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

As Lin Fan walked back down the corridor after leaving Zhou Wenyuan's office, he felt a little unsteady on his feet, as if he were stepping on freshly fluffed cotton, soft and fluffy. But inside, it was like a pot of charcoal was burning brightly, warm and cozy, driving away the slight autumn chill from his bones.

Brother Zhou was going to help him! He wasn't just saying it casually; he was genuinely paving the way for him, trying to pull him out of the mire of temporary work and into a stable, permanent position. He even envisioned a future for him—a civil servant status he had never dared to dream of before. This kindness and dedication weighed heavily on his heart, yet it made him feel incredibly secure.

He has to work hard and not let Brother Zhou down. He needs to get his education sorted out immediately. The Open University… he'll find out about enrolling when he gets back. And then there's the logistics department. It sounds complicated, but Brother Zhou is right, it's a stepping stone, a crucial hurdle to changing his status. Once he's in, he has to be even more diligent, more meticulous, clean, and tight-lipped.

These thoughts were swirling in my mind when I reached the door of the fourth-floor office. Just then, I heard Sister Liu's surprised voice from inside: "Oh, Xiao Lin, you're back just in time! Come see who's here!"

Lin Fan looked up and was stunned.

In the office, Lin Ping, the older sister, was standing there, carrying a bulging cloth bag in her hand, her face showing a slightly embarrassed and indignant expression. Sister Liu stood next to her, smiling.

"Sister? What brings you here?" Lin Fan quickly went inside.

Lin Ping saw him, her eyes scanning him up and down as if to make sure he was unharmed, before she snorted, "Why am I here? If I didn't come, were you planning to tear a hole in the sky without telling me?"

Sister Liu smiled and smoothed things over, saying, "Xiao Lin, your sister cares about you so much. She came all the way here to bring you something. You two chat, I'm going to the printing room to get some materials." As she spoke, she gave Lin Fan a wink, meaning "please him well," and then turned and left, thoughtfully leaving the door slightly ajar.

There was no one else in the office except for the siblings. Lin Ping placed the cloth bag on Lin Fan's old desk with a dull thud.

"Look at this for yourself!" She lowered her voice, but her anger didn't lessen at all. "The more I thought about it after I got back yesterday, the more something seemed off! You said the money for the house was leftovers from the lottery. But what about the 200,000 yuan in savings you gave to Mom and Dad? Mom called yesterday, and she was stammering. When I asked her, she finally said that you took that 200,000 yuan back home, saying you were going to build something... a warehouse?! Lin Fan, are you crazy?!"

She became increasingly agitated as she spoke, her eyes welling up with tears: "That's two hundred thousand! Not two hundred, two thousand! What were you building that thing for? Huh? In that godforsaken village, in the middle of nowhere, you built a big house just to sit there? And you told Mom and Dad you could rent it out and make money? Do you think your sister is stupid, or that all the renters are stupid? That money was meant for Mom and Dad's retirement! And you, you've squandered it all on that nonexistent thing!"

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected his sister to find out about the warehouse so quickly, and to react so strongly. No wonder, in his sister's eyes, it was simply ridiculous and immature for her brother, who had just won the lottery and was already buying a house and building a warehouse while keeping it from her.

He took a deep breath, not rushing to explain, but first pulled over a chair: "Sister, sit down first, don't get agitated, have some water." He picked up his cup, intending to pour water, but found the thermos was empty.

"I won't drink!" Lin Ping stood still, her chest heaving. "You have to explain yourself clearly today! What exactly do you want to do with that 200,000 yuan? Building that warehouse, were you scammed? Let me tell you, Lin Fan, there are tons of scammers these days, especially targeting people like you who have a little money but no experience!"

Seeing his sister's anxious, angry, and worried expression, Lin Fan's anger dissipated, leaving only a deep sense of apology and warmth. He knew that his sister was afraid he would suffer, afraid that he would ruin the family's hopes that had just begun to grow.

"Sis, let me tell you slowly, okay?" Lin Fan pushed the chair closer to her, his tone softening and reassuring. "Sit down first, I promise I'll tell you everything, I'm not lying to you, and I haven't been fooled by anyone."

Looking into his calm eyes, Lin Ping's nameless anger seemed to subside a little. She looked at him suspiciously for a few seconds before finally sitting down with a thud, but her back was ramrod straight, as if to say, "Let's see what kind of nonsense you can come up with."

Lin Fan sat down opposite her, organized his thoughts, and began to explain: "Sis, that 200,000 yuan is for Mom and Dad. I never intended for them to just keep it in the bank. Yes, retirement is important, but just relying on savings, the interest won't keep up with inflation. I need to find a way for the family to make money."

"Then you can't build a warehouse! How can you make money from that?" Lin Ping couldn't help but interject again.

"Sis, let me finish," Lin Fan said patiently. "I didn't choose that piece of land randomly. It's near the old train station, you know? It looks deserted now, but I've heard that the city has plans to build a logistics park there, and the road will be built to connect it to the area. Now, while the land price is cheap and the policies are lenient, we can build the warehouse. Once that area develops, our warehouse will be a hot commodity."

Lin Ping was skeptical: "A plan? Where did you hear that from? Is it reliable? Maybe someone's just trying to fool you!"

"Nobody's lying to me." Lin Fan shook his head. "I work at the bureau, and sometimes I get access to documents and hear rumors. They're not certain, but we have a general idea. Besides, even if the logistics park doesn't open that quickly, our warehouse is in a good location, not far from the main road. There are so many small factories and shops in the city that need warehouses. As long as the warehouse is well-built, we won't have trouble finding a tenant."

He paused, looked into his sister's eyes, and said more seriously, "Sis, I didn't act on impulse. I've carefully calculated the money for building the warehouse; it's 120,000 yuan all-inclusive, including the courtyard wall. The remaining 80,000 yuan is for Mom and Dad, absolutely untouched. Besides, I'm already looking for tenants."

"Looking for tenants?" Lin Ping was even more surprised. "We haven't even seen a glimpse of the warehouse, and you're already looking for tenants?"

"Hmm." Lin Fan nodded. "This is called early investment attraction. There's a boss from the south who makes GG materials. I asked around, and he's looking to set up a warehouse in Steel City. He's interested in the location and transportation potential of our land. We've already talked on the phone, and he's very interested. He said he'll come to see the site once the main structure of the warehouse is up. If he's satisfied, we'll sign a contract directly, a minimum five-year lease, and the rent..." He quoted a figure.

Lin Ping's eyes widened when she heard the rent figure: "How...how much? Twenty thousand a year? And for five years?!"

"Yes, it's 20,000 for the first year, and it will increase every year according to the contract," Lin Fan said confidently. "Sister, do the math. Even if it doesn't increase, it'll still be 100,000 in five years. The cost of building the house is 120,000, so we'll almost break even in five years. After that, renting it out will be pure profit. And with a long-term lease, we'll feel more at ease."

Lin Ping stared, speechless for a long time. She was a cashier, a master at accounting. Her mind raced; indeed, if what her brother said was true, this warehouse… didn't seem like a sham operation after all? Perhaps… even a rather shrewd deal?

But she still felt uncertain, mainly because this matter was beyond her comprehension. "Then... is that boss from the south reliable? What if he's lying to you? What if the warehouse is built and he disappears? Who will we turn to then?"

"Sister, don't worry about that." Lin Fan smiled. "Businessmen value integrity. Besides, we'll inspect the site first, then sign a formal contract and pay a deposit. It's all in black and white, legally binding. If he tries to cheat me, I can find his company. And besides, I work at the Finance Bureau, so even if I'm not an official, I still have basic vigilance and judgment."

That last sentence, which subtly elevated his own "status," reassured Lin Ping a bit more. Yes, her younger brother now worked at the Finance Bureau; surely his experience and knowledge were far superior to hers as a mere clerk?

The anger on her face vanished completely, replaced by surprise, confusion, and a hint of anticipation. "You...you're telling the truth? You're not lying to me?"

"Sister, I would never lie to you, no matter who I lie to." Lin Fan said sincerely, "If you don't believe me, I'll take you back to the village this weekend to see for yourself. The foundation for the warehouse has been laid, and the walls are almost finished. Dad is there watching over it every day. You can ask Dad if the foreman is an honest man and if the materials are good quality."

Hearing her father mentioned, Lin Ping's expression relaxed even more. Her father was an honest man, but he had his own standards for judging people and things. If her father thought it was feasible, then this matter... might not be as unreliable as she thought.

She remained silent for a long while before letting out a long breath, as if releasing all the pent-up frustration in her chest. She looked at Lin Fan with a complex expression: "Fanzi, you...you've really grown up. You've made up your mind, and the things you're doing are beyond my comprehension."

These words contained emotion, relief, and also a lingering worry.

Lin Fan held his sister's hand: "Sister, I know you're doing this for my own good, for the good of this family. I was immature before, causing you and Mom and Dad a lot of worry. Now, I just want to rely on my own efforts to make our family's life better and more stable. Buying a house is so I can have a foothold in the city; building a warehouse is so we can have a hen that keeps laying eggs for the family. Maybe I haven't thought things through completely, but I've considered every step carefully. From now on, I'll definitely discuss anything with you first, and I won't hide anything from you anymore."

These words were spoken with such sincerity that Lin Ping's eyes welled up with tears again, this time not from anger, but from heartache and emotion. She gripped her brother's hand tightly, her voice choked with emotion: "You child... you've always had your own ideas, you just kept them to yourself... Alright, I understand. As for the warehouse... you handle it yourself, and listen to Dad's advice. Money... spend it where it's needed, but don't be too frugal with yourself. Look at you, you've gotten thinner again."

She rambled on, getting up to open the cloth bag: "I brought you some pickles, made by Mom, and some steamed buns with meat filling. You can put them in the fridge at home and heat them up in the morning. And this new towel, yours was all shed..."

Watching her sister scold her while taking things out of the house, Lin Fan felt a bittersweet feeling, like soaking in a hot spring. Family love is always so simple and direct; when they scold you, they really mean it, and when they love you, they really mean it.

"Oh, right," Lin Ping suddenly remembered something and lowered her voice, "your brother-in-law told me to tell you to work hard at your job, talk less and do more. That Section Chief Zhou... seems to think highly of you? Your brother-in-law said that he's a good guy, capable, and you should learn from him, but also be careful not to cause trouble for others."

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat. Although his brother-in-law Sun Lin was just a driver, his ability to observe and gather information while working alongside a leader was extraordinary. His words were both a reminder and a tacit approval—acknowledging his relationship with Zhou Wenyuan.

"Yes, I know, sis. Tell your husband not to worry." Lin Fan nodded.

The siblings chatted for a while longer before Lin Ping reluctantly left, repeatedly reminding Lin Fan to take care of his health and to come home often.

After seeing his sister off, Lin Fan looked at the pile of food and supplies on the table, shook his head and smiled, feeling incredibly content. The thread of family always bound him firmly, giving him strength and making him understand the meaning of his struggles.

In the days that followed, Lin Fan's life became more fulfilling, but the pace seemed to slow down as if by some unspoken will, with a greater focus on details and accumulation.

He secretly enrolled in the Open University, choosing accounting as his major, and attended classes in his spare time. He brought home the thick textbooks and placed them on his desk in his new home. Every day after get off work, no matter how tired he was, he would read dozens of pages and take notes. The feeling of picking up books again was wonderful. Those numbers and concepts that he once thought were boring became vivid after his past life experiences and his exposure to the finance bureau in this life, and he could often corroborate what he saw and heard at work.

At work, he became even more cautious in his words and actions, meticulously handling every small task assigned by Director Du and Sister Liu. He delivered documents on time and accurately, recorded phone calls clearly and logically, and filed documents in an orderly manner. He was like an inconspicuous but precisely functioning screw, firmly embedded in the hub of the office. Director Du noticed this and was pleased, occasionally asking Lin Fan to try drafting more complex notices or letters, which Lin Fan always completed exceeding expectations.

Lin Fan's relationship with Zhou Wenyuan entered a period of tacit understanding and stability. Zhou Wenyuan seemed to have genuinely started working on Lin Fan's behalf. On two occasions, Lin Fan went to the logistics department to deliver materials and happened to see Zhou Wenyuan and Section Chief Jiang of the logistics department walking down the corridor, talking quietly. Section Chief Jiang even glanced at Lin Fan twice, his gaze appraising. Zhou Wenyuan, however, acted as if he hadn't seen Lin Fan and continued talking with Section Chief Jiang.

Lin Fan knew perfectly well what was going on, but he never inquired proactively, nor did he show any eagerness. He knew that these things couldn't be rushed; things would fall into place naturally when the time was right. He simply provided efficient and reliable support whenever Zhou Wenyuan needed it, such as compiling urgently needed data or helping to verify a lengthy report. Their "Old Chen's Little Stir-Fry" arrangement continued, and occasionally Zhou Wenyuan would ask about his progress in his distance learning and offer a few words of encouragement.

The construction of the warehouse back home was progressing smoothly. Every few days, my father would call Lin Fan (who had left his mobile number with the family) using the phone at the village store to report on the progress: the roof was sealed, the interior was being painted, the floor was being paved… His tone grew more excited each time. My father had even learned a few construction terms and spoke them quite fluently. My mother, meanwhile, would grab the phone and ramble on about how much the workers ate and how popular her pickled vegetables were.

What surprised Lin Fan the most was that he received a phone call just as the interior painting of the warehouse was nearing completion.

It was a Thursday afternoon, and he was in his office compiling a summary of the week's documents when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He went to a quiet spot in the corridor to answer it.

"Hello, is this Mr. Lin Fan?" The voice on the other end of the phone was a polite male voice with a distinct southern accent.

"Yes, who are you?"

"Hello Mr. Lin! This is Cheng Shaoan from 'Xunjie Graphics'! We spoke on the phone before about your warehouse near Gangcheng Railway Station." The other person's voice became more enthusiastic.

Lin Fan's spirits lifted! Cheng Shaoan! It was the southern boss who had rented his warehouse for over twenty years! He had only used some connections to spread the word in small circles within the relevant industry and left his contact information. He hadn't expected the other party to contact him so quickly, and it seemed to be even earlier than he remembered.

"Hello, Mr. Cheng! I remember you, I remember you. You've been to Steel City recently?" Lin Fan suppressed his excitement and asked calmly.

"Yes, yes, I came here to check out the market and also to look at a few potential warehouses. I specifically went to see your location. Although it's not completely finished yet, I'm very satisfied with the framework. The area, height, and the yard all meet my requirements. Especially its proximity to the train station freight yard, which makes transportation convenient—that's a huge advantage!" Cheng Shaoan was clearly a straightforward person, getting straight to the point. "Mr. Lin, is it convenient for you? I'd like to schedule a time for us to talk face-to-face and discuss the specific details. If it's suitable, I'd like to finalize things as soon as possible. My business is expanding, and I urgently need warehouse space."

"Of course it's convenient, Boss Cheng," Lin Fan said immediately. "The warehouse should be fully completed in about ten days. When do you have time? We can meet in Steel City and discuss it in detail."

The two quickly agreed to meet at a teahouse in downtown Gangcheng on Saturday morning.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan held his phone, his fingertips slightly warm. He hadn't expected that a tenant would already be knocking on his door before the warehouse was even fully completed, and it was that same long-term, stable "high-quality client" he remembered. This was undoubtedly a very good sign; it would not only immediately solve the warehouse's revenue problem but also give him more credibility with his parents and sister.

On Saturday morning, Lin Fan arrived at the agreed-upon teahouse ten minutes early. He wore a clean jacket, which made him appear more composed. Cheng Shaoan was a lean man in his forties with gold-rimmed glasses; he was a typical southern businessman—shrewd and capable, but not unpleasant to talk about.

After exchanging pleasantries and taking their seats, they ordered a pot of Longjing tea. Cheng Shaoan got straight to the point, reiterating his satisfaction with the warehouse's location and frankly admitting his urgent need for a warehouse. Lin Fan then explained the warehouse's specific parameters (area, floor height, load-bearing capacity, fire safety features, etc.), completion date, and ownership status (a self-owned building on collectively owned land with legal permits) in detail, and offered to take Cheng Shaoan to see the site again.

Cheng Shaoan waved his hand: "I've secretly gone to check the site twice already. I can tell the construction quality is good. The materials you used are solid, and the workers are meticulous. Mr. Lin is an honest man, so let's get straight to the point. Regarding the rent, I think the amount you mentioned on the phone before is acceptable. However, we need to finalize the payment method and lease term."

The subsequent negotiations went so smoothly that Lin Fan was somewhat surprised. Cheng Shaoan was clearly a man genuinely interested in building a business and didn't get overly bogged down in petty gains. Ultimately, both parties agreed on a five-year lease, with the first year's rent at 20,000 yuan. From the second year onward, the rent would increase by 20% annually. Rent would be paid annually in a lump sum at the beginning of each year. After signing the contract, Cheng Shaoan paid a deposit equivalent to three months' rent.

Lin Fan insisted on the 20% increase clause (to counter future inflation and rising land prices), and Cheng Shaoan agreed after consideration, believing it to be within a reasonable range.

"Mr. Lin, you're so young, but you're very methodical." After signing the preliminary letter of intent, Cheng Shaoan smiled and offered Lin Fan a cigarette. "To be honest, I've looked at several places in Gangcheng. Some locations were okay, but the property rights were unclear; others had no problems with the property rights, but the landlords were rife with exorbitant prices and were too cunning. Dealing with you is a pleasure!"

Lin Fan accepted the cigarette, thanked him, but didn't light it: "Boss Cheng, you flatter me. I'm also looking for a long-term, stable partner. Only by being honest with each other can we do business together in the long run."

"Well said! Honesty is the foundation!" Cheng Shaoan wholeheartedly agreed. "Then it's settled. Next weekend, once your warehouse is completely finished and passes inspection, we'll sign the formal contract and pay the rent. From now on, we'll be neighbors. I'll need Mr. Lin's help in this steel city!"

"Let's look after each other, Boss Cheng." Lin Fan smiled and extended his hand.

The important matter of renting out the warehouse was settled unexpectedly, smoothly, and naturally. Lin Fan walked home, the warm autumn sun shining on him, and he felt even the air smelled sweet. This not only meant a stable annual income, but also that his first major strategic move regarding the family business after his rebirth had firmly taken root.

After dealing with these "major matters," life should finally have a different feel to it.

Lin Fan thought of Wang Juan. The woman who had shared his hardships in his past life, giving him a warm home. Judging by the time, she should already be in Gangcheng, working as a waitress in a restaurant. In their past life, they met in the winter of 2005 at a Sichuan restaurant. But in this life, Lin Fan didn't want to wait that long. He wanted to find her sooner, to protect her sooner, and to spare her from all that hardship and wandering.

He remembered Wang Juan saying that she first worked at a restaurant called "Ke Lai Xiang." It was a mid-range restaurant serving home-style dishes; the prices were reasonable, the food was good, and it was always very popular. The location... I think it was somewhere on Jianshe Road?

That weekend afternoon, Lin Fan had nothing to do, and somehow found himself wandering onto Jianshe Road. The street was lined with shops on both sides, and he strolled along, his eyes scanning each sign. After walking about one stop, sure enough, the three large red characters "Ke Lai Xiang" appeared before him. The shop was quite large, with two floors, and the glass windows were sparkling clean, revealing many customers inside.

Lin Fan stood across the street for a while, his heart pounding. He felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness, like someone returning home with trepidation. Taking a deep breath, he crossed the street and pushed open the glass door of "Ke Lai Xiang".

A warm current, mixed with the aroma of food, wafted over, mingling with the laughter of customers and the clinking of dishes. It was just before dinner, and the restaurant was already about 60-70% full.

"Hello sir, how many are in your party?" a clear voice rang out.

Lin Fan looked up and his breath hitched slightly.

Behind the bar stood a girl in a red uniform jacket, about eighteen or nineteen years old, with her hair tied in a neat ponytail, revealing a smooth forehead and a pair of clear, bright eyes. Her cheeks were slightly flushed from being busy, and a professional yet slightly awkward smile played on her lips. The small, familiar dimple on her right cheek was faintly visible.

Wang Juan. It really is her. More youthful and vibrant than I remembered, like a newly ripened peach, radiating the essence of youth.

Lin Fan felt his throat was a little dry. He composed himself and tried to make his voice sound natural: "One."

"This way, please." Wang Juan came out from behind the bar and led Lin Fan to a small two-person table by the window. The way she walked, her ponytail swaying gently behind her head, carried a lightness unique to her age.

Lin Fan sat down, and Wang Juan handed him a menu and a laminated sheet with the names of the dishes printed on it: "Sir, what would you like to eat? Our signature dishes are braised ribbonfish and stir-fried pork."

Her voice was clear and melodious, with a slight local accent, but it was very pleasant to listen to. Lin Fan took the menu, but didn't really pay attention to it; his gaze involuntarily followed her. She seemed very busy; after settling Lin Fan in, she quickly went to another table of newly arrived guests, greeting them with the same enthusiasm.

Lin Fan forced himself to look away and glance at the menu. He casually ordered a stir-fried pork, a stir-fried vegetable dish, and a bowl of rice.

The food arrived quickly, brought by another waiter. Wang Juan moved swiftly between tables, taking orders, serving drinks, and clearing away dishes, her face always bearing that slightly shy but earnest smile. Occasionally, when guests loudly urged her to hurry or made unreasonable demands, she would politely handle it. But when she turned away, Lin Fan could see her slightly furrow her brow or subtly pout, revealing a hint of girlish grievance and stubbornness.

Lin Fan ate slowly, his gaze occasionally drifting to the busy red figure. The memories of his past life as husband and wife, spanning decades, overlapped with the strange yet familiar young woman before him, stirring a bittersweet flutter in his heart. He wanted to go up and say something to her now, but he was afraid of being too abrupt and startling her.

He was just an ordinary customer, and she was a busy waitress. At that moment, they were like two parallel lines.

"No rush," Lin Fan told himself. Now that he had found her, he had a direction. In this life, he had plenty of time and patience. He would be like a gentle, silent rain, slowly integrating into her life, protecting her, and ensuring that her most beautiful years were filled with less hardship and more peace and happiness.

After he finished eating, he waved to pay the bill. Wang Juan came over to collect the money.

"It's eighteen yuan and fifty cents in total." She calculated the bill efficiently.

Lin Fan took out twenty yuan and handed it to her. Wang Juan took it and looked down to find change in her apron pocket. Her fingers were slender, and her nails were neatly trimmed.

"Are you... new to this job?" Lin Fan asked casually, his voice very gentle.

Wang Juan looked up and glanced at him with some surprise, probably not expecting the customer to ask this, but still politely replied, "I've been here for over a month. Sir, here's your change of one dollar and fifty cents."

She handed the change to Lin Fan. Their fingertips touched lightly, then parted.

"Thank you." Lin Fan took the money, looked into her clear eyes, and mustered his courage to ask another question: "Is business always this good here?"

"Hmm, it's alright." Wang Juan nodded, probably finding this customer a bit odd, but didn't think much of it. "It gets busier in the evenings and on weekends. Sir, are you satisfied with your meal?"

"It's good, the taste is nice." Lin Fan smiled, stood up, and said, "Thank you for your hard work."

"You're welcome, and please come again next time." Wang Juan returned a polite smile and turned to get back to work.

Lin Fan walked out of "Ke Lai Xiang" (a restaurant chain). The evening breeze was cool on his face, but it couldn't dispel the warmth in his heart. He glanced back at the red figure inside the shop and secretly made up his mind.

I'll come again next time. Yes, I will. And I'll come often.

He wasn't in a hurry. The warehouse was nearing completion, the work was progressing steadily, his education was being upgraded, and Brother Zhou was paving the way for him... everything was moving in a positive direction. And finding Wang Juan was like adding the gentlest and brightest background color to this slowly unfolding picture.

Life is moving forward step by step, according to his carefully planned yet natural rhythm. He has the warmth of family, the support of benefactors, the start of his career, and now, the figure of the person he has been longing for has appeared.

This autumn, even the falling leaves seem to carry the scent of hope.