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

The call came on Thursday morning.

Lin Fan was organizing the materials Zhou Wenyuan had attended at the Provincial Energy Bureau that afternoon when his phone vibrated on the table. He glanced at it; it was an unfamiliar number, ending in several consecutive 8s, but it looked vaguely familiar.

When I answered, it was indeed the voice of Deputy Director Li from the Logistics Department of the Provincial Fire Brigade. He sounded even more composed and direct than on the phone: "Assistant Lin, I hope I didn't disturb you? I've inquired about the site you mentioned last time. That old training base in the north of the city is indeed vacant. The brigade has agreed in principle to legally lease it out to generate revenue while preventing it from falling into disuse."

Lin Fan was overjoyed and quickly said, "No, no, Minister Li, please go ahead."

"The specifics can't be explained in a few words over the phone. How about this, if you're free at noon, let's meet and talk. I'll get the section chief in charge of that base with me, and we can sit down together and lay out all the conditions and requirements clearly. What do you think?"

"I'm free! Thank you so much, Minister Li, for the arrangements! You choose the place, and I'll be right there." Lin Fan immediately agreed.

"Okay, let's set it at... 'Comrades-in-Arms' then. Do you know the place? It's on Jianhua Road, a restaurant run by a retired military officer. It's quiet and the food is decent." Minister Li gave the address.

"I know, I know, I'll book a private room right away."

"No need, I've already made a reservation. Just come over directly to the 'Jinggangshan' hall on the second floor. See you at noon."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan checked the time: 10:30. He first informed Zhou Wenyuan that the fire department had arranged to discuss the site at noon. Zhou Wenyuan, who was engrossed in signing a report, simply nodded upon hearing this: "Go ahead, let's get down to business."

Lin Fan then greeted Yang Zhiyuan again, asking him to carefully check the meeting materials for the afternoon, as he might be back late.

After making the arrangements, he went downstairs to get his car. Instead of heading straight to the restaurant, he went home first, packed four cases of Moutai and 20 cartons of Zhonghua cigarettes in the garage, and prepared a red envelope. He had thought it through beforehand; dealing with someone like Minister Li, a former military officer now holding a key position, required skill in gift-giving. Giving too little would seem insincere, while giving too much or inappropriately would only make him look bad or even cause trouble.

Cigarettes and alcohol are both hard currency, with transparent prices that aren't particularly outrageous, but the quantity is generous enough to express gratitude without making the recipient feel uncomfortable. A thick red envelope—this is his backup plan. If the other party insists on their principles and refuses the cigarettes and alcohol, this red envelope is the bottom line; they must feel sincere no matter what. He's carefully considered the specific amount; it can't be too little, but it absolutely can't be so much that it looks like bribery.

The items were loaded into the car, filling the spacious trunk of the A8. Looking at these "stepping stones," he felt a little more at ease. Over the years, both inside and outside the system, he had come to understand one thing: sometimes rules are rules, and personal relationships are personal relationships. Only by handling personal relationships within the bounds of the rules can things go smoothly.

At 11:40, Lin Fan arrived at "Comrades-in-Arms' Home". The restaurant had a small storefront and simple decor, but it exuded a sense of efficiency and cleanliness. A sign at the entrance read "Joint Military-Civilian Construction Unit". He gave the name of the private room, and the waiter led him to the second floor.

The "Jinggangshan" hall was a medium-sized private room with several oil paintings of military themes hanging on the walls. The tables and chairs were made of solid wood, simple yet elegant. Lin Fan arrived first, asked the waiter to temporarily store the cigarettes and alcohol he had brought at the front desk, and entered the private room with only his handbag.

Just a few minutes after I sat down, the door opened and two people walked in. The one in front, in his early fifties, was well-maintained, with a straight back, short hair, sharp eyes, and wearing a navy blue jacket; he was none other than Vice Minister Li, whom I had spoken to on the phone. Behind him followed a slightly younger man, around forty, equally energetic, carrying a file folder.

"Minister Li!" Lin Fan immediately stood up to greet him.

"Assistant Lin, have you been waiting long?" Deputy Minister Li extended his hand, shaking it firmly. "This is Section Chief Zhang from the Barracks Section of our Logistics Department. He is in charge of that old base."

"Hello, Section Chief Zhang!" Lin Fan shook hands with Section Chief Zhang again.

"Assistant Lin, you're too kind." Section Chief Zhang didn't say much, but his smile was genuine.

The three took their seats. Vice Minister Li was straightforward; without much pleasantries, he went straight to Section Chief Zhang and said, "Zhang, explain the situation to Assistant Lin in detail."

Section Chief Zhang opened the file bag, took out several forms and a photocopy of a somewhat old topographic map, and spread them on the table. "Assistant Lin, this old training base in the north of the city was built in 1998, covering a total area of ​​28 acres. The main building is a two-story comprehensive building with an area of ​​about 800 square meters. The first floor has a garage and equipment room, and the second floor has offices, duty rooms, and dormitories. The structure is brick and concrete, quite sturdy, but the interior decoration is old, and the water and electricity lines probably need to be repaired."

He pointed to the map with his finger: "In front of the building is a paved playground, about five acres in size, which is more than enough as a parking lot or vehicle turnover area. Behind the building is a large area of ​​wasteland, where there used to be some physical training facilities, but they were demolished and are now overgrown with grass. It covers nearly twenty acres and is very spacious. The wall is intact, and the gate is an electric retractable gate. It's a bit rusty, but it can be repaired and used."

As Lin Fan listened, he mentally compared the land to Wang Xin's needs, and the more he listened, the more suitable it seemed. Twenty-eight acres of land, nearly 20,000 square meters, enough to accommodate as many cranes as needed! Plus, there were already buildings with garages!

"The ownership and usage rights are very clear; it belongs to our provincial fire department," Deputy Minister Li added. "If it's leased out, a formal state-owned asset lease contract needs to be signed, generally for three to five years, with a maximum term of ten years. The rent must be turned over to the treasury, but we can set a relatively flexible payment method. There are a few key points—"

He looked at Lin Fan with a serious expression: "First, the purpose of the lease must be legal and compliant, and it cannot be used for any illegal or irregular production or business operations. Construction machinery leasing is acceptable, but you must have all the necessary qualifications."

"Secondly, safety is of paramount importance! Although the site is currently unused, it was once a training base, and some electrical circuits and pipes are aging. You must conduct a comprehensive safety inspection before moving in, repairing or replacing anything that needs repairing or replacing, at your own expense. We will retain some fire safety facilities, but you will be responsible for routine maintenance and any new fire safety installations. Absolutely no safety accidents can be tolerated!"

"Third, you can make interior modifications to the buildings on the site as needed, but the main structure cannot be altered, and the exterior cannot be significantly changed. If you do not renew the lease when it expires, you will be responsible for restoring the original condition... Of course, if it is a reasonable improvement, we can negotiate."

Lin Fan listened very attentively and nodded repeatedly: "Minister Li, Section Chief Zhang, these requirements are very reasonable, we fully accept them and will definitely abide by them strictly! We are working hard to process the qualifications, and safety is our lifeline, we dare not be careless."

At this point, cold dishes and drinks began to be served. Vice Minister Li waved his hand, "Let's eat first, and chat while we eat."

When the waiter asked what kind of alcohol he would like, Deputy Minister Li replied directly, "Bring me a bottle of baijiu (Chinese white liquor), nothing too expensive, just a local, well-established brand. I have to work this afternoon."

Lin Fan hurriedly said, "Minister Li, Section Chief Zhang, I'm driving today and can't keep you company. I'm so sorry to have tea instead of wine."

"Don't drink and drive, that's the rule!" Vice Minister Li agreed. "We'll just have a little bit ourselves."

After a few rounds of drinks and most of the dishes had been served, the atmosphere became more lively than when they first arrived. Vice Minister Li and Section Chief Zhang, both with a military style, drank readily and spoke directly, without beating around the bush. During their conversation, they discovered that Vice Minister Li and Captain Yan from Gangcheng were indeed old comrades-in-arms, having fought side-by-side in the army and sharing a deep bond. This connection immediately brought them closer.

The topic returned to the venue. Vice Minister Li took a sip of his drink and looked at Lin Fan: "Assistant Lin, since Lao Yan introduced us, I won't beat around the bush. That place is in a remote location, the buildings are old, and it's really hard to rent to just anyone. But you're in the construction machinery business, and you need a large space, so this is perfect. As for the rent..."

He paused, glancing at Section Chief Zhang. Section Chief Zhang understood and said, "Based on the brigade's guidance price for leasing idle assets, and considering the location and property condition, our preliminary assessment is that an annual rent between 250,000 and 300,000 yuan would be reasonable."

Lin Fan quickly calculated in his mind that the price was lower than he had expected! For such a large place, even in the suburbs, two or three hundred thousand a year was definitely a friendly price.

Vice Minister Li continued, "However, considering that you are a startup, operating legally, and can help us revitalize our idle assets and prevent them from being wasted and damaged, I discussed it with Section Chief Zhang, and to give Lao Yan some face... we'll set the annual rent at 200,000 yuan. We'll sign a formal contract, renting for three years initially. The rent will be paid annually, in full at the beginning of each year. You'll be responsible for all operating expenses, including water, electricity, maintenance, and security. What do you think?"

Two hundred thousand!

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat. This wasn't just a friendly price, it was a brotherly price! The other party's sincerity was overwhelming. He immediately picked up his teacup and stood up solemnly: "Minister Li, Section Chief Zhang, thank you so much! This price... is beyond words! I'll toast you both with tea instead of wine! Thank you for your trust and support! We will definitely make good use of the venue and manage it well, and we will never let this friendship down!"

Minister Li and Section Chief Zhang also raised their glasses and drank. Minister Li put down his glass, a slight smile appearing on his face: "Alright, sit down and talk. Have Xiao Zhang handle the contract details with you. Get the company license processed as soon as possible, then bring a copy of the license and the lease application to complete the procedures. If you have any questions, just ask Xiao Zhang."

"Great! Definitely!" Lin Fan felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. The most crucial and troublesome issue—the venue—had been resolved so smoothly, and with such favorable conditions.

The meal was very enjoyable. Minister Li and Section Chief Zhang both had a good tolerance for alcohol, but they were very restrained, finishing their bottles before ordering more. It was almost 2 PM when they finished eating.

Seeing that the two had drunk some wine, Lin Fan suggested, "Minister Li, Section Chief Zhang, there's a pretty nice bathhouse nearby, quiet and peaceful. Shall we go take a bath to relax and sober up?"

Minister Li waved his hand and smiled, "Never mind, I have a meeting this afternoon. I appreciate the thought."

Section Chief Zhang also said, "Yes, Assistant Lin, you're welcome. We can go back to the office."

Lin Fan said, "But wait a moment. Captain Yan heard that I was meeting you today and insisted that I bring some local specialties from my hometown as a token of my appreciation. You two must accept them, otherwise I won't be able to explain to Captain Yan when I get back."

As he spoke, he strode to the front desk, took out the four boxes of Moutai and twenty cartons of Zhonghua cigarettes that he had stored there, and then quietly stuffed the black plastic bag containing the red envelope into one of the boxes containing the Moutai.

Minister Li and Section Chief Zhang were both stunned when they saw the four cases of Moutai and a huge pile of Zhonghua cigarettes. Minister Li frowned: "Assistant Lin, what kind of nonsense is this! We're having a meal and discussing business, how can we behave like this!"

Lin Fan had already prepared his explanation, and said with a sincere expression, "Minister Li, please don't misunderstand! This really isn't for you. It was Commander Yan who asked me to deliver it. He said he hasn't seen his old company commander in a long time and wanted to give him a small token of his appreciation. He said that if you don't accept it, it means you're still angry with him for fighting over braised pork back in the army!" He deliberately spoke in a relaxed tone, even with a hint of joking.

Mentioning his old comrade-in-arms, Minister Li's serious expression softened somewhat, but he still shook his head: "Old Yan... he's being ridiculous! Take the cigarettes and alcohol back and tell him that I appreciate the sentiment, but he can't accept the gifts."

Lin Fan feigned reluctance: "Minister Li, this puts me in a difficult position. You know Captain Yan's temper; if I take it back exactly as it is, he'll definitely yell at me. How about this: the cigarettes and alcohol are just a small gift from us juniors to you two older brothers; it has absolutely no other meaning. If you two don't smoke or drink, you can give them away or dispose of them. Just please don't make me take them back." As he spoke, he had already put the items into the trunk of their car (Minister Li and his team had arrived in their company's Passat).

After several rounds of back and forth, Minister Li, seeing Lin Fan's resolute attitude and eloquent words, sighed and said, "This is a one-time exception! Lin, we may know each other, but from now on, we must handle serious matters properly and not do this again."

"Definitely, definitely!" Lin Fan quickly assured him.

After packing their things, Lin Fan insisted on giving them a ride. Seeing his sincerity, Minister Li and Section Chief Zhang got into Lin Fan's A8. After the car started, Minister Li seemed to suddenly remember something and pulled out the black plastic bag from his pocket—he didn't know when he had found it and taken it out.

"Xiao Lin, take this back." He placed the plastic bag on the passenger seat, his tone leaving no room for argument. "The cigarettes and alcohol are just a small token of my appreciation as an old comrade-in-arms, and they have nothing to do with what we're discussing today, so I'll accept them. But this is absolutely unacceptable. We may be friends, but rules are rules. We'll have plenty of time in the future, so don't do these things again."

Lin Fan immediately recognized this as the other party's true bottom line. The fact that the red envelope was returned only increased his respect for Minister Li. Accepting the cigarettes and alcohol was a gesture of respect to an old comrade-in-arms and a matter of courtesy; resolutely returning the cash demonstrated adherence to principles and discipline. The balance was impeccable.

"Minister Li, it was my oversight..." Lin Fan said with some shame.

"Alright, I know you're a straightforward person." Minister Li waved his hand. "Just focus on your work, get the company up and running, and make good use of the space. That's the best way to thank you. We're here, stop at the next intersection."

Lin Fan dropped off Minister Li and Section Chief Zhang at an intersection some distance from the office (they insisted on not seeing him to the door). Watching their straight backs as they walked away, Lin Fan felt a mix of emotions. This matter was settled, and settled beautifully and reliably.

He didn't return to the company immediately, but instead called Wang Xin, his voice brimming with barely suppressed excitement: "Brother Xin! The site's all set! The old fire training base, 28 acres, with buildings, garages, and a large yard, 200,000 yuan a year, three years for now!"

On the other end of the phone, Wang Xin shouted, "Holy crap! Really?! Two hundred thousand?! Fanzi, you're amazing! This... this is practically free!!"

"The difference is that we have to work hard and not let them down!" Lin Fan said with a smile. "You hurry up and get the qualifications sorted out! Set up the company structure as soon as possible so we can sign the contract!"

"Don't worry! I'll risk my life to get this done!" Wang Xin's voice trembled with excitement.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan drove back to the power company. He felt exceptionally energetic throughout the afternoon. Before leaving get off work, he called Captain Yan of the Steel City branch to sincerely thank him and tell him that the deal had been successfully closed. Of course, he omitted the details of sending cigarettes and alcohol, only saying that Minister Li had been very accommodating.

Captain Yan was delighted to hear this: "That's good! Old Li is a man of strong principles, but he's also very loyal. Just do a good job and don't let me down!"

"I definitely won't let you down!"

When Lin Fan got home that evening, he told Wang Juan the good news. Wang Juan was also happy for him: "That's great, the biggest problem is solved. It seems you're starting to build up your connections in the provincial capital."

"It's all thanks to Brother Zhou, and some of the connections we had before," Lin Fan said soberly. "The real battle is about to begin."

Over the weekend, Lin Fan made a special trip to the outer perimeter of the old fire training base to take a look from afar. The high walls, the tightly closed electric gates, and the two-story buildings and spacious training grounds vaguely visible inside. He imagined that soon this place would be filled with brand-new XCMG cranes, bustling with people and vehicles, the roar of machinery, and Wang Xin directing operations here… He was filled with anticipation.

An ideal base has been secured. His brother's business is about to launch here. And he, behind the scenes, is steadily supporting it all. This feeling is very reassuring and fulfilling. It seems to have a different flavor than simply making money in his previous life.