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

On the seventh day of the first lunar month, at 6:20 a.m., before dawn, the view outside the window of the Riverside Garden was a steel city in wintery iron gray.

Lin Fan gently got up and glanced at Wang Juan, who was fast asleep beside him—she had been busy helping her parents settle into their new home and showing her younger brother around during the Spring Festival, and she was indeed tired. He tucked her in, put on his coat, and left the bedroom.

The living room was quiet and tidy. Since helping my parents-in-law move into their new apartment on the eighth floor of the building behind the house on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, this duplex has returned to the tranquility of our life together.

Lin Fan went into the kitchen, cooked himself a bowl of noodles, and poached an egg. After a quick meal, he washed up and changed. At 6:50, he headed to the garage.

Lin Fan sat in the driver's seat, enjoying the comfort of the leather seats. This car, left behind by Director Yan, was indeed different after its thorough refurbishment—the engine sounded smoother, the chassis was more solid, and the subtle interior modifications were more practical. He started the car and slowly drove out of the underground parking garage.

The streets of the steel city were sparsely populated in the early morning. Passing the Donghe District Finance Bureau, Lin Fan deliberately slowed down for a glance—the guardhouse was lit, and he could vaguely see his father-in-law's figure. On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, he had taken his father-in-law to meet the director of the district bureau's office; things had gone smoothly. The office director, Old Chen, was someone Lin Fan knew from his circle of drivers; they used to eat together often. Upon hearing that it was Lin Fan's father-in-law, he immediately made a decision: "Don't worry, Captain Lin, Uncle Wang will be in charge of daytime security registration. It's easy work, and he'll get 1,500 yuan a month, paid monthly."

At first, Old Man Wang, the father-in-law, was apprehensive, saying he had never done this kind of work before and was afraid he wouldn't do it well. Lin Fan laughed, "Dad, it's just registering visitors and collecting newspapers and mail; it's much easier than farming." And indeed, after reporting for duty, it was true—unlike the city bureau, the district finance bureau wasn't bustling with people; during the day, he mostly just sat there, occasionally a member of the public would come in to register. Old Man Wang had already adapted after three days and went to work early every day.

At 7:25, the Audi A8 came to a steady stop downstairs at Zhou Wenyuan's house.

Zhou Wenyuan had just stepped out of the building entrance, wearing a dark gray wool coat and carrying a briefcase. His eyes lit up when he saw the car, and he opened the door and got into the back seat.

"It's been tidied up nicely." Zhou Wenyuan looked around the interior. "It's even cleaner than when Director Yan was here."

"The interior has been thoroughly cleaned, and the leather has been serviced." Lin Fan started the vehicle. "The engine and transmission have also been checked; the car is in excellent condition."

"Hmm." Zhou Wenyuan leaned back in his seat. "That A6 has been assigned to Deputy Director Zhang?"

"Xiao Zhao drove there yesterday, filled up the tank, and washed it inside and out." Lin Fan started smoothly. "Deputy Director Zhang used the car yesterday afternoon and seemed quite satisfied."

Zhou Wenyuan nodded, said nothing more, and began to look through the documents in his hand.

The car arrived at the Finance Bureau at 7:50. Several cars were already parked in the courtyard. Zheng Ming stood at the entrance of the office building and saw the A8 drive in. He quickly walked over to greet it.

Good morning, Director Zhou.

"Good morning." Zhou Wenyuan got out of the car. "Notify the team members that there will be a meeting in the small conference room at 8:30."

"OK."

Lin Fan parked his car but didn't go to his office immediately. Instead, he went around to the guardhouse. Old Sun, who was on duty, saw him and smiled, offering him a cigarette: "Captain Lin, Happy New Year! That car is impressive!"

"Happy New Year, Uncle Sun." Lin Fan took the cigarette but didn't light it. "Things have been alright these past few days, haven't they?"

"Everything's normal, except there are so many people visiting for the New Year; the register is several pages long," Old Sun said. "By the way, Team Leader Lin, how's your father-in-law doing at the district bureau? Is he adjusting well?"

"It's fine, thank you for your concern, Uncle Sun."

After leaving the guardhouse, Lin Fan went to the motorcade office. Da Liu was already there, making tea.

"Captain Lin, Happy New Year!" Da Liu handed over a cup of hot tea.

"Happy New Year, Brother Liu." Lin Fan took the teacup. "Thank you for your hard work during the Spring Festival."

"Of course." Da Liu sat down. "I've compiled all the duty logs. Please take a look. Everything was normal for the seven days, except for the fourth day when the Construction Bureau borrowed a car to pick up people from the Provincial Department. I went there myself."

Lin Fan reviewed the records; Da Liu was as meticulous as ever. The daily fleet dispatches, vehicle conditions, and driver schedules during the Spring Festival were all clearly documented.

"By the way, Captain Lin," Da Liu said in a low voice, "Xiao Zhao talked to me yesterday about the new Deputy Director Zhang. He said that Deputy Director Zhang asked him a lot about the situation in the bureau, especially Director Zhou's work habits."

Lin Fan paused in his tea-drinking motion: "What did Xiao Zhao say?"

"Little Zhao is clever. He only said that Director Zhou is a conscientious and demanding worker, and didn't say anything else," said Da Liu. "I told him not to say what he shouldn't say and not to ask what he shouldn't ask."

"Hmm." Lin Fan nodded. "Deputy Director Zhang was promoted from below, so it's normal for him to want to understand the situation since he's new here. Let Xiao Zhao provide normal service, but he needs to be careful not to overstep boundaries."

"clear."

At 8:30, the leadership meeting began on time. Lin Fan walked into the small conference room with his laptop and sat down in the row of seats against the wall.

Zhou Wenyuan sat in the main seat, flanked by Executive Deputy Director Cong Jie and three other deputy directors. The newly arrived Deputy Director Zhang sat opposite Cong Jie, looking very smart in a navy blue suit.

"First of all, I'd like to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year," Zhou Wenyuan began, his voice steady. "The Spring Festival holiday is over, and we need to get back to work as soon as possible. Today's meeting is mainly to arrange the key tasks for the near future."

Cong Jie first reported the research plan: "According to the arrangements made before the Lunar New Year, starting from the tenth day of the first lunar month, we will divide into two groups to conduct a preliminary investigation into the financial operations of each county and district. I will lead one group to the three counties in the east, and Deputy Director Li will lead the second group to the four counties in the west. Each group will have five days."

"Investigations must go deep into the grassroots, not just be superficial," Zhou Wenyuan emphasized. "In particular, the effectiveness of the use of special transfer payment funds must be thoroughly investigated. Any problems found should be reported on the spot, and rectification should be carried out within a specified time limit. The rectification progress should be reported to the Party Committee of the Bureau."

"clear."

Several deputy directors took turns reporting on their respective areas of responsibility. When it was Deputy Director Zhang's turn, he adjusted his glasses and said, "Director Zhou, colleagues, I've just arrived in the steel city and am still unfamiliar with many things. I plan to familiarize myself with the business first, and I hope Director Cong and everyone else will provide guidance."

"Director Zhang, you're too kind." Zhou Wenyuan smiled. "Here's what we'll do: you first familiarize yourself with Director Cong's overall work, focusing on understanding the budget preparation and execution process. Director Cong, please make the arrangements."

"Okay." Cong Jie nodded. "Director Zhang, this afternoon I'll have the Budget Section compile the data from recent years for you. You can start visiting the various departments tomorrow."

The meeting lasted until 9:40. After the meeting, Zhou Wenyuan asked Lin Fan to stay behind.

"Xiao Lin, since Director Yan was transferred to the provincial department, there are some relationships that need to be maintained." Zhou Wenyuan took out a piece of paper from his drawer. "This is a list: five division chiefs from the provincial department, three former leaders from the city, plus Director Yan, a total of nine divisions. Arrange some time to visit them."

Lin Fan took the list and glanced at it; they were all key figures. "Okay, Brother Zhou, what's the standard for the gifts?"

"Same as every year, Moutai and Zhonghua, plus some local specialties from the steel city," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Please explain to Director Yan for me—I should have visited him in person, but I've just taken over as director and have so many things to do that I really can't spare the time. Please understand. I'll definitely make a special trip to the provincial department to see him after the New Year."

"Understood, I will make sure I say what I mean."

"Also," Zhou Wenyuan paused, "you're driving this A8 now, and a lot of people are watching. Don't use police equipment unless it's an emergency; normally it's just an ordinary official vehicle."

"Don't worry, Brother Zhou, I know what I'm doing."

Back in his office, Lin Fan began planning his visits. The three senior city leaders lived scattered, but all within the city limits, so he could visit them all in a day. He would need to dedicate a day to visiting Director Yan at the provincial department. He took out his calendar and roughly planned out four days.

As I was writing, Jiang Dayong knocked on the door and came in.

"Kobayashi, are you busy?"

"Section Chief Jiang, please sit down." Lin Fan stood up and poured tea.

Jiang Dayong waved his hand: "I won't sit down, I just want to talk to you about something. The logistics department has several major procurement projects this year, I've prepared the proposals, take a look when you have time. Also, what standards should be used for the configuration of Deputy Director Zhang's office?"

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "Like the other deputy directors, the position can't be too high or too low. Have you asked Director Cong about it?"

"I asked, and Director Cong said it should be configured according to the standard." Jiang Dayong lowered his voice, "But I heard from Xiao Chen in the office that Deputy Director Zhang privately inquired about the computer configuration and wanted a better one."

"Provide according to regulations, don't exceed them by too much," Lin Fan said. "Director Zhou values ​​this the most."

"Alright, I understand." Jiang Dayong nodded. "I'll put the procurement plan on your desk. Take a look when you have time."

After Jiang Dayong left, Lin Fan continued working. Around 11:00 AM, Wang Juan called.

"Lin Fan, are you coming home for lunch? My mom made dumplings and asked me to call you."

"Noon is too late, I have to accompany Brother Zhou to a meeting at the municipal government this afternoon." Lin Fan checked the schedule. "How about tonight? I'll go over for dinner tonight."

"Okay, I'll talk to my mom then." Wang Juan paused, "By the way, the landlord of that shop in the south of the city just called me and said that someone else is also looking at it, asking if we're going to make a decision or not."

What do you think?

"I'm thinking of signing the contract this afternoon," Wang Juan said. "The location is really good; it would be a shame to miss it. The rent is 120,000 yuan a year. I've calculated it, and based on the current customer flow at the Zhongshan Road store, it should break even in six months."

"Then it's settled," Lin Fan said. "Do you have enough money?"

"That's enough. The store made a profit of 220,000 last month, which is more than enough to cover the rent," Wang Juan said casually. "Besides, Guangzhou agreed to ship the goods first and settle the payment later, so there's not much pressure."

"Go for it, I support you."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan felt at ease. Wang Juan's business was becoming increasingly methodical. From her small shop in the Donghe wholesale market to her upcoming third specialty store, she had taken each step steadily. What was even more commendable was that she had always maintained her simplicity and clarity—just last night she said that opening a store wasn't about making a lot of money, but rather "having something to do, not relying entirely on yourself."

At lunchtime in the cafeteria, Lin Fan ran into Deputy Director Zhang and Xiao Zhao. The three of them sat at the same table.

"Captain Lin, the food in this canteen is pretty good." Deputy Director Zhang tasted a piece of braised pork. "It's much better than the county bureau's canteen."

"The chefs in our bureau's canteen are very skilled, especially with noodles," Lin Fan said. "Director Zhang, are you from the south? Do you like noodles?"

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do," Deputy Director Zhang chuckled. "By the way, Captain Lin, I heard your wife is in the clothing business? Quite a big one?"

"It's a small business, I own two stores," Lin Fan said modestly. "Director Zhang, you can contact her if you need anything, she can give you a discount."

"That's great." Deputy Director Zhang changed the subject, "How long has Captain Lin been with Director Zhou?"

"I've been with Director Zhou for over two years, since he was deputy director," Lin Fan answered frankly. "Director Zhou is a conscientious worker and has high expectations for his subordinates, but he cares about everyone a lot."

"I can tell." Deputy Director Zhang nodded. "Director Cong took me to visit various departments this morning, and I felt that the atmosphere in the bureau is very positive and the work environment is good."

"They were all trained by Director Zhou."

After finishing his meal, Lin Fan went back to his office to rest for a while. At 1:30, he drove his A8 to the office building entrance on time.

As Zhou Wenyuan got into the car, Director Li from the Municipal Party Committee Office came out of the building, saw the car, and walked over with a smile.

"Director Zhou, this car looks brand new!"

"Director Li." Zhou Wenyuan got out of the car and shook hands. "This was left by Director Yan. Pack it up and keep using it."

"It's time for a change. You're the head of a bureau now." Director Li patted the car door. "The meeting this afternoon will mainly discuss the supporting funds for this year's key projects, and your finance bureau is crucial."

"We will definitely cooperate fully."

On the way to the municipal government, Zhou Wenyuan asked, "Have the arrangements for the visit been made?"

"It's all arranged. Starting tomorrow, I'll visit three senior leaders in the city, and finish them all in one day. The provincial department has arranged for Director Yan to go alone the day after tomorrow."

"Hmm." Zhou Wenyuan closed his eyes to rest. "Have all the gifts been prepared?"

"Everything is ready: Moutai, Zhonghua cigarettes, and oat noodles, millet, and sesame oil from our steel city—all in premium packaging."

At 2:00 PM sharp, the car arrived at the municipal government building. Lin Fan parked the car, and Zhou Wenyuan got out and went inside.

This meeting was of a high standard, attended by the heads of various bureaus, and Lin Fan estimated it would last at least two hours. He didn't wait in the car, but walked to the nearby post office—he had some documents to mail and wanted to buy some stamps and envelopes.

When they returned, the parking lot was already bustling with activity, as drivers from various bureaus chatted in small groups. Zhang Wei, the driver for Vice Mayor Liu, saw Lin Fan and waved him over.

"Brother Fan, how's the A8 driving?" Zhang Wei walked around the car and looked it over.

"Not bad, the car's in good condition." Lin Fan offered a cigarette. "Hasn't your mayor replaced his Buick yet?"

"It'll be soon. I heard the plan has already been submitted." Zhang Wei lit a cigarette. "But even if it's changed, it'll probably just be a Passat, not as good as your A8."

"They're all company vehicles, there's no difference."

"That's different," Old Chen from the Transportation Bureau chimed in. "Team Leader Lin, the way you park your car changes the whole atmosphere. It shows that Director Zhou's position is secure now."

Lin Fan smiled but didn't reply. These people in the driver's circle are all shrewd; they can see a lot from just one car.

The meeting ended at 3:30. The leaders came downstairs one after another. Zhou Wenyuan and Director Liu of the National Development and Reform Commission walked side by side, seemingly discussing something.

After getting on the bus, Zhou Wenyuan said, "Let's go straight home."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

On the way, Zhou Wenyuan brought up the meeting's contents: "This year, the city has identified twenty key projects with a total investment of eight billion yuan, and the government will need to provide a matching fund of three billion yuan. The pressure is considerable."

"So many?" Lin Fan was somewhat surprised.

"So we have to be careful with our money." Zhou Wenyuan rubbed his temples. "The meeting this afternoon was very noisy. Every department said their project was important and they all wanted funding."

"So how was it finally decided?"

"The initial plan is to arrange the projects in three batches based on their maturity and urgency," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The first batch of ten projects will have funds in place by the end of March; the second batch of six will be completed by the end of June; and the third batch of four will depend on the financial situation in the second half of the year."

"Then our bureau needs to expedite the review."

"Yes." Zhou Wenyuan looked out the window. "Xiao Lin, this is a crucial year. It's my first year as bureau chief, the city is watching, and the provincial department is watching too. Doing a good job is expected, but if I don't..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Lin Fan understood. Zhou Wenyuan became the director of the Finance Bureau at the age of thirty-five, young and promising, but that also meant more people were eyeing his position. If he did well, his future would be limitless; if he didn't, he might just be stuck there.

"Brother Zhou, I will cooperate fully," Lin Fan said.

"I know." Zhou Wenyuan turned to look at him. "I trust you to handle things."

After dropping Zhou Wenyuan off at home, Lin Fan didn't go straight back to Riverside Garden. Instead, he drove to the building behind it—his parents-in-law's house was on the eighth floor.

She knocked on the door, and Wang Juan's younger brother, Xiao Lei, opened it.

"Brother-in-law."

"Xiao Lei, studying?" Lin Fan entered the room and saw books spread out on the dining table.

"Yes, I'm previewing next semester's lessons," Xiao Lei said shyly. This boy wasn't talkative, but he was self-disciplined in his studies and never needed to be prompted. He achieved a good score on the transfer exam for the Experimental Middle School on his own and officially enrolled on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month.

Wang Juan's mother came out of the kitchen, wearing an apron: "Xiao Fan is here! The dumplings will be ready soon, please have a seat."

"Mom, no rush." ​​Lin Fan sat down on the sofa. "Where's Dad?"

"I'm on duty, I don't get off until six." Wang Juan's mother wiped her hands. "You know, this job is great, easy and not tiring at all. Your dad is very happy with it, he says it's much better than farming at home."

"Dad will get used to it," Lin Fan smiled. "After a while, once he's more familiar with things, he can even play chess with the other elderly guards in the gatehouse."

Just then, Wang Juan arrived, carrying fruit in her hands.

"I knew you'd come straight here." She put down the fruit. "Mom, is there anything I can help you with?"

"No need, no need, it's all done." Wang Juan's mother went back into the kitchen.

Lin Fan and Wang Juan sat down in the living room, while Xiao Lei continued reading. Sunlight streamed in from the balcony, making the room warm and cozy.

"Has the shop contract been signed?" Lin Fan asked.

"It's signed. I went this afternoon." Wang Juan took out the contract from her bag. "It's a three-year lease, with rent paid annually. I calculated that the total investment, including renovations and the initial stock, will be around 250,000 yuan."

"Tell me if you need money."

"No need, it's enough," Wang Juan said confidently. "The Zhongshan Road store currently has a stable monthly profit of over 80,000 yuan, the commercial street store has over 60,000 yuan, and the wholesale store has over 50,000 yuan in revenue. The investment in the new store will not affect the existing business."

Lin Fan looked at his wife, feeling a surge of emotion. Three years ago, the girl who worked as a waitress in a restaurant, barely daring to speak loudly, could now calmly plan a business worth hundreds of thousands. This kind of growth was more gratifying than any amount of money she earned.

"By the way, is Dad settling into his job?" Wang Juan asked.

"I just asked Mom, and she said Dad is quite happy with his job," Lin Fan said. "There are few people and little work at the district bureau, which suits Dad's personality perfectly."

The dumplings were cooked, and Wang Juan's mother brought them out, along with a few side dishes. Although Old Man Wang hadn't finished get off work yet, the four of them ate first.

"Xiao Fan, your dad really owes a lot to you for his job," Wang Juan's mother said again.

"Mom, don't always say that. We're all family." Lin Fan put dumplings on his mother-in-law's plate. "Xiao Lei's schooling is all taken care of. He'll be in the third grade of junior high at the Experimental Middle School. He can just go and register on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month."

"Yes, yes, everything is fine." Wang Juan's mother's eyes were a little moist. "Juan'er marrying you is a blessing for our family."

"Mom—" Wang Juan scolded playfully.

"I'm serious," Wang Juan's mother wiped her eyes. "Back in the village, who would have dared to dream of living in an apartment in the city, that your father would have a job, and that Xiao Lei would be able to go to a good school..."

"Okay, Mom, let's eat." Wang Juan interrupted her mother.

After dinner, around six o'clock, my father-in-law came home from get off work. Seeing Lin Fan as he entered, he smiled and said, "Little Fan's here."

"Dad, how was your day?"

"Very good, very good." Old Wang changed his shoes and washed his hands. "Two groups of people came to do business today, and I registered them both. Director Chen from the office even praised my neat handwriting."

"Dad's handwriting has always been good," Wang Juan said with a smile.

The family of five sat down and chatted for a while longer. At 7:30, Lin Fan and Wang Juan got up to say goodbye.

"Mom and Dad, we're going back now. You should get some rest."

"Okay, drive carefully."

Back at her home, Wang Juan said as she changed her shoes, "Lin Fan, my parents are doing really well now. My dad is full of energy at work every day, and my mom helps out at the shop during the day and cooks dinner when she gets home. The two of them are always chatting and laughing."

"When older people have something to do and something to look forward to, they're in a better mood." Lin Fan took off his coat. "Is your mother adjusting well to the shop?"

"She adapted very well and learned quickly," Wang Juan said. "Now all the young girls in the store call her Aunt Wang, and she likes it very much. Yesterday she even told me that she wanted to learn how to use the cash register."

"Then let her learn, be exposed to new things, and keep a youthful mindset."

After washing up, the two lay in bed. Wang Juan leaned on Lin Fan's shoulder: "Lin Fan, we're so lucky to be like this. Your work is going well, my business is stable, our parents are settled, and we don't have to worry about Xiao Lei's studies."

"Mmm." Lin Fan put his arm around her. "This is just the beginning."

"Do you think we should have a child?" Wang Juan asked softly.

Lin Fan turned to look at her: "Have you thought it through?"

"I've made up my mind," Wang Juan said. "I'm twenty-four, and you're twenty-five. It's time to have a child. The conditions are right now—I'll soon have four stores, and I've already trained the store managers, so I don't have to do everything myself; your job is stable too, and Director Zhou values ​​you so much. Having a child is perfect."

"Then let's do it." Lin Fan squeezed her hand. "But don't put pressure on yourself, just let things take their course."

"Mmm." Wang Juan closed her eyes. "Lin Fan, thank you."

"And then he said thank you."

"That's all I wanted to say," Wang Juan's voice trailed off, "Meeting you is the greatest blessing of my life..."

She fell asleep.

Lin Fan gently turned off the desk lamp, his eyes open in the darkness. Occasionally, car headlights swept across the ceiling outside the window, casting shifting shadows.

More than three years after his rebirth, the web of "stability and wealth" he had painstakingly woven was now taking shape. At work, he had the support of Zhou Wenyuan, a benefactor; in his family, his parents were healthy, his sister was happy, his wife was successful, and his in-laws were well taken care of. His real estate, investments, and businesses were all steadily appreciating in value.

But Lin Fan knew that this was only the foundation. Zhou Wenyuan had just become the bureau chief, and his position was not yet secure; Wang Juan's business was about to become more formalized and corporatized; and her family was about to welcome a new member... The next three years would be a crucial period for development and consolidation.

He recalled Zhou Wenyuan's words in the car earlier that day: "This year is a crucial year."

This applies to Zhou Wenyuan, and it also applies to Lin Fan.

Lost in thought, Lin Fan drifted off to sleep. Outside the window, the steel city was quiet and deep in the night, with lanterns in the first month of the lunar calendar swaying gently in the cold wind, heralding a new year and a new beginning.

The next morning, Lin Fan got up on time. Today he was going to visit some retired leaders in the city, and he chose the dark green Land Cruiser—the Audi A8 was too conspicuous and inappropriate for visiting retired leaders. The Land Cruiser had a People's Armed Police license plate, making it both discreet and convenient.

The trunk was already packed with gifts: three identical sets, each containing two bottles of Moutai, two cartons of Zhonghua cigarettes, and a box of premium local specialties from the steel city. He checked them over and confirmed that everything was in order.

At 7:40, Lin Fan went to the bureau first. Zhou Wenyuan was at the bureau processing documents that morning and didn't need a car. Lin Fan went to the office to get the visitor list and addresses, and explained the vehicle dispatch arrangements to Da Liu for the day.

At 8:00 AM sharp, he set off in his car.

The first stop was the home of Chairman Zhao of the Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference, located in the old municipal party committee compound. Lin Fan rang the doorbell, and the housekeeper opened the door.

"Is Chairman Zhao home? I'm Lin Fan from the Finance Bureau. Director Zhou asked me to come and check on Chairman Zhao."

"Please come in."

Chairman Zhao was practicing calligraphy in the living room when he saw Lin Fan and put down his brush.

"Xiao Lin is here? Where's Wen Yuan?"

"Happy New Year, Chairman Zhao." Lin Fan placed the gift by the door. "Director Zhou had an urgent meeting this morning and couldn't get away, so he specifically asked me to visit you on his behalf. He said he would definitely come to wish you a Happy New Year in person after the New Year."

"Wen Yuan is very thoughtful." Chairman Zhao gestured for Lin Fan to sit down. "He just became the bureau chief and is busy, I understand. Go back and tell him not to worry about me, just focus on doing his job well."

"Director Zhou often says that you are his former leader, who has always cared for him and mentored him." Lin Fan sat down. "He asked me to convey his gratitude to you."

Chairman Zhao waved his hand, inquired about the bureau's recent situation, and showed particular interest in several major projects in the development zone. Lin Fan cautiously replied that he would say what needed to be said, and would never reveal anything he shouldn't.

After sitting for twenty minutes, Lin Fan got up to leave. Chairman Zhao saw him to the door, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Good young man, steady and reliable. Work hard under Wen Yuan's guidance."

"Thank you, Chairman Zhao. I will definitely work hard."

The second stop was Vice Chairman Li of the People's Congress, who was staying at the cadre sanatorium in the south of the city. Vice Chairman Li was not in good health and was recuperating at home. Lin Fan also conveyed Zhou Wenyuan's greetings and took his leave after sitting for fifteen minutes—the patient needed rest.

The third stop was Sun, the retired deputy secretary of the municipal party committee, who was staying at his son's house. Deputy Secretary Sun was very talkative and chatted with Lin Fan for half an hour, from financial work to the development of the steel city. Finally, he mentioned his nephew: "Xiao Liu works in the bill center under your bureau. Young people are energetic, but sometimes they are impetuous. You should tell Wen Yuan to criticize him when necessary and give him some training."

"Secretary Sun, rest assured, Director Zhou has always been very concerned about young comrades, both demanding and nurturing them," Lin Fan replied tactfully.

It was already 11:30 when Lin Fan left Deputy Secretary Sun's house. The three visits went more smoothly than expected. He found a noodle shop by the roadside for lunch and then drove back to the bureau.

This afternoon I'll accompany Zhou Wenyuan to the development zone to see a key project. And so, the new year officially begins amidst a busy yet orderly rhythm.