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

By the end of January, the festive atmosphere in the steel city was growing stronger. Red lanterns were hung on the streets, shops put up promotional posters, and people began to buy New Year's goods.

Lin Fan's lifestyle also adjusted as the year-end approached. He still gets up at 6:30 every morning, but he no longer needs to spend too much time on fleet management—Da Liu handles the daily affairs in an orderly manner, giving Lin Fan a briefing every Monday morning, and only reporting important matters separately.

The same applied to Jiang Dayong's side. Jiang Dayong personally oversaw all the logistics department's procurement, property management, and canteen operations, only allowing Lin Fan a general overview and a quick glance when signing off. In Jiang Dayong's words, "Lin, you need to focus your energy on Director Zhou; I'll handle the logistics."

In this way, Lin Fan's focus shifted entirely to Zhou Wenyuan's side. He remained Zhou Wenyuan's personal driver, but mostly played the role of assistant. Whenever Zhou Wenyuan went to the grassroots level for research and traveled in the Coaster, he would always take Lin Fan with him. Lin Fan could help with processing documents, making and receiving phone calls, and arranging schedules on the way.

That morning, Lin Fan drove Zhou Wenyuan to a meeting at the municipal party committee. On the way, Zhou Wenyuan said, "Xiao Lin, I have a few research trips to do before the Spring Festival. Please arrange your time accordingly."

"Okay, Brother Zhou, please go ahead."

"One trip is to Qingshui County to see agricultural projects, another is to the Development Zone to see the industrial park, and the third is to accompany the mayor on a coal mine safety inspection." Zhou Wenyuan flipped through his schedule. "The times are staggered, each trip will take about a day."

"I've got it," Lin Fan said. "The Coaster is ready to use anytime, and Da Liu has prepared it as well."

"Yes, you'll be accompanying me on this research trip," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Listen more, observe more; it will benefit you. Especially when you're with the mayor, be careful about how you behave."

"clear."

Upon arriving at the municipal party committee, Zhou Wenyuan got out of the car. Lin Fan parked the car, found a teahouse nearby, ordered a pot of tea, and took out his notebook to start planning the itinerary.

As I was writing, Zheng Ming called: "Team Leader Lin, Director Zhou's afternoon meeting has been moved to 2:30, and the scheduled meeting at 3:30 has been cancelled."

"Okay, I've got it. Is there anything else?"

"Director Zhou said, 'Please take a look at the materials for the bureau meeting tomorrow morning, especially the section on budget execution.'"

"Okay, I'll go back to the station this afternoon to check."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan continued making arrangements. He staggered the three research trips, allowing for buffer periods in between to avoid rushing. Then he sent a text message to Da Liu to inform him of the transportation arrangements.

Back at the bureau in the afternoon, Lin Fan first went to Zheng Ming's office to retrieve the meeting materials, then returned to his own office to review them carefully. The budget execution report was over thirty pages long, containing a lot of data. Lin Fan read it meticulously, noting several discrepancies in the data with a pencil.

After reading it, he went to find Li Jing in the budget department.

"Section Chief Li, excuse me." Lin Fan knocked on the door.

"Team Leader Lin, please come in." Li Jing was looking at some documents.

"Director Zhou will be listening to a report on budget execution tomorrow. I've looked at the materials and there are a few data points I'd like to check," Lin Fan said, pointing out the marked areas to Li Jing.

Li Jing looked at it, then slapped her forehead: "Oh dear, there was indeed a mistake here. Thank you, Captain Lin, I'll fix it right away."

"You're welcome, it's my pleasure," Lin Fan said. "Section Chief Li, this report is very important, and Director Zhou might ask a lot of questions about it."

"I know, I will definitely prepare carefully," Li Jing said. "Team Leader Lin, you are now truly Director Zhou's capable assistant."

"It's all thanks to Director Zhou's guidance," Lin Fan said modestly.

After leaving the budget department, Lin Fan went to the treasury department and the administration department to check the other materials for tomorrow's meeting. By the time he finished running around, it was already past four in the afternoon.

Back in the office, I had just sat down when Jiang Dayong arrived.

"Kobayashi, are you busy?"

"Section Chief Jiang, please have a seat."

"I'm not sitting here anymore, I just want to talk to you about something," Jiang Dayong said. "The Spring Festival welfare purchase list is out, take a look. Rice, flour, oil, and dried goods, one set for each person."

Lin Fan took the order and looked at it: "Okay, Section Chief Jiang can decide."

Jiang Dayong took the form and left. Jiang Dayong never let him worry about these specific matters; he only asked him to go through the formalities.

Before leaving get off work, Zhou Wenyuan's afternoon meeting had also ended. Lin Fan drove him home, reporting on the preparations for tomorrow's meeting on the way.

"Brother Zhou, all the materials have been checked. There were a few minor errors in the budget department's materials, which have been corrected. I've also reviewed the materials from the other departments, and they're fine."

"Yes, I trust you to handle things," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Xiao Lin, you're becoming more and more familiar with the work of each department."

"I learned it all from Brother Zhou," Lin Fan said. "But I know there's still a lot to learn."

"Take your time, no rush," Zhou Wenyuan said. "By the way, when are Wang Juan's parents arriving?"

"It's after the New Year, probably after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month."

"Once you've arrived and settled in, please help me speak up if needed."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

After dropping Zhou Wenyuan off, Lin Fan went home. Wang Juan was already back and cooking.

"You're back quite early today," Wang Juan said.

"Okay, it's all done." Lin Fan took off his coat. "Have you contacted your parents?"

"I've been contacted, and they said they'll come around the 10th of the month," Wang Juan said. "My younger brother passed his transfer exam and will be able to go to the Experimental Middle School next semester."

"That's great," Lin Fan said. "I had the house cleaned again, and I bought new bedding. It's ready to move in anytime."

"You've thought of everything," Wang Juan said.

"Yes, when they arrive, I'll show them around."

During the meal, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, the franchise store did well this month, with a net profit of over 200,000 yuan. I'm thinking of using that money to open another store in the south of the city."

"Opening a third store so soon?"

"Strike while the iron is hot," Wang Juan said. "Now that the brand has gained some recognition, the success rate of opening a store is higher. Moreover, I have found a stable OEM manufacturer, so the supply of goods is not a problem."

"I support you once you've thought it through," Lin Fan said. "But don't overwork yourself, take care of your health."

"I know. I mainly manage the purchasing and accounting now. The store manager handles the actual sales," Wang Juan said.

"Do you need my help?"

"No need for now, I can handle it," Wang Juan smiled. "You're busy with work right now, just take good care of Director Zhou."

"Yes, Brother Zhou is good to us, so I have to do my best."

The following morning, a bureau meeting was held. Zhou Wenyuan presided over the meeting, and the heads of each department gave reports. Lin Fan attended and took notes.

Halfway through the meeting, Zhou Wenyuan suddenly asked, "Lin Fan, has the team's duty roster for the Spring Festival been arranged?"

Lin Fan stood up: "It's all arranged, Director Zhou. Two vehicles will be on standby every day, with drivers working three shifts. The detailed schedule has already been sent to each department."

"Okay, sit down." Zhou Wenyuan nodded.

Cong Jie continued, "Security during the Spring Festival must also be taken seriously, especially in the parking garage and office building. Section Chief Jiang, please make the arrangements here."

Jiang Dayong said, "Director Cong, don't worry, it's all arranged. Security guards are on duty 24 hours a day and patrol daily."

The meeting lasted for more than two hours. After the meeting, Zhou Wenyuan said to Lin Fan, "Lin, come with me to the development zone this afternoon to take a look at that new project."

"Okay, Brother Zhou, I'll have Da Liu prepare the car."

At 2 PM, the Coaster departed on time. Da Liu drove, while Zhou Wenyuan and Lin Fan sat facing each other in the middle swivel seats, with documents and teacups on the small table in between.

"Xiao Lin, show me the information about that project in the development zone," Zhou Wenyuan said.

Lin Fan took the documents out of the file folder and handed them to Zhou Wenyuan. Zhou Wenyuan looked at them and asked, "What's the budget for this project?"

"The total investment is 50 million, with 20 million from the municipal government and 30 million raised by the company itself," Lin Fan replied.

"How's the progress?"

"Currently, 60% has been completed, and production is expected to begin at the end of June."

Zhou Wenyuan nodded and continued looking at the documents. Lin Fan stood by, ready to answer any other questions.

When the car arrived at the development zone, the project manager was already waiting. Zhou Wenyuan got out of the car to inspect the site, while Lin Fan followed beside him, taking notes in his notebook.

After more than an hour of investigation, they returned to the car. Zhou Wenyuan said to Lin Fan, "Write down the issues you saw today and follow up on them when you get back."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

On the way back, Zhou Wenyuan was a little tired and rested on the sofa bed in the back row. Lin Fan drew the curtains.

When the car arrived at the bureau, Zhou Wenyuan woke up. As he got out of the car, he said, "Xiao Lin, I need to go to the municipal government to give a report tomorrow morning. Please prepare the materials."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

When Lin Fan got home that evening, he began preparing his report. Seeing him busy, Wang Juan poured him a cup of tea and placed it on the table.

"Another round of overtime?"

"Okay, I'm preparing the materials for Brother Zhou's report tomorrow," Lin Fan said. "You go to sleep first, I'll be done in a bit."

Don't stay up too late.

"Know."

Lin Fan worked until 11 o'clock to organize the materials. After checking them over and finding no problems, he washed up and went to bed.

The next morning, I accompanied Zhou Wenyuan to the municipal government to give a report. The report went smoothly, and the mayor expressed satisfaction with the work of the Finance Bureau.

After leaving the municipal government building, Zhou Wenyuan said, "Xiao Lin, there's something else I need to do before the Spring Festival. We need to pay New Year's greetings to several senior leaders in the provincial department, and you can arrange some gifts for them."

"Okay, Brother Zhou, what are the standards?"

"Same as every year, Moutai and Zhonghua cigarettes, plus some local specialties," Zhou Wenyuan said. "I'll give you the list later."

"clear."

Back at the station, Zhou Wenyuan gave Lin Fan a list of seven or eight people. Lin Fan went to the logistics department to collect the gifts and put them in the garage.

After finishing all that, it was already afternoon. Lin Fan went to the team's office, where Da Liu was arranging the Spring Festival duty roster.

"Team Leader Lin, do you think this arrangement is okay?" Da Liu handed over the schedule.

Lin Fan glanced at it and said, "Okay, that's settled. Drivers on duty during the Spring Festival will get a bigger subsidy."

"Okay, I'll talk to the finance department."

"By the way, Brother Liu, you should also take a few days off during the Spring Festival and spend time with your family," Lin Fan said.

"I'm fine, let the other brothers rest more," Da Liu said. "My home is in the city, so it's convenient."

"Thank you for your hard work."

"Of course."

As Lin Fan left the motorcade office, he ran into Zheng Ming. Zheng Ming was holding a stack of documents: "Team Leader Lin, Director Zhou wants you to take a look at these documents. He'll sign them if there are no problems."

"Okay, put it in my office."

Back in his office, Lin Fan began reviewing the documents. They were all routine approvals; he carefully read through them, found no problems, and took them to Zhou Wenyuan's office.

Zhou Wenyuan was on the phone when he saw Lin Fan and waved him in. After hanging up, he said, "Lin, how many days off do you get for the Spring Festival?"

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

"I'll take five days off, from New Year's Eve to the fourth day of the Lunar New Year," Zhou Wenyuan said. "I'll go back to work on the fifth day. During the Spring Festival, I might be in the city or back in the provincial capital, so I won't need the car much."

"Okay, Brother Zhou, I'll be on duty on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year."

"Yes, spend some quality time with your family," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Aren't Wang Juan's parents coming? Treat them well."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

On the 20th of the twelfth lunar month, the bureau began its final busy preparations before the holiday. Lin Fan checked all the tasks to ensure there were no problems.

On the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, the bureau officially began its holiday. Before leaving the office, Lin Fan checked the doors, windows, and power supply one last time, and only locked the door after confirming that everything was in order.

Back home, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, my parents are coming tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Wasn't it supposed to be after the New Year?"

"They wanted to come early so they could spend the Spring Festival in the city," Wang Juan said. "My younger brother is coming too; he's on holiday."

"That's great," Lin Fan said. "I've already prepared the room; you can move in right away."

"Thank you, Lin Fan."

"And then he said thank you."

The next afternoon, Lin Fan drove with Wang Juan to the village to pick them up. Wang Juan's parents and younger brother came out of their house, carrying large and small bags.

"Dad, Mom, Xiaolei," Wang Juan greeted them.

"Juan'er!" Wang Juan's mother grabbed her daughter's hand and looked her up and down. "You've lost weight."

"Mom, I haven't lost weight, I've actually gained weight," Wang Juan laughed.

Lin Fan took the luggage: "Dad, Mom, let's talk on the way. The car's over here, let's go home."

Wang Juan's father was a simple, honest country man, not very talkative, but his eyes were kind when he looked at Lin Fan. Her younger brother, Xiao Lei, was sixteen years old and a bit shy.

After getting into the car, Wang Juan's mother looked at the interior and said, "This car is really nice and spacious."

"This is the company car," Lin Fan said. "Dad, Mom, let's go home and rest for a bit."

Upon arriving at Riverside Garden, Wang Juan's parents looked at the community environment and exclaimed repeatedly, "It's so clean and beautiful!"

Upon entering the house, I was even more surprised. It was a duplex, exquisitely decorated, with brand-new furniture.

"This house is huge," said Wang Juan's mother. "It must have cost a lot of money."

"It's nothing, Mom, please sit down," Lin Fan said.

After settling in, Wang Juan started cooking. Lin Fan chatted with Wang Juan's parents.

At dinner, the whole family sat around the table. Wang Juan had prepared many dishes, all of which were her parents' favorites.

"Dad, Mom, try this braised pork. I made it the way you taught me." Wang Juan served her parents some food.

"It's delicious, so delicious." Wang Juan's mother's eyes reddened. "Juan'er has grown up and can cook now."

"Mom, please don't cry." Wang Juan's eyes also reddened.

Lin Fan quickly smoothed things over: "Dad, Mom, let's eat. Xiao Lei, eat more, you need to grow strong."

After dinner, Wang Juan's younger brother, Xiao Lei, went to his room to read. Wang Juan's parents watched TV in the living room, with Lin Fan keeping them company.

"Xiao Fan, your neighborhood is really nice, it's so bright even at night," said Wang Juan's mother.

"Yes, there are streetlights, so it's safe," Lin Fan said. "Dad, Mom, the house I bought for you is in the building behind here. I'll take you to see it tomorrow."

"The house is reserved for you; you can live there whenever you want," Lin Fan said. "By the way, Dad, if you want to work, I'll find you a job; it won't be tiring."

"I can still work. I've farmed all my life, I can't stay idle," said Wang Juan's father. "But I'm afraid I won't be able to do a good job in the city."

"It's not difficult, just guarding the gate or managing the warehouse," Lin Fan said. "I'll ask around for you after the New Year."

"That would be too much trouble for you."

"No trouble at all, it's nothing."

That night, Wang Juan slept in one room with her mother, whispering to each other. Lin Fan, Wang Juan's father, and her younger brother each slept in a separate room.

Lying in bed, Lin Fan thought, this is what a home should feel like. There are elderly people, children, and it's lively.

The next day, Lin Fan took Wang Juan's family to see the house he had bought for them. The house was on the eighth floor, with plenty of sunlight, and was fully furnished with appliances.

"This house is really nice," Wang Juan's mother said, touching the wall. "It's so clean."

"Mom, you and Dad can move in anytime you want," Lin Fan said. "It's close to us and convenient."

Over the next few days, Lin Fan and Wang Juan took their parents around. They visited parks, shopping malls, and sampled local snacks. Wang Juan's parents gradually adapted to city life.

On New Year's Eve, the two families celebrated together. Lin Fan's parents also came, making it a large, lively gathering of more than ten people.

The father took out a bottle of wine: "My dear in-law, come, have a drink. This year, our two families are reunited, which is a joyous occasion."

"Yes, it's good news." Wang Juan's father raised his glass. "We're relieved that Xiao Fan and Juan'er are doing well."

Everyone clinked glasses, enjoying themselves immensely.

After dinner, we watched the Spring Festival Gala and made dumplings. Niu Niu was the happiest, running around everywhere.

"Happy New Year, Uncle and Aunt!"

Happy New Year, Niu Niu!

At midnight, firecrackers went off in unison. Lin Fan and Wang Juan stood on the balcony, watching the fireworks outside the window.

"Another year has passed," Wang Juan said.

"Yes, a new year, a new beginning." Lin Fan hugged her. "Juan'er, things will get better and better for us."

"Yes, I believe you."

On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Lin Fan returned to work. Zhou Wenyuan also returned from the provincial capital and began his work for the new year.

"Xiao Lin, Happy New Year," Zhou Wenyuan said.

Happy New Year, Brother Zhou!

"Are Wang Juan's parents here?"

"You've arrived. You've spent the Lunar New Year at our house."

"That's good," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Let's continue to work hard in the new year."

"Yes, keep up the good work."

Lin Fan knew that the new year would bring new challenges and new opportunities. But he was not afraid; he was confident.

My job is stable, my family is happy, and everything is on the right track.