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

On October 1st, National Day, Lin Fan and Wang Juan held their wedding.

Lin Fan woke up at six in the morning. Actually, he hadn't slept well all night, tossing and turning. It wasn't that he was nervous, but rather that it felt unreal—in his previous life, he lived to be forty-five and accomplished nothing, but in this life, at twenty-five, he was not only married but also had a job that everyone envied.

Wang Juan slept at the hotel—according to custom, the newlyweds cannot see each other the day before the wedding. Lin Fan got up, washed, and changed into the prepared suit. It was dark gray, fit him well, and Wang Juan had accompanied him to the mall to pick it out.

At seven o'clock, Da Liu arrived with his convoy. Eight cars, all black Audis, with Zhou Wenyuan's Audi A6 as the lead car, adorned with red ribbons. Da Liu was now the de facto head of the convoy—Lin Fan's role as captain was primarily nominal, with Da Liu handling the day-to-day operations.

"Groom, are you ready?" Da Liu asked with a smile.

"Ready?" Lin Fan straightened his tie in front of the mirror. "Brother Liu, thank you for your hard work today."

"It's nothing, it's my duty," said Da Liu. "Director Zhou instructed me to make sure it's done perfectly for you today."

At 8:00 AM sharp, the motorcade set off to pick up the bride. Wang Juan was temporarily staying at a hotel; her family had accompanied her there the previous night. On the way, Lin Fan looked out the window at the steel city; the streets were lined with national flags, creating a strong festive atmosphere.

Upon arriving at the hotel, he went upstairs. Several female classmates were waiting at the door, asking for red envelopes. Lin Fan was prepared and took out a thick stack of red envelopes: "Ladies, please be kind and let me in to pick up my wife."

The female classmate took the red envelope and smiled, "You're quite sensible. Go inside."

Pushing open the door, Lin Fan saw Wang Juan sitting on the bed, dressed in a white wedding gown and with bridal makeup, so beautiful that she stunned him for a few seconds.

"Are you stunned?" the female classmate next to you laughed.

Lin Fan snapped out of his daze, stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and took out the ring: "Juan'er, I've come to pick you up."

Wang Juan blushed and held out her hand. Lin Fan put the ring on her finger, then picked her up and said, "Let's go home."

According to custom, the bride's feet should not touch the ground. Lin Fan carried Wang Juan downstairs; although she wasn't heavy, climbing the stairs was still a bit strenuous. Da Liu offered to help, but Lin Fan shook his head: "I can do it myself."

Get in the car and head back to the new house—the duplex in Riverside Garden. My parents are already waiting there; according to protocol, I'm to serve them tea.

"Dad, Mom, please have some tea." Lin Fan and Wang Juan knelt down to offer tea.

The mother took the tea, her hands trembling slightly, her eyes reddening: "Okay, okay, live a good life from now on."

The father remained calm, but his eyes welled up with tears: "Xiaofan, Juan'er, from now on we're family. Let's understand and support each other."

"Okay, Dad."

After a simple ceremony, we went to the hotel. The Steel City Hotel had twenty tables, filled with relatives and friends. Zhou Wenyuan arrived early and sat at the head table. Colleagues like Li Jing, Jiang Dayong, and Sister Liu were there, along with friends Lin Fan had met at the dinner, such as Section Chief Li from the Tax Bureau and Deputy Section Chief Zhang from the Industry and Commerce Bureau. Wang Juan's relatives also came from Bai County, occupying three or four tables.

At 11:58, the ceremony began. The emcee was a TV host whom Zhou Wenyuan had arranged through connections; he was highly skilled and adept at creating a lively atmosphere.

"Mr. Lin Fan, do you take Ms. Wang Juan to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, respect, and cherish her, till death do you part?"

"I do," Lin Fan said firmly.

"Ms. Wang Juan, do you take Mr. Lin Fan to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, respect, and to cherish, till death do you part?"

"I do," Wang Juan said, her voice soft but clear.

They exchanged rings and kissed. Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Zhou Wenyuan, as the officiant, took the stage and said: "I am very happy to officiate the wedding of Lin Fan and Wang Juan today. I have watched Lin Fan grow up; he is down-to-earth, steady, and responsible. Wang Juan is hardworking, capable, and intelligent. They are a match made in heaven. I wish them a long and happy life together."

The speech was brief, but weighty. Everyone below knew that Zhou Wenyuan was now the executive deputy director, and the future director. His personal officiating at the wedding demonstrated how much he valued Lin Fan.

After speeches from both sets of parents, the ceremony concluded, and the toasting began. Lin Fan and Wang Juan went from table to table, offering their thanks to everyone for attending the wedding.

When the toast was brought to Zhou Wenyuan's table, Zhou Wenyuan stood up and said, "Xiao Lin, Juan'er, I wish you happiness. I'll finish this one; you can drink as you please."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou." Lin Fan and Wang Juan both drank.

When the toast reached Section Chief Li's table at the tax bureau, Section Chief Li took Lin Fan's hand and said, "Team Leader Lin, congratulations! Let's keep in touch."

"Definitely, definitely."

When the toast was brought to Lin Ping's table, Lin Ping held Niu Niu and said, "Xiao Fan, Juan'er, may you be happy."

"Sister, we will."

After toasting everyone, Lin Fan had drunk quite a bit. Wang Juan had also had some, and her face was even redder. Back at the main table, Lin Fan quietly said to Wang Juan, "I'll pretend to be drunk later, and you help me up."

"What's wrong?"

"If you don't pretend to be drunk soon, you'll really get drunk."

Wang Juan smiled and said, "Okay, I'll cooperate with you."

Sure enough, when someone came to offer a toast, Lin Fan began to "lose his temper" and his speech became somewhat slurred. Wang Juan helped him up, saying, "Everyone, Lin Fan has had too much to drink. Let me help him to rest for a bit."

Everyone understands, after all, he is the groom.

Actually, Lin Fan wasn't really drunk; he was just pretending. After sitting in the lounge for a while, Wang Juan poured him a glass of honey water.

"Have some to help you sober up."

Lin Fan took it and drank a sip: "It's really lively today."

"Yes, a lot of people came," Wang Juan said. "I didn't expect you to know so many people."

"We all know each other from work," Lin Fan said. "But they're only here today because they're giving me face."

"Director Zhou is so kind to you."

"Yes, Brother Zhou is incredibly kind to me," Lin Fan said. "That's why I need to work even harder and not let him down."

After resting for a while, the two went out again. The banquet was nearing its end, and the guests were leaving one after another. As Zhou Wenyuan left, he patted Lin Fan on the shoulder: "Get some rest. You don't need to come to work tomorrow. I'm giving you three days off."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

After seeing off all the guests, it was already 3 PM. Lin Fan and Wang Juan returned to their new house, exhausted, and collapsed onto the sofa.

"Getting married is exhausting," Wang Juan said.

"It only happens once in a lifetime, so it's worth the effort," Lin Fan said. "But I won't get married again."

"You want to get married again?" Wang Juan glared at him.

"No, no, let's just get married this once."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

In the evening, we ate something simple and went to bed early. Our wedding night wasn't very passionate; we were mainly exhausted. We lay in bed, holding hands.

"Lin Fan, we're really husband and wife now," Wang Juan said softly.

"Yes, we're really husband and wife now," Lin Fan said. "Juan'er, I'll be good to you for the rest of my life."

"I know," Wang Juan nestled in his arms. "I'll be good to you too."

Silent all night.

During their three-day holiday after the wedding, Lin Fan stayed home with Wang Juan. They didn't go anywhere; they just cooked, watched TV, and chatted. Simple, but warm and cozy.

On the fourth day, Lin Fan returned to work. As soon as he entered the office, Da Liu arrived.

"Congratulations on your marriage, Captain Lin!"

"Thank you, Brother Liu."

"This is a contribution from everyone, just a small token of our appreciation." Da Liu handed over a red envelope.

Lin Fan declined, saying, "No need, no need. I'm just happy that everyone came to our wedding."

"Here, take it. It's just a token," said Da Liu. "It's nothing, just a symbolic gesture."

Lin Fan had no choice but to accept it: "Thank you everyone."

"Don't mention it," said Da Liu. "By the way, Team Leader Lin, there's something going on with the team lately that I need to report to you."

"What is it?"

"Old Zhao's car has a problem with the engine; it's been repaired several times but hasn't been fixed. The repair shop suggested replacing it, but we've used up our budget for this year, so we can only apply for a new car next year," said Da Liu. "What do you think we should do?"

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "How's the car? Is it still drivable?"

"It can be driven, but it consumes a lot of fuel and lacks power."

"I'll make do with this for now, but be careful," Lin Fan said. "I'll see if I can apply for a new car next year based on my budget."

"Okay, I'll tell Lao Zhao."

After Da Liu left, Lin Fan began processing the backlog of documents from the past few days. Although he had only been away for three days, a huge stack of documents had accumulated. There were the fleet's work schedule, vehicle maintenance records, and several expense reports that required his signature.

Halfway through the process, Zhou Wenyuan called: "Xiao Lin, come to my office."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

When they arrived at Zhou Wenyuan's office, Zhou Wenyuan was looking at a document with a slight frown.

"Brother Zhou, what's up?"

"Take a look at this." Zhou Wenyuan pushed the document over.

Lin Fan took it; it was an audit report. The Municipal Audit Bureau audited the fiscal expenditures for the first half of the year and found several problems: first, some projects exceeded the budget; second, some funds were not allocated in a timely manner; and third, some invoices were not standardized.

"What does the audit bureau mean?" Lin Fan asked.

"We require rectification and feedback by the end of the month," Zhou Wenyuan said. "You should follow up on this matter, coordinate with the relevant departments, clarify the problem, and come up with a rectification plan."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

"Furthermore," Zhou Wenyuan paused, "Director Yan will be officially transferred to the provincial department next month. I will take over as director. The documents should be issued soon."

Lin Fan was secretly delighted: "Congratulations, Brother Zhou!"

"Congratulations, you've got even more responsibilities now," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But it's good, at least I can get things done more freely. Xiao Lin, you're someone I mentored, so please help me out in the future."

"Don't worry, Brother Zhou, I will do my best."

"Yes, I trust you to handle things," Zhou Wenyuan said. "By the way, you're newly married, so I haven't given you any time off yet. How about this, you take your annual leave next week and take Wang Juan out for some fun."

"No need, Brother Zhou, work is more important."

"Work is never-ending, but life goes on too," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Listen to me, take a week off and go on a trip. Yunnan or Hainan are fine. I'll cover the expenses; consider it my wedding gift to you two."

"This won't do..."

"Don't refuse, it's settled then." Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand. "Go on, take care of the audit first."

As Lin Fan left the office, he felt a warm glow inside. Brother Zhou truly treated him like an older brother.

Back in his office, Lin Fan began dealing with the audit matters. He first called the budget department, then the treasury department, to schedule a meeting with the relevant personnel that afternoon.

The afternoon meeting went smoothly. Everyone was aware of the issues raised by the audit, but they hadn't been taken seriously before. Now that the audit bureau has formally brought them up, we must take them seriously.

"Team Leader Lin, these problems aren't actually difficult to solve," said Xiao Liu from the budget department. "The budget overruns are mainly due to the project units not controlling things well; we just need to strengthen the review process. The untimely fund disbursement is a process issue; we'll optimize the process. The invoices aren't standardized; we'll have the subordinate units pay more attention to that."

"Then let's follow this approach and come up with a rectification plan," Lin Fan said. "Xiao Liu, you take the lead, with all departments cooperating. I need to see the first draft next week."

"Okay, Captain Lin."

After finishing the audit, it was already 5 PM. Lin Fan packed his things, left work, and went to pick up Wang Juan.

Wang Juan's new store is under renovation on Zhongshan Road, a very good location. When Lin Fan arrived, Wang Juan was talking to the renovation workers.

"We need a glass partition here to make it more open and airy. The counter should be white and simple."

"Okay, Mr. Wang."

Upon seeing Lin Fan, Wang Juan walked over and asked, "What brings you here?"

"I'll pick you up from get off work," Lin Fan said. "How's the renovation going?"

"The progress is going well, and it should be completed by the end of the month," Wang Juan said. "We'll open after the National Day holiday, just in time for the change of seasons."

"You've arranged everything perfectly."

"That's right, she doesn't even know whose wife she is," Wang Juan laughed. "Let's go home and cook."

On the way, Lin Fan brought up the topic of taking annual leave.

"Brother Zhou asked me to take a week off so he could take you on a trip. He said he'd cover the expenses as a wedding gift."

"Director Zhou is so kind," Wang Juan said. "Where shall we go?"

"Where do you want to go?"

"I want to go to Yunnan; I've heard the scenery there is beautiful."

"Okay, let's go to Yunnan then," Lin Fan said. "I'll arrange the itinerary, you focus on the shop."

"Okay, whatever you say."

For the next week, Lin Fan was busy dealing with audit rectification matters, while Wang Juan was busy with the store renovation. Both of them were very busy, but they always managed to have dinner together and chat when they got home in the evenings.

Over the weekend, Lin Fan began planning his trip to Yunnan. He researched travel guides online and booked flights and hotels. In his previous life, he had worked in Yunnan for a few days with friends and was familiar with the routes. This time, he was taking Wang Juan with him, wanting her to have a great time.

The initial draft of the audit rectification plan was completed. Lin Fan reviewed it and found it largely satisfactory. He made a few revisions and instructed his team to continue refining it.

On Wednesday, the official document regarding Director Yan's transfer was issued. Simultaneously, the document appointing Zhou Wenyuan as the new director also arrived. A large meeting was held at the bureau, and representatives from the Municipal Party Committee's Organization Department announced the appointments.

Zhou Wenyuan sat on the podium, more composed than before. In his speech, he thanked the organization for its trust and his colleagues for their support, and expressed his determination to lead the Finance Bureau to new heights.

Lin Fan listened from below, genuinely happy for Zhou Wenyuan. From a cadre dispatched from the provincial department to executive deputy director, and then to director, Zhou Wenyuan had taken three years. This pace wasn't slow, but it wasn't fast either; it was a steady and methodical advancement.

After the meeting, Zhou Wenyuan called Lin Fan to his office.

"Xiao Lin, I'm the director now, so my work priorities will be adjusted," Zhou Wenyuan said. "You'll continue driving for me, but you'll need to take charge of the motorcade. Jiang Dayong is getting old and will retire in two years. You need to be prepared to take over his position."

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat: "Brother Zhou, am I not qualified enough?"

"You earn your qualifications through hard work," Zhou Wenyuan said. "First, familiarize yourself with all aspects of the logistics department's work, take it slow. With me here, no one will dare to say anything."

"Thank you for your trust, Brother Zhou. I will definitely work hard."

"Yes, I believe you," Zhou Wenyuan said. "By the way, have you made arrangements for your annual leave?"

"It's all arranged. I'm leaving next Monday for Yunnan."

"Okay, have fun." Zhou Wenyuan took an envelope out of the drawer. "Here's 20,000 yuan. Take it; it's a small token of my appreciation."

"Brother Zhou, this won't do..."

"Take it." Zhou Wenyuan said without giving any room for argument. "You're newlyweds, so I don't have much to give you. When you go out, don't be stingy; spend what you need to spend."

Lin Fan had no choice but to accept it: "Thank you, Brother Zhou."

"Don't mention it, go ahead."

As Lin Fan left the office, his heart felt heavy. Brother Zhou had high expectations of him, and he couldn't let him down.

Back in his office, Lin Fan began to think about the work of the logistics department. The logistics department managed the vehicle fleet, canteen, property management, and purchasing; the work was varied but important. Jiang Dayong had been doing this for over ten years and was very experienced. Lin Fan still had a lot to learn.

No rush, take it slow. With Brother Zhou's support and Da Liu's assistance, there shouldn't be any problems.

When I got home that evening, I told Wang Juan about Zhou Wenyuan's instructions. Wang Juan listened and said, "Director Zhou is trying to groom you."

"Yes, the pressure is even greater."

"Pressure can also be a driving force," Wang Juan said. "Lin Fan, you can definitely do it. You're so steady and thoughtful, you're perfect for managing logistics."

"Thank you for your kind words," Lin Fan said. "But let's not think about that now, let's have some fun first."

"Yes, let's go on a trip first." Wang Juan laughed, "I've never been outside the province before in my entire life."

"I'll show you some real fun this time."

On Saturday, the store's renovation was completed. Wang Juan took Lin Fan to see it. The store wasn't large, just over 60 square meters, but it was exquisitely decorated. The white color scheme, soft lighting, and neatly arranged shelves were all present. A sign reading "Juanfan Clothing" hung at the entrance, with a prominent logo.

"That's really nice," Lin Fan said. "Very classy."

"It cost over 100,000 yuan," Wang Juan said, "but it was worth it. The brand image has been established, and all future branches will be built to this standard."

"You're starting to look more and more like a boss."

"It's all thanks to your support," Wang Juan said. "Lin Fan, once the store is up and running and business is stable, let's have a baby."

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat: "Have you thought it through?"

"I've made up my mind," Wang Juan said. "Now that things are stable, it's time to have a baby. I've calculated it out; if we try now, we can have the baby next year, which will be perfect."

"Okay, I'll listen to you." Lin Fan put his arm around her. "But don't put too much pressure on yourself, just let things take their course."

"Um."

On Sunday, the two packed their bags, preparing to go to Yunnan. Lin Fan checked the weather forecast; the temperature in Yunnan was pleasant, so he packed a few light jackets. Wang Juan was as excited as a little girl, picking and choosing clothes, unsure which one to bring.

"Just bring a few comfortable clothes. We're going to have fun, not to walk the runway," Lin Fan said with a smile.

"I still need to dress nicely for the photos," Wang Juan said. "I want to take lots of photos to remember the occasion."

"Okay, I'll take the picture for you."

On Monday morning, the two set off for the airport. It was Wang Juan's first time flying, and she was a little nervous. Lin Fan comforted her, "It's okay, it's just like taking a bus, just a bit faster."

As the plane took off, Wang Juan held Lin Fan's hand tightly. Only after the plane stabilized did she relax and look curiously at the sea of ​​clouds outside the window.

"It's so beautiful," Wang Juan said. "Lin Fan, thank you for bringing me here."

"Don't thank me, I'll take you out to play every year from now on."

"real?"

"Really, I promise."

The plane landed in Kunming under a bright sun. Lin Fan had rented a car in advance and drove to the hotel. The scenery along the way amazed Wang Juan.

"Yunnan is so beautiful, the sky is so blue, and the clouds are so white."

"Yes, that's why it's called the Land of Colorful Clouds in the South."

Wang Juan spent a week traveling in Yunnan, visiting Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. She saw Erhai Lake, strolled through the ancient city, and climbed Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. She had a wonderful time and took many photos.

Lin Fan was also relaxed. Since his rebirth, he had been constantly on edge, working hard and living life to the fullest. This trip allowed him to temporarily let go of the pressure and enjoy life.

On their last night in Lijiang Old Town, the two sat in the courtyard of their guesthouse drinking tea.

"Lin Fan, this trip was so much fun!" Wang Juan said. "Let's go on this trip every year, okay?"

"Okay, I'll come every year," Lin Fan said. "When we have children, we'll bring them along."

"Mmm." Wang Juan leaned on his shoulder. "Lin Fan, I feel so happy right now. I have a family, a career, and you."

"Me too." Lin Fan hugged her. "Juan'er, we will be happy forever."

"It definitely will."

As night deepened, the lights of the ancient city gradually went out. In the distance, the melodious and graceful sounds of Naxi ancient music drifted through the air.

Lin Fan looked at Wang Juan in his arms, his heart overflowing. This was the life he wanted: ordinary, warm, and full of love.

Three years after his rebirth, he gradually changed his destiny and found happiness.

But that's not enough. The future is long, and he must continue to work hard and take steady steps.

For this family, for this good life.

The view of Lijiang from the window is tranquil and peaceful.