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

On the last day of the public notice period, Zhou Wenyuan called Lin Fan to his office.

"Sit down." Zhou Wenyuan took out a document from the drawer. "Your appointment document has been issued. You are now the captain of the logistics department's motorcade, at the deputy section chief level. The formalities have been completed, effective from August 1st."

Lin Fan took the document; it was black and white with a red header. Seeing his name and position, he finally felt at ease.

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

"Don't thank me yet," Zhou Wenyuan said. "You'll have to take on this captain's role as well. Your main job will still be driving for me and handling my affairs. Jiang Dayong and Da Liu will assist you with the convoy. Sixteen drivers and twenty-five or twenty-six vehicles—not a lot, not a little. Just manage it well."

"I understand," Lin Fan said. "Our primary focus will be on serving you, with fleet management as a secondary task."

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean." Zhou Wenyuan nodded. "The veteran drivers in the team are all older and more experienced than you. You're young and just recently promoted, so some people might gossip. Just listen and don't take it to heart. Take care of what you should take care of, and let Jiang Dayong handle what you shouldn't."

"I know."

"Your salary will be at the deputy section chief level, with a raise of several hundred yuan, and other benefits will also be improved accordingly," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But Xiaolin, money is a small matter; the key is this status. From now on, you will be a formally employed civil servant, and your way of speaking and handling things will be different."

"Brother Zhou, I will definitely work hard and live up to your trust."

"Yes, I believe you," Zhou Wenyuan said. "By the way, the people from the Organization Department are coming to talk to you tomorrow, it's just a formality. Just answer their questions truthfully."

"OK."

Leaving the office, Lin Fan took his appointment document and returned to his small office. He closed the door and reviewed it carefully one last time. Team leader, deputy section chief level. Although it was a part-time position, it was still a legitimate one.

He locked the documents in the drawer and sat down to think for a while. Sixteen drivers and twenty-five or twenty-six vehicles—that was quite a large operation. He had only known before that the bureau had a few nice cars, but now he realized there were so many ordinary official vehicles scattered across various departments.

Just then, someone knocked on the door. It was Da Liu.

"Captain Lin, congratulations! Has the document arrived yet?"

"I'm down," Lin Fan said. "Brother Liu, please sit down."

Da Liu sat down: "Section Chief Jiang asked me to tell you that there will be a meeting of the motorcade tomorrow morning to meet everyone and assign some tasks."

"Okay, what time?"

"Nine o'clock, in the logistics department's conference room."

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

After Da Liu left, Lin Fan began preparing for tomorrow's meeting. This was his first time facing the entire team as captain, so he needed to be well-prepared.

At 8:50 a.m. the next day, Lin Fan arrived at the logistics department's conference room. Jiang Dayong was already there and was organizing materials.

"Team Leader Lin is here," Jiang Dayong said. "Don't be nervous, it's just a meeting, a few words. It's mainly about getting to know each other; we can deal with work matters later."

"Thank you, Section Chief Jiang."

At nine o'clock sharp, the drivers arrived one after another. There were fifteen people, some old and some young. Lin Fan only recognized five or six of them; the rest were familiar faces, but he couldn't recall their names.

Once everyone was present, Jiang Dayong began, "We're having a short meeting today, mainly to introduce ourselves. This is Lin Fan, our new team leader, a deputy section chief. From now on, Team Leader Lin will be in charge of the team's work, and I will assist him."

There were whispers among the people below. Lin Fan could hear a few sentences: "So young?" "I heard he's been driving for Director Zhou." "He must have strong connections."

Jiang Dayong continued, "Although Captain Lin is young, he is conscientious and capable. Everyone should cooperate with Captain Lin to manage the convoy well."

Then it was Lin Fan's turn to speak. He stood up, cleared his throat, and said, "Hello, everyone. I'm Lin Fan, and I'll be in charge of the motorcade from now on. I'm young and inexperienced, so I'll need your help. The motorcade's main job is to ensure vehicles are available for leaders and official travel. Let's all just do our jobs well."

The words were simple, but the attitude was sincere. Some people in the audience nodded.

Da Liu continued, "Team Leader Lin mainly serves Director Zhou, and I will coordinate the daily operations of the convoy. If you have any issues, you can contact me first, and I will then report to Team Leader Lin."

This arrangement both saved face for Lin Fan and considered the feelings of the experienced driver. Lin Fan was grateful.

The meeting lasted half an hour and then ended. After the meeting, several experienced drivers came over to greet Lin Fan.

"Team Leader Lin, this is Lao Zhao, the one who drives that van."

"Hello, Master Zhao."

"Team Leader Lin, this is Xiao Wang, I drive a Santana."

"Hello, Master Wang."

He introduced himself to everyone and shook hands with each of them. Lin Fan was humble and unpretentious. Seeing this, everyone was also polite to him.

Back in the office, Jiang Dayong followed him over: "How did it go? Did it go smoothly?"

"Successfully, thank you for the arrangements, Section Chief Jiang."

"Don't mention it," Jiang Dayong said. "Da Liu is a very honest man. With his help, you'll have a lot less to worry about. But Xiao Lin, there's something I need to remind you of."

"Please speak."

"The relationships among these people in the team are complicated," Jiang Dayong said in a low voice. "There are a few veteran drivers with deep experience who have worked for several leaders. You're young and an outsider, so while they may be polite on the surface, they might be resentful inside. Be careful with your approach and don't be too forceful."

"I understand, the principle of overcoming strength with gentleness."

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean," Jiang Dayong said. "But you don't need to worry too much. With me and Da Liu here, they won't dare to go too far."

"Thank you, Section Chief Jiang."

After Jiang Dayong left, Lin Fan began looking at the roster of the fleet. There were fifteen drivers, ranging in age from twenty-five to fifty-five. The vehicle inventory list showed twenty-five vehicles, ranging from Audis to vans, a variety of models.

Just then, Zhou Wenyuan called: "Xiao Lin, come over here."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

Upon arriving at Zhou Wenyuan's office, Zhou Wenyuan said, "This afternoon, let's go to Linxi County to check on that poverty alleviation project. You'll be driving the Land Cruiser; the roads are difficult to navigate."

"clear."

"By the way, your sister's job offer should have come through by now, you can ask her about it."

"OK."

After leaving the office, Lin Fan called Lin Ping. Lin Ping answered quickly: "Xiao Fan, I was just about to call you! I received the notification!"

"That's great, congratulations!"

"Thank you, Xiao Fan," Lin Ping said excitedly.

Lin Fan said, "You're hardworking and reliable, you'll definitely succeed."

"Yes, I will try my best," Lin Ping said.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan was happy. His sister had passed the civil service exam, although she came in last place, she had passed based on her own merit. His brother-in-law had a stable job with good pay. The whole family was moving towards a better life.

I overheard some discussions while eating lunch in the cafeteria.

"Have you heard? Lin Fan has become the team leader, a deputy section chief."

"So fast? He's only been here a few years!"

"They have a good relationship with Director Zhou, there's nothing we can do about it."

"That's true, it's easier to get an official position if you have connections in the court."

Lin Fan listened without saying a word and continued eating. He had expected this kind of gossip. That's how it is in government offices; if you get promoted, people will start talking. Explaining is useless; you can only prove yourself through your work.

After lunch, I went back to the office to rest for a while. At 2 PM sharp, I set off for Linxi County.

The Land Cruiser is indeed comfortable to drive, with good visibility and excellent shock absorption. Zhou Wenyuan sat in the back seat, looking at documents.

"Xiao Lin, how does it feel to be the team leader?" Zhou Wenyuan asked.

"It's alright. I had a meeting today and met with everyone. Section Chief Jiang and Da Liu were both very helpful."

"That's good," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The team management business isn't a huge deal, but it's not insignificant either. If you manage it well, that's a skill; if you don't, no one will say anything, since it's just a side job. But since you've taken on the responsibility, you have to manage it well."

"I understand, Brother Zhou."

"Yes, I trust you to handle things." Zhou Wenyuan closed the file.

"What about Sun Lin? Is he still at the statistics bureau?"

"Yes, he's still driving for Director Sun, with the待遇 of a deputy section chief."

"Director Sun is a good man. Working for him will lead to a bright future," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Your family is doing well now. Your parents should be happy."

"Yes, they are the happiest."

Upon arriving in Linxi County, the car went directly to the poverty alleviation project site. It was a vegetable greenhouse base, funded by the city to help impoverished households grow off-season vegetables. Zhou Wenyuan got out of the car to inspect the site and chatted with the project leader for a long time.

Lin Fan waited nearby, looking at the lush green vegetable greenhouses, and felt a surge of emotion. This is the significance of fiscal work: spending money where it's needed and doing practical things for the people.

After reviewing everything, I went to the county finance bureau to listen to reports and look at the accounts. I didn't head back until after 5 p.m.

On the way back, Zhou Wenyuan said, "This project is good; it's effective and the people benefit. We should support more projects like this in the second half of the year."

"Yes, Brother Zhou, you're right."

"Xiao Lin, you're now a deputy section chief, so you'll have a wider range of opportunities in the future," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Listening, observing, and learning more will benefit you in the future."

"I will definitely study more."

It was already 7 p.m. when they got back to the steel city. After dropping Zhou Wenyuan off at home, Lin Fan went home by himself. Wang Juan had already prepared dinner.

"How was your day?" Wang Juan asked.

"It was alright. I had a meeting and went to Linxi County," Lin Fan said.

During the meal, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, I have something to discuss with you."

"What is it?"

"I want to register 'Juanfan Clothing' as a trademark," Wang Juan said. "We currently have three stores, an agent in the provincial capital, and we may open more branches in the future. Having our own brand will make it easier to develop."

"Sure, I support you," Lin Fan said. "Is there anything I can do?"

"No need, I'll have an agency handle it," Wang Juan said. "I just wanted to let you know."

"It's up to you to decide," Lin Fan said. "You know more about business than I do."

After dinner, the two washed the dishes together. Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, now that you're the team leader, do you have more social engagements?"

"Maybe, but I'll decline if I can," Lin Fan said. "My main job is driving for Brother Zhou; I'll ignore everything else if I can."

"Okay, take care of yourself, don't overwork yourself."

"Know."

The next day, Lin Fan officially began his work as the team leader. Actually, the job duties weren't much different: picking up Zhou Wenyuan in the morning and driving him home in the evening. In his spare time, he would check the team's schedule and handle other miscellaneous tasks.

Da Liu was very efficient, managing the fleet's daily operations flawlessly. He had everything clearly arranged: which car needed maintenance, which driver needed a day off. Lin Fan only needed to review and sign off on everything.

Jiang Dayong would also come over from time to time to check on things and ask if Lin Fan was having any difficulties. Lin Fan always said no.

After a week, Lin Fan adapted to his new role. The drivers in the convoy saw that he didn't handle the specifics or interfere, so they gradually accepted him. They would greet him politely as "Team Leader Lin" and then go about their business.

In mid-August, people from the Organization Department came to talk to him. It was in Lin Fan's small office, and a middle-aged cadre was there, with a kind attitude.

"Comrade Lin Fan, congratulations on your promotion. I'm here today mainly to get some information; just answer truthfully."

"OK."

They asked some standard questions: work experience, family situation, understanding of the position, and future plans. Lin Fan answered them one by one, neither exaggerating nor being modest.

The conversation lasted half an hour. At the end, the cadre said, "Comrade Lin Fan, you are young and have potential. Keep up the good work, and you have a bright future ahead of you."

"Thank you, boss."

After seeing the people from the Organization Department off, Lin Fan breathed a sigh of relief. He had passed this hurdle.

In the afternoon, Zhou Wenyuan had to go to a meeting in the city. Lin Fan drove him there, saying on the way, "Brother Zhou, the meeting with the Organization Department is over."

"Yes, I know," Zhou Wenyuan said. "They reported to me that you did a good job."

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

"You've proven yourself," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But Xiao Lin, there's a mission coming up, and you need to get ready."

"What mission?"

"In September, the provincial department will hold a training course on financial management, and each city will send its key personnel to participate," Zhou Wenyuan said. "I recommend you to go."

Lin Fan was taken aback: "What? Am I qualified enough?"

"That's enough. You're a deputy section chief and a key member of the team," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Going there for half a month to learn will broaden your horizons and get to know some people will benefit you."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou. I will definitely study hard."

"Yes, study hard, write a report when you get back, and give it a presentation at the bureau," Zhou Wenyuan said. "This is also a chance to show your face."

"clear."

Upon arriving at the municipal government building, Zhou Wenyuan went upstairs for a meeting. Lin Fan waited in the car, pondering the training course. A two-week training trip to the provincial capital was a rare opportunity. He could meet colleagues from other cities and learn new knowledge.

Just then, Zhang Wei came over.

"Brother Fan, are we waiting for Director Zhou?"

"Oh, Brother Zhang is here today too?"

"Here you are. Mayor Liu is in a meeting." Zhang Wei got into the passenger seat. "Brother Fan, I heard you became a team leader? Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Brother Zhang."

"We'll have to take better care of them in the future," Zhang Wei said. "Those old cars in our fleet need replacing. Your finance bureau has the funds, could you put in a good word for us?"

"Brother Zhang, I can't make that decision myself," Lin Fan said with a smile. "But I can mention it to Brother Zhou, though I can't guarantee it will work out."

"Just mentioning it is fine, thank you, Brother Fan."

After chatting for a while, Zhang Wei said, "Brother Fan, are you free this weekend? Let's get together. I've invited a few friends, all of them are driver captains from various bureaus."

"Sure, you decide the time and place."

"Okay, I'll let you know when it's finalized."

After Zhang Wei left, Lin Fan continued to wait. Zhou Wenyuan didn't come down until noon.

"Back to the bureau." Zhou Wenyuan got into the car. "There's a budget review meeting this afternoon; you'll be coming with me."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

Lin Fan attended the afternoon meeting for the first time as a deputy section-level cadre. Although he was only a team leader, he was still a middle-level cadre, with a seat and a name tag.

At the meeting, Zhou Wenyuan spoke, and others gave reports. Lin Fan listened attentively and took notes. He needed to learn this business knowledge. He needed to be a good assistant to Brother Zhou in the future; he couldn't just be a driver.

The meeting lasted until after 5 p.m. After the meeting, Zhou Wenyuan said, "Xiao Lin, you did a good job today. Attend more meetings like this in the future and learn more."

"I will, Brother Zhou."

When Wang Juan got home from get off work, she said, "Lin Fan, the trademark registration is done. 'Juanfan Apparel' is officially registered."

"That's great," Lin Fan said. "We have our own brand now."

"Yes, we'll use this brand for all our future stores," Wang Juan said. "I even designed a logo, look."

Wang Juan took out the design drawing, which was a simple pattern composed of the first letters of the pinyin for "Juan" and "Fan". The lines were smooth and pleasing to the eye.

"Not bad, it looks pretty good," Lin Fan said.

"I want to change the signs of all three stores to this one, to unify the image," Wang Juan said. "But it will cost some money."

"Spend it if you have to; the money that needs to be spent should be spent," Lin Fan said. "Brand building is a long-term endeavor."

"Yes, that's what I think too," Wang Juan said. "Lin Fan, with your support, I feel confident in whatever I do."

"You were already capable; I was just adding to your talents."

The two smiled at each other. This is what marriage is like: supporting each other and progressing together.

That evening, Lin Fan continued studying. Although he had passed the civil service exam, he knew he couldn't stop learning. He needed to learn about financial operations and vehicle management. He also had to prepare for the training course in September.

Wang Juan sat beside him, knitting a sweater. She had already finished a little pink sweater, which was very cute.

"Lin Fan, look, this is knitted for my future child," Wang Juan said, showing it to him.

"It looks really good," Lin Fan said. "But you're already making preparations before the baby is even born?"

"Just prepare in advance," Wang Juan laughed. "Anyway, we're just killing time."

"Okay, take your time knitting. Once you're done, put it away and take it out when you need it."

"Um."

It was late at night. Lin Fan put down his book and walked to the window. Outside, the night view of the steel city was beautiful. The lights were dim, and the traffic flowed like a river.

This is his life after his rebirth. He has a stable job, a happy family, and everything is moving in a positive direction.

But he knew that wasn't enough. Being a team leader was just the beginning; the training course was a new opportunity. He needed to continue working hard and taking steady steps forward.

For this family, for this good life.

The steel city outside the window is quiet and peaceful.