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

In the following days, work at the unit remained busy but orderly. Zhou Wenyuan had just taken office, and various meetings, research trips, and reports were coming one after another. As his assistant, Lin Fan's schedule was packed. But he always had the crane business on his mind, and whenever he had a spare moment, he would rush to the infrastructure department.

Director Qin was a straightforward person. Seeing that Lin Fan was really interested, he took the time to have a detailed chat with him. The two didn't specifically look for a place; they just sat in Director Qin's office, made some tea, spread out the drawings and documents, and chatted naturally as if discussing work.

"Brother Lin, this matter isn't actually that complicated, the key is to get things done the right way." Director Qin took a sip of tea and pointed to a sample qualification document on the table. "First, you need a legitimate company. It can't be a shell company; it has to be registered as a 'Special Equipment Leasing Company.' That name sounds professional. Business licenses and tax registration are basic requirements, but the most important thing is to get a 'Special Equipment Installation, Modification and Repair License.' That's the essential license for this business. Without it, no matter how good your crane is, you can't use it at a wind farm."

Lin Fan listened attentively, taking out his notebook to jot down the key points. "Brother Qin, is this certificate easy to obtain? How long does it take?"

"The process will definitely be lengthy, and the review will be rigorous," Director Qin said frankly. "But we prepare the materials according to the proper procedures, and we have all the necessary equipment, personnel, and management systems, so there shouldn't be any major problems. I can introduce you to a few knowledgeable intermediaries; they are familiar with the process and can save you a lot of trouble. However, you'll have to negotiate the fees yourself."

Lin Fan nodded, indicating his understanding. He understood that while relationships mattered, the necessary procedures and expenses couldn't be omitted.

"Speaking of equipment," Director Qin said, flipping through several brochures for construction machinery, "when buying cranes, you can consider XCMG. It's a reputable brand, reliable in quality, and has a wide network of after-sales service outlets, so it's easy to resolve any problems. It offers better value for money than some imported brands, and you can use it with peace of mind."

He picked up a pen and started drawing on a piece of white paper, saying, "Installing a complete wind turbine, from the tower and nacelle to the blades, involves several stages of hoisting, each requiring a different tonnage of crane. Let me give you a rough estimate: For basic tasks like unloading and auxiliary hoisting, you'll need a 30-ton truck crane for its flexibility; for the main hoisting, such as the middle section of the tower and the nacelle, you'll need a 70-ton or 100-ton truck crane for its stability; and most importantly, for hoisting the heaviest parts—the bottom tower, the large nacelle, and the blades that are tens of meters long—you'll need a large truck crane of 160 tons or more. This is the main equipment and also the biggest expense."

He stopped writing and looked at Lin Fan: "Based on this calculation, at least three cranes of 30 tons, 70 tons, and 160 tons are needed for one work site. This is just the basic configuration. If you want to take on big jobs and meet deadlines, you may need to have backup cranes of the same tonnage."

Lin Fan looked at the three numbers on the paper and quickly calculated in his mind. "Brother Qin, how much will these three cars cost approximately?"

Director Qin, clearly well-versed in the market, spoke with considerable accuracy: "XCMG trucks, a 30-ton one, costs around a million, a 70-ton one three to four million, and a brand new 160-ton behemoth like that costs close to ten million. Acquiring these three, plus necessary spare parts, a trailer, and initial operating capital, a budget of twenty million is a fairly safe starting point. Of course, you could consider buying one or two well-maintained used mainline trucks, which would save a lot, but large-tonnage trucks are hard to find; you absolutely must have them inspected by experienced mechanics, because this equipment can't afford any mistakes."

Twenty million. This figure left Lin Fan speechless for a moment. It was more than he had initially anticipated. Although he had family wealth and Wang Juan's business was profitable, taking out so much cash at once, or using most of her stock assets, required careful consideration.

Director Qin noticed his hesitation and smiled, saying, "Brother, don't be intimidated by this number. This isn't about getting rich overnight. We can take it step by step. First, concentrate our resources on buying the most crucial 160-ton main crane, then rent a basic 30-ton or 50-ton auxiliary crane. That should get things started with around ten million yuan. We can take on some less complex lifting and installation projects, or collaborate with other teams that have the equipment. Once the team is established, our reputation is built, and the funds are flowing in, we can gradually add more equipment. Our wind power project has a long cycle; it's not something that can be accomplished overnight."

This idea sparked a light in Lin Fan's eyes. "Brother Qin, you're right, you have to take things one step at a time."

"Last and most importantly, it's about people." Director Qin's expression turned serious. "Crane operators, especially large ones, aren't something you can just operate if you know how to drive. Operators must be certified and preferably experienced. One experienced master operator can do the work of half a crane! You need to find and train them in advance. At a minimum, each crane needs a main operator, an assistant, plus a safety officer, on-site supervisor, maintenance technicians... A decent team can't function without at least ten or so professionals. These people aren't cheap, but you have to spend the money where it's necessary; safety and technical skills can't be compromised."

Lin Fan wrote all of this down in his notebook. Funding, equipment, personnel, qualifications—several major obstacles lay clearly before him. But he felt more at ease because he knew exactly what needed to be done and how to proceed step by step.

"Brother Qin, thank you so much. You've explained it so clearly for me," Lin Fan said sincerely, closing the notebook.

"Don't mention it. I'm only telling you this because you're reliable." Director Qin waved his hand. "Go back and think it over, come up with a plan. The preliminary paperwork for company registration and qualification applications can start simultaneously. We need to find the equipment and personnel gradually; we can't rush it. If you have any questions, feel free to come to me."

After leaving the infrastructure department, Lin Fan didn't immediately return to his office. Instead, he walked to the window at the end of the corridor and lit a cigarette. Outside the window was the skyline of the provincial capital, bathed in bright sunlight.

With 20 million yuan in start-up capital, a professional team, and cumbersome qualification applications, this is indeed no simple matter.

But he remembered Wang Xin's unwavering words on the phone, "I'll submit my resignation tomorrow," and Zhou Wenyuan's casual yet trusting "Go ahead and do it if you want."

It's a big challenge, but worth a try. He needs to plan carefully how to take this first step steadily and solidly.

After finishing his cigarette, he returned to his desk and began to organize his work. Preparing for the new business was a long-term endeavor, but in the immediate future, the materials for Mr. Zhou's afternoon meeting needed final verification, and the itinerary for tomorrow's business trip also needed to be confirmed once again.

Life and work, dreams and reality, intertwined in this way, propelling him forward.

On Friday afternoon, the sky in the provincial capital seemed exceptionally high and clear. Sunlight streamed through the huge glass windows of the office building, casting long, lazy dappled patterns of light down the corridor. The air was filled with a relaxed yet eager atmosphere, as if the weekend was approaching.

Lin Fan sat in his small outer office, several newly delivered documents spread out in front of him. He quickly scanned them, picking out those that needed Zhou Wenyuan's signature and categorizing the rest into folders. On the small calendar next to the keyboard, he lightly circled Friday in red pen. This week was finally coming to an end.

This week has certainly been hectic. Zhou Wenyuan has just taken office, and it's a crucial period following a sweeping overhaul. Meetings are non-stop: leadership meetings, special meetings on production safety, video conferences with municipal and prefecture-level companies, and coordination meetings with relevant provincial departments. Lin Fan's role is constant throughout—confirming schedules in advance, preparing materials, arranging vehicles, taking meeting minutes, and following up afterward… He has to be attentive to every detail.

As Zhou Wenyuan's driver, he had to ensure Zhou's punctuality, safety, and comfort on every trip. He checked the black A8 every morning and evening, polishing it until it gleamed. On the road, he was not only the driver but also Zhou's most reliable shield and ears. Sometimes Zhou would close his eyes to rest and contemplate problems in the car; sometimes they would chat for a bit about work, listening to his firsthand experience as an "outsider"; more often, the car was quiet, with only the low hum of the engine and the passing city scenery outside the window. This silent companionship was itself a form of tacit understanding and trust.

As Zhou Wenyuan's assistant, he was more like a hub in Zhou's workflow. Documents were initially filtered by him, information was summarized and disseminated through him, and matters requiring coordination between departments often started with him first. Yang Zhiyuan focused on written materials, being precise and efficient; Lin Fan was responsible for implementing those decisions on paper into specific people, specific times, and specific places. He didn't talk much, but he always responded to his promises and ensured that his arrangements were carried out. After a few days, the department heads and directors in the company gradually figured out the routine: it was best to check the time with Assistant Lin before reporting to Chairman Zhou; for any difficult matters that needed Chairman Zhou's coordination, communicating with Assistant Lin often led to a faster solution. He didn't have much authority, but he possessed a reliable and trustworthy quality.

"Assistant Lin," Yang Zhiyuan rushed in with a folder, a few beads of sweat on his forehead. "This is the revised draft of the afternoon team meeting minutes. Chairman Zhou asked us to finalize it and distribute it before the end of the day. Do you see any areas that need adjustment?"

Lin Fan took it and quickly read it through. Yang Zhiyuan's writing skills were indeed excellent; the text was clear, organized, and highlighted the key points. He pointed to a passage about a project's timeline: "Here, Chairman Zhou specifically emphasized at the meeting that it 'must be completed by the end of the third quarter,' but the minutes say 'completed within the third quarter.' The meaning is different; please correct it."

Yang Zhiyuan slapped his forehead: "Right, right, it was my oversight, I'll fix it right away." He looked at Lin Fan with admiration, for he remembered such a subtle difference.

After finishing processing the minutes, Lin Fan checked his watch; it was 4:50 PM. He stood up, gently knocked on the door of the inner office, and then pushed it open.

Zhou Wenyuan was standing by the window, his back to the door, watching the cars starting to drive out of the courtyard below. Hearing the sound, he turned around.

"Brother Zhou, it's five o'clock. I don't have any other plans for today. Would you like to work on some more documents, or get ready to leave?" Lin Fan asked.

Zhou Wenyuan stretched his shoulders, a hint of fatigue from a busy week showing on his face, but his eyes remained bright: "Let's go home. This week has been quite fulfilling. You should go home early and spend time with your kids too."

"Okay, I'll go get the car first."

Lin Fan went downstairs to the underground parking garage. The black A8 was quietly parked in its designated spot. As usual, he walked around the car, checked the tires, opened the door to inspect the interior and dashboard, and then got into the driver's seat to start the engine. The car was filled with a faint smell of leather and cleaning agents. He adjusted the air conditioning to a comfortable temperature and waited for Zhou Wenyuan to come down.

A few minutes later, Zhou Wenyuan appeared at the garage elevator entrance carrying a briefcase. Lin Fan got out of the car, took the briefcase and placed it on the passenger seat, then opened the back door for him.

The car smoothly drove out of the company compound and merged into the particularly congested traffic on a Friday evening. Soft, soothing music was playing on the radio.

"How's this week going?" Zhou Wenyuan suddenly asked, his voice relaxed and casual.

"The pace is pretty fast, but it's okay, everyone can keep up." Lin Fan glanced at the rearview mirror. "It's just that each department is just starting to adapt to the new requirements, and some processes still need to be refined."

"Yes, that's normal. We can't rush it, but we can't let our guard down either," Zhou Wenyuan said. "How's your team cooperating with Yang Zhiyuan?"

"That's good. He's quick with his pen and meticulous with his thoughts. We have a clear division of labor, so there's no arguing."

"That's good." Zhou Wenyuan leaned back in his seat, looking at the slowly moving line of cars outside the window. "How's your crane deal coming along?"

"I was just about to report to you," Lin Fan said, keeping an eye on the road. "I've talked to Director Qin twice more these past few days, and I've roughly figured out the ins and outs. Funding, equipment, manpower, qualifications—these are some major hurdles that we have to overcome step by step. I plan to start with the preliminary work, like company registration and qualification applications, and then slowly look for equipment and personnel. My brother, Wang Xin, should be able to come over this weekend so we can discuss it in person."

"That's the right approach. Take it easy and don't rush." ​​Zhou Wenyuan nodded. "If you need any compliance support from the company, such as needing a certificate or understanding industry regulations, you can directly contact Director Qin, or have Zhiyuan ask for help under the guise of research. Just keep the word 'compliance' in mind."

"Understood, Brother Zhou. Thank you."

"No need to thank me." Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand and changed the subject, "What are your plans for the weekend? Taking the kids out to play?"

"We'll see. If Wang Xin comes, we'll have to meet with him first. The kids have been saying they want to go to the zoo, so if we have time, we'll go on Sunday."

"Yes, spend more time with your family. Work is never-ending."

With constant traffic and stops, the journey that usually takes half an hour took an hour to reach Zhou Wenyuan's residence. Lin Fan parked the car and handed him his briefcase.

"Brother Zhou, have a great weekend. Feel free to call me anytime if you need anything."

"Okay, you get some rest too. See you Monday."

Watching Zhou Wenyuan walk through the gate, Lin Fan started the car again and drove towards home. His nerves, which had been tense for a week, finally began to relax at this moment.

Back at my home in "Beautiful Mountains and Rivers," I parked the car. Before even entering, I could hear children's laughter and the sounds of cartoons coming from inside. Pushing open the door, warm light and the aroma of food wafted out.

"Daddy's home!" Baby Beibei rushed over like two little cannonballs.

Lin Fan chuckled and squatted down, hugging one of them in each arm. Wang Juan, wearing an apron, poked her head out of the kitchen with a smile: "You're right on time today. Go wash your hands, dinner's ready in a minute."

My father-in-law was tending to the newly bought potted plants on the balcony, while my mother-in-law was setting the table. Everything was familiar and reassuring.

During dinner, the children chattered about their fun experiences at kindergarten, Wang Juan talked about the sales of new styles at the store, and her parents-in-law talked about the new friends they had made in the neighborhood. Lin Fan listened, occasionally chiming in, feeling the fatigue of the week slowly being soothed away by this peaceful and warm family life.

After dinner, Lin Fan and Wang Juan finally had time to sit down on the sofa after putting the two children to sleep.

"Wang Xin just texted me," Lin Fan said. "His train is tomorrow afternoon."

"That's perfect. I'll take Mom and Dad and the kids to the supermarket for a big shopping trip tomorrow morning. I'll make room for you two brothers to have a good chat," Wang Juan said considerately. "It's more convenient to talk about serious matters at home than outside. Is there anything I can prepare?"

"No need, we can do whatever we want." Lin Fan held her hand. "It's just that this matter... if we really do it, the initial investment will be quite large, and we might have to use money from our families."

Wang Juan grasped his hand in return, her tone calm yet firm: "You don't need to feel pressured about the money. We have the resources now—stocks, shop revenue—to support us. The key is that you've chosen the right person, that you're trustworthy, and that things are compliant with regulations. If that's the case, I'll support you. Besides, this is paving another path for our family's future."

With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for? Lin Fan felt a warmth in his heart, and his worries about financial pressure seemed to lessen considerably.

In the stillness of the night, Lin Fan stood on the second-floor balcony, gazing at the scattered lights of the neighborhood. A week's work was over, and new challenges and opportunities lay ahead. He was no longer the cautious, prudent Lin Fan of the steel city. In the provincial capital, under Zhou Wenyuan's wing, he had a more stable foundation and the confidence and ability to expand his horizons.

From driver to assistant, the role remained the same, but the responsibilities on his shoulders and the vision in his heart seemed to be quietly expanding. Wang Xin's arrival after the weekend would be a substantial first step.

The night breeze was cool, yet it cleared his mind. He took a deep breath, turned, and went back inside. Tomorrow would be another day he needed to face seriously.