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

On the morning of New Year's Eve, before dawn, the sound of firecrackers outside began in succession.

Lin Fan groggily opened his eyes, grabbed his phone, and saw it was just six o'clock. Wang Juan was still asleep. He tiptoed out of bed and went to the kitchen to boil water.

The water hadn't boiled yet, but my mother was already up, wearing an apron, and starting to get busy.

"Mom, so early?"

"What do you mean 'early'? There's a lot to do today." Mother took out the dishes she had prepared yesterday from the refrigerator. "The chicken needs to be stewed, the fish needs to be marinated, and that braised pork knuckle needs to be made soon."

Lin Fan helped out. The water boiled, he brewed a pot of tea, and poured a cup for his mother.

"Where's Dad?" he asked.

"He went downstairs for a walk to wake himself up." His mother was slicing ginger. "By the way, Secretary Zhou is coming at noon. Is our bottle of red wine enough? If not, I'll have your dad go buy some more."

"That's enough. Secretary Zhou brought his own wine," Lin Fan said. "It's Moutai, stored for many years."

"That would be wonderful." Mother smiled. "You must have a couple of drinks with Secretary Zhou; he's been so kind to you."

"Know."

Around 7 a.m., Wang Juan got up, and Bao Bao and Bei Bei woke up as well. The two little ones were especially excited today, running around the house in their new clothes.

"Don't run, don't run! You just put on these new clothes, you'll get them dirty if you fall!" Wang Juan shouted as she chased after her.

Lin Fan carried the children to the sofa and took out the red envelopes he had prepared beforehand: "Come on, Daddy will give you New Year's money."

Baby Beibei took the red envelope and awkwardly imitated the way she greeted people on TV: "Happy New Year, Daddy!"

"Okay, all is well." Lin Fan felt a warm feeling in his heart.

After finishing breakfast, Lin Fan checked the time: 8:30.

"I'm going to work. I'll be back before noon," he told Wang Juan.

"Going again? Today is New Year's Eve."

"I have something to take care of, but I'll be back soon." Lin Fan put on his coat. "Secretary Zhou will arrive around 11:00, and I'll definitely be back by 10:30."

On the way to the municipal party committee, there were few people and cars on the streets, and many shops were closed. But the sound of firecrackers never stopped, and the air was filled with the smell of gunpowder.

Zhao Gang was already waiting in the Political and Legal Affairs Commission office.

"Happy New Year! Happy New Year!" Zhao Gang said with a smile and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Happy New Year," Lin Fan asked. "Is there something you have to say today?"

"Two things," Zhao Gang said, his smile fading. "First, we have news about Li Qiang."

Lin Fan's spirits lifted: "Where?"

"Guangzhou, I found the exact address." Zhao Gang took out a piece of paper from his briefcase. "I asked a friend in Guangzhou to find out. Li Qiang is currently working in an electronics factory and lives in the factory dormitory. His father, Li Jianguo, also runs a building materials store in Guangzhou."

"Did you come back for the Chinese New Year?"

"No, I couldn't get a ticket, so I'm not coming back this year," Zhao Gang said. "My friend pretended to be from the same hometown and chatted with Li Qiang. Li Qiang has changed his name to Li Zhiqiang now; it seems he wants to start over."

Lin Fan nodded: "And the second thing?"

"There's been some activity from Li Jianguo's side." Zhao Gang lowered his voice. "Yesterday afternoon, he made several calls to Gangcheng, all to old acquaintances. I checked the call records, and one of them was to the deputy director of the Gangdong branch, who has since been transferred, but he had a good relationship with Liu Zhiqiang back then."

"What did you say?"

"The content is unclear, but the call was short, only two minutes," Zhao Gang said. "I guess it was to test the waters and see how the investigation is going."

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "Let's leave them alone for now and talk about it after the New Year. We have almost enough evidence: witness testimonies, bank statements, lawyer testimonies, plus our previous analysis of the doubts. That's enough to initiate a retrial."

"That's what I think too," Zhao Gang said. "After the seventh day of the lunar new year, I will organize the materials and formally submit a recommendation for a retrial."

"Okay, thank you for your hard work."

After chatting for a few more minutes about the New Year, Lin Fan prepared to go home. Just as he reached the door, his phone rang; it was Zhou Wenyuan.

"Secretary Zhou?"

"Lin Fan, I might be a little late for lunch." Zhou Wenyuan's voice sounded tired. "I have a meeting this morning, a video conference just notified by the province, about maintaining stability during the Spring Festival."

"It's alright, you go ahead with your work, you can eat whenever you want."

"I'll try to get there before noon," Zhou Wenyuan said. "By the way, get ready, we're going to visit the officers on duty this afternoon."

"This afternoon?"

"Yeah, it's the same every year," Zhou Wenyuan said. "I'm going to check on a few key units: the Public Security Bureau, the Fire Brigade, and the Traffic Police Brigade. You'll come with me."

"Okay, I'll arrange a car."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan sent Wang Juan a text message saying that Secretary Zhou might be late and he would have to go out again in the afternoon.

Wang Juan quickly replied, "Okay, I'll save the vegetables for you."

At 10:30, Lin Fan returned home. The kitchen smelled delicious; his mother, mother-in-law, and Wang Juan were busy preparing food. Several cold dishes were already laid out on the table: translucent aspic, dark red braised beef, and vibrant green cucumber salad.

"Secretary Zhou said to arrive before noon." Lin Fan washed his hands, ready to help.

"There's still time," Wang Juan said. "We'll cook the hot dishes when Secretary Zhou arrives. Could you peel some garlic for me?"

Just then, the doorbell rang. Lin Fan went to open the door, and it was his sister Lin Ping and her family.

"Happy Chinese New Year!" Brother-in-law Sun Lin came in carrying large and small bags, all of which were New Year's goods.

"You're here, why did you bring anything?" Lin Fan took the things.

"Of course," Lin Ping said with a smile. "Where are Mom and Dad?"

"They're busy in the kitchen."

When Baby Beibei saw her aunt, she ran over happily. Lin Ping squatted down and picked them up in each arm, saying, "Oh dear, they've gotten so heavy! Auntie can hardly carry them anymore."

The family was having a lively time. Lin Fan's father also returned from his walk. Seeing his daughter and son-in-law, he beamed with joy. A little while later, his father-in-law, Xiao Lei, also arrived.

At 11:40, the doorbell rang again. This time it was Zhou Wenyuan.

"Secretary Zhou, please come in." Lin Fan opened the door to greet him.

Zhou Wenyuan wasn't wearing a suit today, but a dark blue jacket, which made him look more approachable than usual. He was carrying two boxes of tea and a toy gift box.

"For the child." He handed the toy to baby Beibei.

"Secretary Zhou, you're too kind." Wang Juan came out of the kitchen. "Please have a seat, have some tea, the dishes will be ready soon."

"No rush, no rush." ​​Zhou Wenyuan sat down on the sofa and greeted Lin Fan's father and father-in-law, "How is the old man's health?"

"He's doing well, eating and sleeping well," the father and father-in-law said with smiles.

Zhou Wenyuan exchanged a few more pleasantries with his mother, mother-in-law, Lin Ping, and Sun Lin.

At noon, dinner was served on time. The round table was piled high with dishes: steamed sea bass, braised pork knuckle, poached chicken, garlic shrimp, sweet and sour pork ribs, four-happiness meatballs... a total of twelve dishes.

"Secretary Zhou, please take the seat of honor," Lin Fan said.

"No, the old man should sit in the main seat." Zhou Wenyuan insisted that Lin Fan's father (the oldest) sit in the middle.

After taking their seats, Lin Fan opened the Moutai that Zhou Wenyuan had brought. The aroma filled the room as soon as the bottle was opened.

"This wine smells good," my father-in-law sniffed. "It must be over ten years old, right?"

"Twenty years," Zhou Wenyuan said with a smile. "It's been stored for twenty years, let's drink it today."

With his first toast, Zhou Wenyuan said, "Come, let me offer this as a token of my appreciation: Happy New Year to everyone, and may your families be blessed with happiness!"

"Happy New Year!"

After a glass of wine, the atmosphere became even more lively. Zhou Wenyuan was very approachable, chatting with Lin Fan's father and father-in-law about health, with Sun Lin about cars, and with Lin Ping about work.

"Is Xiao Sun still at the Statistics Bureau?" Zhou Wenyuan asked.

"Yes, still in the convoy." Sun Lin was a little nervous. "Driving a small car."

"That's good, everything's stable." Zhou Wenyuan nodded. "What about Lin Ping? Is she still at the district government?"

"Yes, deputy director of the office," Lin Ping said.

"You two siblings are both great," Zhou Wenyuan said with a smile. "Lin Fan has worked hard following me. Lin Ping has also had a tough time working at the grassroots level."

"Brother Zhou, you've worked even harder." Lin Fan poured him a drink.

"It's only right to work hard." Zhou Wenyuan raised his glass. "We have to live up to this responsibility in this line of work."

As they ate and chatted, the topic gradually shifted to work.

"How's the case of Chen Xiaohu going?" Zhou Wenyuan asked.

Lin Fan briefly explained the situation: "We've obtained all the witness testimonies, and the lawyer has admitted to receiving money. Now all that's missing is Li Qiang's statement."

"Is Li Qiang in Guangzhou?"

"Yes, he's with his father."

Zhou Wenyuan pondered for a moment: "After the New Year, send someone to Guangzhou to ask them in person. If Li Qiang can tell the truth, this case will be resolved."

"That's what I think too."

"Furthermore," Zhou Wenyuan lowered his voice, "have you figured out Li Jianguo's local network of connections?"

"We're investigating. Initial reports suggest he's mainly close to some people at the Gangdong branch of the Public Security Bureau, and a few developers," Lin Fan said. "But they're all minor figures, no big shots."

"It's the small fry who cause trouble," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Big shots know their limits, but small fry will do anything for money. After this case is closed, we need to clean up the mess."

"clear."

The two spoke softly, and the others at the table were engrossed in their own conversations, paying no attention. Only Wang Juan glanced over, but quickly turned her head away again.

It was almost two o'clock when they finished eating. Zhou Wenyuan checked his watch: "It's about time, let's go."

Lin Fan greeted his family and followed Zhou Wenyuan downstairs. The driver had already brought the car downstairs; it was the Land Cruiser.

"Let's go to the police station first," Zhou Wenyuan said after getting into the car.

On the way, Zhou Wenyuan leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest. Lin Fan knew he was tired, so he didn't say anything.

After a while, Zhou Wenyuan opened his eyes: "Lin Fan, after the New Year, I plan to give you some responsibilities."

Lin Fan was taken aback: "What burden?"

"The Political and Legal Affairs Commission is getting increasingly busy. I'm considering adding a deputy secretary to oversee comprehensive social order and stability maintenance," Zhou Wenyuan said, looking at him. "I'd like to recommend you."

Lin Fan's heart tightened: "Secretary Zhou, am I not qualified enough? Besides, I'm only a section chief, enjoying the benefits of a deputy director, while a deputy secretary has to be a director."

"Let's get the deputy director position sorted out first," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Your achievements in Tuxian County and your work in the Political and Legal Affairs Commission are evident to everyone. There are precedents for such a promotion."

"I'm afraid..."

"What are you afraid of?" Zhou Wenyuan interrupted him. "Afraid people will gossip? Say you're someone I have connections with?"

Lin Fan nodded.

"Where there are people, there will be gossip," Zhou Wenyuan said. "As long as you do your job well, the gossip will naturally disappear. Besides, you've been with me for so many years, I know you. You're reliable, principled, and capable. You're qualified for this position."

Lin Fan was silent for a moment: "Secretary Zhou, let me think about it."

"Okay, think about it." Zhou Wenyuan patted his shoulder. "No rush to answer. Let's talk about it after the New Year."

The car arrived at the Public Security Bureau. Director Zhang Jianjun was already waiting at the entrance, along with several deputy directors on duty.

"Secretary Zhou, Director Lin, Happy New Year!" Zhang Jianjun greeted them.

"Happy New Year." Zhou Wenyuan shook hands with him. "Thank you for your hard work on duty today."

"Of course, of course," Zhang Jianjun said. "We've prepared some fruit and snacks. Would Secretary Zhou like to come in and have a seat?"

"Okay, let's see everyone."

The group entered the police station building. In the duty room, several police officers were eating boxed lunches. When they saw their leader enter, they quickly stood up.

"Sit down, don't be shy." Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand. "It's New Year's Eve today, and you're all still on duty. Thank you for your hard work. On behalf of the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government, I wish you all a Happy New Year!"

"Thank you, Secretary Zhou!"

Zhou Wenyuan shook hands with each police officer, inquired about their families and duty schedules. He then went to the command center, where the large screen displayed real-time monitoring of key areas throughout the city.

After leaving the Public Security Bureau, Zhou Wenyuan went to the fire brigade and the traffic police brigade. At each location, he shook hands with the staff on duty, offered New Year's greetings, and said words of encouragement.

After completing the loop, it was already four o'clock in the afternoon.

"Go home." Zhou Wenyuan got into the car. "You should also go home and spend time with your family."

And you?

"I'm going back to my office for a bit. Your sister-in-law and child are coming back from their parents' house tonight, and I'll go home and have dinner with them," Zhou Wenyuan said. "By the way, tomorrow is the first day of the Lunar New Year, so you don't need to come to pay your respects. Just stay home and rest."

"That won't do..."

"Listen to me," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Come back on the second day of the Lunar New Year, and we'll talk about work."

After dropping Zhou Wenyuan off at the municipal party committee, Lin Fan drove home. On the way, he thought about Zhou Wenyuan's promise to promote him.

He's currently serving as the deputy secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, a position equivalent to a full-fledged division chief, but he's holding that rank for now. This position carries considerable power and responsibility. If he were to actually take it, he would truly be entering the core of power in the steel city.

But the pressure will also be greater. More people will be watching, and the burden will be heavier.

He hesitated. In this life, he had originally planned to continue driving for Zhou Wenyuan, living a stable and wealthy life without standing out. But now that things had come to this, it seemed he had no choice in the matter.

When he got home, it was already dark. The New Year's Eve dinner was all prepared, and they were just waiting for him to come home.

"You're back?" Wang Juan took his coat. "How's Secretary Zhou doing?"

"That's good." Lin Fan washed his hands. "What are we having for dinner?"

"Dumplings, and leftovers from lunch," Wang Juan said. "Mom said we have to eat dumplings for New Year's Eve dinner, for family reunion."

The family sat around the table as steaming dumplings were served. The Spring Festival Gala had already begun on TV, filled with singing and dancing.

Baby Beibei was sleepy, but still insisted on watching the Spring Festival Gala. As a result, she only ate a few dumplings before falling asleep in her parents' arms.

"Let's take him to sleep," Wang Juan said.

Lin Fan carried the two children to bed and covered them with blankets. Looking at their sleeping faces, his heart softened.

Back in the living room, Wang Juan's parents and in-laws were watching TV. Wang Juan and her sister were cleaning up the kitchen. After they finished, Wang Juan sat down next to him.

"What did Secretary Zhou say to you today? You seem preoccupied," she asked softly.

Lin Fan explained the promotion. Wang Juan listened in silence for a while.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"I don't know," Lin Fan said. "If I accept the offer, I'll be even busier, and I'll have even less time to spend with you and the children."

"Go ahead and be busy, as long as you enjoy it." Wang Juan held his hand. "I know you're not the kind of person who's content with mediocrity. You always wanted to do something when you were the team leader at the Finance Bureau. Now that you have the opportunity, you shouldn't miss it."

"I'm afraid I won't be able to take good care of the family."

"I'm here for the family," Wang Juan laughed. "Have you forgotten? I'm a strong woman too."

Lin Fan looked at her, feeling touched: "Thank you."

"There's no need for thanks between husband and wife." Wang Juan leaned on his shoulder. "As long as you're safe and sound, I'll support whatever decision you make."

On TV, the skit was getting funny, and the whole family laughed. Outside the window, firecrackers went off in bursts, and the night sky was lit up by fireworks.

The new year is really coming.

Lin Fan held Wang Juan's hand and looked at his family's smiling faces, feeling gradually at ease.

No matter what lies ahead, with family by my side, there's nothing to be afraid of.

Whether it's work or life, just take it one step at a time.

Steadfast and unwavering, just as he had always adhered to throughout his life.

I don't seek great wealth or high status, but only a clear conscience.

I don't seek great success, but only a stable and secure life.

This is enough.

At midnight, the clock struck midnight.

"Happy New Year!" The whole family raised their glasses.

Outside the window, fireworks filled the sky.

A new year has begun.