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

The 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is the Little New Year.

The county government compound in Tuxian County was far from the relaxed atmosphere of the Lunar New Year; in fact, it was busier than usual. Phones rang incessantly in the office building, staff hurried along the corridors, and meeting room doors opened and closed repeatedly.

The office of Zhou Wenyuan was filled with smoke. He, Lin Fan, and seven or eight other people, including the deputy county head in charge of market supervision, the director of the industry and commerce bureau, the director of the health bureau, and the director of the urban management bureau, sat around the conference table, each with a thick stack of documents in front of them.

"As of yesterday, the total number of night market stalls has reached 9,800," Lin Fan said, pointing to the data on the projection screen. "Among them, there are 4,720 food and beverage stalls, 2,600 department store stalls, 1,300 handicraft stalls, and 1,180 other service stalls. The average daily foot traffic exceeds 100,000, and it can reach 300,000 on weekends."

These figures left everyone present speechless. Three months ago, no one could have imagined that Tuxian County would be so bustling.

"Problems followed," Zhou Wenyuan said, stubbing out his cigarette with a serious expression. "With more people and more stalls, management couldn't keep up. I took a walk around the night market last night and found a few problems."

He counted on his fingers: "First, food safety hazards. Some stalls have poor hygiene conditions, with ingredients piled up in the open without any cover. Second, counterfeit and shoddy goods. Some small general merchandise stalls sell daily necessities that are clearly substandard or defective. Third, littering. Although more sanitation workers have been added, the garbage is still not completely cleared. Fourth, traffic congestion. Although several parking lots have been opened, there are still not enough parking spaces."

With each point mentioned, the faces of the relevant department heads present turned paler.

"If these problems aren't solved, something big is bound to happen at the night market sooner or later." Zhou Wenyuan looked around at everyone. "The reason we're turning today's Lunar New Year into a work meeting is to come up with solutions."

The meeting room was quiet for a moment before the director of the Industry and Commerce Bureau spoke first: "Secretary Zhou, our industry and commerce department can strengthen inspections and rectify or even shut down substandard stalls."

"A simple, crude ban won't work," Zhou Wenyuan shook his head. "Most of these stall owners are laid-off or unemployed workers. If we shut them down, what will they do for a living?"

The health bureau chief chimed in, "Then we can strengthen food safety training and develop unified standards."

"That's the right approach," Zhou Wenyuan nodded, "but it needs to be implemented. Training alone isn't enough; we need daily oversight."

At this moment, Lin Fan spoke up: "Brother Zhou, I have an idea."

All eyes were on him.

"We can implement a 'cadre-responsible stall' system," Lin Fan said calmly. "Each serving cadre in the county will be responsible for contacting several stalls, conducting regular inspections, and helping with rectification. This will not only solve the problem of insufficient supervision personnel but also allow cadres to truly immerse themselves in the lives of ordinary people and understand their hardships."

The deputy county head's eyes lit up: "This is a great idea! Our county has more than 3,000 active cadres. If each of them takes charge of three to five stalls, it will cover all the areas."

"It's not just about inspections," Lin Fan added. "The cadres in charge of the stalls also help the stall owners solve practical problems—helping them find the reasons for poor business; helping them coordinate loans for those who want to expand; and providing key support to those who have the conditions to set up small processing plants, guiding them to register companies and operate legally."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Wenyuan leaned forward slightly: "Tell me more about setting up the processing plant."

"I've been doing research at the night market these past few days and I've found that some of the stall owners have great ideas." Lin Fan opened his notebook. "For example, there's Aunt Wang who sells chili sauce. Her chili sauce is in high demand and she wants to expand production, but she doesn't have a place, she doesn't have the funds, and she doesn't know how to get a factory permit. There's also Uncle Li who makes straw weaving. His handicrafts are very popular, and he wants to organize the elderly people in the village to do it together, but he doesn't know how to set up a cooperative."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "If the government can focus on supporting these people and guide them to register small and micro enterprises or cooperatives, it can not only solve their own development problems but also create jobs and increase tax revenue. This is a good opportunity to upgrade the street vendor economy into the real economy."

Zhou Wenyuan's eyes grew brighter and brighter. He stood up and paced around the office.

"Good, that's a good idea." He stopped in his tracks. "Lin Fan, you take the lead in developing two plans: one is the implementation details of the 'cadre-led program,' and the other is the specific policies for 'focusing on supporting small and micro enterprises.' Produce them within three days."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

"Furthermore," Zhou Wenyuan looked at the director of the urban management bureau, "what are your thoughts on the parking problem?"

The head of the urban management bureau looked troubled: "Secretary Zhou, we've opened all the available parking lots, including those in the county committee compound, government compound, and various departmental compounds, to allow parking for the night market. But there still aren't enough spaces..."

"Then let's think of another way," Zhou Wenyuan said. "I have a suggestion—the courtyards of those units around the night market, which are used for parking during the day, can be opened to the public at night. Charging a very low management fee would solve the parking problem and also increase revenue to subsidize the government."

"That's a great idea!" The deputy county head slapped his thigh. "We can set up a night market management office to be in charge of parking management, sanitation, and security patrols. We can charge a very low fee, with part of it going to management expenses and the rest to the treasury."

The meeting didn't end until 1 p.m. As Lin Fan walked out of the office building, he felt his steps were a little unsteady—he had been working for sixteen consecutive hours; even the strongest person couldn't take it.

"Director Lin, shall we go for lunch?" the director of the Industry and Commerce Bureau called out to him.

"You guys go ahead, I have something to do." Lin Fan waved his hand and returned to his office.

Instead of going to the cafeteria, he took a loaf of bread from his drawer and ate it with cold water. While eating, he turned on his computer and began drafting the two proposals.

The system of assigning cadres to specific stalls needs to be scientifically designed—it must avoid formalism, have checklists, rectification requirements, and performance evaluation standards. He referenced the project management methods he had used at the Finance Bureau and, combined with the actual situation of the night market, wrote them out item by item.

The key support policies need to be further refined—what kind of stall owners can be included in the key support program? What does the support include? How to apply? How to supervise? Based on his understanding of the potential stall owners, he designed a complete process from screening to support to acceptance.

By three in the afternoon, his eyes were already blurry. Lin Fan stood up, walked to the window, and rubbed his temples vigorously. Outside the window, the old locust trees in the county government compound swayed in the cold wind, their withered leaves falling in a rustling sound.

My phone rang; it was Wang Juan calling.

"Lin Fan, have you eaten?" Wang Juan's voice was gentle but tinged with concern.

"I ate, I just finished eating," Lin Fan lied. "How about you? How are you feeling today?"

"It's fine, it's just that the baby kicks a lot," Wang Juan laughed. "The doctor said it might be two boys, they're too active."

Lin Fan smiled and said, "Boy or girl, it's fine. Juan'er, I'm sorry, I've been too busy lately and haven't had a chance to come back and see you."

"It's alright, work is important." Wang Juan paused, then added, "Lin Fan, you need to take care of yourself. I heard from Mom that the night market in Tuxian County is really popular right now, you must be exhausted."

"I'm not tired. Seeing the night market so lively and seeing ordinary people have work and money to earn makes me happy," Lin Fan said sincerely.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan took a deep breath and sat back down at his computer. As dusk settled outside, he turned on the desk lamp and continued working.

On the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month, the two plans were officially issued.

The "Management Measures for Night Market Stalls in Tuxian County" stipulates that each of the county's 3,200 on-duty cadres is responsible for three to five stalls, visiting them at least once a week to inspect food safety, product quality, environmental hygiene, and help solve practical difficulties. The performance of these responsibilities is included in the cadres' annual performance evaluation.

The "Implementation Measures for Key Support to Micro and Small Enterprises in Tuxian County" clearly states that stall owners with development potential in the night market can be included in key support programs after evaluation. Support includes: providing entrepreneurship training, coordinating microloans, assisting with license and permit applications, providing business premises, and reducing or waiving relevant fees. The goal is to support a number of micro and small enterprises, boost employment, and increase tax revenue.

On the afternoon of the day the document was issued, a county-wide cadre meeting was held. Zhou Wenyuan personally gave a mobilization speech.

"Comrades, the success of the Tuxian Night Market is due to everyone's efforts; to ensure its continued development and sustainability, it depends even more on everyone's dedication." Zhou Wenyuan stood on the platform, his voice carrying throughout the auditorium through the microphone, "From today onwards, every cadre must truly immerse themselves in the community, going to the night market, to the stalls, and to the people!"

He announced several strict rules:

First, the cadres in charge of specific areas must establish a ledger to record in detail the visits, problems found, and rectification measures.

Second, for problems discovered during inspections, a warning will be issued for the first offense, rectification will be required for the second, and business will be suspended for rectification for the third. However, assistance should be provided to those who actively rectify the problems, and a mere fine should not be the end of the matter.

Third, key beneficiaries should be strictly screened to truly support those with potential and a willingness to work.

Fourth, the night market management office must operate efficiently, and issues such as parking, sanitation, and security must be significantly improved before the Spring Festival.

After the meeting ended, the cadres did not disperse immediately as usual, but instead began to discuss in small groups.

"I need to go to the night market this week; I've booked five stalls."

"I've booked four, all of them are restaurants, so I need to keep a close eye on food safety."

"I heard that the key support policies are very good. There's a stall owner I'm in contact with who makes particularly delicious tofu pudding. I'll see if I can help him expand his business."

Standing at the back of the auditorium, Lin Fan watched this scene and felt much more at ease. The vitality of a policy lies in its implementation; if the officials have this drive, things can be accomplished.

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, the system of assigning cadres to specific stalls was fully launched. More than 3,000 cadres entered the night market one after another, interacting face-to-face with the stall owners for the first time as "responsible persons in charge of each stall".

At first, some stall owners were nervous, thinking the government was going to tighten regulations. But the officials patiently explained: they weren't there to impose fines, they were there to help. Inspecting hygiene was to ensure customers could eat with peace of mind; checking product quality was to ensure the longevity of their businesses; and helping to solve problems was to help everyone live better lives.

Gradually, the stall owners understood and their attitudes changed.

"Officer Zhang, could you please take a look? Is this label on my chili sauce okay?"

"Director Li, I'd like to apply for a small loan to expand production. Could you give me some guidance?"

"Section Chief Wang, the lighting here isn't bright enough at night. Could you help me coordinate something?"

The management of the night market has visibly improved. Hygiene has improved, product quality has become more standardized, and service attitude is better. More importantly, the relationship between officials and the masses has been brought closer—many officials who used to sit in their offices and rarely interacted with the grassroots now deal with vendors every day and truly understand the hardships of people's lives.

The day before Lunar New Year's Eve, Lin Fan encountered Granny Wang, who sold chili sauce, at the night market. A large crowd had gathered around her stall, all buying chili sauce as New Year's gifts.

"Director Lin!" Aunt Wang waved happily when she saw Lin Fan. "Come and try my new beef chili sauce!"

Lin Fan walked over, took a bite, and found it to be indeed fragrant and spicy.

"Auntie, business is so good, have you ever thought about opening a factory?"

"I want to! I dream about it!" Grandma Wang's eyes lit up. "Cadre Zhang asked around for me, and he said I could apply for special assistance. After the New Year, I plan to rent a factory and start a proper chili sauce factory. A few other women in our village also want to work there; it could create jobs for about ten people!"

"That's great!" Lin Fan was genuinely happy. "If you need any help, just let me know anytime."

"Thank you, Director Lin, thank you, government!" Grandma Wang's eyes were a little red. "If it weren't for this night market, if it weren't for your help, how could an old woman like me dare to even think about starting a factory?"

This is the power of policy—a little sunshine can bring about a vibrant scene.

During the seven-day Spring Festival holiday, the night market remained open as usual, and was even more bustling than usual. People from surrounding counties and even from the city of Gangcheng drove over to browse the night market and buy New Year's goods. According to statistics from the night market management office, the average daily foot traffic during the Spring Festival holiday exceeded 500,000, and the transaction volume exceeded 10 million yuan.

Even more surprisingly, the parking problem has been effectively alleviated—with the county party committee and government taking the lead, the courtyards of more than 20 government agencies and public institutions throughout the county have all been opened to the public for parking in the evenings. The management office has uniformly produced parking signs, arranged dedicated personnel to guide parking, and collected appropriate management fees. During the Spring Festival, all these parking lots were fully booked.

"Collecting some management fees can cover management costs and also increase revenue for the government." The deputy county head reported at the first meeting of the leadership team after the Spring Festival, "During the Spring Festival, we collected more than 80,000 yuan in parking management fees. Although it's not much, it adds up."

Zhou Wenyuan nodded: "This money should be used specifically for improving the management of the night market. In addition, we should continue to reduce or waive fees for stalls that are experiencing difficulties to help them get through this tough time."

After the Spring Festival, the brand effect of the night market began to emerge. Not only did local media continue to report on it, but television stations from other provinces also came. In early March, a southern TV station did a special report, calling the Tuxian night market "a heartwarming bright spot in the financial crisis and an innovative practice of grassroots governance."

After the report aired, inspection teams from other provinces began to arrive one after another. They came from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and other places to learn about night market management.

Lin Fan was in charge of receiving the delegation, leading them through the night market, and sharing his experiences. At each stall, the vendors greeted them warmly: "Hello, Director Lin!" "We have more guests!"

The delegation members were amazed: "We also have night markets where we live, but they're not as well-managed as yours." "The method of having officials take charge of stalls is excellent and worth learning from." "The idea of ​​focusing on supporting small and micro enterprises is very forward-thinking."

By the end of March 2009, the effects of the night market began to extend to the townships. Under the guidance of the government, various townships also started their own specialty markets—some focusing on agricultural products, some on handicrafts, and some combining tourism resources with folk performances. A commercial network was formed throughout the county, with the county town's night market as the leader and township markets as the support.

The most noticeable changes are in the economic data. In the first quarter, the total retail sales of consumer goods in Tuxian County increased by 28% year-on-year, ranking first in the province; the registered urban unemployment rate dropped to 3.2%, lower than the provincial average; and 123 new small and micro enterprises were registered, a record high.

One day in early April, Lin Fan accompanied Zhou Wenyuan on a rural research trip. The car drove along a country road, with rows of neat plastic greenhouses on both sides.

"These were all newly built this year," Zhou Wenyuan said, pointing out the window. "The night market is booming, agricultural products are selling well, and farmers are more enthusiastic about growing vegetables."

The car stopped at a village. The village Party secretary greeted them excitedly, saying, "Secretary Zhou, Director Lin, now every household in our village grows vegetables, supplying them directly to the night market. Last year, the average income per capita was only a little over three thousand yuan, but this year we expect to exceed five thousand!"

Walking into the village, you can really feel the changes—there are more newly built houses, more motorcycles and electric bikes on the road, and more smiles on the villagers' faces.

"The night market not only provides a livelihood for city dwellers, but also boosts our rural areas," the village party secretary remarked. "This is what Secretary Zhou often refers to as integrated urban-rural development."

After leaving the village, Zhou Wenyuan sat in the car, looking out at the fields, and remained silent for a long time.

"Brother Zhou, what are you thinking about?" Lin Fan asked.

"Thinking back on the past year or so," Zhou Wenyuan said slowly, "from strengthening Party building to developing night markets, and now to the overall development of the county. It hasn't been easy, but it's been worthwhile."

"Yes, Tuxian County has really changed."

"What has changed is not only the economy, but also people's hearts," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The cadres are more motivated, the masses have hope, and the spirit of the whole county has been lifted."

It was already late when the car returned to the county town. Passing the night market, it was still brightly lit and bustling with people. Zhou Wenyuan had the car stop, and the two walked in.

Walking among the bustling crowd, listening to accents from all over the country, and watching the busy figures of the stall owners, Zhou Wenyuan suddenly said, "Lin Fan, do you think what we're doing is worth it?"

"It's worth it." Lin Fan said without hesitation. "Seeing the smiles on the faces of ordinary people and hearing their gratitude is more valuable than anything else."

Zhou Wenyuan nodded and didn't say anything more. But Lin Fan noticed that his eyes were a little moist.

In mid-April, news came that Zhou Wenyuan had been recommended to participate in the training program for young and middle-aged cadres at the Central Party School, where he would study full-time for fifteen months.

When the document was delivered to Zhou Wenyuan's office, he was reviewing the night market's first-quarter operating report. After finishing the document, he remained silent for a long time.

"Lin Fan, I'm going to study now," he finally said.

"Congratulations, Brother Zhou!" Lin Fan was genuinely happy. The Central Party School's training program for young and middle-aged cadres was a place for cultivating reserve cadres, which meant that Zhou Wenyuan's future was bright.

"I'll study for fifteen months, and after I finish, I might... not go back to Tuxian County," Zhou Wenyuan said with some difficulty.

Lin Fan was taken aback for a moment, then understood. Given Zhou Wenyuan's achievements over the past year and a half, coupled with his experience studying at the Central Party School, his next step was likely to be promotion and important appointment.

"Brother Zhou, this is a good thing. Tuxian County needs you, but a bigger platform needs you even more."

Zhou Wenyuan looked at him and said, "I'm leaving. This mess in Tuxian County..."

"I'll keep an eye on it for you," Lin Fan said firmly. "The management of the night market is on the right track, and the cadre team has been established. You can go and learn with peace of mind; Tu County won't fall into chaos."

Zhou Wenyuan stood up, walked up to Lin Fan, and patted him hard on the shoulder: "Brother, thank you."

This word "brother" is more precious than any honor.

In late April, Zhou Wenyuan went to Beijing for further study. Before leaving, he held his last leadership meeting.

"I'll be away for fifteen months of training, and the work in the county will be overseen by the Executive Deputy Secretary," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Comrade Lin Fan will continue to be in charge of the night market. He should report to me immediately if there are any major issues."

"Secretary Zhou, rest assured, we will definitely do a good job in Tuxian County." The team members all expressed their commitment.

As Lin Fan saw Zhou Wenyuan off, he handed him a file folder: "Brother Zhou, this is the development plan for the night market, the key tasks for the next stage. Take a look when you have time."

Zhou Wenyuan took it and gave Lin Fan a deep look: "Take care."

"Take care, Brother Zhou."

The car drove out of the county government compound and gradually disappeared into the distance. Lin Fan stood at the gate, not leaving for a long time.

Over the past year, he followed Zhou Wenyuan, transforming a remote and impoverished county into a province-renowned "night market county"; turning a public welfare project into an engine driving the county's development. This process involved sweat, hard work, and, most importantly, a great sense of accomplishment.

Now, Zhou Wenyuan is going to a bigger stage. And he will stay here to protect this hard-won achievement.

My phone rang. It was a text message from Wang Juan: "Secretary Zhou is gone?"

"I'm off to study at the Central Party School."

"When are you coming back? The baby's movements have been very noticeable lately, and the doctor said it might be an early delivery."

Lin Fan calculated the time: "I'll go back after I've arranged my work. At most, a week."

"Okay, I'll wait for you."

Lin Fan put down his phone and turned to walk into the office building. The corridor was quiet, but the faint sounds of the night market's hustle and bustle drifted in through the windows.

That was the new voice of Tuxian County, the voice of the people living a good life, and the culmination of his and Zhou Wenyuan's hard work over the past six months.

He must protect this voice.

Because this is not just about the liveliness of the night market, but also proof that a place has regained its vitality.

As night deepens, the lights of Tuxian County gradually come on. The night market streets begin another day of bustling activity.

Lin Fan knew that no matter where Zhou Wenyuan went, or where he himself would go in the future, this period in Tuxian County, and the experience of building the night market from scratch, would be the most precious treasure in his life.

Because this is truly doing things for the people, and it represents the most important aspect of "stability" in a genuine sense of "peace and prosperity."

This is enough.