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

On the 20th day of the first lunar month, the bureau's new car arrived.

The news spread in the morning. Lin Fan had just parked his car when he saw a group of people gathered in front of the office building, pointing and commenting on several new cars. He locked his car and walked over, where Xiao Liu from the logistics department was enthusiastically introducing the vehicles.

"See that? Four Audi A6s! And three Toyota Land Cruisers!"

"Which car does the bureau chief ride in?" someone asked.

"Director Yan's car is an Audi A8, but the emblem has been changed to an A6." Xiao Liu lowered his voice. "Keep it low-key, understand? The other four deputy directors all have A6s. Badao is placed in the logistics department; whoever needs it can apply for it."

Lin Fan squeezed in for a look. Four black Audis were lined up in a row, gleaming black. Three white Land Cruisers were parked beside them, tall and imposing. They certainly looked impressive.

"Master Lin is here." Xiao Liu saw him and said, "You've also ordered your car, that one." He pointed to one of the Audis.

"mine?"

"Yes, it's Director Zhou's official car," Xiao Liu said. "The Pajero has been retired and is now used as a backup vehicle by the logistics department. You'll be driving this from now on."

Lin Fan walked up to the Audi. Its black body and streamlined design made it look much more upscale than the Santana. He opened the door and got in. The leather seats, wood trim, and center console were significantly more complex than the Santana's.

"How is it? Pretty high-class, right?" Xiao Liu leaned against the car window.

"It's not bad." Lin Fan started the car, the engine sounding deep and powerful. "Much better than the Santana."

"Absolutely, it's a car worth several hundred thousand yuan," Xiao Liu said. "By the way, you're still in charge of that Santana with the armed police license plate; we need it for special missions sometimes."

"clear."

Just then, Zhou Wenyuan came out of the building. He saw the new car and walked over.

"Director Zhou, your car," Xiao Liu said quickly.

Zhou Wenyuan walked around the car and nodded: "It's alright. Xiao Lin, have you tried it out?"

"Just tried it, it's pretty easy to drive."

"That's fine then," Zhou Wenyuan said. "You can drive this from now on. Return the Santana to them in a few days."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

After completing the handover procedures in the morning, Lin Fan officially drove his Audi A6. The keys felt heavy in his hand. He drove the new car around the yard a couple of times and noticed a clear difference. The steering wheel was light, the accelerator was responsive, and the sound insulation was excellent; with the windows closed, he could barely hear any outside noise.

At lunchtime, several people from the driver's team surrounded him and asked him questions.

"Master Lin, how does the new car feel?"

"Not bad, it's quite stable."

"An Audi is an Audi, much better than our beat-up Santana."

"From now on, I'll be working with Master Lin, so please take care of me."

Lin Fan smiled and said, "We'll look out for each other."

After finishing his meal, he called Wang Juan.

"Juan'er, I've changed cars."

"What kind of car should we get?"

"An Audi A6, a new one issued to the bureau."

"That's great!" Wang Juan exclaimed happily. "Then you can drive the new car and I'll drive the CR-V. Our family will have two cars now."

"Hmm," Lin Fan said. "By the way, I probably won't be home for dinner tonight; I have a few friends who have invited me out."

"Another dinner party?"

"I couldn't refuse," Lin Fan said. "It was Section Chief Li from the Tax Bureau and Xiao Zhang from the Industry and Commerce Bureau. They said they hadn't gotten together in a long time."

"Then you should drink less alcohol."

"Know."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan tidied up, preparing to go out with Zhou Wenyuan in the afternoon. But then Zhou Wenyuan called: "Lin, I'm not going out this afternoon. Make your own arrangements. Oh, and Old Li from the tax office is organizing a gathering tonight; you're coming too."

"Section Chief Li also called me."

"That's perfect, let's go together," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Old Li is a good guy, it won't hurt to get to know him better."

"clear."

Lin Fan had nothing much to do in the afternoon, so he spent some time in his office looking at documents. Around 4 p.m., Zhou Wenyuan called: "Let's go, go back and change your clothes first, we'll meet at 'Juxianlou' at 6 p.m."

Lin Fan drove home and changed into casual clothes. Wang Juan had already gone to the shop; no one was home. He made himself a cup of tea and sat on the sofa to rest for a while.

At 5:30, I drove out to pick up Brother Zhou. We drove to "Chuanweilou" and parked the car. It was a newly opened restaurant with nice decor and good business.

When they entered the private room, several people were already there. There was Section Chief Li from the Tax Bureau, Deputy Section Chief Zhang from the Industry and Commerce Bureau, and Section Chief Wang from the Construction Bureau—all powerful figures in their respective units. They greeted Director Zhou and Lin Fan.

"Good morning, Director Zhou. Xiao Lin is here. Please have a seat."

"Hello, Section Chief Li, Section Chief Zhang, Section Chief Wang."

"Sit down, sit down, don't be so polite." Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand. "We're all friends today, no need for formalities."

"Don't be shy, we're all family here today." Section Chief Li was in his fifties, chubby, and very amiable.

After sitting down, we started ordering. Section Chief Li took the lead and ordered several hearty dishes: roast whole lamb, steamed grouper, braised soft-shelled turtle, and a few cold and stir-fried dishes. For the liquor, we ordered Moutai.

"Let's drink until we drop tonight!" said Section Chief Li.

"Old Li, don't try to force me to drink," Zhou Wenyuan laughed. "You know my alcohol tolerance."

"I know, I know, just the right amount, just the right amount."

The dishes were served, and the wine was poured. Everyone drank a glass together first, and then started chatting.

Section Chief Li asked Zhou Wenyuan, "Director Zhou, has your department's new vehicle arrived yet?"

"We've arrived. The handover just took place today."

"Your Finance Bureau must be rich, you can just switch to an Audi every time," said Section Chief Wang from the Construction Bureau. "Our bureau's few beat-up cars are practically falling apart."

"Your construction bureau is still complaining about being poor?" Zhou Wenyuan laughed. "Even a random project costs several million."

"That's different, that's public funds, we can't waste them," Section Chief Wang said. "But then again, it's so comfortable driving a new car. Xiao Lin, you've got yours now, haven't you?"

"It's open now, it just opened today," Lin Fan said.

"How are you feeling?"

"It's pretty good, better than the Santana."

"That's right, the price speaks for itself," said Section Chief Li. "Come on, Xiao Lin, let me toast you. Let's keep in touch and look out for each other."

"Section Chief Li, you're too kind. I'll drink to you."

After a drink, the atmosphere became even more lively. Everyone chatted about work, life, and recent city policies. Lin Fan listened from the side, occasionally chiming in. These were all connections; he had to maintain them.

After a few rounds of drinks, Section Chief Li leaned close to Lin Fan and lowered his voice: "Lin, there's something I'd like to ask you."

"Please speak."

"My nephew is starting elementary school this year and wants to get into the Experimental Elementary School. I heard your bureau has connections with the Education Bureau; could you help me put in a good word?"

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "Experimental Primary School is a key school, so it's not easy to get in. But I know Director Liu in the Education Bureau's office, so I can ask him."

"Thank you so much!" Section Chief Li said happily. "It doesn't matter whether it works out or not, just do your best."

I'll ask tomorrow.

"Alright, alright, come on, have another drink."

After drinking for a while, Deputy Section Chief Zhang from the Industry and Commerce Bureau also came over: "Xiao Lin, my mother-in-law's leg has been hurting lately, and she wants to go to the city hospital to see a doctor. I heard that Director Li in the orthopedics department is very skilled, but it's hard to get an appointment. What do you think..."

"I know Director Li; he treated my father before," Lin Fan said. "Tell me in advance when you're coming, and I'll give you a call."

"That's great, thank you."

"polite."

The meal lasted until after nine o'clock. Zhou Wenyuan had drunk a bit too much, so Lin Fan drove him home.

On the way, Zhou Wenyuan said, "These people will all be useful in the future. The tax, industry and commerce, and construction departments are all powerful departments. It won't hurt to build good relationships with them."

"I know, Brother Zhou."

"But you need to be tactful in your actions," Zhou Wenyuan cautioned. "Do what you can, and don't force yourself to do what you can't. As for Old Li's matter today, getting into the Experimental Primary School is indeed difficult. Just ask around, don't make any guarantees."

"I see."

After dropping Zhou Wenyuan off, Lin Fan drove home himself. Wang Juan was already back and watching TV in the living room.

"You're back? You've been drinking?" Wang Juan smelled the alcohol on him.

"I've had a little." Lin Fan sat down. "Pour me a glass of water."

Wang Juan poured him some water and handed it to him: "How was the dinner?"

"It's alright, I made a few friends." Lin Fan took a sip of water. "By the way, I have to go to the Education Bureau tomorrow to ask someone about something."

"What is it?"

"The nephew of Section Chief Li from the tax bureau wants to attend the Experimental Primary School, and he asked me to help him inquire."

"It's not easy to get into Experimental Primary School," Wang Juan said. "We'll have to plan ahead if we have children in the future."

"It's still early," Lin Fan smiled, "but we definitely need to plan ahead."

The next morning, Lin Fan called Director Liu of the Education Bureau office. Director Liu was familiar with Zhou Wenyuan and was very polite to Lin Fan.

"Director Liu, there's something I'd like to ask you."

"Master Lin, please speak."

"The nephew of Section Chief Li from the tax bureau is starting elementary school this year and wants to get into the experimental elementary school. Do you see any way to help him?"

Director Liu thought for a moment: "The Experimental Primary School has a limited number of places this year, but we have to give Section Chief Li face. Here's what we'll do: have him prepare the materials, and I'll see if I can coordinate a place."

Thank you so much.

"Don't mention it. Just let me know if you need anything in the future."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan sent a message back to Section Chief Li. Section Chief Li was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly, saying he would treat him to dinner another day.

While eating lunch in the cafeteria, Xiao Liu from the budget department came over and asked, "Brother Fan, I heard you know someone at the city hospital?"

"What's wrong?"

"My mother has high blood pressure and I'd like to see a specialist. I've heard that Dr. Wang, the head of the cardiology department, is good, but it's difficult to get an appointment."

"I know Director Wang; we've had dinner together twice," Lin Fan said. "When are you going? I'll give you a call."

"That's great, thank you, Brother Fan."

"Don't mention it."

In the afternoon, Lin Fan and Zhou Wenyuan went to the development zone for research. On the way, they talked about off-road vehicles.

"Brother Zhou, we don't have a dedicated off-road vehicle anymore, so it's not very convenient to go to the countryside sometimes," Lin Fan said.

"Yeah, we have to apply to the logistics department every time, it's a hassle," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But there's nothing we can do, there are only so many cars. Anyway, we don't go to the countryside often, so we'll just have to make do."

"I'm just worried about what if there's an emergency."

"If it's really an emergency, just use that Pajero," Zhou Wenyuan said. "By the way, your parents moved to a new house, right?"

"We moved. We moved on the 18th day of the first lunar month. Now we live across from my sister's house, which is much more convenient."

"That's good," Zhou Wenyuan said. "We feel at ease knowing the elderly are living well."

The car arrived at the development zone and drove around for a bit. It was already past four when Lin Fan got back to the office. As he packed up to leave work, his brother-in-law, Sun Lin, called.

"Xiao Fan, come over for dinner tonight. Your sister is making dumplings."

"Okay, I'll go over after get off work."

After get off work, Lin Fan went home first to pick up Wang Juan, and then they went to his sister's house together. The new house was great, spacious and bright. Niu Niu was playing with building blocks in the living room. When she saw them coming, she ran over.

"Uncle, Aunt!"

"Niu Niu, what are you playing?" Wang Juan asked, squatting down.

"These building blocks were bought for me by Grandma," Niu Niu said. "Auntie, look, this is the house I built."

"That's great."

The mother was busy in the kitchen, and Lin Ping was making dumplings. Sun Lin was watching TV on the sofa.

"Where's Dad?" Lin Fan asked.

"I'm taking a walk downstairs, I'll be up in a bit," my mother said. "Please have a seat, the dumplings will be ready soon."

Lin Fan went to the kitchen to help: "Mom, is Niu Niu living with you now?"

"Yes, I'll take care of her during the day, and your sister will pick her up at night," the mother said. "Your sister used to live in the old residential area, close to her mother-in-law, and her mother-in-law took care of her. Now she's moved here, farther away, so I'll take care of her."

Are you tired?

"What's tiring? Taking care of my own granddaughter makes me happy," the mother smiled. "Niu Niu is so good, so easy to take care of."

Just then, Father returned. The family sat around the table and ate dumplings.

Lin Ping asked Lin Fan, "Xiao Fan, has your bureau's new car arrived?"

"We've arrived. I'm driving my Audi."

"That's really nice," Lin Ping said. "The car in our office is still an old Santana, it's terribly worn out."

"Your district government should also get a new car," Sun Lin said.

"What are you talking about? I don't have the money," Lin Ping said. "By the way, Xiao Fan, our office director, Director Wang, heard that I have connections at the Finance Bureau and wants to ask you for a favor."

"What is it?"

"His son wants to join the army, and they're recruiting this year. I heard that you need connections at the armed forces department to get assigned to a good unit," Lin Ping said. "Could you help me ask around?"

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "I'm not familiar with the Armed Forces Department, but Brother Zhou should know someone. I'll ask him."

"Okay, just ask. It doesn't matter if it works out or not."

After dinner, Lin Fan and Wang Juan sat for a while before heading home. On the way, Wang Juan said, "You know so many people now; they come to you for everything."

"It's all about personal relationships," Lin Fan said. "You help someone today, and they'll help you tomorrow. That's how it is in government offices."

"Then you'd better be careful not to agree to everything."

"I know that we should do what we can and push away what we can't," Lin Fan said. "But sometimes there's no other way; relationships have to be maintained."

"Yes, as long as you know it."

Back home, Lin Fan called Zhou Wenyuan and told him about the armed forces department. Zhou Wenyuan said he knew the deputy minister of the armed forces department and could ask him.

The next day, Zhou Wenyuan replied: "I asked, and this year's conscription hasn't started yet. We'll talk about it when it does. But Director Wang's son has to meet the requirements."

"I understand, thank you, Brother Zhou."

Lin Fan replied to Lin Ping's letter. Lin Ping said that Director Wang was very happy and said he would treat her to dinner another day.

And so, Lin Fan's social circle gradually expanded. He met more and more people in various units, and the number of dinner parties increased. Sometimes there were three or four parties a week, all organized by the heads and deputy heads of various departments. Everyone ate and drank, strengthened relationships, and helped each other.

Lin Fan never asks people for favors, but if someone asks him for help, he will do his best to help. Arranging things at schools, contacting hospitals, gathering information... these are all small things, but they accumulate into favors.

At the end of March, the bureau organized a spring outing to climb mountains in the suburbs. Lin Fan drove Zhou Wenyuan and several other section chiefs. On the way, they chatted about their work.

Section Chief Li from the tax bureau said, "Xiao Lin has a wide network of connections now; he can find someone to help him with anything."

"It's all thanks to the kindness and support of the leaders," Lin Fan said modestly.

"It's a two-way street," said Section Chief Wang of the Construction Bureau. "Last time, I was very grateful to Xiao Lin for helping me coordinate that project payment issue."

"It was just a small favor."

Zhou Wenyuan listened silently, but a smile played on his lips. Lin Fan, that kid, certainly knew how to handle people.

After returning from the spring outing, Lin Fan received a package from Section Chief Li containing two boxes of high-quality tea. He also received a tea set from Deputy Section Chief Zhang. Both were to thank him for his help.

Lin Fan carefully packed these items and placed them in the garage converted from the ground floor shop. The garage was already quite cluttered with things: cigarettes, alcohol, tea, and various gift boxes. They were all gifts from others, or given to him by Zhou Wenyuan.

When Wang Juan went in to take a look, she was shocked: "So many?"

"It's like this every year; we can't use them all," Lin Fan said. "I'll pick out some of the better ones and send them to your parents."

"No, keep it. You can use it for things later," Wang Juan said. "But you have to remember who gave what, so you can return the favor later."

"I remember it all."

In early April, Lin Fan's high school classmates held a reunion. This time, it was organized by Lin Fan and held at the "Chuanweilou" restaurant.

More than twenty people came and filled two tables. Some worked in government offices, some were business people, and some were teachers. Everyone greeted each other warmly.

"Lin Fan, I heard you're doing quite well at the Finance Bureau."

"It's alright, enough to make a living."

"Don't be modest, you drive an Audi."

"Bus, bus."

During dinner, everyone chatted about their recent lives. One classmate leaned over and said, "Brother Fan, my cousin got into a fight and was detained. Could you help put in a good word for him?"

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "Which police station?"

"Chengxi Police Station".

"I do know their director; we've had a meal together once," Lin Fan said. "But when it comes to fighting, it depends on the severity of the situation. Here, I'll ask around for you, but I can't guarantee anything."

"Okay, I'll ask. Thanks, Brother Fan."

Another classmate, who was in the building materials business, said, "Lin Fan, does your bureau have any projects? Can you introduce me to some work?"

"You need to go through the Construction Bureau for the project; our Finance Bureau only handles the money," Lin Fan said. "However, I know Section Chief Wang at the Construction Bureau; I can help you with the introduction."

"That's great! I'll treat you to dinner another day."

The party was lively and didn't end until evening. Lin Fan drove several classmates who were going the same way home before finally going back with Wang Juan.

On the way, Wang Juan said, "You're such a social butterfly now, you know everyone."

"There's no way around it, it's for work," Lin Fan said. "But it's good this way too, more friends mean more opportunities, and I can also gather more gossip, which will eventually be useful to Brother Zhou."

"Yeah, just don't overwork yourself."

"Not tired."

The car drove into the residential area and parked. The two went upstairs.

In April, spring arrived in the steel city. The trees sprouted buds, the flowers bloomed, and the weather warmed up.

Lin Fan's life, like this spring, is full of vitality.

I have a stable job, a happy family, and many friends.

This is the life he wants.

But he knew that wasn't enough. 2005 had just begun, and the best was yet to come.