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

After New Year's Day, the temperature in the provincial capital dropped to minus ten degrees Celsius, but the base of "Dingli Special Equipment Leasing Co., Ltd." was bustling with activity.

Six "big guys"—XCMG truck cranes ranging from 30 tons to 160 tons—are neatly parked on the newly renovated training ground, gleaming with a brand-new yellow luster under the winter sun. Next to the base gate, the newly made company sign has been hung up, with the two gilded characters "鼎力" (Dingli) particularly eye-catching.

Wearing a thick cotton-padded work coat, Wang Xin stood by the window on the second floor of the office, watching the hoisting practice taking place in the yard, and finally showed a relaxed smile that he hadn't seen in months.

He was almost driven crazy these past few months.

Starting in September, six cranes arrived one after another. Each new crane brought a host of tasks: receiving the vehicle, inspecting the goods, registering it as special equipment, getting license plates, and purchasing insurance.

With the equipment arriving, manpower had to follow. Lin Fan recruited seven "younger brothers" from his hometown—actually, they were all cousins, distant relatives' children, the oldest being twenty-five and the youngest only nineteen—who gradually started working. These young men were indeed hardworking, but a problem arose: only three had experience operating small-tonnage cranes in their hometown, while the other four were complete novices.

Wang Xin quickly arranged for four experienced senior technicians to train the newcomers day and night at the base, using a "one senior technician mentoring one newcomer" model. Five safety procedure assessments were conducted during the training period alone, until everyone passed.

Fortunately, starting in November, sporadic business gradually began to come to our door.

It all started with an introduction from Director Liu. A logistics company needed to unload a batch of large equipment, requiring a 70-ton crane to work for two days. Wang Xin personally led the team and carefully completed the first order. The work was done beautifully, and the payment was prompt. Word of mouth gradually spread.

In December, business suddenly picked up. Several large construction sites in the provincial capital were rushing to meet their year-end deadlines and all needed cranes. Especially the two 160-ton "ace" cranes, because equipment of that tonnage was indeed scarce on the market, were almost always in use, and their prices were high. On one occasion, in order to meet the deadline, a construction site was even willing to pay three times the price to have the equipment work overnight.

This completely reassured Wang Xin and Lin Ping. They did the math: even with just the small-scale business, after deducting driver wages, fuel costs, maintenance, and site rental, the six vehicles could generate a net profit of nearly 200,000 yuan per month. This didn't even include the large wind power project contract Lin Fan secured through Zhou Wenyuan.

On the eve of New Year's Day, the long-awaited formal contract was finally signed: next March, six cranes from Dingli Company will be deployed to the wind farm construction site located at the provincial border. The construction period is expected to be two years, with a total contract value of 50 million yuan. A 30% down payment will be made, with the remaining balance due within one week of the equipment arriving on site.

The moment Wang Xin finished signing and stamping the document, his hands were trembling. He immediately called Lin Fan, his voice trembling with excitement: "Fanzi, it's signed! It's officially signed!"

On the other end of the phone, Lin Fan was at his parents' house in Gangcheng playing with his two children using building blocks. Hearing this, he smiled and replied, "Brother Xin, you've worked hard. This is what you deserve."

"No, we did this together!" Wang Xin's eyes were a little red. "Without you paving the way, without the contract from the bureau, I wouldn't have even gotten a foothold."

"We brothers don't talk about these things," Lin Fan said gently. "After New Year's Day, we'll have a good discussion about the specific preparations for the wind power project. Also, please take good care of your younger brothers back home."

"Don't worry, I'll treat him like my own younger brother."

After hanging up the phone, Wang Xin stood in his office, looking at the business license, special equipment license, safety production license, and other certificates hanging on the wall, and let out a long sigh of relief.

It all really happened.

Lin Fan returned to Gangcheng with his wife and children two days before New Year's Day.

As the white Range Rover drove into Caiwan residential area, Bao Bao and Bei Bei pressed their faces against the car window, excitedly pointing outside: "Daddy, look! Grandpa and Grandma's house!"

Although the two children are only two years old, they have excellent memories and still remember things about the steel city.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Wang Juan looked at the familiar scenery outside the window and sighed, "It's only been a little over half a year since I last came back, but it feels like a long time has passed."

"I might have fewer and fewer opportunities to come back in the future," Lin Fan said. "If my parents go to the provincial capital, this place will be empty."

"It's a shame to leave the house empty, why don't we rent it out?" Wang Juan suggested.

"Let's talk about it later, it depends on what Mom and Dad think."

The car came to a stop, and before Lin Fan could even turn off the engine, the building entrance door opened. Lin Jianguo and Wang Xiuying, the elderly couple, practically ran out.

"Oh, my precious grandson!" Wang Xiuying pulled open the car door and first took out Lin Beibei, who was closest to her, and kissed her repeatedly in her arms.

Lin Jianguo happily picked up Lin Baobao and poked the baby's face with his beard, making the baby giggle.

Lin Fan and Wang Juan got out of the car and took out bags of gifts from the trunk. There were down jackets and health products for their parents, local specialties from the provincial capital for their sister's family, and a new schoolbag and stationery for Niu Niu.

"Why buy so much stuff? It's such a waste of money," Wang Xiuying complained, but her face lit up with a smile.

"Mom, Juanzi picked these out especially for me." Lin Fan said with a smile as he handed the items over.

The family went upstairs in a lively atmosphere.

Lin Fan's parents still lived in the welfare housing unit provided by the Finance Bureau, and Lin Ping's family lived across the hall. Hearing the noise, Lin Ping also opened the door and came out.

"Xiao Fan's back!" Lin Ping is almost forty, but she still acts like a child in front of her younger brother, patting him on the shoulder as soon as she arrives. "You've gotten even stronger!"

"Sis," Lin Fan said with a smile, looking at his sister, "You look great! Looks like you're not tired from work?"

"What's tiring? It's just office work." Lin Ping said, looking at Wang Juan and the two children with eyes full of affection. "Come inside, it's cold outside."

The two families squeezed into Lin Fan's parents' not-so-large living room, creating a lively atmosphere. Wang Xiuying had already prepared a table full of dishes, including chicken, duck, fish, and meat, all of which were Lin Fan and Wang Juan's favorites.

At the dinner table, the conversation naturally turned to life in the provincial capital and the situation at the company.

"Xiao Fan, how's your company doing now?" Lin Jianguo asked with concern, showing particular interest in his son's career.

Lin Fan briefly introduced the progress: "The equipment is all in place, we have a lot of small-scale business, and we've also signed a large contract. Construction will officially begin next March."

"How much can you earn?" Wang Xiuying asked more realistically.

Wang Juan smiled and replied, "Mom, it's hard to say right now, but it's definitely much better than working a regular job. Just from these odd jobs, I earn quite a bit every month."

Sun Lin was a section chief at the statistics bureau, a stable job with little opportunity for personal gain, and his income was just average. Seeing his brother-in-law's business grow bigger and bigger, it would be a lie to say he wasn't envious. However, he was a cautious person and knew he wasn't cut out for business, so he hesitated when Lin Fan initially suggested they invest. In the end, it was Lin Ping who made the final decision.

"Pingping, Xiaofan said that the 200,000 yuan you invested will yield a return by the end of the year," Wang Xiuying suddenly brought up.

Lin Ping quickly said, "Mom, no rush. The company is just starting out, and there are many places where we need money."

"Don't worry, sis, the first dividend will definitely arrive before the Spring Festival," Lin Fan said earnestly. "We promised back then that we wouldn't let your money go to waste."

Sun Lin waved his hand: "Xiao Fan, we're family, don't talk about this. If the company needs money for working capital, then use it for now; we're not in a hurry."

These words were so true, and Lin Fan felt a warmth in his heart. This is what family is like—always supporting you in crucial moments without putting pressure on you.

After dinner, the women cleaned up the kitchen, while the men sat in the living room drinking tea and chatting.

Lin Fan got down to business: "Dad, Mom, I came back this time to discuss something with you."

"What is it? Tell me." Lin Jianguo put down his teacup.

"I'd like to bring you to live in the provincial capital," Lin Fan said directly. "Firstly, Bao Bao and Bei Bei are in kindergarten now, and Juanzi's parents usually take care of them. If you miss the children, you can see them every day. Secondly, I bought a villa in the provincial capital; it has many rooms, so there's plenty of room. Thirdly..."

He paused, then looked at his sister and brother-in-law: "Niu Niu is starting elementary school now. The educational resources in the provincial capital are much better than in the steel city. I used my connections to inquire, and the elementary school next to the villa area is a provincial key school with a very strong teaching staff. If Niu Niu can go there, it will be beneficial for her future development."

After these words were spoken, the living room fell silent for a few seconds.

Lin Ping and Sun Lin exchanged a glance, both seeing the attraction and struggle in each other's eyes.

As parents, who wouldn't want to give their child the best education? But for them to send their daughter to the provincial capital while they themselves stay in the steel city is just too difficult to bear.

Wang Xiuying spoke first: "Xiao Fan, you said you wanted us to go to the provincial capital, and your wife and I have no problem with that. Anyway, your dad is just a temporary worker, and I don't have much to do right now. But Niu Niu..."

She looked at her granddaughter, her eyes filled with reluctance: "Niu Niu is only ten years old. Letting her leave her parents to go to the provincial capital, this..."

"Mom, it's not about letting Niu Niu go alone," Lin Fan explained. "What I mean is, you two should take Niu Niu with you to the provincial capital. You can take her to and from school and take care of her during the week. On weekends or holidays, my sister and brother-in-law can go and see her. When conditions are right later, I'll find a way to transfer my sister and brother-in-law there as well."

Lin Ping's eyes instantly reddened: "Xiao Fan, you...you really can help us transfer?"

"Sister, I can't guarantee anything, but I will definitely do my best," Lin Fan said sincerely. "Brother Zhou is currently working at the provincial power company. Although he doesn't have direct control over the government system, he has extensive connections in the province after so many years of working there. Moreover, you are currently a deputy section chief, and your husband is a section chief. A lateral transfer to the provincial capital is difficult, but not entirely impossible. It just requires time and opportunity."

Sun Lin took a deep breath: "Xiao Fan, we appreciate your kindness. But transferring jobs is a huge decision, we can't force it. If... if it really doesn't work out, we can try to get there more often on the weekend. It's convenient to drive there now, it only takes a little over two hours."

"Yes, transportation is convenient now." Lin Ping wiped her eyes and forced a smile. "As long as Niu Niu can get into a good school, it's okay for us to make more trips."

Lin Fan felt a pang of sadness seeing his sister's forced smile. He remembered how much his sister had worried about Niu Niu's schooling before his rebirth. Educational resources in Steel City were limited, and although Niu Niu was intelligent, she still missed her dream university by a few points in the college entrance exam. This became a lifelong regret for his sister.

Having been given a second chance at life, he absolutely cannot let this happen again.

"Okay," Lin Fan decided, "After New Year's Day, Mom, Dad, and Niu Niu will come with me to the provincial capital. I'll arrange for Niu Niu to enroll in that elementary school. My sister and brother-in-law will come every Friday night and go back on Sunday night. Don't worry about accommodation; there are enough rooms in the villa. As for the job transfer, I've got it in mind, and I'll definitely take care of it when the opportunity arises."

He looked at his parents: "Dad, Mom, what do you think?"

Lin Jianguo was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "It's no problem for your mother and me to go to the provincial capital. Anyway, some of our relatives back home have children who work at your company, right? If we go, we can help look after them."

"By the way, Fanzi, how are your seven younger brothers back home doing at their companies?"

"Wang Xin told me they're all doing well," Lin Fan said with a smile. "Those guys are honest and hardworking. It's just that the youngest one, Lin Xiaobing, is only nineteen and lacks experience, so Wang Xin specifically arranged for an experienced mentor to guide him."

"That's good. Are they staying at the company base?"

"Yes, there are two rows of old barracks in the base. Wang Xin renovated them and installed air conditioning and heating, so the conditions are not bad. There is a canteen for meals, and an auntie was hired to cook."

And that's how it was settled.

During the three-day New Year's holiday, Lin Fan and his family had a fulfilling and heartwarming time in the steel city. He took his parents to his hometown to visit the families of relatives who worked at his company, bringing New Year's gifts and red envelopes to each family. The relatives were extremely grateful, saying that Lin Fan had become successful but had not forgotten his roots.

Lin Fan knew that these relatives from his hometown could be a help if used well, but trouble if used poorly. Therefore, he made it very clear to Wang Xin beforehand: treat everyone equally, follow the rules, and be strict when necessary. Fortunately, Wang Xin had managed the factory's fleet for many years and had a good management style; so far, nothing had gone wrong.

On the last day of the holiday, there were three more people in the car on the way back.

Lin Jianguo and Wang Xiuying packed their simple luggage and sat in the back row, each holding one of their grandchildren, beaming with joy. Niu Niu sat in the middle, holding her new schoolbag, her little face showing both apprehension about the unfamiliar environment and curiosity about the new school.

Sun Lin and Lin Ping saw the car off at the highway exit. After watching it drive away, the couple stood in the cold wind for a long time without leaving.

"Pingping, let's go back inside, it's cold outside." Sun Lin put his arm around his wife's shoulder.

Lin Ping wiped her eyes: "I just...can't bear to part with it."

"I know," Sun Lin sighed, "but it's worth it for Niu Niu. Xiao Fan is right, the education in the provincial capital is indeed better. Let's work hard, go there every week, and then..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but hope ignited in his eyes.

Perhaps, one day I really will be transferred to the provincial capital?

For the first few days after returning to the provincial capital, Lin Fan was extremely busy.

First, there was the matter of arranging Niu Niu's school enrollment. Through Zhou Wenyuan's secretary, Yang Zhiyuan, he contacted a deputy director of the district education bureau. Upon hearing that it was a matter concerning Zhou Wenyuan's assistant's family, the deputy director was very accommodating and personally made several phone calls. In less than three days, all the procedures were completed, and Niu Niu smoothly enrolled in the fourth grade of that provincial key primary school.

Next came arranging for her parents' lives. Although the villa was large, there were still some adjustments needed to be made with three more people suddenly joining the family. Wang Juan specifically showed her in-laws around the surrounding area—the market, supermarket, park, and hospital. Lin Fan also got his father a car so he could use it to pick up and drop off Niu Niu.

Lin Jianguo initially declined, saying, "I can just ride a bicycle; why would I drive a car? It's a waste."

Lin Fan laughed and said, "Dad, this isn't a waste. Niu Niu can't be late for school, and it's convenient for you to drive. Plus, you're free to go wherever you want. I'll reimburse you for the gas, so you can drive without worry."

Having said that, Lin Jianguo didn't refuse. He had actually been itching to drive for a while. He had driven in the steel city for several years, and now that he had a car to drive again and could pick up and drop off his granddaughter every day, his retirement life suddenly became very fulfilling.

Wang Xiuying quickly adapted to the new rhythm of life. She would get up early to make breakfast, and after seeing her son and daughter-in-law off to work and her granddaughter off to school, she would take her two grandsons to the community kindergarten. The villa area had beautiful greenery and a children's playground, and she soon met several other elderly people who were also taking care of their grandchildren, thus building her own social circle.

Seeing his parents and children enjoying each other's company, Lin Fan felt much more at ease.

But he didn't forget the important matter. On the first weekend after the New Year's Day holiday, he invited Wang Xin, Lin Ping, and Sun Lin to the villa for a formal family shareholders' meeting.

The meeting was held in the study of the villa. The company's financial statements for the past few months, business contracts, and preparation plans for wind power projects were laid out on the long table.

Wang Xin had clearly lost weight, but he was full of energy. Pointing to the figures on the report, he said in a loud voice, "From officially taking on jobs in November until now, in three months, the total revenue from scattered business was 1.86 million yuan. After deducting all costs and expenses, the net profit was 1.2 million yuan. This doesn't even include equipment depreciation."

Lin Ping and Sun Lin's eyes lit up as they looked at the report. They had invested 200,000 yuan, acquiring a 10% stake. Based on this profit, they could earn 120,000 yuan in three months, and over a million yuan a year—more than they could earn in a lifetime.

"However, this money cannot be distributed for the time being." Wang Xin changed the subject. "According to Fanzi's previous plan, the company should focus on accumulation and development in the first two years. The wind power project is about to start, and sufficient working capital needs to be reserved. My suggestion is to distribute only half of the profits this year, and keep the other half as the company's development fund."

Lin Fan nodded: "I agree with Brother Xin's opinion. Although the wind power project contract has been signed, various unforeseen circumstances may arise during its actual implementation, so we need to have enough money prepared."

Lin Ping and Sun Lin naturally had no objections. They hadn't expected to see a return on their investment so quickly, and now that they heard they could earn 50,000 to 60,000 yuan in six months, they were already quite satisfied.

"In addition, I already have a detailed plan for the preparations for the wind power project." Wang Xin took out another document. "Six pieces of equipment will be brought in, requiring at least twelve operators and eighteen support staff. We currently have eight permanent drivers, and we need to recruit four more. I'm already in contact with them, and they should be in place before the Spring Festival."

"What about equipment maintenance and repair?" Lin Fan asked.

"We did a full maintenance on all of them, especially the two 160-ton trucks. I specifically asked an after-sales engineer from XCMG to come and check them, and they are in good condition."

"Safety training?"

"Once a week, without fail. Newly hired employees must undergo training before starting work."

Lin Fan nodded in satisfaction. Wang Xin was becoming more and more thorough in his work; this was growth.

"There's one more thing," Wang Xin said. "The younger brothers from our hometown have all been doing well. But recently I've noticed a problem."

"What's the problem?"

"The seven of them are sticking together." Wang Xin frowned. "They eat together, rest together, and cover for each other when there's something going on at work. Although there haven't been any major problems yet, this kind of clique is a bad sign."

Lin Fan pondered for a moment: "What are your plans to do?"

"I want to break them up," Wang Xin said. "The wind power project needs six machines, right? I'll assign one person from my hometown to each machine, and two externally hired operators. I'll also try to keep them from working together during the shift schedule. In addition, I'm planning to implement a performance appraisal system. Those who do a good job will get bonuses, and those who don't will have their pay docked. We need to keep clear accounts even among close relatives; we can't have everyone sharing the same resources."

"That's a good idea," Lin Fan praised. "A merciful leader can't command an army. You're the person in charge of the company; you need to be firm when necessary. If any of them disagree, let them come directly to me."

"I'm relieved to hear that." Wang Xin breathed a sigh of relief.

Next, Lin Fan inquired about the finances, insurance, logistics, and other aspects. Wang Xin answered each question thoroughly, clearly having made ample preparations.

The meeting lasted for more than two hours, and it was almost dark when it ended. My mother, mother-in-law, and Wang Juan had prepared a sumptuous dinner and invited everyone to eat.

The atmosphere at the dinner table became much more relaxed. After the meal, Lin Fan saw Wang Xin out. The two stood at the villa entrance and lit cigarettes.

"Brother Xin, thank you for your hard work these past few days," Lin Fan said sincerely.

"What's so hard about it? It's fulfilling." Wang Xin took a deep drag of his cigarette, looking at the city lights in the distance. "Fanzi, to be honest, I have to thank you. If you hadn't given me a hand, I'd probably still be wasting my life in that lousy factory in the steel city, with no future in sight."

"You have the ability yourself." Lin Fan patted his shoulder. "I'm at ease leaving the company in your hands."

"Don't worry, I will definitely do it well," Wang Xin said solemnly, "not only for you, but also for myself and for the brothers who are working with us."

The two chatted for a while longer about the details of the wind power project, until Wang Xin's phone rang. It was the base's on-duty driver calling to report on the equipment's nighttime inspection.

After hanging up the phone, Wang Xin laughed and said, "See, this is the life of a boss, on call 24/7. I'm going back now, I have to go to the Special Inspection Institute to handle the annual vehicle inspection procedures first thing tomorrow morning."

"Do I need to put in a good word with Vice Dean Qian?" Lin Fan asked.

"No need, just follow the normal procedures. You just need to connect, I'll handle the details." Wang Xin waved his hand and got into his Great Wall pickup truck.

Watching the car drive out of the residential area, Lin Fan was filled with mixed emotions.

Nine years after his rebirth, he has finally established a solid foundation in this world. He has a stable career, trustworthy brothers, a warm family, and the support of a benefactor like Zhou Wenyuan.

All of this stemmed from his simple wish back then: a stable and wealthy life.

Now, "stability" is secured, and "wealth" is on its way.

But Lin Fan knew this wasn't the end. The company was just the first step; there was a long road ahead. His sister and brother-in-law's job transfers, his parents' retirement, his child's education, arrangements for Wang Xin's family… these were all things he needed to consider and plan.

But he's not in a hurry. Taking it one step at a time, steadily and surely, that's his style.

Back inside, his parents had already taken the children upstairs to rest. Wang Juan was tidying up in the living room when she saw him come in and asked softly, "Has everything been discussed?"

"Yes, it's settled." Lin Fan walked over and hugged his wife from behind. "Juanzi, thank you."

Wang Juan was taken aback: "Thank me for what?"

"Thank you for always supporting me and taking such good care of the family." Lin Fan buried his face in her neck. "Without you, I couldn't have done all this."

Wang Juan felt a warmth in her heart, turned around and looked at him: "We're husband and wife, there's no need for thanks. As long as you're safe and sound, and our family is happy and harmonious, I'll be content."

"I definitely will," Lin Fan said earnestly. "I promise you, no matter how big my career gets, my family will always come first."

Outside the window, the provincial capital was growing darker. Among the myriad lights of the city, another warm glow appeared.

For Lin Fan, this light is the entire meaning of his struggle in this world.