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

On the 18th day of the first lunar month, the provincial power company officially resumed work.

Lin Fan arrived at the office at 7:30 a.m. and picked up Zhou Wenyuan from the hotel to go to the office. Zhou Wenyuan was going to have a team meeting today to arrange the work for the new year.

"Lin Fan, go to the logistics department," Zhou Wenyuan said as he got out of the car. "Make sure you get the car and house arrangements sorted out. I might have to go to the Provincial Energy Bureau after my meeting, so get the car ready."

"it is good."

After seeing Zhou Wenyuan upstairs, Lin Fan went directly to the logistics department. The director's office was on the third floor; the door was open, and a man in his fifties was on the phone.

"Yes, yes, we must keep a close eye on the progress of the chairman's house renovation, work around the clock... Hmm, the quality cannot be compromised... Okay, that's settled."

After hanging up the phone, the man saw Lin Fan standing at the door and quickly stood up: "You must be Section Chief Lin? Mr. Zhou's assistant?"

"I'm Lin Fan." Lin Fan walked in. "What's your name?"

"My surname is Zheng, Zheng Guodong, and I'm the head of the logistics department." Head Zheng shook hands warmly. "Chairman Zhou instructed me yesterday that you would be coming today. Please have a seat."

The two sat down, and Director Zheng personally brewed tea.

"Section Chief Lin, don't worry about the cars, everything has been arranged," said Director Zheng. "There's a dedicated parking space for the chairman in the underground garage, with two cars parked there. One is a brand new Audi A8, just picked up, top-of-the-line model. The other is a Toyota Land Cruiser, bought last year, hardly driven, in excellent condition. There's also a Coaster in the garage behind the office building, and the driver has been arranged, an experienced and highly skilled driver."

Lin Fan nodded: "What about the car keys and paperwork?"

"It's all here." Director Zheng took out two file folders from the drawer. "The vehicle registration certificates, insurance policies, and car keys for the A8 and Land Cruiser. The Coaster's keys are with the driver; they're available anytime."

Lin Fan opened the file folder and checked; all the paperwork was complete. The A8 was black, exuding a dignified and sophisticated air. The Land Cruiser was white, suitable for rural areas and construction sites. The Coaster served as a mobile office, making it convenient for Zhou Wenyuan to take his team on research trips in the future.

"What about housing?" Lin Fan asked.

"The house is being renovated and will take another week," Director Zheng said. "As you know, the chairman lives in the company's leadership residential area. The original house had been vacant for more than half a year, and some parts needed to be redone. We found the best renovation team to work around the clock to ensure quality."

"Can you take me to see it?"

"Yes, I'll go now."

Director Zheng led Lin Fan downstairs and drove to the residential area. It wasn't far, a fifteen-minute drive from the company. It was a very quiet neighborhood with security guards at the entrance, checking things very strictly. Inside was a small park, shaded by green trees, with a very pleasant environment. There was only one building in the park, eight stories high, which looked ordinary, but Director Zheng said that it was where all the company's department-level and above cadres lived.

"The chairman's house is in Unit 3, which is a three-story building." Director Zheng said as they walked. "From the outside, it looks like an ordinary residence, but the interior is open-plan, with the first, second, and third floors as one unit."

Downstairs, workers were going in and out, carrying materials. The two went straight inside; construction was underway.

"The first floor has a living room, dining room, kitchen, and a maid's room," Director Zheng explained. "The second floor has a master bedroom, a study, and two guest rooms. The third floor has a children's room and a playroom. Each floor has a bathroom, and the master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom."

The house is quite large, over 300 square meters in total. The decoration style is simple yet elegant, using high-quality materials. Workers are currently wallpapering and laying flooring, working diligently and enthusiastically.

"How's the progress?" Lin Fan asked a foreman-like man.

"Five days at the fastest, seven days at the slowest," the foreman said. "The floor can be finished today, the walls will be finished tomorrow, and the furniture will be delivered the day after tomorrow. After airing it out for two more days, it will be ready to move in."

Lin Fan examined it carefully and found the renovation quality to be quite good. The walls were smooth, the wiring was neat, and the materials were all environmentally friendly.

"Director Zheng, thank you for your hard work," Lin Fan said. "The chairman's family may be coming next week, so the house needs to be ready as soon as possible."

"Don't worry, it will definitely be completed on time," said Director Zheng. "We've furnished it with all the furniture and appliances, so you can move in right away. Oh, and the house has a garage that can park two cars. There's also a small back garden with some flowers and plants."

"That's good." Lin Fan nodded. "Then, please take care of the house. I'll go check on the car now."

"Okay, I'll go with you."

The two returned to the company and went straight to the underground parking garage. The chairman's private parking space was in section B, a very conspicuous location. A brand-new black Audi A8 was parked there, gleaming. Next to it was a white Toyota Land Cruiser, tall and imposing.

Lin Fan opened the A8 door and got in. The interior was luxurious, with leather seats, real wood trim, and a large central touchscreen. He started the engine and tested it; the engine was very quiet and powerful. He then looked at the Land Cruiser; it was in excellent condition, with a clean interior that clearly showed it had been meticulously maintained.

"Who is responsible for the maintenance of these two vehicles?" Lin Fan asked.

"The company fleet undergoes standardized maintenance," said Director Zheng. "We maintain the fleet every 5,000 kilometers, and the records are all kept. Fuel cards are also provided, and we use 98-octane gasoline."

"You can drive the chairman's car, or we can arrange a driver from the fleet," Director Zheng said. "The Coaster has a dedicated driver surnamed Wang. He has been driving large trucks for twenty years, so his skills are excellent."

Lin Fan understood. Zhou Wenyuan's vehicle arrangement would work. The A8 would be used in the city, the Land Cruiser in the countryside, and the Coaster for the team. Drivers could be flexibly assigned, and Lin Fan himself could drive as well.

"Director Zheng, thank you for making such thoughtful arrangements," Lin Fan said. "Let's communicate more in the future if anything comes up."

"You're too kind, this is just my job," Director Zheng said with a smile. "Section Chief Lin, please take care of me in the future."

"Take care of each other."

After inspecting the car, Lin Fan returned to his office. Zhou Wenyuan was still in a meeting, so Lin Fan was organizing documents in the outer room. There were many materials piled on the table, including the company's annual plan, reports from various branches, and documents from the provincial government.

Lin Fan looked through them one by one, marking the important ones, waiting for Zhou Wenyuan to return and handle them.

Zhou Wenyuan returned around 11:00 AM after finishing his meeting.

"How is it?" he asked.

"Everything's been arranged," Lin Fan reported. "Three vehicles have been allocated: an Audi A8, a Land Cruiser, and a Coaster. The housing is being renovated and should be ready in five to seven days. Is there anything else you need?"

Zhou Wenyuan nodded: "I trust you to handle things. By the way, I need to go to the Energy Bureau this afternoon, so please get the car ready."

"Driving an A8?"

"Yes, the A8 will do."

At noon, the two ate in the cafeteria. The cafeteria was on the second floor, a buffet with a wide variety of dishes. As soon as Zhou Wenyuan entered, many people stood up to greet him.

Hello, Jay Chou.

"Jay Chou is here."

Zhou Wenyuan responded to each question without any airs. The two found a corner to sit down.

"Lin Fan, things are different here in the provincial capital than in the steel city," Zhou Wenyuan said while eating. "The power company is a state-owned enterprise, with complicated relationships and a lot of people and things to do. You're new here, so listen and observe more, and speak less."

"I know," Lin Fan said. "Brother Zhou, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"Hmm," Zhou Wenyuan said, "Your title of office section chief is just that—a title. You don't have any specific duties. You'll just follow me around and help me with some things. But the department heads and directors in the company are all higher-ranking than you, so you still have to show them the respect they deserve."

"clear."

After finishing his meal, he went back to his office to rest for a while. At 2 PM, Lin Fan drove Zhou Wenyuan to the Provincial Energy Bureau.

The Provincial Energy Bureau is located next to the Provincial Government building; it's a very imposing building. Zhou Wenyuan went inside for a meeting, while Lin Fan waited in the car. He waited for three hours.

During that time, he made a phone call to Wang Juan.

"How's the house tidying up?"

"It's almost done," Wang Juan said. "Everything's back in its place, but there's still one small thing missing. What time are you coming back today?"

"I can't be sure, Brother Zhou is in a meeting, I'm waiting."

"Okay, then you go ahead with your work. By the way, I've looked at a few kindergartens for Baby and Beibei, and they're all pretty good. We can discuss it when you get back."

"it is good."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan checked the time; it was almost five o'clock. Just then, Zhou Wenyuan came out of the building, looking quite well.

"How did the talks go?" Lin Fan asked.

"That's good." Zhou Wenyuan got into the car. "The province is very supportive of the power company's work this year. Let's go back to the office."

On the way back to the company, Zhou Wenyuan talked about the work arrangements: "Next week I will be going down to conduct research, visiting power supply companies in several cities. You should prepare yourself; it may take three to five days."

"Okay, I'll arrange it," Lin Fan said. "Where will we stay? If it's a short stay, we can stay in a hotel; if it's a long stay..."

"The company hotel will be fine," Zhou Wenyuan said. "By the way, now that your house is ready, when will your family come?"

"Wang Juan and the child have already arrived, and my parents-in-law have come too," Lin Fan said. "Now all that's left is to tidy up the house."

"Okay, spend more time with them at home these next few days. You don't need to come to the office every day. I'll call you if anything comes up."

"That won't do, work is more important."

"Work is important, but family is important too," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Listen to me, these next few days you should focus on settling things at home. You can come with me when I go down to conduct research."

Lin Fan knew Zhou Wenyuan meant well and was touched: "Thank you, Brother Zhou."

"No need to thank me." Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand. "We've been together for so many years, let's not talk about these things."

After dropping Zhou Wenyuan off at his company, Lin Fan drove off to buy some more things. Although the new house was fully furnished with furniture and appliances, it still lacked many household items. Pots and pans, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, toilet paper, laundry detergent… these odds and ends were a hassle to buy.

I went to two supermarkets and finally bought everything. By the time I got home, it was already dark.

As soon as you enter, you can smell the aroma of food.

"You're back?" Wang Juan came out of the kitchen. "Dinner will be ready soon."

"Mommy made braised pork!" the baby ran over.

"There are fish too!" Beibei ran over as well.

Lin Fan held one in each arm: "Were you a good boy/girl at home today?"

"Good boy!" the two children said in unison.

My mother-in-law was setting the table, and my father-in-law was watching TV. The house was very tidy; the living room was clean and tidy, the kitchen was bright and clean, and the bedspreads in the bedroom were already made.

"Dad, Mom, thank you for your hard work," Lin Fan said.

"What's the hard work? It's good to tidy up your own home," my mother-in-law said with a smile. "This house is really nice, so big and bright. We can even grow vegetables in the front and back gardens. We'll be busy from now on."

The family sat together at mealtime. Their first home-cooked meal in their new home was simple, but heartwarming.

"Xiao Fan, how's work?" his father-in-law asked.

"It's great, Brother Zhou is taking good care of me," Lin Fan said. "It's just that I'm new here, and there's a lot I need to get used to."

"Take your time, don't rush," my father-in-law said. "Secretary Zhou... no, now I should call you Chairman Zhou. Chairman Zhou has been kind to you, so you must do a good job."

"I know."

"By the way, have you chosen a kindergarten for your baby yet?" Wang Juan asked.

"Not yet, waiting for you to decide," Lin Fan said. "Which one do you like?"

"I like the one in our neighborhood, it's a bilingual kindergarten, the environment is nice, and the teachers are good too," Wang Juan said. "It's just a bit expensive, 3,500 yuan a month."

"It's okay if it's a bit expensive; the child's education is important," Lin Fan said. "Let's take this one then; we'll register tomorrow."

"OK."

After dinner, they put the child to bed. Lin Fan and Wang Juan sat on the living room sofa, looking at their new home.

"It feels like a dream," Wang Juan said. "Seven years ago, we were renting a place in the steel city. Now, we live in such a big house."

"Yeah, things have changed a lot." Lin Fan hugged her. "But no matter where we live, the most important thing is that the family is together."

"You're right." Wang Juan leaned on his shoulder. "Xiao Fan, let's live a good life in the provincial capital."

"Yes, live life well."

As night deepened, the two returned to their bedroom to rest. They slept soundly on their first night in their new home.

The next day, Lin Fan went to Zhou Wenyuan's workplace briefly and told him he had some things to take care of at home. Zhou Wenyuan told him to go ahead and do his work, saying there wasn't anything important happening these next few days.

Lin Fan went home and accompanied Wang Juan to register the children for kindergarten. The procedures were completed quickly; they paid the fees, received their blankets and school uniforms, and the children would be able to start kindergarten next week.

Then I went to the supermarket to buy things that were missing from the house. I also went to the flower market and bought some flowers and plants to put in the house.

After two busy days, everything at home is finally settled. Everything we need is here, and life is back on track.

On the 22nd day of the first lunar month, Zhou Wenyuan was going down to conduct research. Lin Fan prepared his luggage in advance, checked the vehicle, and arranged the itinerary.

The two set off at seven in the morning. They were driving a Land Cruiser, with documents and luggage in the trunk.

The first stop was a prefecture-level city 200 kilometers from the provincial capital. On the way, Zhou Wenyuan looked out the window and suddenly asked, "Lin Fan, what are your plans for the provincial capital?"

Lin Fan was taken aback: "What are your plans?"

"It's work-related," Zhou Wenyuan said. "You can't keep driving me around. I'm thinking of getting you a real position after a while. Deputy Director of the Office, or maybe Deputy Director of some department. What do you think?"

Lin Fan thought for a moment and said, "Brother Zhou, I'm really not in a hurry. It's fine as it is now. I can help you handle things without taking any responsibility. Let's talk about it again once you've established yourself here."

"You're just too cautious," Zhou Wenyuan laughed. "Alright, I'll listen to you. But you'd better be prepared; sooner or later I'll have to put more pressure on you."

"Yes, I know."

The car traveled smoothly on the highway. Outside the window were fields in early spring, with green wheat seedlings full of vitality.

Lin Fan gripped the steering wheel, his mind calm.

In this life, from the steel city to the provincial capital, from a temporary worker to a section chief, from a small house to a large villa.

He was content.

But the road ahead is long, and we must continue.

Follow Zhou Wenyuan, work hard, and live well.

This is enough.

As the car entered the tunnel, the light dimmed.

But it will soon light up again.

Just like life, there is darkness and light.

But as long as the direction is right, you will eventually reach the light.

Lin Fan looked at the road ahead with a determined gaze.

A new life, a new beginning.

Keep up the good work.