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

At the end of December, the steel city had a light snowfall. It was light, just a thin layer, and it melted as soon as the sun came out, leaving only a few white spots at the base of the shady walls.

Lin Fan drove Zhou Wenyuan to work in the morning. The two didn't speak much on the way. The streets outside the car window were decorated with lanterns and colorful lights; with the New Year approaching, shops were hanging red lanterns.

After arriving at the municipal party committee compound and parking the car, Zhou Wenyuan did not rush to get out.

"Lin Fan, the position has been decided in the province." He looked ahead, his voice calm.

Lin Fan tightened his grip on the steering wheel: "What position?"

"The provincial power company, chairman," Zhou Wenyuan said. "I'll probably have to go there after the New Year."

The provincial power company is a state-owned enterprise, at the ministerial level. This position carries considerable power, but it also means leaving the Party and government system. Lin Fan was somewhat surprised; he had originally thought Zhou Wenyuan would go to the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission or the Provincial Public Security Department.

"Why is it the power company?" he asked.

"It was arranged by the organization." Zhou Wenyuan smiled. "Enterprises are relatively simpler, with less backstabbing. Besides, the power industry is a vital sector for people's livelihood, so being able to do practical work opens up more career advancement opportunities."

"Well... congratulations, Brother Zhou."

"What's there to congratulate? It's all the same job." Zhou Wenyuan turned to look at him. "I've been thinking about it, and I'm going to reinstate your position. You'll need a proper status to get things done when you come with me."

Lin Fan shook his head: "Brother Zhou, no need. I'll just be your driver and assistant, I don't care about the position."

"You don't care, but I do," Zhou Wenyuan said. "You've been with me for so many years and suffered so much injustice. Now that the case is solved, what's owed to you should be returned to you. Besides, you won't have any official status in the provincial capital, which will make things inconvenient for you."

"Really, you don't need to..."

"Listen to me," Zhou Wenyuan interrupted him. "First, I'll get you a position at the level of a section chief, a sinecure as the head of the office. I won't give you any actual work; it's just so you can follow me around. Is that alright?"

Seeing Zhou Wenyuan's resolute attitude, Lin Fan knew he couldn't refuse and had no choice but to nod: "Alright, I'll do as you say."

"That's more like it." Zhou Wenyuan patted him on the shoulder. "Come with me to take up your post after the New Year. Make arrangements at home, make sure everything is taken care of."

"it is good."

Zhou Wenyuan got out of the car. Lin Fan sat in the car, lost in thought for a while. Provincial capital, power company, section chief level. None of that really mattered to him. What mattered was that Zhou Wenyuan needed him, so he went.

In this life, it is his good fortune to have a leader and elder brother like Zhou Wenyuan. He will repay the kindness shown to him.

When Lin Fan got home that evening, he told Wang Juan about it.

"The provincial power company? Does that mean I have to work in the provincial capital?" Wang Juan stopped folding clothes.

"Yeah, I'll have to go there after the New Year," Lin Fan said. "Brother Zhou said he'd reinstate me to the rank of section chief, and give me a sinecure as the head of the office, but I'll mainly be his driver and assistant."

Wang Juan thought for a moment and said, "What about our family? The children are still in kindergarten."

"I've discussed it with Brother Zhou," Lin Fan said. "I'll go there first, find a house in the provincial capital, buy it, and renovate it. Once it's all set up, you can bring the kids and your parents over. You can leave your shop to the shop manager; he can just come back to check on it periodically."

"What about your parents? What happened to them?"

"My parents have moved back to the subsidized housing provided by the Finance Bureau," Lin Fan said. "They live across from my sister's apartment, so they can look after each other. Also, Niu Niu is in elementary school now, and with her grandparents around, my sister and her parents can have an easier time."

Wang Juan was silent for a while, then continued folding clothes. Lin Fan knew what she was thinking, so he went over and hugged her.

"Reluctant to leave the steel city?"

"A little." Wang Juan leaned on his shoulder. "We've lived here for so many years, and we have friends and relatives all here. It's hard to adjust to moving to the provincial capital all at once."

"I'll get used to it gradually," Lin Fan said. "There are more opportunities for development in the provincial capital, and it's better for the children's education. Besides, Brother Zhou has been kind to me; he needs me, so I have to go."

"I know," Wang Juan looked up. "Wherever you go, the child and I will go. It's just... housing prices in the provincial capital aren't cheap these days, are they?"

"It's alright. Good locations in the city center are six or seven thousand, and in the suburbs, two or three thousand," Lin Fan said. "We're financially comfortable now, so buying a decent apartment shouldn't be a problem. Besides, don't you have a shop in the provincial capital? Perfect, it'll be easier to manage in the future."

Wang Juan nodded: "Okay, you handle it. When are you leaving?"

"After the New Year, probably around the fifteenth day of the first lunar month."

"So soon?" Wang Juan was a little surprised. "Then we'd better hurry up and prepare for the New Year."

"Okay," Lin Fan said. "I'll talk to my parents about it tomorrow."

The next day, Lin Fan drove his parents to his sister's house. On the way, he told her about his trip to the provincial capital.

The father sat in the passenger seat, silent for a moment, then asked, "Do we really have to go?"

"Secretary Zhou has been kind to me, and he needs me," Lin Fan said. "Besides, going to the provincial capital will be good for the children's education."

"Then... what will your mother and I do if you go?" the father asked directly.

"You and Mom can go back to the subsidized housing," Lin Fan said. "It'll be across from my sister's, so we can look after each other. Niu Niu is starting elementary school now, so you can help with pick-up and drop-off, which will make things easier for my sister and her family."

The mother whispered in the back seat, "Then...we won't see baby Beibei anymore."

"We can see them," Lin Fan said. "The provincial capital isn't far from the steel city, only a two-and-a-half-hour drive. If you miss the kids, you can come and stay for a few days. Or we can come back on the weekend. It's convenient now that we have a car."

The father sighed, "Alright, you young people can decide for yourselves. Your mother and I have no objections, we just can't bear to part with our child."

"I'll miss you and Mom too," Lin Fan said, "but there's nothing I can do, it's work."

When they arrived at his sister's house, Lin Ping and Sun Lin were both there. Lin Fan explained the situation again.

Lin Ping's eyes reddened after hearing this: "Xiao Fan, are you really going to the provincial capital?"

"Yes, sis, I have to leave after the New Year."

"Then... what about Mom and Dad?" Lin Ping asked.

"Mom and Dad are going back to their subsidized housing, the apartment across from yours," Lin Fan said. "Sis, we're entrusting Mom and Dad to you from now on. Call me anytime if anything happens."

"Don't say 'please,' Mom and Dad are still my parents." Lin Ping wiped her eyes. "Just go without worry, I'll take care of things at home. But the provincial capital is so far away, you have to take good care of yourself since you're going alone first."

"Know."

Sun Lin patted Lin Fan on the shoulder: "Xiao Fan, do a good job in the provincial capital. Secretary Zhou has treated you well, you must live up to his trust."

"Yes, brother-in-law, I know."

The family had lunch. The atmosphere at the table was a little somber. Baby Beibei didn't understand what going to the provincial capital meant and just focused on eating. Niu Niu understood and took Lin Fan's hand, asking, "Uncle, you're going to the provincial capital, will you come back?"

"Come back, of course I'll come back." Lin Fan patted his niece's head. "Uncle comes back to see Niu Niu every week."

"Pinky promise."

"Pinky promise."

In the days that followed, Lin Fan became busy.

First, there was the matter of reinstatement. Zhou Wenyuan personally contacted the Municipal Party Committee's Organization Department, and it was quickly processed. He was reinstated as a section chief in the Municipal Party Committee's Political and Legal Affairs Commission Office—everyone knew this was just a title, as Lin Fan was about to leave.

The day the document was issued, Zhao Gang treated Lin Fan to dinner.

"Old Lin, are you really leaving?" Zhao Gang poured him a drink.

"Yes, I'll go to the provincial capital after the New Year." Lin Fan raised his glass. "Zhao Gang, you've worked hard these past six months."

"It's nothing, it's my duty." Zhao Gang clinked glasses with Zhao Gang. "To be honest, I'm reluctant to see you go. But I also know that Secretary Zhou needs you, so you have to go."

"The future of Steel City rests on your shoulders," Lin Fan said. "The political and legal system has just been reorganized, and everything needs to be rebuilt. Do a good job, and you'll have a bright future."

"I'll do my best," Zhao Gang said. "By the way, if you need any help when you go to the provincial capital, just let me know. I have a few friends at the Provincial Public Security Bureau; I can introduce them to you then."

"Okay, thank you."

The two drank until they were slightly tipsy. Zhao Gang asked Lin Fan where he was staying in the provincial capital, and Lin Fan said he hadn't found a place yet and would look for one when he got there. Zhao Gang said he had a classmate in the provincial capital who worked in real estate and could help.

After finishing his meal, Lin Fan drove home. On the way, he thought about the events of the past year. From being dismissed from his post, to investigating the case, to solving it, and now being heading to the provincial capital. It all felt like a dream.

But he knew this wasn't a dream. This was his choice, his life.

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

Lin Fan took a day off and drove to the provincial capital to look at houses. Wang Juan originally wanted to go with him, but the shop was busy at the end of the year and she couldn't leave, so she asked him to go and take a look first.

Winters in the provincial capital are colder and windier than in the steel city. Lin Fan made an appointment with a real estate agent and looked at several properties.

The first one is in the city center, a newly opened development, fully furnished, priced at 12,000 yuan per square meter. The environment is nice, but the price is too high.

The second one is near the Second Ring Road, in a villa area, priced at 7,500 yuan per square meter. The community is quite large with good landscaping, but it's a bit far from the city center. Lin Fan calculated that 520 square meters would cost 3.9 million yuan, fully furnished, which was acceptable.

The third one is in the suburbs, a newly developed area, priced at 5,800 yuan per square meter. The community is newly built, and the surrounding facilities are not yet complete, but the planning is good, with a subway and schools nearby. It's just a bit far from Wang Juan's shop.

After a day of looking, Lin Fan had a better idea. He preferred the one near the Second Ring Road; the price was reasonable, and the location was good. Plus, there were good schools in that area, making it convenient for his child to attend school later.

He discussed it with Wang Juan when he returned to Gangcheng that evening.

"The one near the Second Ring Road, 520 square meters, fully furnished, with a double garage. You can buy it, do some simple tidying, and move in together," Lin Fan said. "It's a 20-minute drive from your shop in the provincial capital, not far. There's a kindergarten in the complex, and the elementary school is pretty good too."

"How much?" Wang Juan asked.

"Seven thousand five hundred and one level, 3.9 million."

Wang Juan did the math: "Okay, we have cash on hand, full payment is fine too."

Lin Fan said, "I'll go buy it after the New Year, and then I'll get everything set up so you can move in."

"Hmm." Wang Juan leaned on his shoulder. "Xiao Fan, do you think we'll be able to adapt if we go to the provincial capital?"

"Yes, I can." Lin Fan hugged her. "With you here and the children here, anywhere is home."

As the year draws to a close, Lin Fan takes some time to move his parents' belongings from Riverside Garden back to their subsidized housing. There weren't many large items, just clothes, bedding, and daily necessities. His parents had lived with him for over two years, and the sudden decision to move left them feeling uneasy.

"Dad, Mom, this house is reserved for you," Lin Fan said. "You can come back anytime you want."

"What's the point of keeping it? If you're not going to live here, just rent it out," the father said. "We can still collect some rent each month."

"Don't rent it out, keep it." Lin Fan insisted. "This is our root in Steel City. We have to keep it so we can live here again when we come back. Let's rent out the place near the Finance Bureau and the garage. Dad, when you have time, go and tidy it up, and tidy up the garage so you can rent it out."

The mother wiped away her tears: "Xiao Fan, when you go to the provincial capital, come back and visit often."

"Mom, we'll come back to see you whenever we have time. If you want to come over, give me a call and I'll come back to pick you up."

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, my sister's family came over for dinner. It was both a farewell dinner and a family reunion dinner.

Lin Ping cooked a lot of dishes, all of which were Lin Fan's favorites. At the dinner table, everyone tried to talk about happy things, but the atmosphere was still a bit sad.

"Xiao Fan, do a good job in the provincial capital." The father raised his wine glass. "Secretary Zhou has been kind to you, you must live up to his kindness."

"I know, Dad."

"Work is important, but your health is important too," the mother said. "Don't overwork yourself, and eat on time."

"I know, Mom."

Lin Ping served food to Lin Fan: "Xiao Fan, there's not much I can do to help you, just one thing: come home when you're tired, this will always be your home."

"Thank you, sister."

Sun Lin also said, "Xiao Fan, call me if you need anything. The provincial capital is far away, but it's only a little over two hours by car, so I can go anytime."

"Um."

After dinner, the children played in the living room. The adults sat on the sofa chatting. Lin Fan looked at his home and felt a warmth in his heart. In this life, he had such a wonderful family; it was all worthwhile.

On New Year's Eve, Lin Fan's family celebrated the holiday at Riverside Garden. This was their last New Year's Eve in this house; next year at this time, they would be in their new home in the provincial capital.

The Spring Festival Gala was as lively as ever, with firecrackers going off everywhere. Baby and Beibei were incredibly sleepy, but they insisted on staying awake to watch the fireworks. Lin Fan carried them to the balcony, watching the fireworks bloom in the night sky.

"Daddy, are there fireworks in the provincial capital too?" the baby asked.

"Yes, there are fireworks everywhere," Lin Fan said.

"Are there any kindergartens in the provincial capital?"

"Yes, it's bigger than the one in Steel City."

"Do...do you have grandparents in the provincial capital?" Beibei asked.

Lin Fan felt a pang of sadness: "We don't have grandparents in the provincial capital, but we can come back to see them often."

"Oh." The two children seemed to understand but not quite.

Wang Juan walked over and put her arm around Lin Fan's waist: "What are you thinking about?"

"Thinking about our journey so far," Lin Fan said, "it's been seven years since 2003. From a temporary worker in the Finance Bureau to the Deputy Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, and now we're going to the provincial capital. It feels like a dream."

"It's not a dream, it's something we've achieved step by step," Wang Juan said. "Things will only get better in the future."

"Um."

At midnight, the clock struck midnight. Fireworks lit up the entire city, illuminating the night sky as if it were daytime.

Lin Fan embraced his wife and children, gazing at the magnificent view outside the window.

A new year is about to begin.

A new life is about to begin.

In this life, he sought stability and wealth. Now, he has both. Going to the provincial capital presents a new challenge, but also a new opportunity.

But he wasn't afraid.

With family around and Brother Zhou leading the way, what is there to be afraid of?

The road ahead is long, take it slow.

As long as I feel at ease and my family is safe, that's all that matters.

The fireworks gradually faded, and the night sky returned to tranquility.

Lin Fan turned off the TV and put the child to sleep.

Tomorrow will be another new day.

And their new life is about to begin.