they don't release them easily."

Lin Fan thought for a moment, then remained silent. He hadn't heard from Brother Zhou yet; he'd wait and see.

After picking up the car, I left it in the garage. I'll drive it home after Wang Juan gets her driver's license.

Wang Juan was overjoyed: "Lin Fan, I really can drive now!"

"I told you you could do it," Lin Fan laughed. "Come on, let me show you your car."

"Has the car arrived?"

"We've arrived. We're waiting for you to drive home."

When Wang Juan arrived at the garage, her eyes lit up when she saw the white CR-V.

"It's so beautiful." She touched the car body. "Is this really our car?"

"Really." Lin Fan handed her the key. "Try it."

Wang Juan was a little nervous, but she still got into the driver's seat. She adjusted the seat, fastened her seatbelt, and started the car. Although her movements were clumsy, she followed the correct steps.

They slowly drove out of the garage and onto the road. They started slowly, at about 20 miles per hour. Lin Fan, sitting in the passenger seat, remained calm and unhurried: "You'll get used to it if you gradually increase the speed."

After driving for a while, Wang Juan gradually relaxed and increased her speed to 40 miles per hour. Turning and changing lanes were all done steadily.

"Lin Fan, I really can drive now!" Wang Juan exclaimed, both excited and nervous.

"Hmm, you drove well," Lin Fan said. "From now on, I won't have to take a bus or train to the provincial capital anymore."

"Yes, it'll be much more convenient if I drive myself from now on."

Just then, Lin Fan's phone rang. It was Zhou Wenyuan.

"Brother Zhou."

"Xiao Lin, there's news about the license plate," Zhou Wenyuan said. "We couldn't get one with four 9s, but we got V07777, which is pretty good. What do you think?"

"V07777? Great, that's fantastic!" Lin Fan exclaimed happily. "Thanks, Brother Zhou!"

"No need to thank me. I'll go to the vehicle management office tomorrow to complete the procedures. Look for Director Li; I've already made arrangements."

"clear!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan said to Wang Juan, "The license plate is all set, V07777."

"V07777? That's great!" Wang Juan exclaimed in surprise. "How did you get it?"

"Brother Zhou, please help me out," Lin Fan said. "We'll take care of the paperwork tomorrow, and then the car will be all set."

The next day, the two went to the vehicle management office. Director Li personally received them, and the procedures were completed very quickly. The driver's license, registration certificate, and license plate were all done in two hours.

The license plate was installed; the white car had a blue plate, and the four numbers 7777 were eye-catching.

"It's so beautiful." Wang Juan liked it more and more as she looked at it.

"Let's go home," Lin Fan said. "You're driving today."

Wang Juan carefully drove her new car back to Riverside Garden. She parked it in the garage, looked at it again and again, reluctant to go inside.

"Alright, you can watch it every day from now on." Lin Fan pulled her inside. "It's cold outside."

Once inside, Wang Juan was still basking in her excitement: "Lin Fan, this car is so easy to drive, the visibility is great, and it's comfortable to sit in."

"If you like it, that's fine," Lin Fan said. "It'll be more convenient for you to go out now."

"Okay, I'll drive to the store every day from now on."

"But be careful," Lin Fan said earnestly. "You're a new driver, so drive slowly. The roads are slippery in the snow, so try not to go out. If you really need to go out, call me, and I'll give you a ride."

"Okay." Wang Juan leaned on his shoulder. "Lin Fan, you're so good to me."

"You're my wife, if I don't treat you well, who else should I treat well?"

The two were cuddling when the phone rang. It was Lin Ping calling.

"Xiao Fan, where are you?"

"At home, what's wrong, sis?"

"My parents want us to come over tomorrow to discuss things for the New Year," Lin Ping said. "Your brother-in-law is going too."

"Okay, what time tomorrow?"

"Let's have lunch at home."

"it is good."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan said to Wang Juan, "Let's go to my sister's house tomorrow to discuss the New Year."

"Okay," Wang Juan said. "By the way, when are we going back to my parents' place?"

"Let's go on the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, for one day, and come back on New Year's Eve."

"OK."

The next day at noon, the two drove to Lin Ping's house. Lin Ping's house was in an old residential compound.

When I entered the house, the food was already prepared. My parents, Lin Ping, and Sun Lin Niu Niu were all there.

"Xiao Fan, Juan'er is here." Her mother greeted her, "Please sit down, dinner is ready."

"Mom, what delicious food did you make? Niu Niu, look what your aunt bought for you!" Wang Juan asked. Niu Niu ran over and hugged Wang Juan. "What did Auntie buy?" Wang Juan and Niu Niu played for a while.

The mother smiled and said, "Braised pork, steamed fish, and chicken soup made by your father."

The family sat down for dinner, chatting and laughing. The father asked Lin Fan, "I heard you bought Juan'er a car?"

"Yes, a Honda CR-V, four-wheel drive, suitable for winter driving."

"How much?"

Two hundred and eighty thousand.

The father clicked his tongue in amazement: "So expensive."

"It's not expensive; good cars are all this price," Lin Fan said. "Wang Juan often travels to the provincial capital, so having a car is convenient for her."

"That's true." The father nodded. "But drive carefully, and don't drive too fast if you're a new driver."

"I know, Dad."

Lin Ping asked, "I heard the license plate is pretty good too? 7777?"

"Yes, Brother Zhou helped me with it."

"Director Zhou has been really good to you," Sun Lin said. "You should remember his kindness."

"I remember."

After dinner, we discussed the New Year's celebrations. My mother said, "This year, let's celebrate together as a family. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day will be with me, how about that?"

"Okay," Lin Fan said. "What about Wang Juan's parents...?"

"Go on the 29th of the lunar year, stay overnight, and come back on the morning of the 30th," my mother said. "It won't interfere with lunch."

"it is good."

Wang Juan said, "Mom, I'll cook for you on New Year's Eve."

"You don't need to, just sit down," the mother laughed. "There are many of us this year, it'll be lively."

After discussing the New Year's arrangements, they chatted for a while. Lin Ping brought up the renovation: "My apartment is almost finished, just the furniture is left. How about yours?"

"It'll be finished soon. The painting is done, and they're laying the flooring now," Lin Fan said. "It'll definitely be finished before the Spring Festival."

"That's good. We can move in after the Spring Festival," Lin Ping said. "Mom and Dad, you'll be so happy living in your new house then."

The mother laughed: "What's the point of enjoying luxury? As long as you have a house to live in, that's enough."

It was already afternoon when they left Lin Ping's house. Lin Fan drove, and Wang Juan sat in the passenger seat.

"Lin Fan, what should I buy for my parents for the New Year?" Wang Juan asked. "Is it okay to buy them new clothes from head to toe?"

"Okay, buy whatever you think is best," Lin Fan said. "Oh, and buy some for your parents too. Your dad smokes, so get him a few packs of good cigarettes. Buy your mom a down jacket, it'll keep her warm."

"Mmm." Wang Juan leaned against the car window. "Lin Fan, this year's Spring Festival is really lively. Parents, and my sister's family, so many people."

"It will be just as lively every year from now on," Lin Fan said. "It will be even more lively when we have children."

Wang Juan blushed: "You're talking about the child again."

"Tell me what happened, it was bound to happen sooner or later."

The two chatted and laughed as they went home.

The next few days were spent busy with New Year's shopping. Lin Fan accompanied Wang Juan shopping, buying bags and bags of things. They bought clothes and food for their parents, and gifts for their sister's family as well.

Wang Juan also bought things for her parents and sent them back.

On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, the two drove to Bai County. Wang Juan drove the new car, and Lin Fan sat in the passenger seat. The snow on the road had melted, but there was still ice. Wang Juan drove slowly, at 60 miles per hour.

"You're driving well," Lin Fan encouraged. "Just keep this speed."

"Hmm, I'm not in a hurry."

Upon arriving in Bai County, Wang Juan's parents were already waiting at the village entrance. Seeing the new car, the elderly couple gathered around to look at it.

"This car is so big and beautiful," said Wang Juan's father.

"Dad, Mom, get in the car, let's go home," Wang Juan said.

When Wang Juan got home, her mother had prepared a table full of dishes: stewed chicken, stewed fish, and stir-fried cured pork—all hearty dishes.

During the meal, Wang Juan's father asked, "How much did this car cost?"

"Two hundred and eighty thousand," Wang Juan said. "Lin Fan bought it for me."

"Two hundred and eighty thousand..." Wang Juan's father gasped, "That's so expensive."

"It's not expensive, Dad. Good cars cost this much," Lin Fan said. "Wang Juan needs one for her business, and it'll be convenient for her to have a car."

"That's true, Juan'er is doing well now," Wang Juan's father remarked. "She used to work in a restaurant, earning only a few hundred yuan a month. Now she's her own boss and even has a car."

"Lin Fan helped me with everything," Wang Juan said.

"You two should support each other and live a good life," Wang Juan's mother said. "Xiao Fan, Juan'er is stubborn, so please be patient with her."

"Mom, Juan'er has a very good temper," Lin Fan said with a smile.

After dinner, Wang Juan took her parents for a test drive. Her father sat in the driver's seat, touching this and that, saying, "This car is really good, much better than a tractor."

"Dad, what are you saying?" Wang Juan laughed. "Can this be compared to a tractor?"

"To me, they're all cars," the father laughed. "But this one's comfortable, it's soft and cozy."

After spending one night at home, the two drove back to Gangcheng on the morning of New Year's Eve. Wang Juan's parents had packed a trunk full of New Year's goods for her: homemade cured meat, sausages, pickled vegetables, and two live chickens.

"Mom and Dad, that's enough, we can't hold any more," Wang Juan said.

"Take it with you, you can't buy something this good in the city," the mother insisted.

After finally finishing packing, I said goodbye to my parents and set off.

On the return trip, Wang Juan drove more steadily, increasing the speed to 80 mph. Lin Fan sat in the passenger seat, watching the fields rushing past the window, feeling calm.

So much happened this year.

They took each step very steadily.

Now, he has a family, a lover, and a career. His parents are settled, and his sister's life is better too.

This is the stable and wealthy life he wanted.

Although we are not yet extremely wealthy, everything is on the right track.

Next year will be better.

The car entered the steel city, and it was already noon. We went straight to my parents' house; Lin Ping's family was already there. The house was bustling with activity; the TV was on, showing a rerun of the Spring Festival Gala. A delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen as my mother cooked.

"You're back?" Lin Ping greeted them. "We've been waiting for you."

"There's a bit of traffic," Lin Fan said. "Sis, do you need any help?"

"No need, Mom's almost done. You all sit down, dinner will be served soon."

Lunch was a feast, with eight dishes and a soup. The whole family sat around the table, raising their glasses in celebration.

"Come on, let's wish our family a better and better new year!" the father said.

"Cheers!"

After finishing their meal, they cleared the table and prepared to make dumplings. Wang Juan, her mother, and Lin Ping were busy in the kitchen, while Lin Fan, with his arms around Niu Niu, watched TV and chatted with his father and Sun Lin in the living room.

"Xiao Fan, what are your plans for next year?" his father asked.

"I'll continue working with Brother Zhou and take it slow," Lin Fan said. "As for business, Wang Juan wants to open a fourth store, and I support that. We'll continue holding the stocks; they should still go up."

"Be steady, don't be reckless."

"I know, Dad."

Sun Lin said, "Our bureau is also getting new cars next year; I heard they approved five."

"We approved it too," Lin Fan said. "Brother Zhou said the new cars will arrive in the first quarter."

"That's good," Sun Lin said. "After driving this old car for so many years, it's time to replace it."

We chatted until the afternoon, and the dumplings were all wrapped. We had a simple dinner and stayed up late watching the Spring Festival Gala.

At midnight, firecrackers went off outside. Lin Fan and Wang Juan stood on the balcony, watching the fireworks bloom in the night sky.

"Another year has passed," Wang Juan said softly.

"Yes, another year has passed." Lin Fan hugged her. "Juan'er, Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year."

"Let's get married next year."

"Um."