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

When Wang Xin came out of XCMG's provincial branch after viewing the cars, his hands were trembling with excitement. Standing at the entrance of the branch's impressive showroom, he composed himself and immediately took out his phone to call Lin Fan.

"Fanzi! Great news! Huge good news!" As soon as the call connected, Wang Xin's voice burst out eagerly, filled with obvious panting and excitement.

Lin Fan was organizing meeting minutes in his office when he heard this. He immediately stopped what he was doing and walked to the window. "Brother Xin, take your time. What good news is it? How's the car shopping going?"

"I've seen it! That's great! Fanzi, you have no idea, the service from this big company is just amazing!" Wang Xin swallowed hard, speaking rapidly, "I met their sales manager today, surnamed Chen, he's very professional. I explained our needs, and he immediately took me to see the vehicles in stock! A 160-ton truck crane, that thing, it's like a steel behemoth, brand new and gleaming, parked right in the back yard! And not just one! There are also 70-ton and 30-ton ones, all in stock! The key thing is—"

He paused deliberately, whetting Lin Fan's appetite, before saying, word by word, "They say you can get a loan! The manufacturer's financial policies support it! The down payment is only 10%! And the maximum loan term is five years!"

"10%?" Lin Fan was also stunned. This percentage was much lower than he had expected. He had originally prepared himself to spend nearly half of his funds to buy one or two main cars outright.

"Yes! 10%!" Wang Xin's voice was filled with incredible excitement. "Manager Chen said that for newly established but legitimate companies like ours with clear backgrounds (he subtly mentioned our connections with the power company and the fire station site), and clearly defined purposes, as long as we have all the necessary qualifications, they are very willing to support us. The down payment is low, and although the interest rate is slightly higher than the bank's, the approval process is fast and the procedures are relatively simple. Most importantly, it will greatly alleviate our initial financial pressure! We can use more money to obtain qualifications, hire staff, and start operations!"

Lin Fan's mind raced. A 10% down payment meant that the original plan to buy two 160-ton, two 70-ton, and two 30-ton trucks would only require a little over four million yuan upfront! Even with insurance, taxes, registration fees, and other miscellaneous expenses, the initial cash pressure of purchasing the trucks would be reduced from a mountain to a small hill. In this way, he would only need to prepare six million yuan in start-up capital, and might not even need that much, leaving him with ample working capital.

More importantly, if the financial pressure is significantly reduced, then getting my sister and brother-in-law to invest becomes very feasible! Although the amount they can contribute is not large (two or three hundred thousand), their share in the reduced total investment will increase, making their stake more meaningful and their dividends more promising. This is not just about helping them make money, but about truly bringing them into this business and making them a community of shared interests.

"Brother Xin, have you asked clearly? What are the specific loan conditions? What are the strict requirements for our company's qualifications? What is the approximate interest rate? How long is the approval period?" Lin Fan suppressed his excitement and asked a series of key questions.

Wang Xin had clearly done his homework: "I've got all the details! They need our company's business license, special equipment installation, modification, and repair permit (which is currently being processed; we can use the acceptance receipt to communicate this first), the identities and credit reports of the legal representative and major shareholders, a site lease agreement, and a clear vehicle purchase contract with a statement of purpose. Regarding the interest rate, Manager Chen said that depending on the final approval criteria, the annualized rate will be around 6% to 8%, higher than bank consumer loans but much lower than many private loans, and it's an equal principal and interest repayment plan, so the repayment pressure is even. If the approval is fast, the loan can be disbursed within two weeks if all the materials are complete!"

"Great! That's wonderful!" Lin Fan couldn't help but praise. "Brother Xin, your news is so timely! Here's what we'll do: don't rush off yet. Have another in-depth chat with Manager Chen and come up with a detailed plan outlining the possible car models, configurations, unit prices, down payment amounts, and approximate monthly payments. We need to have a clear understanding of everything."

"Okay! I'll go back and find him right now! Fanzi, so... shall we make a reservation?" Wang Xin's voice was full of anticipation.

"Order!" Lin Fan decisively decided. "Let's go for two 160-ton, two 70-ton, and two 30-ton trucks. You can lock in the models and configurations in the company's name first (although the company isn't officially registered yet, we can sign an intention agreement under the guise of the preparatory stage). Paying a small deposit is fine; don't let them sell the vehicles to someone else. We'll sign the formal contracts once we have the funds and qualifications."

"Understood! I'll get right on it!" Wang Xin hung up the phone with great enthusiasm.

Putting down his phone, Lin Fan stood by the window, watching the bustling traffic below, his emotions churning for a long time. Funding, the biggest obstacle, had unexpectedly taken a turn for the better in this way. This wasn't just about saving money; it had fundamentally changed the risk profile and feasibility of the entire business plan.

He immediately returned to his desk, created a new document on his computer, and began to reorganize the financial plan. Based on Wang Xin's estimate of a 10% down payment, the down payment for six cars would be less than four million. Including insurance, purchase tax, registration, GPS installation, and other costs, the total upfront expenditure could be controlled to around four million. The first year's rent for the site would be two hundred thousand, renovations and modifications would cost around three hundred thousand according to Captain Zhao's budget (paid in stages), qualification application and company start-up costs would be estimated at two hundred thousand, and one million would be reserved for six months' worth of employee salaries, fuel, and daily operating expenses. With this calculation, the initial start-up capital could indeed be reduced to around six million, less than he had previously estimated.

However, the funds he could actually use far exceeded that amount. Even a small portion of the working capital and money in Wang Juan's stock account would be sufficient. His decision to involve his sister and brother-in-law as investors was primarily driven by emotional and familial considerations.

Thinking of this, he picked up his phone and dialed his sister Lin Ping's number.

The phone rang for a long time before being answered. The background noise was a bit loud, as if it were coming from a vegetable market. "Xiao Fan? Why are you calling at this hour? I'm buying groceries right now," Lin Ping's voice came through.

"Sis, I have something to discuss with you and your husband. It's good news," Lin Fan said with a smile. "Are you and your husband free tonight? Why don't you bring Niu Niu over for dinner? I'll have Wang Juan prepare a few extra dishes."

"Go to the provincial capital? Today? That's a bit rushed..." Lin Ping hesitated.

"It's alright, you can drive over, there's plenty of time," Lin Fan said after thinking for a moment.

Okay, I'll tell your brother-in-law. We'll leave early this afternoon and take Niu Niu there. What's the good news? Why are you being so secretive?

"We'll talk about it when you get here; I guarantee it'll be a good thing."

After hanging up with his sister, Lin Fan sent Wang Juan a text message, telling her that his sister's family was coming over for dinner that evening and to prepare extra dishes. Wang Juan quickly replied, "Okay. I just bought a fresh mandarin fish today."

After dealing with these matters, Lin Fan was able to calm down and continue his work, but his efficiency was significantly higher and he felt much more relaxed.

Around 6 PM, Lin Ping and Sun Lin arrived with Niu Niu. Baby Bei Bei was overjoyed to see her aunt, uncle, and sister, running all over the house. Wang Juan and her mother were busy in the kitchen, while her father-in-law chatted and drank tea with Sun Lin in the living room.

After dinner, while the three children watched cartoons in the living room, the adults moved to the relatively quiet study. Lin Fan brewed a pot of good tea and poured it for his sister and brother-in-law.

"Xiao Fan, what good news is it? Can you tell me now?" Lin Ping, who was impatient, couldn't help but ask.

Lin Fan smiled and recounted in detail how Wang Xin looked at cars, discovered the possibility of low down payment loans, and their plan to establish a company to do crane rental business. He didn't hide the risks and difficulties involved, and he also frankly told his sister and brother-in-law about the site issues that had been resolved, the qualification issues that were being addressed, and the preliminary market prospects and profits.

Lin Ping and Sun Lin were dumbfounded. They knew Lin Fan was doing well in the provincial capital under Secretary Zhou's (they still preferred the old title) influence, but they never expected him to have quietly started planning such a "big" business. Cranes? Loans of tens of millions? Monthly profits of hundreds of thousands? These words were far removed from the lives of ordinary wage earners like them.

"Xiao...Xiao Fan, is this...is this reliable? Such a large investment, what if..." Lin Ping's first thought was about the risks, her face filled with worry.

Sun Lin pondered, "This sounds promising; the country is undertaking construction projects everywhere, and wind power is a major trend. But, Xiao Fan, management, safety, the market... these are no small matters. Can Wang Xin handle it all by himself?"

Lin Fan understood their concerns and explained earnestly, "Sister, brother-in-law, there are definitely risks; there's no such thing as a sure-fire business. But we have several advantages: First, we have stable project channels (wind power), so we're not just aimlessly looking for work; second, the site is secured—it's an established base for the fire protection system, so it's legitimate and safe; third, we can get a low down payment loan for the car, greatly reducing the initial financial pressure; fourth, Wang Xin is knowledgeable about cars and management, and he's a reliable operator; fifth, I have some connections and resources in the provincial capital, which can provide support and coordination at crucial moments."

He paused, looking at his sister and brother-in-law: "I called you here today to ask for your opinions. If you think it's feasible and are willing to trust me, I'd like to involve you in the investment. The initial startup capital will be around six million. I plan to contribute the majority myself. Sister, brother-in-law, how much can you contribute? One hundred thousand? Two hundred thousand? Three hundred thousand? Anything is fine. We'll take shares according to our investment ratio. My goal with this business isn't just to make money, but also to take our family forward together, paving another path for Niu Niu and Bao Bao Bei Bei in the future."

Lin Ping and Sun Lin exchanged a glance, both seeing shock and hesitation in each other's eyes, but also a hint of gratitude for being trusted and included in the inner circle, and a sense of eagerness to try. They knew that their younger brother was helping them in various ways, leading them to wealth.

"Xiao Fan, I understand your feelings," Lin Ping said, her eyes a little red. "But... with all the money we have, you're taking on the biggest risk..."

"Sister, you can't say that," Lin Fan said, holding his sister's hand. "Whether it's a lot of money or a little is one thing, but more importantly, we're family, and we should all work together. Since you've invested, you're one of the owners. If anything happens at the company, you can help come up with ideas and keep an eye on things. We also need someone on our side to keep an eye on Wang Xin's situation. Isn't that better than just putting money in the bank and earning a pittance in interest?"

"The shares will be calculated according to the actual investment ratio, which is absolutely fair." Lin Fan had already thought it through. "In terms of management, Wang Xin will be fully responsible for daily operations, and he will hold the technical and management shares. As investors, you and I will not directly participate in management, but we will have the right to know, the right to supervise, and the right to receive dividends. I will communicate with him regularly and check the accounts. As for the risks... Sister, brother-in-law, let me tell you this: if we really lose money, the lost principal will be on me, and I guarantee to return your principal to you. If we make a profit, we will split it according to our shares. Of course, this is the worst-case scenario; I have confidence in this project."

His younger brother had put it so clearly, practically guaranteeing they wouldn't make a profit by taking them along. It would be incredibly ungrateful of them not to accept his kindness. Besides, they were genuinely moved by the prospects Lin Fan described. Who wouldn't want a better life and more security for their child's future?

"Well... your brother-in-law and I will use our savings, and... we'll mortgage that small, vacant house. We can raise about 200,000 yuan." Lin Ping gritted her teeth and made up her mind. "Xiao Fan, I believe in you! We'll invest this money! If we lose it, we'll accept it! But don't feel pressured. Just do what you're supposed to do, and don't let this little bit of money affect your judgment."

"Sister..." Lin Fan felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

"Xiao Fan, your brother-in-law supports you too," Sun Lin said. "If you need anything from me, just let me know. Although I don't know anything about cranes, I've managed things at work before, and I might be able to give Wang Xin some advice on interpersonal relationships."

"Great!" Lin Fan happily refilled his sister's and brother-in-law's tea. "Then let's tentatively agree on this. Once Wang Xin returns, I'll prepare a detailed budget and shareholding plan, and then the three of us can sit down and finalize it. You can start preparing the money in the next couple of days."

Just then, Wang Xin called, his voice a mix of excitement and exhaustion: "Fanzi, it's settled! The letter of intent is signed, and a deposit of 50,000 yuan has been paid to lock in the models and prices. Six cars, totaling 33.8 million yuan. The down payment is 10%, which is 3.38 million yuan, and with miscellaneous fees, it'll be a little over 3.5 million yuan. The loan plan is also basically finalized; we're just waiting for our company's qualifications! Manager Chen said they can only reserve our right of first refusal for a maximum of one month."

"Brother Xin, you've worked hard! Well done!" Lin Fan praised. "Why don't you come to my house? My sister and brother-in-law are here too. We can discuss the funding and shares together."

"Okay! I'm coming right now!"

Half an hour later, a travel-worn Wang Xin arrived at Lin Fan's house. The adults gathered again in the study. Lin Fan told Wang Xin about the discussions he had just had with his sister and brother-in-law, including his plan to invest the majority of the funds, with his sister and brother-in-law also contributing shares. He then asked Wang Xin how much he could invest.

Wang Xin was very honest: "Fanzi, all my savings, at most, can scrape together 100,000 yuan. I know it's not much, but I've poured my life and all my future energy into this company! As for shares... you can give me whatever you want, I'll accept whatever you give me, no questions asked!"

Looking at the incredibly serious expression on Wang Xin's dark face, Lin Fan felt both moved and reassured. He took out paper and pen and began to calculate: "Let's do it this way. We'll prepare six million for initial startup capital, a generous amount. Of this: three and a half million for the down payment on the car and miscellaneous expenses, nine hundred thousand for site rental, decoration, qualifications, start-up costs, etc., and one and a half million to reserve for six months of operating funds. The total investment is six million."

He wrote down a few numbers: "My sister and brother-in-law contributed 200,000 yuan, Wang Xin contributed 100,000 yuan, and I will contribute the remaining 5.7 million yuan."

Then he began to allocate the shares: "My consideration is that we can't just allocate them according to the proportion of investment. Although Wang Xin invested less, he is the actual manager in the future, and he has contributed all his hard work and technical experience, so he should enjoy 'management equity'. My sister and brother-in-law are purely financial investors. Therefore, I suggest the shares be allocated as follows: I will hold 80%, which includes my capital shares and a portion of the reserved option pool for future incentives for core employees; my sister and brother-in-law will hold 10%; and Wang Xin will hold 10%, which includes both your capital shares and recognition of your management and technical contributions."

He looked at the three of them: "What do you think?"

In this plan, Lin Fan himself holds the vast majority of the shares and has complete control, which is reasonable because he is the main investor and project initiator, and also bears the greatest risk and resource investment. Giving his sister and brother-in-law 10% is out of consideration for family ties, while giving Wang Xin 10% may seem small, but for someone who has invested almost nothing and is purely contributing management and technology, it is a great show of sincerity and respect. This 10% may be worth far more than his initial investment of 100,000 yuan as the company becomes profitable.

Lin Ping and Sun Lin were very satisfied with the ratio, even feeling it was a bit too much. Wang Xin was so excited he didn't know what to say; 10% of the shares far exceeded his expectations! "Fanzi, this...this is too much! I..."

"Brother Xin, this is what you deserve." Lin Fan interrupted him. "Whether the company succeeds or not, whether it succeeds or not, depends entirely on you. This 10% is both motivation and responsibility."

Wang Xin nodded emphatically, everything was understood without words.

"Then that's the preliminary plan," Lin Fan summarized. "Next, Wang Xin will focus all his efforts on company registration and qualifications; this is the most important thing right now, as it relates to loans and securing projects. My sister and brother-in-law will prepare the funds. I'll be responsible for coordinating the site contract for fire safety and other necessary follow-up matters. Once the company license is issued, we'll formally sign the shareholder agreement, make the payments, and get started!"

Four hands clasped tightly together. Under the lamplight, each person's eyes shone with anticipation and unwavering determination for the future. A small business community, bound by brotherhood and family trust, quietly took shape on this night in the provincial capital. Its starting point might not have been particularly high, but its foundation was solid, its goals clear, and most importantly, its members were united.

Outside the window, the night in the provincial capital was gentle and profound, as if silently blessing these down-to-earth and hardworking people.