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

By mid-April, the weather had become completely warm.

When Lin Fan arrived at work in the morning, he went to the logistics department first. The department head, Jiang Dayong, was looking at documents. When he saw Lin Fan come in, he waved and said, "Little Lin, I was just looking for you."

"Section Chief Jiang, what is it?"

"We need to return that Santana to the Armed Police detachment," Jiang Dayong said. "They've been using it here for almost two years; it's time to return it to its rightful owner. Drive it over and express your gratitude to the detachment commander."

"Okay, I'll go today."

"Wash the car and fill it up with gas," Jiang Dayong said. "Even though it's an old car, we should return it in a presentable manner."

"clear."

Lin Fan went to the parking lot and found the Santana with the armed police license plate. The car was indeed old, with tens of thousands of kilometers on it, but it was well-maintained. He drove it to a car wash, had it washed inside and out, and then went to a gas station to fill up the tank. The car looked much better after being washed and filled up.

He drove to the Armed Police detachment. On the way, he thought about the past two years—this car had accompanied him on his travels, and when he went on field research trips with Zhou Wenyuan; it was quite a "meritorious" vehicle. Now that the bureau has replaced it with a new car, this one should be retired.

Upon arriving at the Armed Police detachment, Lin Fan was stopped by the sentry at the gate. After explaining his purpose, the sentry made a phone call to his superiors and then allowed him to pass.

Squad leader Zhao Tiejun was waiting for him in his office. Upon seeing Lin Fan, he stood up and shook hands: "Master Lin, you've arrived."

"Captain Zhao, hello." Lin Fan placed the car keys on the table. "The car has been returned to you, washed, and the gas tank is full. Thank you for taking care of me these past two years."

Zhao Tiejun picked up the keys and looked at them: "How's the car?"

"It's been working fine, never had any major problems," Lin Fan said. "Now that the bureau has a new car, this one is no longer needed and has been returned to its rightful owner."

"You got a new car? What kind of car?"

Audi A6.

Zhao Tiejun nodded: "That's right, it's time to replace it. That Santana is indeed old and can't run anymore."

After exchanging a few words, Lin Fan got up to take his leave. Zhao Tiejun saw him to the door: "Master Lin, if you need anything in the future, just give me a call. Our two companies should keep in touch."

"Thank you, Captain Zhao."

Zhao Tiejun called over a soldier: "Take Master Lin back."

A soldier drove Lin Fan back to the Finance Bureau in a military-plated SUV. On the way, the soldier was very polite: "Mr. Lin, you seem to know Captain Zhao quite well?"

"We have some work-related interactions," Lin Fan said.

"Captain Zhao is a good person, and he has nothing but praise for his subordinates."

"I can tell."

Back at the bureau, Lin Fan reported to Jiang Dayong. Jiang Dayong said, "Okay, this matter is settled. By the way, this afternoon you and Director Zhou go to the municipal government; there's a meeting."

"OK."

The afternoon meeting was short, mainly focusing on arranging spring fire prevention work. After the meeting, Zhou Wenyuan said, "Xiao Lin, go see Old Chen when you have time."

Old Chen was still recovering at home; his broken ribs wouldn't heal quickly. Lin Fan drove to Old Chen's house and bought some fruit and nutritional supplements.

Old Chen's family lived on the third floor of the old residential area. Old Chen's wife opened the door and, seeing Lin Fan, quickly invited him inside.

"Sister-in-law, how is Master Chen?"

"I'm much better now, I can walk around in the fields," said Old Chen's wife. "But I still can't work, I need to rest for another two months."

Old Chen was lying in the inner room when he saw Lin Fan come in and tried to sit up. Lin Fan quickly pressed him down, saying, "Master Chen, please lie down."

"Xiao Lin's here, have a seat." Old Chen's complexion was much better than last time. "How's things at the station?"

"Great, the new car has arrived, an Audi."

"I've heard about it," Old Chen sighed. "It's a pity I missed it, and then this happened."

"Don't worry too much, just focus on recovering. You'll be able to drive again once you're better."

"I can't drive anymore." Old Chen shook his head. "The bureau chief said that once I recover, he'll transfer me to an easier position. I can't do driving anymore."

Lin Fan didn't know how to comfort him. Old Chen had been driving for over ten years, and it was truly a pity that it ended in this way.

After sitting for a while, Lin Fan said goodbye. Old Chen's wife saw him to the door and whispered, "Little Lin, if there are any good positions in your bureau, please help Old Chen put in a good word. He's an honest man, but he's not good at networking."

"Don't worry, sister-in-law, I'll definitely speak up when I have the chance."

Thank you.

After leaving Old Chen's house, Lin Fan felt uneasy. He drove back to his workplace in silence.

Days passed by, and before we knew it, it was late April.

That morning, Lin Fan was reading the newspaper in his office when his phone rang. It was an unknown number.

"Hello."

"Is this Lin Fan? My name is Zhao Tiejun."

Lin Fan was taken aback: "Captain Zhao? Hello, hello."

"Master Lin, there's something I need to tell you," Zhao Tiejun said in a cheerful voice. "Our brigade recently upgraded its equipment and retired a few vehicles. I was thinking that your Director Zhou often goes to the countryside for research, and a sedan isn't convenient. We have a Toyota Land Cruiser 4700 V8 here; it's in good condition and even has an armed police license plate. Would you like to come and drive it away, or should I have someone deliver it to you?"

Lin Fan was a little confused: "Captain Zhao, is this...is this appropriate?"

"What's inappropriate about it? Cars are meant to be used," Zhao Tiejun said. "If it's convenient for you, then we're making the best use of it. Besides, Director Zhou often goes to the counties below, where the roads are bad, so having a better off-road vehicle makes things safer."

Lin Fan thought for a moment and said, "Captain Zhao, I need to report this to Director Zhou."

"Okay, you report back. I'll have someone drive the car over. When is a convenient time for you?"

"This afternoon, I'll be at work this afternoon."

"Okay, then this afternoon."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan went to Zhou Wenyuan's office. Zhou Wenyuan was reviewing documents. After listening to him, he looked up and asked, "Zhao Tiejun? The one from the Armed Police?"

"Yes, that's him."

"Did he offer to borrow the car?"

"They said it was a Land Cruiser 4700V8 that was phased out after equipment upgrades, with a People's Armed Police license plate," Lin Fan said. "They said you often go to the countryside, where the roads are bad, and having an off-road vehicle would be convenient."

Zhou Wenyuan pondered for a moment: "This Zhao Tiejun knows how to handle people."

"Brother Zhou, should we take that car?"

"I'll accept it," Zhou Wenyuan said. "They've come to me willingly; it wouldn't be right to refuse. Tell Captain Zhao I'll treat him to dinner another day."

"it is good."

At 2 PM, a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser drove into the Finance Bureau compound. The car was dark green, with a People's Armed Police license plate, and looked imposing. A young soldier was driving, handing the keys to Lin Fan: "Mr. Lin, Captain Zhao said the car is yours. All the paperwork is done; you can use it immediately."

"Thank you, you've worked hard."

The soldier saluted and left.

Lin Fan walked around the car. It was indeed a good car, even bigger than a Prado. He opened the door and sat inside. The interior was luxurious, with leather seats and various buttons. He started the engine, and the V8 engine emitted a deep, powerful roar.

"This car is nice." Zhou Wenyuan appeared out of nowhere and stood beside the car.

"Brother Zhou, would you like to give it a try?"

Zhou Wenyuan sat in the driver's seat and took a look: "It's definitely more comfortable than an Audi, the visibility is better, and you sit higher."

"Captain Zhao said that we can borrow this car and drive it back whenever we don't need it anymore."

"Okay, I understand." Zhou Wenyuan got out of the car. "Here's what you'd like to do: arrange for Captain Zhao to have dinner this weekend. Find a quiet restaurant, nothing too flashy."

"clear."

Over the weekend, Lin Fan booked a private room at "Jingyaxuan". It's a private restaurant with a secluded location, a pleasant ambiance, and exquisite dishes.

Zhou Wenyuan, Lin Fan, and Zhao Tiejun, three people in total. They ordered six dishes, not many, but all of them were substantial. They also brought Moutai liquor.

"Captain Zhao, thank you." Zhou Wenyuan raised his glass. "Thank you for your help with the car."

"Director Zhou, you're too kind." Zhao Tiejun clinked glasses with him. "The car's just sitting there anyway, so giving it to you to use is making the most of it. Besides, you often go to the countryside, where the roads are bad, so having a good car will ensure your safety."

"Captain Zhao's consideration is very thorough."

The three chatted as they ate. Zhao Tiejun was a good talker, neither arrogant nor humble. They talked about work, the military, and the situation in the city. Zhou Wenyuan was also open and shared many personal thoughts.

Lin Fan poured drinks and served food, occasionally interjecting with a few words. He could tell that Zhao Tiejun was intentionally trying to befriend Zhou Wenyuan. Indeed, Zhou Wenyuan was a powerful figure in the Finance Bureau, in charge of the budget; who wouldn't want to be on his side?

The meal lasted for more than two hours. When it was over, Lin Fan took out the gifts he had prepared from the trunk of his car: a case of Moutai, a case of Wuliangye, and five or six cartons of Zhonghua cigarettes.

"Captain Zhao, this is just a small token of my appreciation, please don't find it offensive," Lin Fan said.

Zhao Tiejun declined, saying, "I can't accept this. The car was borrowed, and I'm still accepting a gift..."

"Captain Zhao, please accept this," Zhou Wenyuan said. "It's just a small token of my appreciation."

"Then...then I'll accept it." Zhao Tiejun smiled. "If you need anything in the future, just let me know."

"must."

After seeing Zhao Tiejun off, Zhou Wenyuan said to Lin Fan, "This Zhao Tiejun is someone we can befriend. Keep in touch with him in the future."

"clear."

With the Land Cruiser, going to the countryside is indeed much more convenient. At the end of April, Zhou Wenyuan went to Linxi County for research, and Lin Fan drove this car. The mountain roads were rugged, but the Land Cruiser handled them as if they were flat ground, and the ride was comfortable.

Zhou Wenyuan was very satisfied: "This car is good, more suitable for going to the countryside than an Audi."

"Captain Zhao really put his heart into it," Lin Fan said.

"Yes, I'll remember this favor," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But Xiao Lin, you also need to be careful. Audi or Land Cruiser? Which car you drive depends on the occasion. Drive an Audi to a meeting in the city; drive a Land Cruiser to the countryside; in special circumstances, you can use the siren."

"I see."

It was already afternoon when Lin Fan returned from Linxi County. He dropped Zhou Wenyuan off at his workplace and then drove home. Just as he entered his residential compound, his phone rang. It was a number from his hometown.

"Feed?"

"Xiao Fan, this is your third uncle." A loud voice came from the other end of the phone.

Lin Fan was taken aback: "Third Uncle? Hello."

"Xiao Fan, you're in the city, right? Your third uncle needs your help." His third uncle said, "Your cousin, Tie Zhu, drives a delivery truck in the city. Today, he was illegally parked on Jianshe Road and got pulled over by the traffic police. They're going to fine him 20 yuan. Tie Zhu was upset and argued with the officer. Do you think you could use your connections to put in a good word for him?"

Lin Fan was at a loss: "Third Uncle, illegal parking... that's hard to say."

"Why is it hard to say? Aren't you in the Finance Bureau? You know a lot of people. Just find someone in the traffic police department, put in a good word, and it'll be a mere 20 yuan, right?"

"Third Uncle, it's not about the money," Lin Fan explained patiently. "We have to cooperate with the traffic police. Besides, 20 yuan isn't much; just pay it."

"Twenty yuan isn't much, but it's infuriating!" Uncle San's voice rose. "Tiezhu said he only stopped for a short while to unload the goods. That traffic cop was unreasonable and insisted on issuing a ticket. Xiao Fan, could you please help him out and find someone to talk to? You're well-connected in the city, can't you handle something like this?"

Lin Fan smiled wryly: "Third Uncle, it's not that we can't do it, it's just unnecessary. For 20 yuan, we'd have to ask someone to pull strings, which would not only leave us indebted but also make us look foolish. Here's what we'll do: you have Tiezhu pay the fine, and I'll reimburse him later."

"It's not about the money!" Uncle San exclaimed, "It's about the attitude! Xiao Fan, do you feel that you're unwilling to do this small favor that your Uncle San is asking you to do? Now that you're successful, you don't care about your poor relatives anymore?"

"Third Uncle, where did you say they went...?"

"Alright, alright, if you don't want to do it, then forget it!" Uncle San hung up the phone.

Lin Fan held his phone, remaining silent for a long time. What was going on?

He shook his head and drove home. Wang Juan was cooking when she noticed his pale face and asked, "What's wrong?"

"My third uncle called from my hometown, saying that my cousin had been fined 20 yuan for illegal parking and asked me to use my connections to plead for him," Lin Fan said. "I explained for a long time that it wasn't worth it, but he got angry and said that I've become successful and don't care about my poor relatives anymore."

Wang Juan was also dumbfounded: "Twenty yuan? Is it worth going through connections for that?"

"Yeah, I told him I'd reimburse him, but he said it wasn't about the money, it was about getting angry." Lin Fan sat down. "Sometimes people from our hometown don't understand the rules in the city. They think that if they know someone, they can get anything done."

"Then what are you going to do?"

"What can we do? Just ignore it," Lin Fan said. "He'll understand in a couple of days."

But Lin Fan was wrong. The next day, his mother called: "Xiao Fan, your third uncle called me, saying you're putting on airs and not helping your relatives. What happened?"

Lin Fan recounted the story. His mother sighed, "That's just how your third uncle is. He thinks that now that you're an official in the city, he can get anything done. It's really not worth asking for help for 20 yuan. But then again, sometimes you have to consider face even among relatives."

"Mom, this isn't about saving face," Lin Fan said. "If word got out that we'd pull strings for 20 yuan, people would laugh at us. Besides, if traffic police all pulled strings for traffic violations like this, wouldn't that create chaos?"

"You're right," the mother said. "I'll give your third uncle a call and talk to him."

"Forget it, Mom, don't worry about it. The more you talk about it, the more confused you get."

"Alright, you can handle it yourself."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan felt a little annoyed. This kind of thing wasn't a big deal, but it wasn't insignificant either. But if not handled properly, it could definitely hurt feelings.

In the afternoon, Lin Fan's cousin, Tie Zhu, actually came to his workplace. He blocked Lin Fan's way at the entrance of the office building.

"Brother Fan." Tie Zhu, dressed in work clothes, had an honest and simple look on his face.

"Tiezhu? What brings you here?"

"Brother Fan, I'll pay the fine," Tie Zhu said. "It's only 20 yuan, not much. I'm just angry because that traffic cop was rude."

"It's good that you've paid." Lin Fan patted him on the shoulder. "Be careful in the future, don't break the rules. The city is not like the village, there are many more rules."

"Okay, I understand." Tie Zhu hesitated for a moment. "Brother Fan, please don't take my father's temper to heart. He just thinks that since you're an official in the city, he can get anything done."

"I didn't take it to heart," Lin Fan said. "By the way, have you eaten? If not, let's go out and get something to eat."

"No need, Brother Fan, I still have to deliver goods."

"Okay, drive carefully."

After seeing Tiezhu off, Lin Fan breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Tiezhu was sensible. Things would be better with Uncle San in a while.

Back in his office, Lin Fan continued working. Around 5 PM, Zhou Wenyuan called: "Lin, there's a dinner party tonight, come with me."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

The dinner was organized by Director Wang of the Development Zone and was held at Juxianlou Restaurant. Besides Zhou Wenyuan and Lin Fan, there was also Section Chief Li from the Tax Bureau and Deputy Section Chief Zhang from the Industry and Commerce Bureau, all of whom were acquaintances.

Everyone ate and drank, and the atmosphere was lively. Director Wang brought up the new project in the development zone, and Zhou Wenyuan promised to help coordinate funding. Section Chief Li talked about tax policies, and Deputy Section Chief Zhang talked about business registration.

Lin Fan listened from the side, occasionally saying a few words. He was familiar with these people now, and he spoke more freely.

Section Chief Li said, "Xiao Lin is doing quite well now; he can talk to anyone."

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

"Looking out for someone is mutual," Director Wang said. "Xiao Lin helped me out, and I remember it."

"Director Wang, you're too kind."

After dinner, it was already past nine o'clock. Lin Fan drove Zhou Wenyuan home.

On the way, Zhou Wenyuan said, "Xiao Lin, your network of connections is growing wider and wider. That's a good thing, but you also need to be careful. You have to be mindful of the boundaries in your social interactions."

"I know, Brother Zhou."

"Attending more dinner parties like today won't hurt," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But remember, speak less and listen more. Speak your mind when you should, and don't say anything inappropriate when you shouldn't."

"clear."

After dropping Zhou Wenyuan off, Lin Fan drove home. Wang Juan was already asleep, so he quietly washed up and went to bed.

Lying in bed, I couldn't fall asleep. I kept thinking about the day: my third uncle's phone call, Tiezhu's visit, and the dinner party tonight.

That's life, I guess. We have jobs, families, friends, and relatives. There are things that go well, and things that bother us.

But overall it's good.

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

Although there are some minor annoyances sometimes, they can all be resolved.

This is the stable and wealthy life he wanted.

I don't ask for great wealth or high status, I only ask for peace and safety.

Outside the window, the steel city was quiet and peaceful at night.

Inside the room, Wang Juan's breathing was even and deep.

Lin Fan closed his eyes and slowly fell asleep.

Tomorrow is another day.

He needs to keep working hard and take steady steps.

For this family, for this good life.

this is life.

This is everything he wants to protect.