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

In May, the steel city was filled with the drifting of willow catkins.

When Lin Fan woke up in the morning, he saw a white haze outside the window and thought it had snowed again. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was willow catkins. He opened the window, and a few clumps of willow catkins drifted in and landed on his desk.

On the desk lay study materials: "Administrative Aptitude Test," "Essay Writing," and a pile of printed past exam papers. Next to it sat a large envelope containing what had just arrived yesterday—a graduation certificate from a correspondence university, a bachelor's degree in accounting. (A combined associate's and bachelor's degree program)

Wang Juan came out of the bathroom and saw him standing by the window. She asked, "What are you looking at?"

"So many willow catkins." Lin Fan closed the window. "It's windy today, drive carefully."

"I know." Wang Juan walked over, picked up the graduation certificate and looked at it. "It's really not easy, getting two in two years."

"Yeah, I finally got it." Lin Fan flipped open the certificate, looking at the photo and official seal on it. "Now I'm qualified to take the civil service exam."

"How's your review going?"

"It's alright, I read a little bit every day," Lin Fan said. "It's just that I'm getting older, and my memory isn't as good as it used to be."

"You're only twenty-three," Wang Juan laughed. "But you really need to hurry, the exam is in June."

"Yes, I know."

The two ate breakfast and went out together. Wang Juan drove her CR-V to the shop, while Lin Fan drove his Audi to work. Willow catkins were flying everywhere, like snow, quickly covering the windshield. Lin Fan turned on the wipers to barely see the road.

After parking the car at the office, Zhou Wenyuan got out and said, "We're going to a meeting in the city today. Get ready. We're leaving at 9:30."

"OK."

"By the way, did you get your graduation certificate?"

"I received it yesterday."

"That's good," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Hurry up and study for the exam in June. If you pass, I'll arrange a good job for you."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

"Don't mention it." Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand. "Go ahead and get ready."

Lin Fan returned to his office and tidied up. He organized Zhou Wenyuan's briefcase, washed the teacup, and filled it with tea leaves. At 9:20, he went downstairs, started the car, and turned on the air conditioning. By the time Zhou Wenyuan got out, the car was already cool.

"Let's go." Zhou Wenyuan got into the car.

The car left the Finance Bureau and headed towards the Municipal Government. On the way, Zhou Wenyuan said, "There will be more calls from the Mayor lately. It's a good thing that financial work is receiving so much attention, but it also puts pressure on us."

"Brother Zhou, is the mayor satisfied with our bureau's work?"

"Overall, we are satisfied, but the requirements are also high," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Especially this year, the city is launching several large projects, which puts a lot of pressure on funding. We need to keep a clear budget and use the money wisely."

"clear."

Upon arriving at the municipal government building, Zhou Wenyuan went upstairs for a meeting, while Lin Fan waited in the car. He took out his review materials and read a few pages while waiting.

After watching for more than an hour, my phone rang. It was Zhang Wei, Mayor Liu's driver.

"Brother Fan, where are you?"

"The municipal government is waiting for Director Zhou to start a meeting."

"What a coincidence, I'm here too," Zhang Wei said. "The usual spot, the drivers' lounge, want to come sit for a bit?"

"Okay, I'll be right there."

Lin Fan locked the car and went to the drivers' lounge. It was a row of bungalows in the backyard of the municipal government, specially prepared for the drivers of leaders. There were sofas, TVs, water dispensers, and several beds, so they could lie down for a while if they were tired.

When I went inside, there were already five or six people sitting there. They were all drivers for leaders of various bureaus and commissions, familiar faces.

"Brother Fan is here." Zhang Wei waved, "Sit here."

Lin Fan sat down, and Zhang Wei handed him a bottle of water: "Have some water. How long will Director Zhou's meeting last?"

"I don't know, probably around noon."

"That's normal. Our Mayor Liu's meetings usually go on until noon too," Zhang Wei said. "There are a lot of meetings lately, every day."

"Yes, our Director Zhou is the same, he's going to the city every day."

Old Chen, the driver for Director Zhao of the Transportation Bureau, chimed in, "The city is cracking down hard right now, and all the bureaus are busy. Our Director Zhao had a meeting until 8 p.m. yesterday and didn't even have time to eat."

"It's not easy for anyone," Lin Fan said.

They started chatting. They talked about their bosses' tempers, gossip about the city, and where new restaurants had recently opened. They were all drivers, so they had a lot in common.

Zhang Wei said, "Brother Fan, I heard your bureau has a nice new car, an Audi A6?"

"Yes, a new batch has been produced."

"Your Finance Bureau is really rich," Old Chen said. "Our Transportation Bureau's cars are still old Passats, they creak and groan when they run."

"It's time to change it," Lin Fan said. "By the way, are you free this weekend? Let's get together and have a meal."

"Sure, I'll arrange it," Zhang Wei said. "Just the few of us, let's find a place to have a drink."

"Okay, let me know when it's finalized."

They chatted until after 11 p.m., when Lin Fan saw that it was almost time and stood up: "I have to go back, Director Zhou's meeting is almost over."

"Okay, I'll contact them by phone."

Back in the car, Zhou Wenyuan waited for another ten minutes or so before finally getting out. He looked good, so it seemed the drive would go smoothly.

"Brother Zhou, how's it going?"

"It's alright, the mayor acknowledged our bureau's work." Zhou Wenyuan got into the car. "However, he also raised new requirements: we need to reduce spending on official receptions, official vehicles, and official travel in the second half of the year, and we have to take the lead."

"The spending on official receptions, official vehicles, and official travel really needs to be cut," Lin Fan said, starting the car. "These days, various departments are spending money too extravagantly."

"Yeah, a single meal can cost several thousand, and a car can cost hundreds of thousands," Zhou Wenyuan sighed. "But that's easier said than done. Alright, let's go back to the station."

Back at the bureau, it was already noon. Lin Fan went to the cafeteria for lunch and ran into Xiao Liu from the budget department.

"Brother Fan, congratulations!" Xiao Liu sat down with his tray.

"What's the congratulations for?"

"I heard you graduated with your bachelor's degree and are eligible to take the civil service exam."

"You're well-informed," Lin Fan laughed. "You found out as soon as I got the certificate."

"Our bureau is only so big, news travels fast," Xiao Liu said. "Study hard, and I'll treat you to a meal if you pass the exam."

"Okay, I'll definitely treat you if you pass the exam."

After lunch, Lin Fan went back to his office to rest for a while. He didn't have much to do in the afternoon, so he spent his time studying. The administrative aptitude test mainly tested logic and mathematics, which he did well on. The essay section was more difficult; it required writing an essay and more practice.

After looking at it for two hours, his eyes were getting tired. He got up to stretch and went to the window. In the yard, the Toyota Land Cruiser was parked there, its dark green body gleaming in the sunlight.

This car is indeed nice; it's prestigious to drive. However, Lin Fan knows that even the best car is just a tool; the key is the driver. He's currently driving for Zhou Wenyuan, and that position is fundamental.

The phone rang; it was Wang Xin.

"Fanzi, are you at work?"

"Yes, what's wrong?"

"I'm going over there to deliver something to you."

"What do you need to send? Don't bother."

"No trouble at all, just wait."

Half an hour later, Wang Xin arrived. He was driving a slightly worn pickup truck, with several large cardboard boxes hauled behind it.

Lin Fan came downstairs: "Brother Xin, what's this?"

"Tank models." Wang Xin opened the cardboard box, revealing a series of beautifully packaged models. "Our machine factory has a partnership with the military, and we commissioned these models. I got a few. I'll give the larger ones to our superiors and keep the smaller ones for myself."

Lin Fan examined them and confirmed they were indeed high-quality items. They included domestically produced Type 59 and Type 99 rifles, exquisitely crafted, made of metal, and quite heavy.

"This is a good one." Lin Fan picked up a Type 59 rifle. "How much? I'll pay you."

"What money? It's just for you to play with," Wang Xin said. "Fanzi, if it weren't for your help, I wouldn't have become this deputy team leader. Now that Deputy Factory Director Zhang knows we're close, he's very polite to me. I don't lack things like cigarettes, alcohol, or tea anymore."

"That's good," Lin Fan said. "But don't send such expensive gifts in the future; it's not good if people see them."

"They're not valuable, just something from the factory, nothing special," Wang Xin said. "I just wanted something new. By the way, take these two big ones to Director Zhou; they'll look impressive in his study."

Wang Xin picked out the two largest ones, one was the Type 59 and the other was the Type 99, both half a meter long.

"Isn't this too big?" Lin Fan said.

"It's not big. The leader's study is big enough to fit it," Wang Xin said. "Fanzi, you've done me such a big favor, I have to show my appreciation. It's not against any rules, it's just a model, a toy."

Lin Fan thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I'll accept it. Thank you, Brother Xin."

"No need to thank me, it's nothing."

Wang Xin sat for a while longer, chatting about his recent situation. He's now the deputy captain, in charge of over a dozen vehicles, and he seems much more energetic. He speaks and acts with more confidence.

"Fanzi, don't hesitate to speak up if you need anything in the future," Wang Xin said. "Now that I'm at the machine factory, I can say I have some influence."

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

After seeing Wang Xin off, Lin Fan looked at the tank models and smiled. Wang Xin was a genuine and grateful man. These models were indeed quite good; Brother Zhou would probably like them.

Before leaving get off work in the afternoon, Lin Fan loaded the two large models into his car. While dropping Zhou Wenyuan off at home, he said, "Brother Zhou, Wang Xin gave me two tank models; they're quite exquisite. Shall I put them at your place?"

"A tank model?" Zhou Wenyuan asked with interest. "What kind?"

"One is a Type 59, and the other is a Type 99. They are half a meter long and made of metal."

"Bring it up and let me see."

Upon arriving at Zhou Wenyuan's house, Lin Fan carried the model upstairs. Zhou Wenyuan unpacked it, his eyes lighting up: "Not bad, the workmanship is exquisite. This Type 99 is just like the real thing."

"Wang Xin said it would look impressive in the study."

"It's quite impressive." Zhou Wenyuan placed the model on the bookshelf, examining it from all angles. "Wang Xin really put his heart into this."

"He's now the deputy captain, his work is going well, and he's more energetic."

"Yeah, everyone needs something to strive for," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Alright, you can go back now. By the way, I'm off tomorrow, so you don't need to come. Stay home and study hard."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

After leaving Zhou Wenyuan's house, Lin Fan drove home. On the way, he called Wang Juan: "Juan'er, what do you want to eat tonight?"

"Whatever, you decide."

"Let's go out for a meal to celebrate getting my diploma."

"Okay, where to?"

"It's that small stir-fry restaurant we always go to; it's affordable."

"Okay, I'll go order first."

When they arrived at the stir-fry restaurant, Wang Juan had already ordered. Shredded pork with green peppers, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and braised pork ribs—all common home-style dishes.

The two toasted each other with tea instead of wine.

During dinner, Lin Fan brought up the matter of Wang Xin giving him the model. Wang Juan said, "Wang Xin is an honest and grateful person. If you help him now, he will help you in the future."

"Yes, having more friends makes life easier," Lin Fan said. "But my biggest priority right now is to take the civil service exam. Only by passing it can I truly establish myself in the bureau."

"You'll definitely pass the exam," Wang Juan said. "You're so smart and hardworking."

"Thank you for your kind words."

After dinner, the two took a walk home. The May night was neither too hot nor too cold, and the breeze felt pleasant on their faces.

"Lin Fan, when do you think we should have a baby?" Wang Juan suddenly asked.

Lin Fan was taken aback: "Why are you suddenly asking this?"

"It's just a thought," Wang Juan said. "My business is stable now, and your job is stable too. It would be even better if you passed the civil service exam. Then we could have a child, which would be perfect."

"Okay, let's wait until after the exam," Lin Fan said. "If I pass, we'll have a baby."

"Okay, I'll do as you say."

Back home, Lin Fan continued studying. Wang Juan stayed by his side, looking at fashion magazines and occasionally pouring him a glass of water.

Around 10 o'clock, Lin Fan put down his book: "I'm not reading anymore, my eyes are tired."

"Then take a rest," Wang Juan said. "Tomorrow is Saturday, so you should study hard all day. I have an appointment with some clients, so I need to go to the store."

"Okay, go ahead and get busy."

The next day, Lin Fan studied at home all day. He did two sets of civil service exam questions and scored reasonably well. He wrote an essay for the written exam, but he wasn't very satisfied with it.

Around 4 PM, Zhang Wei called: "Brother Fan, are you free tonight? Let's get together at our usual spot."

"Okay, what time?"

"Six o'clock, 'Old Liu's Barbecue,' you know the place."

"I know, I'll be there on time."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan told Wang Juan. Wang Juan said, "Go ahead, relax. Don't drink too much."

"Know."

At six o'clock, Lin Fan drove to "Old Liu's Barbecue". It was an open-air barbecue stall, which was crowded in the summer, and it had become lively again now that the weather was warmer.

Zhang Wei was already there, along with a few other drivers: Old Chen from the Transportation Bureau, Little Li from the Public Security Bureau, and Big Liu from the Education Bureau. They were all acquaintances.

"Brother Fan is here, have a seat," Zhang Wei greeted.

"Why did you suddenly decide to have barbecue today?" Lin Fan asked as he sat down.

"It's getting warmer, and it's nice to have barbecue," Old Chen said. "Besides, I'm tired of eating at restaurants, so it's nice to change things up."

"Too."

We ordered a bunch of grilled skewers and a few bottles of beer. We ate and chatted.

Xiao Li said, "Fanzi, I heard you're going to take the civil service exam?"

"Yes, the exam is in June."

"Remember to treat me if you get accepted!"

"That's for sure."

Da Liu said, "Fanzi, if you take the civil service exam, Director Zhou will definitely help you, right?"

"Brother Zhou is supportive, but you have to rely on yourself for the exam," Lin Fan said. "The civil service exam is fair now; you have to rely on your real abilities."

"That's true, it's getting stricter and stricter now," Old Chen said. "But connections still make things easier. Our Director Zhao's son took the civil service exam last year, passed the written test, and got the interview done without a problem."

"These things are best left unsaid," Zhang Wei said. "Come on, let's drink and not talk about this."

Everyone clinked glasses and took a sip.

The skewers arrived, steaming hot: lamb skewers, chicken wings, kidneys, and chives. Everyone ate and chatted about interesting things that happened at their respective workplaces.

Xiao Li said, "Our bureau recently busted a fraud gang, involving over a million yuan. Our bureau chief is personally overseeing the case and is extremely busy."

"There are many fraud cases now," Lin Fan said. "Our Director Zhou said that the city needs to intensify its crackdown on economic crimes."

"It's time to crack down on them; these scammers are too rampant," said Old Chen. "Our transportation bureau has also been cracking down on unlicensed taxis recently and has arrested quite a few."

Everyone chatted animatedly, one after another. Lin Fan listened, occasionally chiming in. These drivers, though not high-ranking, were well-informed. Building good relationships with them could yield a lot of useful information.

The meal ended around 8 PM. Lin Fan drove home, thinking about the various pieces of news he had heard that day. Sometimes, this information was more useful than official documents.

When I got home, Wang Juan was already back. She was watching TV.

"You're back? Have you eaten?"

"We ate, barbecue."

"Eating barbecue again is unhealthy."

"It only happens once in a while, it's okay."

After washing up, Lin Fan sat on the sofa to watch TV with Wang Juan. The news was reporting on the city's key projects, and the mayor was giving a speech.

"The mayor looks quite energetic," Wang Juan said.

"Yes, he's capable," Lin Fan said. "Brother Zhou said the mayor is very knowledgeable about economic work and keeps a close eye on it."

"So, does your Director Zhou have a good relationship with the mayor?"

"That's great, the mayor really values ​​Brother Zhou," Lin Fan said. "Recently, Brother Zhou has been going to meetings in the city more and more often, and sometimes the mayor calls him directly."

"That's great. Director Zhou has been promoted, and you'll benefit from it too."

"Yes, that's why I need to study hard now to prepare for the civil service exam. I can't let Brother Zhou down."

"You can definitely do it."

The two watched TV for a while, then went upstairs to sleep. Lying in bed, Lin Fan thought about the changes that had occurred in the past six months.

My job is stable, I've bought a new car, a house, and my degree is in hand. Everything is moving in a positive direction.

But he knew that wasn't enough. The civil service exam was a hurdle; only by passing it could he truly establish himself within the system.

He needs to keep working hard and take steady steps.