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

On the last weekend of May, Lin Fan was invited by Lin Ping to her new home for dinner.

They said it was for a meal, but there was something else going on. Lin Fan drove Wang Juan there, and when they arrived, Sun Lin was downstairs fiddling with something. Upon closer inspection, they saw he was tidying up a garage.

"Brother-in-law, what are you busy with?" Lin Fan asked.

Sun Lin straightened up and wiped his sweat: "Tidying up the garage. Just bought it, the one downstairs in our building."

Lin Fan looked around. The garage wasn't big, but it was in a good location, directly opposite the building entrance. Several shelves were already set up inside, piled high with items.

"Why buy a garage? Don't you already have parking spaces?" Wang Juan asked.

"The parking spaces are for parking, this is for storing things." Sun Lin waved for them to come in and take a look.

Lin Fan walked in and immediately understood. The shelves were neatly stacked with various gift boxes: Moutai, Wuliangye, Zhonghua cigarettes, Pu'er tea, as well as cases of milk, beer, and beverages. Against the wall were several bags of rice and several barrels of cooking oil.

"So many things?" Lin Fan asked in surprise.

"They were all gifts from others, and I had nowhere to put them," Sun Lin said. "I don't have enough space at home, so it's convenient to put them here. Anyway, they're not worth much; they're just some cigarettes, alcohol, tea, and candy."

"This isn't worth much?" Wang Juan picked up a box of tea. "I know this tea; it costs over a thousand yuan per pound."

"It was a gift from someone else, who knows how much it cost?" Sun Lin said. "Anyway, I don't smoke or drink, so I'll just keep it. I won't need to buy any more gifts for future occasions."

Lin Fan understood. His brother-in-law was now a deputy section chief. Although he was still driving for Director Sun, his status was different. Anyone in the subordinate units who wanted to get close to Director Sun had to go through his brother-in-law. Giving him cigarettes and alcohol was perfectly normal.

"This needs to be handled properly, don't cause any trouble," Lin Fan warned.

"I know," Sun Lin said. "I won't accept things I shouldn't. These are just cigarettes, alcohol, and tea; they're not worth much. Besides, I won't accept them for nothing. I'll help as much as I can."

Just then, Lin Ping called from upstairs, "Dinner's ready!"

The three went upstairs. The new house was nicely decorated, simple and elegant. Niu Niu was watching TV in the living room when she saw Lin Fan and Wang Juan and ran over: "Uncle, Aunt!"

"Niu Niu, what are you doing at home?" Wang Juan asked, squatting down.

"I'm watching cartoons," Niu Niu said. "Grandma's cooking, it smells so good."

Lin Fan went in to help his mother, who was busy in the kitchen.

"Mom, what delicious food are you making?"

"I stewed a chicken and stir-fried a few dishes," the mother said. "Your father went downstairs for a walk and will be up in a bit."

How is my dad's health lately?

"I'm doing well, I go to work every day, and I'm full of energy," the mother said. "She just keeps saying she wants to go back to the village to visit."

"He can go back anytime he has a day off, by bus or motorcycle. Or I can drive him back."

"Okay." The mother glanced outside, then lowered her voice, "Xiao Fan, your sister said Sun Lin has collected a lot of things and is storing them in the garage. Do you think this... is it alright?"

"It's alright, Mom, don't worry. My brother-in-law used to take a lot of bribes when he worked with Director Sun, and nothing ever happened to him, as long as he didn't break the rules," Lin Fan said. "It was just cigarettes, alcohol, and tea—normal social interactions. My brother-in-law knows what he's doing."

"That's good," the mother said. "I was just afraid he would make a mistake. Now that life is better, we can't afford any trouble."

"I know, I'll remind him."

The food was ready, and Father returned home. The whole family sat around the table, enjoying a lively and cheerful time.

During the meal, Lin Ping talked about her work: "I'm currently working in the district government office. Although I'm still a contract worker, the work isn't tiring. I just have to study and prepare for the civil service exam."

"Sis, how's your revision going?" Lin Fan asked.

"It's alright, I watch it every day," Lin Ping said. "It's just that I'm getting old, and my memory isn't what it used to be."

"You're still so young, take your time, there's no rush."

Sun Lin said, "Xiao Fan, your civil service exam is coming up soon, right?"

"The end of June, one month left."

"Do your best on the exam. If you pass, our family will have two more civil servants," Sun Lin laughed. "We'll have a big celebration then."

"I don't even know if I'll be able to pass the exam."

"Definitely," the father said. "My son, no problem."

Everyone laughed.

After finishing their meal, Lin Fan and Wang Juan sat for a while before preparing to leave. Lin Ping saw them off downstairs, glancing at the garage as they passed by.

"Xiao Fan, what do you think is the best way to deal with these things?" Lin Ping asked.

"Use what you can, and give away what you can't," Lin Fan said. "But sister, you all need to be careful. Your husband's position is different now; many people are watching. You should keep a low profile."

"I know," Lin Ping sighed. "These days, lots of people ask him for favors. One asks for their child's schooling, another asks for their elderly relative's medical treatment. They're all small things, but if I don't help, it hurts feelings, but if I do help, it's just troublesome."

"Help if you can, and turn away if you can't," Lin Fan said. "It's the same on my end; people contact me every day. You get used to it."

"Yes, as long as you know it."

Back home, Wang Juan said, "My brother-in-law is having a tough time these days. Receiving so many things is a burden for him too."

"Yes, the hardest debts to repay are those owed to others," Lin Fan said. "But that's just the way things are in government offices; there's no escaping it."

"So, if you become a civil servant in the future, will you have to do the same?"

"Maybe, but I'll be careful," Lin Fan said. "I won't accept what I shouldn't, and I'll be cautious about accepting what I should."

"Yes, as long as you know it."

After washing up, the two leaned back on the sofa watching TV. Suddenly, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, let's go get our marriage certificate."

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

"It's not sudden, I've been thinking about it for a long time," Wang Juan said. "You're taking the civil service exam in June, and if you pass, you'll be even busier at work. Let's get our marriage certificate first, and have the wedding on National Day."

Lin Fan thought for a moment and said, "Okay, whatever you say. When should we go?"

"Next Monday, I checked, that's an auspicious day."

"Okay, then next Monday."

On Monday morning, Lin Fan asked Zhou Wenyuan for leave, saying he had some personal matters to attend to. Zhou Wenyuan readily agreed.

Lin Fan drove home to pick up Wang Juan. Wang Juan had specially worn a red dress and light makeup, making her look exceptionally energetic.

"Are you nervous?" Lin Fan asked.

"A little," Wang Juan smiled. "What about you?"

"I'm nervous too," Lin Fan said, "but I'm happy."

The two drove to the Civil Affairs Bureau. On the way, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, do you remember the first time we met?"

"I remember, at 'Ke Lai Xiang,' you were the waiter, and I was the customer."

"I never imagined we'd end up together," Wang Juan said. "Every time you came to eat, you ordered the same dishes. I thought you were just a picky eater."

"I'm a picky eater," Lin Fan laughed, "but it's mainly for seeing you."

"loquacious."

When they arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau, there weren't many people. The two of them lined up, filled out forms, and had their photos taken. The procedures were completed quickly; in just over half an hour, they had their two red marriage certificates.

Holding their marriage certificate, they were both a little dazed. It was that simple; they were now legally married.

"So...you're married?" Wang Juan looked at the photo on the marriage certificate.

"Yes, we're married." Lin Fan put his arm around her. "Comrade Wang Juan, please guide me in the future."

"Comrade Lin Fan, we're in the same boat."

They both laughed.

After leaving the Civil Affairs Bureau, Lin Fan said, "Let's celebrate and go out for a nice meal."

"Okay, I want to eat hot pot."

"Okay, let's have hot pot."

I found a hot pot restaurant and booked a private room. I ordered a table full of dishes and opened a bottle of drink—I had to drive in the afternoon, so I couldn't drink alcohol.

"Let's celebrate our marriage registration with a beverage instead of alcohol," Lin Fan said, raising his glass.

"Let's celebrate." Wang Juan clinked her glass.

While eating hot pot, Lin Fan said, "Juan'er, we're legally married now, but we still need to have a wedding. How about we do it on National Day?"

"Okay, whatever you say."

"We need to prepare in advance: book a hotel, hire an emcee, and notify relatives and friends," Lin Fan said. "There's a lot to do."

"No rush, take your time," Wang Juan said. "Anyway, we've got our marriage certificate, so we're husband and wife now. The wedding is just a formality."

"That still has to be done. I want you to marry me in a grand and glorious way."

"I don't care about those things," Wang Juan said. "As long as we live a good life, that's more important than anything else."

"Yes, live life well."

After finishing their meal, Lin Fan took Wang Juan to her shop and then went back to his workplace. On the way, he called his parents.

"Mom, Wang Juan and I got our marriage certificate."

"You got your marriage certificate? When?" The mother's voice suddenly rose.

"This morning."

"Why didn't you tell us in advance? We could have made some preparations."

"There's not much to prepare, just getting a marriage certificate," Lin Fan said. "The wedding will be held during the National Day holiday, and we'll make it a grand affair."

"Okay, okay, I'll take it, I'll take it." The mother said happily, "Come back for dinner tonight, Mom will cook you something delicious."

"Okay, I'll go home tonight."

After hanging up, I called Lin Ping again. Lin Ping was also very happy and said we should have dinner together that night to celebrate.

Back at the office, Zhou Wenyuan saw him and asked, "Did you finish your work?"

"It's all done," Lin Fan said. "Brother Zhou, Wang Juan and I got our marriage certificate."

"You got your marriage certificate? Congratulations!" Zhou Wenyuan laughed. "When are you having the wedding banquet?"

National Day.

"Okay, I'll definitely go then," Zhou Wenyuan said. "If you need any help, I can arrange hotels and transportation."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

"Don't mention it, it's nothing."

Lin Fan had nothing much to do in the afternoon, so he read in his office. But he couldn't concentrate, his mind kept wandering to the marriage certificate. They were getting married just like that; his wish from past lives had finally come true.

Before leaving get off work, Zhou Wenyuan said, "Xiao Lin, go home early today and spend some time with your wife."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

Lin Fan drove Zhou Ge home, then picked up Wang Juan and went to his parents' house. Lin Ping's family had already arrived, and the dishes were ready.

"The bride and groom are back!" Lin Ping joked.

"Sister, stop fooling around." Wang Juan blushed.

"What's all the fuss about? This is a joyous occasion," Mother said. "Come, sit down and eat."

The father took out a bottle of good wine: "We have to have a drink today to celebrate."

"Dad, I'm driving."

"Why drive? We can drive tomorrow morning," the father said. "We're happy today, let's have a drink."

Lin Fan had no choice but to pour himself a glass. Wang Juan also poured herself a drink.

Everyone raised their glasses: "Congratulations to Xiaofan and Juan'er!"

"Thank you, Mom and Dad. Thank you, sister and brother-in-law."

During the meal, everyone started talking about the wedding.

Lin Ping said, "You need to book the hotel early, because there are many people getting married during the National Day holiday."

"Okay, I'll go take a look tomorrow," Lin Fan said. "Brother Zhou said he could help, I'll ask him."

"With Director Zhou's help, there's definitely no problem," Sun Lin said. "What about the fleet? Should I find a few good cars?"

"No need for all that trouble, keep it simple," Wang Juan said. "We don't care about any fancy formalities."

"That won't do. A wedding only happens once in a lifetime, so it has to be a grand affair," the mother said. "The hotel has to be nice, the car has to be nice, and the banquet has to be nice too. If you don't have enough money, Mom has some."

"Mom, we have enough money, don't worry," Lin Fan said. "Wang Juan and I have discussed it and decided to have a medium-sized event, just enough to treat our relatives and friends to a meal."

"Alright, you decide," the father said. "But everything that's necessary must be included; we can't let Juan'er suffer."

"Dad, I'm not wronged," Wang Juan said. "I'm content just to marry Lin Fan."

These words warmed everyone's hearts.

After finishing their meal, Lin Fan and Wang Juan sat for a while before heading home. On the way, Wang Juan leaned on Lin Fan's shoulder and said, "Lin Fan, I'm really married now. It feels like a dream."

"It's not a dream, it's real," Lin Fan said. "Juan'er, I will be good to you for the rest of my life."

"I know," Wang Juan said softly. "I will be good to you too."

Back home, the two sat on the sofa and looked at their marriage certificate for a long time.

"Lin Fan, let's put our marriage certificate away," Wang Juan said.

"Okay, put it in the safe."

There's a small safe at home, which Lin Fan bought to store important documents. He puts his marriage certificate in it, along with his property certificate and graduation certificate.

"From now on, all our family documents will be kept here," Lin Fan said.

"Hmm." Wang Juan nodded. "Lin Fan, do you think we'll argue in the future?"

"Probably, what couple doesn't argue?"

"What if you two argue?"

"If we argue, we argue, and we make up afterwards," Lin Fan said. "But don't worry, I won't really get angry with you."

"I don't know either," Wang Juan said. "Let's live a good life together and not argue."

"Okay, let's not argue."

Lin Fan knew that it was impossible to avoid arguments. Every life has its ups and downs. But as long as they cared for each other, they could get through it.

After washing up, Wang Juan lay in bed. A little shy, she turned her back to Lin Fan. Lin Fan hugged her from behind: "Juan'er, now you're my legal wife."

"Mmm," Wang Juan said softly.

"Shouldn't we do something that married couples do?"

This night was very gentle.

The next morning, when Lin Fan woke up, Wang Juan was already up and making breakfast. He went over and hugged her from behind.

"Why are you up so early?"

"I can't sleep." Wang Juan blushed. "I'll make you breakfast."

"Thank you, wife."

"Who's your wife..." Wang Juan said softly, but with a smile on her face.

During dinner, Lin Fan said, "I'm going to look at hotels today. Do you want to come with me?"

"I'm not going, the shop is busy," Wang Juan said. "You can manage on your own, I trust you."

"Okay, I'll tell you after I've looked into it."

After lunch, Lin Fan took Wang Juan to her restaurant, and then they went to look at hotels. After visiting three or four, they finally booked the "Steel City Hotel," a mid-range hotel with a nice ambiance and reasonable price. They booked twenty tables for lunch on National Day.

After booking the hotel, Lin Fan called Zhou Wenyuan and explained the situation. Zhou Wenyuan said, "Okay, I understand. Don't worry about the convoy, I'll arrange it. I'll make sure you have a grand and impressive trip."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

"Don't mention it, it's nothing."

He returned to work in the afternoon and continued working. Life returned to normal, but with some differences. Now he was a married man, with a legal wife and a real home.

When I got home that evening, I told Wang Juan about the hotel. Wang Juan said, "Okay, you can book it. By the way, when are we taking the wedding photos?"

"Next month, when it's warmer."

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

Days passed by like this. Lin Fan worked during the day and studied at night. Wang Juan was busy with the shop. Like any ordinary couple, they lived a mundane life.

But Lin Fan knew this was no ordinary thing. This was the happiness he had earned through two lifetimes, and he wanted to cherish it.

In early June, registration for the civil service exam began. Lin Fan registered online and paid the fee. The exam was on June 25th, just over twenty days away.

He studied even harder, reading until 11 p.m. every night. Wang Juan stayed with him, pouring him water and cutting fruit for him.

"Don't overwork yourself, your health is the most important thing," Wang Juan said.

"I'm not tired, it's the final sprint," Lin Fan said. "If we get in, our lives will be even better."

"Yes, I believe you."

On June 15th, Lin Fan received his examination admission ticket. The examination location was the Municipal Party School, not far away.

Zhou Wenyuan knew he had an exam, so he gave him three days off: "Study hard, and I'll celebrate with you if you do well."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

For three days, Lin Fan locked himself in his house, making a final push. Wang Juan took care of the logistics, preparing meals and bringing them to his study so as not to disturb him.

June 25th, exam day. Lin Fan got up early. Wang Juan made him breakfast, frying two eggs and a sausage, saying, "One fried dough stick and two eggs, get a hundred points."

"That was a primary school exam," Lin Fan laughed. "But it has a good meaning, so I'll keep it."

After breakfast, Lin Fan drove to the exam venue. Wang Juan said, "Shall I go with you?"

"No need, just wait for my good news at home."

Okay, keep it up.

When he arrived at the examination hall, it was crowded. Most of them were young people, with the majority being around twenty-three or twenty-four years old, like Lin Fan. He found his examination room, sat down, and took a deep breath.

The bell rang, and the exam began.

The civil service exam had a large number of questions—120 in 120 minutes. Lin Fan finished quickly, knowing the answers to some questions at a glance. He even had time to check his work afterward.

In the afternoon, I took the essay test, which required writing an article based on provided materials. The topic was about rural revitalization, and Lin Fan wrote a 2,000-word essay based on his own understanding. The handwriting was neat, and the ideas were clear.

After finishing the exam, Lin Fan breathed a sigh of relief. He felt it went okay; he should have passed.

When they got home, Wang Juan asked, "How did the exam go?"

"It's alright, let's wait for the results."

"I'll definitely pass," Wang Juan said. "Let's go out for a meal to celebrate finishing the exam."

"OK."

The two went out for a nice meal. On the way home, Lin Fan said, "Juan'er, whether you pass the exam or not, we have to live our lives well."

"Yes, I know." Wang Juan held his hand. "With you and a home, I'm content."

Lin Fan felt a warmth in his heart. Yes, with a home and a loved one, what more could he ask for?

Taking the civil service exam is just icing on the cake; it's nice to have it, but not having it won't affect your life.

But he knew he should be able to pass the exam; he had studied thoroughly and there was no problem.

The following days were spent waiting. Lin Fan resumed his normal work and life, going to and from get off work every day, and picking people up in his car. Zhou Wenyuan's prestige grew, and more and more people sought his help. Lin Fan was also busy, with one dinner party after another.

But he was very cautious, not saying what he shouldn't say, and not doing what he shouldn't do. Steady and methodical, step by step.

In early July, the exam results were released. Lin Fan checked his scores: 85 in the Administrative Aptitude Test, 78 in the Essay Test, and a total of 163, ranking first.

He called Zhou Wenyuan: "Brother Zhou, I passed the exam, I came in first."

"Great! That's wonderful!" Zhou Wenyuan exclaimed happily. "Come to my house tonight to celebrate!"

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan called Wang Juan: "Juan'er, I passed the exam, I came in first."

On the other end of the phone, Wang Juan cried, "Really? That's wonderful! Lin Fan, you're amazing!"

"Don't cry, it's a good thing."

"I'm so happy," Wang Juan sobbed. "My husband is amazing."

"Let's go to Brother Zhou's house for dinner tonight to celebrate."

"Okay, I'll wait for you."

That evening, Lin Fan and Wang Juan went to Zhou Wenyuan's house. Zhou Wenyuan specially opened a bottle of good wine: "Little Lin, congratulations. From a part-time worker to a civil servant, you've taken a very steady step."

"It's all thanks to Brother Zhou's guidance."

"You've proven yourself," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Next, I'll arrange a good position for you: team leader in the logistics department."

"I'll follow Brother Zhou's arrangements."

"Okay, I'll take care of it," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But we'll have to wait for the paperwork, which will probably take a few months."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

After dinner, on the way home, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, you're a civil servant now, you'll be a government official from now on."

"Yes, but we still need to work diligently," Lin Fan said. "In government offices, you have to take it one step at a time; you can't rush it."

"I know, as long as you understand."

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

In July, the steel city has cool nights. The breeze is very pleasant.

Lin Fan stood on the balcony, looking at the city outside the window. The city was brightly lit and bustling with traffic.

This is his third year since his rebirth. He has a family, a lover, a career, and now he has the status of a civil servant.

Everything proceeded smoothly according to his plan.

But he knew that wasn't enough. Being a civil servant was just the beginning; the road ahead was long.