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

In mid-December, the temperature in the steel city had already dropped to below minus ten degrees Celsius. In the morning, many cars had a thick layer of frost on their windshields.

When Lin Fan picked up Zhou Wenyuan in the morning, Zhou Wenyuan looked out the window at the white expanse and said, "In this weather, cars in poor condition are prone to problems."

"Yeah, Brother Zhou." Lin Fan started the car, and the heater slowly came on. "Some of the cars in our bureau are indeed old; they're difficult to start in winter."

"Are there many old cars?" Zhou Wenyuan asked.

"I've done the count. Out of the 25 vehicles, six are over eight years old and five are over five years old," Lin Fan said. "These vehicles have high maintenance costs, high fuel consumption, and poor safety. Our bureau has 16 drivers, including myself, and 25 vehicles is a bit too many, so we're making some adjustments this time."

Zhou Wenyuan nodded: "It's time to consider it. It's almost the end of the year, and we need to plan next year's budget in advance. What are your thoughts?"

Lin Fan had already thought about this issue, and now that Zhou Wenyuan asked, it was a good opportunity to say it: "Brother Zhou, I think we can upgrade in batches. Let's replace the oldest cars first, and then gradually upgrade the others based on their condition."

"Where's the money? A car costs at least tens or hundreds of thousands, and the bureau doesn't have that much budget."

"That's a good idea," Lin Fan said. "We can allocate the retired vehicles to lower-level bureaus or counties. They need more vehicles, and although ours are old, they're still usable. This way, we can free up some space to buy new cars."

Zhou Wenyuan thought for a moment: "This is a good idea, making the best use of resources. Prepare a detailed plan, including which cars need to be replaced, what kind of cars, the budget, and how to allocate them. You'll report at next week's bureau meeting."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

Upon arriving at work, Lin Fan immediately got to work on this matter. He first asked Liu for detailed vehicle records and examined each one one by one. The vehicle's age, mileage, maintenance history, and fuel consumption were all listed out.

After looking around all morning, I have a better idea of ​​what to do. The three old Santanas that really need replacing are all over ten years old, and the annual repair costs are considerable. There are also two old vans that are in terrible condition.

In the afternoon, Lin Fan began writing the proposal. He first explained the current situation, then offered suggestions, and finally outlined the implementation steps. It was written in great detail, with accurate data and sound reasoning.

Halfway through writing, Jiang Dayong came in.

"Kobayashi, what are you busy with?"

"Section Chief Jiang, I'm working on a vehicle replacement plan," Lin Fan said. "Director Zhou asked me to do it."

Jiang Dayong picked up the draft and looked at it: "Hmm, it's time to change them. I rode in those old Santanas once, and the bumpy ride made my back hurt. But Xiao Lin, the budget is a problem."

"I've come up with a solution: transfer the old cars to lower-level units, and we'll free up staff positions to buy new cars."

"That's a great idea!" Jiang Dayong's eyes lit up. "Those bureaus down there, especially in the county, are desperately short of vehicles. Our cars may be old, but they're very happy to use them."

"That's what I was thinking too," Lin Fan said. "Section Chief Jiang, how about this: we buy two Coaster vans specifically for receptions and research trips. Our current few old Hiace vans are really inadequate."

"A Coaster?" Jiang Dayong thought for a moment. "That car is nice, spacious, and comfortable. It's just expensive, costing five or six hundred thousand each."

"It's expensive, but worth it," Lin Fan said. "Director Zhou often accompanies city leaders on research trips, sometimes for several days at a time. If we could have a comfortable car, we could rest on the way and use it as a temporary office when we arrive at the destination."

"That's a good idea," Jiang Dayong nodded. "But one is enough; buying two is too extravagant."

"One is a modified one, and the other is a regular one," Lin Fan said. "The modified one is equipped to the standards of a mobile office: it has good sound insulation, comfortable seats, a desk, a TV, and the last row can be folded down to make a bed. Director Zhou can work and rest in the car when he goes down to conduct research."

Jiang Dayong looked at Lin Fan and smiled: "Little Lin, you've thought of everything. Director Zhou hasn't spoiled you for nothing."

"It's only right," Lin Fan said. "Brother Zhou is so busy with work, it's our duty to make him more comfortable."

"Okay, you write the proposal, I support you," Jiang Dayong said. "But this matter needs Director Zhou's approval."

"I see."

Over the next few days, Lin Fan refined the plan. In addition to updating the vehicle, he also wrote a detailed modification plan for the Coaster. He referenced some commercial vehicle modification examples online and combined them with Zhou Wenyuan's actual needs to create a very practical design.

On Friday afternoon, a bureau meeting was held. Zhou Wenyuan presided over the meeting, which was attended by Cong Jie and heads of various departments. Lin Fan, as the team leader, was also present.

When it was Lin Fan's turn to report, he stood up and distributed the plan to everyone.

"Distinguished leaders, I'd like to report on our plans for vehicle replacement," Lin Fan said. "Currently, the bureau has twenty-five vehicles, six of which are over eight years old, in poor condition, and incurring high maintenance costs. I suggest replacing them in batches..."

He explained things very clearly, with detailed data and sound reasoning. When he talked about allocating old vehicles to subordinate units, Cong Jie nodded: "This is a good method; it solves our problem and also helps the subordinate units."

When the topic of buying a Coaster came up, some people raised objections: "Isn't a Coaster too expensive, costing four or five hundred thousand yuan? Besides, we already have a Hiace, which we can still use."

Lin Fan explained, "The Hiace van is quite old and not very comfortable. Director Zhou often accompanies city leaders on research trips, sometimes for several days at a time. If they had a comfortable vehicle, the leaders could rest well on the road and their work efficiency would be higher. Moreover, the modified Coaster can serve as a mobile office, which is suitable for field research."

Zhou Wenyuan asked, "How much will the renovation cost?"

"The initial estimate is that the renovation will cost around 300,000 yuan," Lin Fan said. "This includes soundproofing, seating, office equipment, and beds. The total price will be kept under 800,000 yuan."

"Eight hundred thousand..." someone muttered.

Cong Jie said, "I think it's feasible. The image of the Finance Bureau is also very important. If the car is too old, people will laugh at us. Besides, it's really practical. Director Zhou is so busy with work, it's a good thing that he can rest well in the car."

Zhou Wenyuan thought for a moment: "Okay, let's buy a Coaster first, modify it and see the effect. If it's good, then we'll consider a second one. Xiao Lin, you're in charge of contacting the relevant departments regarding the transfer of the old vehicles. For the purchase of new vehicles, we'll follow the government's procurement procedures. The plan is approved in principle; we'll refine the specific details later."

"Yes, Director Zhou," Lin Fan said.

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

"Xiao Lin, the plan is quite good," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Especially the idea of ​​modifying the Coaster, it's very thoughtful. But you have to personally oversee this, from selecting the vehicle to the modification, and follow up on the whole process."

"I understand, Brother Zhou. I will definitely do my best."

"Yes, I trust you to handle things," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Also, be careful about the procedures for transferring the used cars. Although they are used cars, they are still state-owned assets, so the paperwork must be complete and there can be no problems."

"I know, I will definitely follow the rules."

Leaving the office, Lin Fan got busy. He first contacted several car dealerships to inquire about the price and configuration of the Coaster. After comparing them, he chose one that offered the best value for money.

Then he began processing the allocation of old vehicles. He first called several county finance bureaus that were short of vehicles, asking them if they needed any. Upon hearing that the vehicles were old ones allocated by the municipal bureau, they all happily agreed, even though they were old, since they were being given away for free.

"Team Leader Lin, thank you so much! We're really short of vehicles!"

"But we need to go through the formalities; we can't just drive it away directly," Lin Fan said. "Send someone over, and we'll handle the handover."

"Okay, okay, we'll send someone right away."

After a busy week, the most dilapidated cars finally found a home. Although they were old, they could still be driven after some cleaning. When the people from the subordinate units came to take them away, they were extremely grateful.

Lin Fan was also pleased. These vehicles were a burden at the bureau, but they could still be put to good use at the local level. That was good.

Over the weekend, Lin Fan and Wang Juan went to their parents' house for dinner. The topic of this matter came up at the dinner table.

The father said, "Xiao Fan, you did the right thing. Don't waste public resources that you can use. Give them to the units below that they need; make the most of them."

"Yes, Dad, that's what I think too," Lin Fan said.

Lin Ping asked, "So, has the matter of buying a new car been settled?"

"It's settled. We'll buy a Toyota Coaster, modify it a bit, and give it to Director Zhou," Lin Fan said. "Director Zhou often goes to the countryside, so having a comfortable car will allow him to get some rest."

"You've really thought of everything," Sun Lin said. "Our statistics bureau is also short of cars, but Director Sun said we might apply to buy one next year."

"If you need to buy it, you have to," Lin Fan said. "A car that's too old and worn out affects my work and isn't safe either."

The mother said, "Xiao Fan, you're in charge of the fleet now, which is a big responsibility. You have to be careful and make sure no one talks about you."

"Mom, don't worry, I've followed all the procedures and it's all open and transparent."

After dinner, on the way home, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, your bureau is really rich. One car costs seven or eight hundred thousand."

"It's not that the bureau has money, it's that money that needs to be spent should be spent," Lin Fan said. "Director Zhou works so hard, it's only right to make him more comfortable. Besides, after the car was modified, it's very practical and can be used as a mobile office."

"You're so good to your brother Zhou."

"Brother Zhou has been good to me too," Lin Fan said. "One should be grateful."

On Monday, Lin Fan went to a car dealership to look at cars. The sales manager was very enthusiastic and gave a detailed introduction to the various configurations of the Coaster. Lin Fan chose the mid-range model, which offered good value for money.

"Team Leader Lin, if you're interested in renovations, our company has partner factories that we can introduce," the sales manager said.

"Okay, you tell me about it, I'll go take a look."

In the afternoon, Lin Fan went to the modification shop. It was a fairly large shop, specializing in modifying commercial vehicles. The owner, surnamed Chen, was very professional.

"Captain Lin, how would you like to make the changes?"

Lin Fan took out his sketch: "Leave the front driver's area unchanged, add a partition in the back, and make sure it's well soundproofed. Behind the partition, the first row will have an airline-style seat with a desk, equipped with massage, heating, and ventilation. The middle row will also have four airline-style seats, all with massage, heating, and ventilation, and they can rotate and face each other, with a small table in the middle. The last row will be a sofa bed that can be laid flat and used as a bed. A TV will be installed on the partition, and a bar counter will be installed on the side for making tea, with power outlets."

Mr. Chen listened and took notes: "Understood, mobile office plus lounge. We've done similar projects before, so we have experience and we'll take care of all the details for you."

How long will the construction period be?

"About a month."

"Can you hurry up? We need it urgently."

"We can expedite it; it will take twenty days."

"Okay, I'll expedite it," Lin Fan said, "but the quality has to be guaranteed."

"Don't worry, we've been in this business for over ten years, there's absolutely no problem."

After agreeing on the price and signing the contract, Lin Fan paid a deposit and agreed to pick up the car in twenty days.

After leaving the modification shop, Lin Fan called Zhou Wenyuan to report the situation. Zhou Wenyuan said, "Okay, you handle it. By the way, how's the old car transfer going?"

"The procedures for all eight vehicles have been completed, and they have been allocated to the finance bureaus of Linxi County, Qingshui County, and the Development Zone. They are very satisfied."

"Yes, well done," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The new car has arrived. Try it out first and make sure it functions properly before letting me use it."

"clear."

Over the next few days, Lin Fan continued to handle the team's daily affairs. Da Liu was very capable, managing the team impeccably. Lin Fan mainly focused on the overall direction, rarely interfering in the specifics.

At the end of December, the bureau began its year-end summary work. Lin Fan also had to write the fleet's year-end summary and next year's work plan. He wrote it very carefully, with accurate data and a clear train of thought.

In his summary, he reviewed his work over the past year. From a temporary worker to a support staff position, to passing the civil service exam, to becoming a fleet captain. Step by step, he progressed steadily.

He knew that this was inseparable from Zhou Wenyuan's guidance and his own hard work. But more importantly, he found his place and knew what he wanted.

He doesn't want great wealth and status, but rather a stable and secure life. A stable job, a happy family, dignity, and warmth.

Now, we have all of these.

But he knew that wasn't enough. The future was long, and he needed to continue working hard and taking steady steps.

On Christmas Day, Wang Juan's store had a promotion, and business was booming. When she got home that evening, Wang Juan happily said, "Lin Fan, we sold over 50,000 yuan worth today!"

"So many?"

"Yes, there's a lot of foot traffic during the Christmas promotions," Wang Juan said. "At this rate, opening a second store next year shouldn't be a problem."

"You have a real business mind," Lin Fan said.

"It's all thanks to your support," Wang Juan said. "Lin Fan, I've made up my mind. Once the second store opens, I'll hire professional staff and operate it in a standardized manner."

"Okay, I support you."

As the two were talking, Zhou Wenyuan called: "Xiao Lin, I'm going to a meeting at the provincial government tomorrow. You're coming with me. We'll be driving a Land Cruiser, and we might have to stay overnight."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

After hanging up the phone, Wang Juan said, "Another business trip?"

"Yes, I'm going to a meeting at the provincial government office," Lin Fan said. "I might stay overnight."

"Then bring an extra layer of clothing; it's cold in the provincial capital."

"Know."

The next day, Lin Fan drove Zhou Wenyuan to the provincial capital. On the way, Zhou Wenyuan asked, "Lin, when will the new car arrive?"

"The modification shop said it would take twenty days, and I estimate I can pick up the car around mid-January."

"Okay, I'll take a look then," Zhou Wenyuan said. "By the way, how's Wang Juan's business?"

"That's great, we sold over 50,000 in one day on Christmas."

"Not bad, you're quite capable," Zhou Wenyuan said. "You two, one working in the system and the other in the business world, complement each other perfectly."

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

"Don't be so polite," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Xiao Lin, you've been with me for three years. I've watched you grow, from naive to mature. I'm very gratified."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou." Lin Fan felt a warmth in his heart.

"Work hard, and you'll have a bright future," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But remember, no matter where you go, stay grounded and never forget your original aspirations."

"I've got it."

Upon arriving in the provincial capital, we went directly to the provincial government office. The meeting lasted all day, and we stayed overnight at the provincial government office guesthouse.

The next day, we returned to Gangcheng. On the way, Zhou Wenyuan said, "The provincial leaders are very satisfied with our bureau's work this year, especially the audit rectification and budget management. This is all thanks to you."

"It's the result of everyone's joint efforts," Lin Fan said.

"What's meant to be yours will be yours," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Xiao Lin, what are your plans for next year?"

"I want to learn more in the logistics department. Section Chief Jiang is retiring soon, and I need to be prepared to take over his position," Lin Fan said. "In addition, the management of the fleet needs to be strengthened, especially in terms of safety."

"Yes, that's a long-term view," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But don't rush, take it slow. You're still young, you have plenty of time."

"I know."

It was already afternoon when they returned to the steel city. After dropping Zhou Wenyuan off at home, Lin Fan went home himself. Wang Juan had already prepared dinner.

"You're back? Are you tired?"

"Not bad." Lin Fan sat down. "Juan'er, Brother Zhou praised you today, saying you're capable."

"Really?" Wang Juan exclaimed happily. "Director Zhou is so kind."

"Yes, Brother Zhou is incredibly good to us," Lin Fan said. "So I need to work even harder and not let him down."

"Yes, I support you," Wang Juan said. "But don't overwork yourself; your health is important."

"Know."

After dinner, the two sat on the sofa watching TV. The weather forecast said it would snow tomorrow.

"It's going to snow again," Wang Juan said.

"Yeah, it's winter." Lin Fan hugged her. "Juan'er, when the Coaster arrives, I'll take you for a drive."

"Great! I've never ridden in such a nice car before."

"I'll sit here often from now on."

The two chatted and laughed, enjoying their simple happiness.

Outside the window, night was deepening. Winters in the steel city are cold, but it's warm inside.

This is the life Lin Fan wants: stability, wealth, and love.