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

In mid-January, the steel city experienced its coldest period. In the mornings, breath turned to frost, and thick frost flowers formed on car windows.

Lin Fan got up at 6:30 as usual, and by the time Zhou Wenyuan came downstairs, the car was already warm.

"This weather is really cold." Zhou Wenyuan got into the car and rubbed his hands together.

"Yes, it's minus twenty degrees Celsius," Lin Fan said. "Brother Zhou, are you dressed warmly enough? There's a down jacket in the trunk; I can get it for you if you're cold."

"No need, it's warm in the car," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Xiao Lin, the new secretary starts work today. Why don't you meet him when you have some free time this morning and show him around?"

"Okay, Brother Zhou, what's your surname?"

"His surname is Zheng, Zheng Ming, he's 28 years old, a provincial-level selected graduate, and he's spent two years training at the grassroots level," Zhou Wenyuan said. "He's a good young man, with good writing skills and a reliable work ethic. You can delegate some of the more mundane tasks to him in the future, making things easier for you."

"Thank you for being so thoughtful, Brother Zhou."

Upon arriving at work, Lin Fan parked his car and went to Zhou Wenyuan's office first. A young man with a new face was already waiting at the door; he was of medium build, wore glasses, and looked very refined.

"Secretary Zheng?" Lin Fan greeted.

"Are you Team Leader Lin? Hello, I'm Zheng Ming." The young man was very polite.

"I'm Lin Fan, Director Zhou's driver and team leader." Lin Fan shook hands. "Director Zhou instructed me to show you around. Come, let's go to your office first."

Zheng Ming's office was next to Zhou Wenyuan's; it wasn't big, but it was sufficient. A desk, chair, filing cabinets, and a computer were all provided.

"The conditions are basic, but we'll have to make do," Lin Fan said.

"It's great, much better than back in the countryside," Zheng Ming smiled. "Team Leader Lin, please guide me in the future. I'm new to the bureau and don't know many of the rules."

"Let's learn from each other," Lin Fan said. "I know a bit about Director Zhou's habits, let me tell you about them first..."

Lin Fan spoke for half an hour, explaining in great detail everything from Zhou Wenyuan's work habits and schedule to document processing and meeting arrangements. Zheng Ming listened attentively, taking notes from time to time.

After finishing his speech, Lin Fan said, "Secretary Zheng, please take care of Director Zhou's daily work from now on. I'll keep an eye on the motorcade and logistics; we'll divide the tasks and cooperate."

"Yes, Captain Lin, please feel free to contact me if you need anything."

Stepping out of Zheng Ming's office, Lin Fan felt much more relaxed. With a dedicated secretary, Zhou Wenyuan's work would proceed more smoothly, allowing him to focus more on the fleet and logistics management.

At 10:00 AM, the modification shop called: "Team Leader Lin, the car is finished. When can you come and take a look?"

"I'll be right there."

When they arrived at the modification shop, the Coaster had been completely transformed. The exterior was a sophisticated champagne gold, and the interior had been entirely remodeled according to Lin Fan's specifications.

Boss Chen showed Lin Fan around: "Team Leader Lin, look, a partition has been added behind the cockpit, with three layers of sound insulation to ensure quiet. Behind the partition, the first row has an airline-style seat with massage, heating, and ventilation, which can be fully reclined. The four middle airline-style seats can rotate and face each other, and the small table in the middle can be folded up and leaned against one side. The last row is a sofa bed, which is 1.8 meters long when reclined, enough to sleep comfortably. A 32-inch LCD TV is mounted on the partition, and there's a desk underneath with a 220V power outlet and USB ports."

Lin Fan inspected it carefully. The workmanship was exquisite, the materials were solid, and it was indeed excellent. He sat down in the airline seat to try it out; it was comfortable and offered good support.

"Okay, Mr. Chen, your skills are not bad," Lin Fan said.

"I'm glad you're satisfied," Boss Chen smiled. "Driving this car will definitely make you look good."

"Prestige isn't important; practicality is the most important thing," Lin Fan said. "This car is mainly for leaders to use when they go out for research, so comfort and practicality are key."

"Understood, that's exactly the approach we're taking."

After paying the final payment and completing the formalities, Lin Fan had the driver take the car back to his workplace and park it in the garage. Then he called Zhou Wenyuan: "Brother Zhou, the car is modified. When can you come and take a look?"

"This afternoon, I'll be free then," Zhou Wenyuan said.

At 3 PM, Zhou Wenyuan came down to look at the car. He walked around it, then sat inside to get a feel for it.

"It's nice, spacious, and comfortable," Zhou Wenyuan said. "This desk is well-designed; you can work on the go."

"Brother Zhou, this car will be your mobile office from now on," Lin Fan said. "When you go out to conduct research, you can rest on the way and work once you arrive at your destination."

"You've thought of everything," Zhou Wenyuan said. "However, this car can't be used by me alone; other leaders in the bureau can use it if needed."

"Understood, I'll arrange it," Lin Fan said. "By the way, Brother Zhou, this car needs a dedicated driver. Who do you think would be suitable?"

Zhou Wenyuan thought for a moment and said, "Let Da Liu drive. He's a good driver and a reliable person."

"Okay, I'll talk to Da Liu."

As they came out of the garage, Zhou Wenyuan asked, "Xiao Lin, how are things going with Wang Juan's parents?"

Lin Fan was taken aback: "Brother Zhou, how did you know?"

"Your brother-in-law, Sun Lin, told me," Zhou Wenyuan laughed. "He said you bought a house for your parents-in-law and arranged for your child to transfer schools. You did the right thing; it's only right to be filial to your elders."

"Of course, Wang Juan married me, so her parents are my parents too," Lin Fan said. "It's just that her parents are used to living in the countryside and are not very willing to come to the city."

"We need to work on them gradually; changing an elderly person's mindset takes time," Zhou Wenyuan said. "If they need help speaking on their behalf, I'm familiar with the Education Bureau."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

When Lin Fan got home that evening, he told Wang Juan about what had happened during the day.

"Director Zhou's new secretary has arrived. Her surname is Zheng, and she's a nice person," Lin Fan said. "The Coaster has also been modified, and Director Zhou is quite satisfied."

"That's good," Wang Juan said. "You can relax a bit now."

"Yes, but I still have to manage the convoy and logistics," Lin Fan said. "By the way, Juan'er, have you told your parents yet?"

Wang Juan sighed: "I told them, but they're still hesitant. They say they're used to living in the village and wouldn't feel comfortable in the city."

"Take your time, no rush," Lin Fan said. "I've already bought the house. It's in that small high-rise building behind our community, on the eighth floor, 105 square meters, fully furnished and equipped with appliances, you can move in right away."

"Isn't 150,000 too cheap?" Wang Juan asked.

"The homeowner needs the money urgently, so the price is slightly lower than the market price," Lin Fan said. "I've seen it; the house is fine, and the renovation is nice. It's just that it's close to us, which will be convenient in the future."

"Lin Fan, you're so good to my parents." Wang Juan's eyes reddened.

"Don't talk nonsense, your parents are my parents too." Lin Fan hugged her. "Besides, when we have a child, your parents will be around to help take care of it. If your dad wants to work, I'll find him a job, the kind that isn't tiring."

"Yes, I'll talk to my parents again," Wang Juan said. "Actually, I know they're mainly reluctant to part with their neighbors in the village. They've lived here for decades and have developed feelings for the place."

"I understand, so I won't force them," Lin Fan said. "They can come whenever they want. The house is reserved for them."

The next day was Saturday, and Lin Fan had the day off. In the morning, Wang Juan said she wanted to go see the house, so Lin Fan took her there.

The apartment is in a small high-rise building behind Riverside Garden, on the eighth floor, with plenty of sunlight. It has three bedrooms and two living rooms, and the decoration is simple and elegant, with all furniture and appliances being new.

"It's really nice." Wang Juan looked it over inside and out. "It's much better than my parents' house in the village."

"Yes, there's heating and gas, so cooking and showering are convenient," Lin Fan said. "There's a supermarket downstairs, so grocery shopping is easy too."

"My parents will definitely like it," Wang Juan said. "It's just... Lin Fan, 150,000 is no small sum, we..."

This is for the elderly to live in; the money should be spent.

"Thank you, Lin Fan."

Between husband and wife, there's no need for thanks.

After leaving the house, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, I want to go back to my hometown and tell my parents in person."

"I'll go with you."

"No need, you go ahead with your work, I can go by myself," Wang Juan said. "If you go, they'll feel more pressured."

"Okay, be careful on the road and drive slowly."

On Sunday afternoon, Wang Juan drove back to Bai County. Lin Fan stayed home tidying up and preparing for next week's work.

On Monday morning, Lin Fan arrived at work. Da Liu was already waiting for him in the garage.

"Team Leader Lin, Director Zhou said I can drive a Coaster?" Liu asked excitedly.

"Okay, you'll be driving the Coaster from now on," Lin Fan said. "This car is mainly for Director Zhou's use, but if other leaders need to use it, we'll have to make arrangements as well. You're an experienced driver, so I trust you with this car."

"Don't worry, Captain Lin, I'll drive well," said Da Liu. "But this car is so good, I'm a little nervous."

"You need a good car to drive well," Lin Fan smiled. "Take your time to get used to it, no rush."

In the morning, Lin Fan went to the logistics department to find Jiang Dayong. Jiang Dayong was looking at documents when he saw Lin Fan and waved.

"Xiao Lin, you've come at the right time. The cafeteria's purchasing plan for next month is out, take a look."

Lin Fan took the schedule and looked at it carefully. Rice, noodles, oil, meat, and vegetables—the types, quantities, and prices were all clearly listed. He looked at a few sections and asked a few questions.

"Section Chief Jiang, isn't this pork price higher than the market price?"

"This is the price from our designated supplier, including delivery," Jiang Dayong said. "Although it's a bit more expensive, the quality is guaranteed, and all the paperwork is complete."

"Okay, as long as it's compliant," Lin Fan said. "But I think we can find several suppliers, compare prices, and choose the one with the best cost performance."

"That's a good idea, you can take charge of it," Jiang Dayong said. "You'll be in charge of logistics and procurement from now on."

"Okay, Section Chief Jiang, I'll learn slowly."

After leaving the logistics department, Lin Fan went to the fleet office. Da Liu was wiping down a car; the Coaster was gleaming.

"Brother Liu, you don't need to wipe it every day, just enough is fine."

"Such a nice car, it needs to be taken good care of." Liu laughed. "Team Leader Lin, you don't know, when you drive this car, drivers from other units are all envious."

"The car is just a tool; the key is to serve the leaders well," Lin Fan said. "By the way, is Director Zhou using the car today?"

"Yes, I'll go to the development zone for research this afternoon," Da Liu said. "Secretary Zheng arranged it."

"Okay, get ready and drive carefully on the road."

I ran into Zheng Ming while eating lunch in the cafeteria. Zheng Ming sat down with his tray.

"Team Leader Lin, time to eat."

"Secretary Zheng, please have a seat," Lin Fan said. "Were you busy this morning?"

"It's alright. Director Zhou approved a few documents this morning, and I organized them," Zheng Ming said. "Team Leader Lin, there's something I'd like to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Director Zhou is going to a meeting at the provincial department next week, which will take two days. How should we arrange accommodation, transportation, and materials?"

Lin Fan explained the process in detail: booking hotels in advance, arranging transportation, preparing meeting materials, reminding Director Zhou of the schedule... He spoke clearly and logically. Zheng Ming listened attentively and took notes in his notebook.

"Thank you so much, Captain Lin. You've been a great help," Zheng Ming said. "I'm new here and there are many things I don't understand. I'll need your guidance in the future."

"We learn from each other," Lin Fan said. "That's how it is in government offices; you just get used to it gradually."

After lunch, Lin Fan returned to his office. With nothing much to do in the afternoon, he continued reviewing logistics documents. Jiang Dayong was right; logistics work was varied but crucial. Managing it well ensured the smooth operation of the entire organization.

Wang Juan called before I left work.

"Lin Fan, I told my parents," Wang Juan said, her voice trembling with excitement. "They agreed!"

"Really? That's great!" Lin Fan exclaimed happily.

"Yes, my parents said they know we're being filial and don't want to let us down," Wang Juan said. "But they said they'll have to wait until after the New Year, after they've finished dealing with things in the village, before they come back."

"Okay, they can come whenever they want," Lin Fan said. "We'll keep the house for them."

"I also mentioned my younger brother's schooling. They were very happy, saying that the school conditions in the county were poor, and it was a good thing that he could go to a good school in the city."

"Then I'll get it done as soon as possible and try to transfer next semester."

"Thank you, Lin Fan, really."

"If you say thank you again, I'm ignoring you."

Lin Fan was in a good mood after hanging up the phone. It was a good thing that Wang Juan's parents agreed to come to the city. The elderly couple would find it more convenient to live and see a doctor in the city. They could also help take care of the children once they were born.

After getting off work, Lin Fan cooked a few dishes and waited for Wang Juan to come home. Wang Juan arrived home around 7 PM.

"Are you tired? Come and eat," Lin Fan said.

"Not tired, happy." Wang Juan sat down. "Lin Fan, I talked a lot with my parents today. They said they've actually wanted to come to the city for a long time, but they were afraid of causing us trouble."

"It's no trouble at all, we're all family," Lin Fan said. "When they arrive, you can show them around and let them get familiar with the place."

"Yes." Wang Juan nodded. "By the way, are you really sure about my brother's schooling?"

"Yes, I know the director and head of the Education Bureau. It's just a matter of putting in a word," Lin Fan said. "But there's an exam involved, just going through the normal procedures. As long as the grades aren't too bad, it should be fine."

"My younger brother is a good student; he ranks among the top students in the county schools."

"Then there's no problem at all," Lin Fan said. "Once the transfer procedures are completed, we'll live in the house we bought for my parents, which is close to the school."

"Lin Fan, you've thought of everything." Wang Juan looked at him. "Marrying you is truly my greatest blessing."

"Me too, marrying you is my greatest blessing."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

On Tuesday, Lin Fan began processing his school transfer. He called Director Liu of the Education Bureau and explained the situation. Director Liu readily agreed: "Team Leader Lin, your brother-in-law's affairs are my affairs. Here's what we'll do: have him take the transfer exam, just to go through the motions, and I'll arrange for him to get into the Experimental Middle School."

"Thank you so much, Director Liu."

"Don't mention it, let's keep in touch."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan sent Wang Juan a text message: Done. Tell your brother to prepare for the exam.

Wang Juan replied: Thank you, husband.

Lin Fan smiled when he saw the word "husband." This was the first time Wang Juan had called him that in the months since their marriage.

In the afternoon, Zhou Wenyuan took a Coaster bus to the development zone for research. Da Liu drove, and Zheng Ming accompanied him. Lin Fan was in his office processing documents.

Around 4 PM, Zhou Wenyuan returned. Zheng Ming followed him into the director's office, and a moment later came out and said to Lin Fan, "Team Leader Lin, Director Zhou wants to see you."

Lin Fan went inside, and Zhou Wenyuan was drinking tea.

"Kobayashi, sit down."

"Brother Zhou, how's the survey going?"

"It's alright, several projects in the development zone are progressing smoothly," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The Coaster is nice; I slept for a while on the way, and I feel much better now. Da Liu drives steadily too."

"That's good," Lin Fan said. "By the way, Brother Zhou, Wang Juan's parents have agreed to come to the city. They'll be here after the New Year."

"That's a good thing," Zhou Wenyuan said. "It will be easier for you to take care of the elderly when they come. They can also help when you have children."

"Yes, that's what I think too."

"How's it going with your brother-in-law's school transfer?"

"I've made contact, and Director Liu from the Education Bureau is helping me get into the Experimental Middle School by taking the transfer exam."

"Director Liu is reliable." Zhou Wenyuan nodded. "Xiao Lin, you now have a stable family and a stable job, which is great. Remember, harmony in the family brings prosperity in all things."

"I'll remember Brother Zhou."

As Lin Fan left the office, he felt a warm glow inside. Brother Zhou was like an older brother to him, caring about both his work and his life.

When I got home that evening, I told Wang Juan about transferring schools. Wang Juan was happy: "Then I'll tell my brother tomorrow and tell him to prepare well for the exam."

"Okay, tell him not to be nervous and just to perform normally."

"Lin Fan, what kind of jobs should we find for my parents when they come?" Wang Juan asked. "My dad is only fifty-two, he can still work. He can't stay idle farming in the village."

"I've thought about it. If your dad is willing, he can work as a security guard at the Donghe Finance Bureau, or help out at your shop. If your mom is willing, she can help out at your shop, or cook at home. It depends on what they like."

"You've thought of everything," Wang Juan said. "When my parents come, they can choose for themselves."

"OK."

At the end of December, the bureau began its year-end summary and performance evaluation. Lin Fan had to write the fleet's year-end summary and prepare reports on logistical work. He was extremely busy.

But no matter how busy he was, he felt at ease. His work was progressing, his family was taking care of things, and everything was on track.

Wang Juan's store was having another promotion, and business was booming. When she got home that evening, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, we sold over 80,000 yuan worth today!"

"So many?"

"Hmm," Wang Juan said, "At this rate, opening a third store next year shouldn't be a problem."

"You have a real business mind," Lin Fan said. "But don't overwork yourself, take care of your health."

"I know," Wang Juan said. "Lin Fan, this year has been really good for us. You've made progress at work, my business is booming, and my parents are coming too. Everything is great."

"Yes, everything is fine." Lin Fan put his arm around her. "Next year will be even better."

"Yes, next year will be even better."

Outside the window, the steel city was ablaze with lights on Christmas Eve. The streets were bustling with people, and the festive atmosphere was strong.

Looking at the night view outside the window, Lin Fan felt calm and content.

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. The future was long, and he needed to continue working hard and taking steady steps.