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

In June, summer arrives suddenly in the steel city. By seven in the morning, the sun is already shining brightly in the sky, making the road surface scorching hot.

Lin Fan waited at the entrance of the municipal party committee's residential compound in his brand-new Audi A6. The car had just been assigned to him last week; after Zhou Wenyuan was discharged from the hospital, the municipal party committee had provided him with a new Audi. Lin Fan had returned to his old profession—driver.

Actually, it wasn't just the driver. Zhou Wenyuan's arm hadn't fully healed, making it inconvenient for him to work. Lin Fan helped him review many documents, reading the important ones aloud to him. Lin Fan also handled most of the errands, delivering materials and coordinating matters between departments.

He had no position, no title, just an ordinary staff member. But Lin Fan worked very diligently.

At 7:30, Zhou Wenyuan walked out of the courtyard. The cast on his arm had been removed, but it was still in a sling. He was recovering well, and his complexion was much rosier than when he was in the hospital.

"Secretary Zhou." Lin Fan got out of the car and opened the door.

"I've told you so many times, call me Brother Zhou when we're not around." Zhou Wenyuan got into the back seat. "Let's go to work."

The car smoothly drove out of the residential compound and merged into the morning rush hour traffic. The air conditioning was on full blast, and the car was cool inside.

"Any news from Zhao Gang?" Zhou Wenyuan asked.

"Yes, they called me last night," Lin Fan said as he drove. "There's been some progress on the leads in Australia."

"How so?"

"He asked a friend who's a lawyer in Australia to help him investigate the backgrounds of those remittance companies," Lin Fan said. "They found something. Those shell companies all had a common contact person behind them, a Chinese man surnamed Chen who ran an immigration agency in Sydney. This Mr. Chen is a distant cousin of Zhang Jianguo's wife."

Zhou Wenyuan's eyes lit up: "Are you sure?"

"Confirmed," Lin Fan said. "Zhao Gang's friend checked the immigration records and found that Zhang Jianguo's wife went to Australia two years ago and stayed at this Chinese family surnamed Chen's house. Moreover, this Chinese family surnamed Chen's bank account has seen large sums of money coming in and out, with unclear sources."

"Great!" Zhou Wenyuan slapped his thigh. "This is an important clue. With this, we can follow the trail."

"Zhao Gang has already compiled the materials and sent them over this morning," Lin Fan said. "He also said that through this Chinese man surnamed Chen, they might be able to uncover even more. Apparently, this man is quite well-known in the Australian Chinese community, specializing in 'handling' funds for some people in China."

Zhou Wenyuan nodded, leaned back in his chair, and pondered for a while.

"Lin Fan, this case might be bigger than we thought," he said. "Zhang Jianguo, a deputy director-level official, was able to launder money through relatives in Australia; there must be someone else behind this."

"I think so too," Lin Fan said. "But what we have now are just clues, not evidence. And even if we had evidence, this case is beyond our jurisdiction. It involves foreign funds, and it may involve more than just the people of Steel City."

Zhou Wenyuan didn't speak, looking out the window. The car had already arrived at the municipal party committee compound and stopped in front of the office building.

"Go to my office first." Zhou Wenyuan got out of the car. "I'll go report to the Party Secretary."

At 10 a.m., Zhao Gang arrived, carrying a thick file bag.

"Old Lin, it's all here." He placed the file folder on the table. "Investigation materials from Australia, and our analysis of Zhang Jianguo's network of connections."

Lin Fan opened the file bag and looked at each document. The materials were very detailed, including bank statements, immigration records, communication records, and even several photos—a photo of Zhang Jianguo's wife in Australia with that Chinese man surnamed Chen.

"Zhao Gang, thank you for your trouble with these materials," Zhou Wenyuan said.

"Of course," Zhao Gang said. "But Secretary Zhou, Lao Lin, I have to tell you the truth—we might not be able to cover this up anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"My friend in Australia said that this Chinese man surnamed Chen has very deep connections in China. The funds he handles may involve several provinces and cities," Zhao Gang said in a low voice. "My friend reminded me that it's okay to investigate, but I should be careful. He said that there might be people in China who don't want these things to be exposed."

Zhou Wenyuan and Lin Fan exchanged a glance. They both understood what he meant.

"Leave the materials here for now," Zhou Wenyuan said. "You two continue collecting evidence, but be careful. I'll handle the rest."

After Zhao Gang left, Zhou Wenyuan took the materials and went to the municipal party secretary's office. He stayed there for more than an hour.

When he returned, his expression was grave.

"The Party Secretary read the materials and took them very seriously." Zhou Wenyuan sat down. "He agreed with my suggestion to report it directly to the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission."

"Will the provincial government accept the request?" Lin Fan asked.

"We have to take it," Zhou Wenyuan said. "This case is no longer just a local matter in Gangcheng. It involves overseas money laundering and personnel within the political and legal system, so it's very serious. If the province won't take it, we'll report it to higher levels."

The reporting process was swift. That afternoon, the materials were delivered to the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission. Three days later, the province responded: a joint investigation team would be established, with the participation of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, the Provincial Public Security Department, and the Provincial Procuratorate.

Another week later, the joint investigation team secretly entered the steel city. Without making a sound or giving any notice, they stayed at the municipal party committee guesthouse and began their work.

Lin Fan still drove Zhou Wenyuan to and from get off work every day, but he could sense that the atmosphere in the municipal party committee compound was different. He often saw unfamiliar vehicles coming and going, and some people dressed in casual clothes but with a very special demeanor.

He knew a storm was coming.

The investigation team made rapid progress. Building on the foundation laid in Steel City, they followed the leads relentlessly. The Chinese man surnamed Chen in Australia became their breakthrough. Through him, they uncovered more fund flows and more names.

The case snowballed, getting bigger and bigger.

A month later, the investigation expanded from the steel city to the entire province. Two months later, it began to involve some people in the provincial departments. Three months later, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection intervened and established a special task force.

During this time, Lin Fan's life was peaceful. He drove every day, handled miscellaneous tasks, picked up and dropped off the children, and spent time with his family. Wang Juan's store in the provincial capital was doing very well; since its opening on May Day, its sales had exceeded expectations. His sister's family drove the Land Cruiser he had given them and were living quite comfortably. His father drove his Honda to and from get off work every day and occasionally took his mother out for a drive.

On the surface, everything seemed fine. But Lin Fan knew that something was amiss beneath the surface.

Sometimes in the evenings, he would receive a call from Zhao Gang, and they would chat for a few minutes about the progress of the investigation. Occasionally, Zhou Wenyuan would reveal a little information to him, but not much.

All he could do was wait.

In September, the autumn winds began to blow.

One morning, when Lin Fan was dropping Zhou Wenyuan off at work, Zhou Wenyuan suddenly said, "I'm not going to the office today, I'm going to the guesthouse."

Lin Fan understood immediately, asked no further questions, and turned to go to the municipal party committee guesthouse.

The guesthouse was sealed off and guarded by plainclothes officers. Zhou Wenyuan showed his identification and led Lin Fan inside. In a conference room sat several unfamiliar faces, but all with composed demeanors.

"Secretary Zhou is here." A man in his fifties stood up. "And this is?"

"My assistant, Lin Fan," Zhou Wenyuan introduced. "Lin Fan, this is Team Leader Liu from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection's special investigation team."

"Hello, Team Leader Liu." Lin Fan shook hands.

"Comrade Lin Fan, I know you." Team Leader Liu smiled. "You did a lot of work on this case in the early stages. Thank you for your hard work."

"Of course."

The meeting began. Team Leader Liu introduced the latest developments in the case. As the investigation deepened, a vast network surfaced: involving money laundering, bribery, abuse of power, and bending the law for personal gain... from the provincial department to the municipal bureau, from the court to the procuratorate, and even several local party and government leaders.

Zhang Jianguo is just one link in this network, and a relatively low one at that. Above him, there are even bigger fish.

"Based on the evidence we have so far, this network has existed for at least eight years," said Team Leader Liu. "It involves more than 200 million yuan and nearly 100 people. More than half of them are from within the political and legal system."

The meeting room was quiet. Although everyone was somewhat prepared, hearing these numbers still shocked them.

"Next, it's time to close the net," Team Leader Liu said. "Secretary Zhou, we still need your cooperation in Gangcheng."

"We will fully cooperate," Zhou Wenyuan said.

It was already noon when Lin Fan came out of the guesthouse. The autumn sun was shining brightly, but he felt a little cold.

"It's finally coming to an end," Zhou Wenyuan said.

"Hmm." Lin Fan nodded. "These people... are truly lawless."

"With great power comes great responsibility." Zhou Wenyuan looked at the distant sky. "But some people only remember power and forget responsibility."

---

The operation began in the early hours of the morning.

In the steel city, people from the Public Security Bureau, the Procuratorate, and the Court were all taken away simultaneously. Some were at home, some at their workplaces, and some on the street. The operation was swift and secretive.

The news slowly spread the next day. There was much discussion in the municipal government compound, but no one dared to discuss it openly.

Lin Fan still drove Zhou Wenyuan to and from get off work every day. Sometimes on the road, they could see police cars driving by with their lights flashing. Sometimes at the workplace, they could hear some hushed discussions.

But he didn't ask or say anything; he just focused on doing his own thing.

By the end of October, the case was basically solved. Those involved were arrested or investigated as appropriate. Disciplinary decisions were issued one after another: expulsion from the Party, dismissal from public office, and transfer to judicial authorities…

The political and legal system of the steel city has experienced a major upheaval.

Zhang Jianguo was among the first to be dealt with. He was convicted of bribery, abuse of power, and money laundering, and sentenced to fifteen years in prison. His wife was also involved and sentenced to three years. The Chinese man surnamed Chen in Australia was placed on Interpol's red notice for arrest.

Other individuals involved in the case were dealt with according to the severity of their offenses; some were sentenced to prison, some were dismissed from their posts, and some received demerits.

For a time, everyone in the steel city's cadre ranks felt insecure.

One day in early November, Lin Fan was driving Zhou Wenyuan home from get off work. On the way, Zhou Wenyuan suddenly said, "Stop the car."

Lin Fan parked the car on the side of the road.

"Let's go for a walk," Zhou Wenyuan said.

The two got out of the car and walked slowly along the riverbank. In autumn, the willow leaves along the river had turned yellow, rustling softly in the wind.

"Lin Fan, the case is closed," Zhou Wenyuan said.

"Okay, it's over."

What are your thoughts?

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "My thought... is that it's time to end this."

Zhou Wenyuan looked at him: "Don't you feel aggrieved? You were dismissed from your post, framed, and now that the case has been solved, you haven't been reinstated."

"I'm not feeling stifled." Lin Fan smiled. "Brother Zhou, to be honest, I've had a pretty peaceful six months. I drive you around every day, take care of some odd jobs, and spend the rest of my time with my family. I think it's been great."

"Do you really think so?"

"I really think so," Lin Fan said earnestly. "When I was deputy secretary, it seemed glamorous, but it was tiring and stressful. Now, it's simple and easy. And..."

He paused for a moment: "The case is solved, the bad guys have been punished, and the wronged have received justice. That's enough. My personal matters are not important."

Zhou Wenyuan stared at him for a long time, then patted him on the shoulder: "You kid, your level is higher than mine."

The two continued walking. The setting sun turned the river surface golden.

After walking for a while, Zhou Wenyuan said, "There's something else I need to tell you."

"Um?"

"I might be moving," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The Party Secretary talked to me, and the province is quite satisfied with my work. I might be transferred to the province by the end of this year, or at the latest, early next year."

Lin Fan was taken aback: "The provincial level? What's that?"

"It's not decided yet," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Would you like to come with me?"

"Of course I'll go with you," he said.

"No rush, there's still time," Zhou Wenyuan said.

The two walked back to the car. It was already dark, and the streetlights came on.

On his drive home, Lin Fan thought a lot. Going to the provincial capital meant a new platform and new opportunities. But it also meant leaving his family and his familiar surroundings.

In this life, he sought only stability and wealth. Now, he has both. Will going to the provincial capital disrupt this stability?

he does not know.

When they arrived home, Wang Juan had already prepared dinner. The family sat together, enjoying a lively meal. Baby Beibei eagerly talked about what happened at kindergarten. The parents asked about everyday things, while Wang Juan talked about the shop.

This ordinary yet warm life is exactly what he wants.

After dinner, they put the child to bed. Lin Fan and Wang Juan sat on the sofa watching TV.

"What did Secretary Zhou say to you today?" Wang Juan asked.

Lin Fan told Wang Juan about Zhou Wenyuan's impending transfer to the provincial government. After listening, Wang Juan remained silent for a while.

Wang Juan held his hand: "Wherever you go, the child and I will go. If you want to go to the provincial capital, we'll go."

"Thank you." Lin Fan hugged her.

Lin Fan didn't sleep well that night. In his dream, he saw himself working in a high-rise building in the provincial capital, busy as a bee. He also saw himself at home in the steel city, playing with his child.

Two scenes appear alternately.

He didn't know what to choose.

But no matter what choice he makes, one thing is certain: in this life, he wants to live the life he wants.

Whether it's stability or ambition, as long as I feel at ease and my family is safe, that's enough.

Outside the window, the autumn night has deepened.

The sun will rise as usual tomorrow.

Life will go on.