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

The fifteenth day of the first lunar month is the Lantern Festival.

The retrial courtroom of the Gangcheng Intermediate People's Court was packed with people. There were media reporters, officials from the political and legal system, and Chen Xiaohu's family—his parents and sister were all there, sitting in the front row, nervously wringing their hands.

Lin Fan sat in a corner of the audience, wearing an ordinary jacket. He didn't want to draw too much attention; today was Chen Xiaohu's home turf.

At nine o'clock in the morning, the judge struck the gavel: "Court is now in session. Appellant Chen Xiaohu is to be brought to court."

The side door opened, and Chen Xiaohu walked in, accompanied by bailiffs. He was dressed in civilian clothes, not prison uniform—a special arrangement for retrial cases, indicating a cautious attitude towards the possibility of errors in the case.

Four years of imprisonment left their mark on his face. At 27, he looked like he was in his thirties, with a calmness beyond his years in his eyes. But today, that calmness carried a hint of anticipation, a hint of tension.

He walked to the dock, turned around, and looked at the audience. When he saw his parents and sister, his eyes reddened, but he quickly held back and nodded.

"Appellant Chen Xiaohu, do you have any objection to the facts and charges against you as found guilty of intentional injury in the original judgment?" the judge asked.

Chen Xiaohu took a deep breath, his voice not loud but clear: "I have objections. I didn't hit anyone, I'm being framed."

Please state your reasons.

Chen Xiaohu began his story. He started on the evening of August 14, 2006, when he and some friends were drinking at the Nightclub to celebrate a friend's birthday. Around midnight, everyone was drunk. He remembered going to the restroom, and on his way back, someone pushed him from behind in the hallway, causing him to hit his head against the wall. Before he could react, he was pinned to the ground and beaten.

"Who hit you?" the prosecutor asked.

"The lighting was dim at the time, and I couldn't see clearly," Chen Xiaohu said. "But later at the hospital, the police showed me photos, and I recognized one of them as Li Qiang. But the police said that it was Li Qiang who identified me as the one who hit him."

"You said you were beaten by Li Qiang, so why did everyone at the scene identify you as the one who hit Li Qiang?"

"I don't know," Chen Xiaohu shook his head. "I really don't know. I drank too much that night, and I can't remember many things. But one thing I remember very clearly—I didn't hit anyone; I was the one who got hit."

The prosecutor presented evidence from that time: witness testimonies, fingerprint analysis, and injury reports. But this time, the defense attorney raised questions.

"Your Honor, we request that new witnesses be called to testify in court."

"permit."

The first person summoned was Sun Qiang. When he entered the courtroom, his legs were trembling, and he dared not look at anyone.

"Witness Sun Qiang, were you at Nightclub in the early morning of August 15, 2006?" the defense attorney asked.

"Yes."

"Did you see Chen Xiaohu hit Li Qiang with a beer bottle?"

Sun Qiang remained silent for a long time; the courtroom was so quiet you could hear someone breathing.

"No," he finally said. "I didn't see it."

A commotion broke out in the gallery.

"Then what about your testimony back then?"

"It was Li Qiang's father, Li Jianguo, who told me to say that," Sun Qiang said, head down. "He gave me money and taught me how to say it. I... I was in debt from gambling and desperately needed money, so I agreed."

"Are you telling the truth?"

"It's all the truth. I swear to God."

After Sun Qiang finished testifying, the second witness, Wang Hai, came to court and said almost the same thing—that he had been paid and committed perjury.

The third witness, Liu Ming, did not appear in person; he was in Shenzhen, but he submitted a written testimony admitting that he had committed perjury back then.

The recantation of the testimonies of the three witnesses led to a fundamental reversal in the case.

Next, Li Qiang will be summoned.

When Li Qiang walked into the courtroom, he looked completely dejected. He glanced at Chen Xiaohu and quickly lowered his head.

"Witness Li Qiang, what happened at the Nightclub in the early morning of August 15, 2006?" the prosecutor asked.

Li Qiang's voice was very soft: "I...I hit someone."

"Who did you hit?"

"He hit Chen Xiaohu."

The audience erupted in uproar. Chen Xiaohu's mother covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.

Why did you hit him?

"I mistook him for someone else," Li Qiang said. "I was drunk that night and got into a fight with someone. The other person ran away, and I was very angry. I happened to see Chen Xiaohu coming out of the bathroom, and his back looked a bit like that person, so... so I attacked him."

"and then?"

"After I hit someone, I sobered up a bit and realized I'd hit the wrong person. I was terrified, so I ran away. Later, I heard that Chen Xiaohu was badly injured, which scared me even more, so I told my dad."

"What did your father, Li Jianguo, do?"

"He said... he said I couldn't admit to it. If I did, I'd go to jail, and his business would be affected." Li Qiang's voice trailed off. "He said, why not turn the tables and say Chen Xiaohu hit me?"

"How exactly does it work?"

"He found several witnesses, paid them money, and made them give false testimony. He also used his connections to bribe the police officers handling the case," Li Qiang said. "At first, I disagreed, but my dad said that if I didn't cooperate, our whole family would be finished. So... I agreed."

The courtroom was eerily quiet.

Chen Xiaohu sat in the defendant's dock, his body trembling slightly. Four years had passed, and he had finally waited for this day when the truth would come to light.

"Who inflicted the injuries on Chen Xiaohu?" the judge asked.

"I hit him," Li Qiang said. "With my fist, and... and I hit him with a bottle."

Why didn't Chen Xiaohu identify you back then?

"He was drunk, and I attacked him from behind, so he probably didn't see clearly," Li Qiang said. "Later at the hospital, the police showed him photos, and he identified me, but the police ignored him."

The trial lasted three hours. In addition to witness testimonies, the defense lawyers presented new evidence: bank records showing that Li Jianguo transferred 80,000 yuan to Liu Zhiqiang, lawyer Zhang Ming's testimony admitting to receiving the money, and the testimony of Wang Wei, the custodian of physical evidence, regarding the beer bottles being "disposed of" by Liu Zhiqiang.

The chain of evidence is complete.

After a recess for deliberation, the court will resume at 2 p.m.

The judge read out the judgment: "...Upon retrial, it was found that the original trial's findings of fact were erroneous and the evidence insufficient. The facts of the appellant Chen Xiaohu's crime of intentional injury cannot be established... The judgment is as follows: The original judgment is overturned, and the appellant Chen Xiaohu is declared innocent."

The gavel fell.

Chen Xiaohu was stunned, seemingly not reacting. It wasn't until his defense lawyer patted him on the shoulder that he suddenly stood up, tears welling up in his eyes.

In the audience, his mother burst into tears, and his father, holding his wife tightly, was also overcome with grief. His sister rushed over and hugged her brother; the whole family wept together.

Media reporters swarmed around them, their flashes going off incessantly.

Lin Fan sat in the corner, watching this scene, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Four years of wrongful imprisonment—the best years of a young man, gone just like that. Although he was exonerated, who would compensate for the lost time?

He got up and quietly left the courtroom. Just as he reached the courthouse entrance, his phone rang; it was Zhou Wenyuan.

"Is the trial over?"

"It's over, not guilty verdict," Lin Fan said. "Chen Xiaohu's family is crying, and reporters are interviewing them."

"Okay." Zhou Wenyuan paused for a moment. "Come to my office. I have something to discuss."

"Now?"

"Now."

Lin Fan drove back to the municipal party committee. On the way, he thought about the scene of Chen Xiaohu's family reunion, about Li Qiang and his son being held legally accountable, and about Liu Zhiqiang already being imprisoned.

One case changed the fate of so many people.

When they arrived at Zhou Wenyuan's office, they found two other people inside—Old Zheng, the secretary of the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, and Old Wang, the head of the Organization Department of the Municipal Party Committee.

"Sit down." Zhou Wenyuan gestured to the sofa. "The Chen Xiaohu case was handled brilliantly, with solid evidence, standardized procedures, and a positive social impact. Several deputy secretaries from the Political and Legal Affairs Commission just called me, saying that this case has set a good example."

Lin Fan smiled and said, "It's the result of everyone's joint efforts."

"It's your credit, no need to be modest," Zhou Wenyuan said. "I've called you here today mainly to discuss two things."

He looked at Old Wang. Minister Wang spoke up: "Comrade Lin Fan, according to the decision of the Municipal Party Committee, we intend to promote you to Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Political and Legal Affairs Commission, at the level of a full-fledged department head. Today is an organizational talk to hear your opinion."

Lin Fan was already prepared, but he still pretended to be surprised: "Minister Wang, I am not experienced enough to shoulder such a heavy responsibility."

"Seniority is one aspect, but ability and achievements are another," Minister Wang said. "Your achievements in developing the night market economy and e-commerce industry in Tuxian County are evident to all. During your time at the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, you promoted case review and enforcement efforts, especially the Chen Xiaohu case, which was handled exceptionally well. The Municipal Party Committee believes that you are capable of fulfilling this role."

"Thank you for your trust in the organization," Lin Fan said. "If the organization decides to let me do it, I will definitely do my best."

"Good, that's the attitude we need," Minister Wang said. "The official document will be issued next week. Before that, there are still some procedures to go through."

After discussing the promotion, Zhou Wenyuan brought up the second matter: "How's the investigation going with the leads provided by Li Jianguo, according to the Discipline Inspection Commission?"

Old Zheng chimed in, "We've investigated. It involves five people: three from the public security system and two from the courts. They're all mid-level officials who took money to do favors, with amounts ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan. They've already been placed under detention."

"Continue to investigate thoroughly," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The rectification of the political and legal system must be serious. No matter who is involved, we will investigate to the end."

"clear."

After finishing their work discussion, it was already 5 p.m. Lin Fan stepped out of the office, feeling a renewed weight on his shoulders.

The deputy secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission is at the level of a full-fledged division chief. This position means he will have to shoulder more responsibility and face more challenges.

But since we've chosen this path, we have to keep going.

Just as he returned to his office, Zhao Gang knocked on the door and came in.

"Director Lin—no, I should call him Secretary Lin now," Zhao Gang said with a smile. "Congratulations!"

"The documents haven't been downloaded yet," Lin Fan waved his hand. "Let's get down to business."

"Two things," Zhao Gang said, his smile fading. "First, the state compensation process for Chen Xiaohu has been initiated. According to the standards, four years of wrongful imprisonment will likely earn him around 250,000 yuan. Secondly, we've contacted the civil affairs department and arranged temporary housing and employment for him."

"What kind of job?"

"He used to work in a prison printing factory and has the skills. We contacted a printing factory, and they were willing to take him on with a decent salary."

Lin Fan nodded: "Okay. What's the second thing?"

"We've sorted through the other clues provided by Li Jianguo and found that one name keeps appearing—Zhang Jianguo, the former deputy director of the Gangdong branch, who has now been transferred to the provincial department." Zhao Gang lowered his voice. "Li Jianguo said that several cases back then were settled through Zhang Jianguo. This guy has a lot of influence."

Zhang Jianguo. Lin Fan recalled that Wang Wei, the evidence custodian, had said that Liu Zhiqiang disposed of the beer bottles according to "Director Zhang's" instructions.

"Is there any evidence?"

"We have circumstantial evidence, but we're still looking for direct evidence," Zhao Gang said. "Li Jianguo said he gave Zhang Jianguo money, but it was all in cash, and there's no record of it. However, he said Zhang Jianguo has a habit of collecting luxury watches. He gave him a Rolex worth over 200,000 yuan."

"Where's the watch?"

"Li Jianguo said that Zhang Jianguo should still be wearing it," Zhao Gang said. "He said that watch was a limited edition, and not many people in the steel city have it."

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "Let's hold off for now and continue gathering evidence. Zhang Jianguo is in the provincial department, and his rank is not low. We can't act rashly without solid evidence."

"clear."

After Zhao Gang left, Lin Fan stood by the window, watching the sky gradually darken outside. It was the night of the Lantern Festival; the streetlights were already on, and the lights of fireworks could be seen in the distance.

The Chen Xiaohu case implicated Li Jianguo and Liu Zhiqiang, and now it may implicate Zhang Jianguo as well. Just how big is this network?

He recalled what Li Jianguo had said in detention: "Someone wants to get back at you."

If Zhang Jianguo is indeed a key figure in this network, then his threat may not be unfounded.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Wang Juan.

"Are you coming home for dinner tonight? It's the Lantern Festival today, and Mom made some tangyuan (sweet rice balls)."

"I'll be back soon," Lin Fan said.

"By the way, the renovation plan for the store in the provincial capital is out. I've sent it to your email. Take a look when you have time."

"it is good."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan packed his things to go home. He walked to the door, then turned back, took a notebook from the drawer, and opened it.

The notebook recorded some important events since his rebirth: joining the Finance Bureau in 2003, buying a house in 2004, getting married in 2005, Zhou Wenyuan being promoted to director in 2006, predicting the financial crisis in 2007, the Tuxian night market in 2008, e-commerce in 2009...

Each stroke represents the path he has walked in this life.

Now, in 2010, he is about to become the Deputy Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, at the level of a full-fledged division chief.

In his past life, he struggled desperately but barely managed to make ends meet. In this life, with the advantage of being reborn and with Zhou Wenyuan's support, he knows he has already surpassed most people.

But he knew that the higher he climbed, the greater the risk.

The rectification of the political and legal system will inevitably affect vested interests. Those who are being investigated, and those who may be investigated, will not sit idly by and wait for their doom.

The road ahead will not be smooth.

Lin Fan closed his laptop, locked his office door, and went downstairs to go home.

While driving, he saw many people setting off fireworks on the street. Children covered their ears, watching the colorful lights explode in the sky with a mixture of fear and excitement.

Ordinary people's lives are that simple. Having food to eat, a home to go home to, and setting off firecrackers and watching fireworks during festivals—that's happiness.

His job is to protect this simplicity.

Although it was tiring and dangerous, it was worth it.

When I got home, the glutinous rice balls were already cooked. They were filled with sesame, sweet, and delicious with every bite.

"How did the court hearing go today?" Wang Juan asked.

"Innocent," Lin Fan said simply. "Chen Xiaohu's family is reunited, and they're crying their eyes out."

"Sigh, four years. I've spent the best years of my life in jail," Wang Juan sighed. "How much compensation can I expect?"

"Two hundred and fifty thousand, I guess."

"Money can't make up for time," Wang Juan said, "but it's better than nothing."

After finishing his meal, Lin Fan looked at the interior design plan sent by Wang Juan. The store in the provincial capital was designed very stylishly, mainly in white and natural wood tones, simple and elegant.

"That's fine, let's keep it up like this," he said.

"Okay, then I'll sign the contract with the renovation company tomorrow," Wang Juan said. "It should take about two months to complete, and we can open for business around May Day."

"I'll go with you then."

"You're so busy, do you even have time?"

"I have to go, no matter how busy I am," Lin Fan said. "I have to support your career."

Wang Juan smiled and leaned on his shoulder.

The Lantern Festival Gala was playing on TV, with lively singing and dancing. Baby Beibei was already asleep; the house was quiet and cozy.

Lin Fan held his wife in his arms, looking at the moon outside the window.

The fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the night of the full moon.

When people are reunited, things are done perfectly.

Although there may be storms ahead, the peace and stability we enjoy now is something to cherish.

As for the storms, we'll deal with them when they come.

He has the ability and the preparation.

As night deepened, the moon rose high in the sky, its gentle light bathing the world.