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

Four years later, in early summer.

The Provincial People's Hall stood solemnly, with the national emblem hanging high. A provincial conference of leading cadres was being held, and a striking banner hung above the rostrum: "Unite our efforts to seek development and forge ahead on a new journey."

Zhou Wenyuan sat upright in the center of the dais, a nameplate reading "Governor" placed before him. At forty-nine years old, a few gray hairs had appeared at his temples, but his eyes were now deeper and more composed, exuding an air of authority. Just last month, the Provincial People's Congress elected him as Governor. From Executive Vice Governor to Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and now to Governor of the province, his journey over the past four years has been steady and resolute.

Below the stage, principal leaders from all cities and provincial departments across the province were gathered. Lin Fan sat upright in a prominent position, a bright red Party badge pinned to his chest. At thirty-eight, he is now a member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and a member of the Provincial Supervisory Commission, concurrently serving as the director of the Second Supervision and Inspection Office. Shortly after a job reshuffle four years ago, he was transferred to the discipline inspection and supervision system—a suggestion from Zhou Wenyuan and a deliberate act of cultivation by the organization.

"...The new era and new journey have placed higher demands on our work." Zhou Wenyuan's voice echoed throughout the meeting hall through the microphone. "We must adhere to the strict tone without wavering, and with the perseverance and dedication of always being on the road, deepen the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party and create a clean and upright political environment."

His gaze swept across the audience, lingered briefly on Lin Fan, and then looked away.

"At the same time, we must accurately grasp the 'three distinctions' and support and encourage cadres who dare to take responsibility and work diligently. We must continue to optimize the business environment, stimulate the vitality of various market entities, and promote high-quality economic development throughout the province..."

Lin Fan took careful notes. Four years of work in the discipline inspection commission had given him a deeper understanding of the profound meaning behind Zhou Wenyuan's speech. Combining strict management with care, and emphasizing both restraint and incentives—this is not only a work requirement, but also political wisdom.

After the meeting, the crowd surged out of the hall like a tide. Many familiar cadres came over to greet Lin Fan, their attitude polite yet tinged with caution. His status as a discipline inspection cadre naturally kept people at a distance.

"Director Lin, are you free after the meeting? I'd like to report something to you," a secretary of the discipline inspection commission from a prefecture-level city leaned over and whispered.

"I need to go to the case-handling site this afternoon. So, come to my office tomorrow morning." Lin Fan glanced at his watch.

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

Stepping out of the hall, the June sun was rather scorching. Just as Lin Fan was about to get into his car, his phone rang. It was Zhou Wenyuan's secretary, Xiao Zheng.

"Director Lin, the governor said that if you haven't left yet, please come to the small conference room in Building 2. He needs to speak with you."

"Okay, I'll be right there."

In the small conference room of Building Two, Zhou Wenyuan had already taken off his coat, wearing only a white shirt, and was looking at documents. Seeing Lin Fan enter, he pointed to the chair opposite him: "Sit down. Help yourself to something to drink."

Lin Fan poured himself a glass of water and sat down opposite him. Four years had passed, and their private interactions remained unchanged, but the hierarchy in public was now much more pronounced.

"I noticed you were taking very careful notes during the meeting just now," Zhou Wenyuan said, putting down his documents. "So, after four years in the Discipline Inspection Commission, what's your deepest impression?"

Lin Fan thought for a moment and said, "The deepest thing is... power is a double-edged sword. If used well, it benefits the people; if used improperly, it harms others and oneself. Our work in discipline inspection is to ensure that this sword always points outwards, safeguarding fairness and justice."

"That's right." Zhou Wenyuan nodded. "In the past four years, you have participated in the investigation of more than a dozen major cases, and your achievements are obvious to all. In particular, last year's series of corruption cases involving state-owned enterprises involved such a wide range of people. It was not easy for you to withstand the pressure and make the case airtight."

"It's all thanks to the joint efforts of the organization's leaders and comrades," Lin Fan said sincerely. That case was indeed difficult, involving a provincial state-owned enterprise group and multiple related companies, with a huge amount of money involved and a complex network of relationships. During the investigation, they encountered all sorts of tactics: pleas for leniency, pressure, and even threats. The most difficult time was when Zhou Wenyuan clearly stated at a provincial party committee standing committee meeting: "There are no forbidden zones or exceptions in the fight against corruption. Anyone who tries to plead for leniency is interfering with the investigation, and the discipline inspection commission will investigate them all!" Only then did they withstand the pressure.

"I've called you here today with a new task," Zhou Wenyuan said, getting to the point. "The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission have handed over an important lead concerning a potential serious violation of discipline and law by a provincial-level leading cadre in our province. The lead is somewhat vague, but it's very specific. The Standing Committee of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection has decided that you will lead an investigation team to conduct a preliminary verification."

Lin Fan felt a chill run down his spine. Provincial-level leading cadres—the investigation of this level must be conducted with utmost caution.

"Which leader is involved?" he asked.

Zhou Wenyuan didn't answer directly, but instead pulled a document from the folder and pushed it over. The cover was blank, with only the word "Top Secret" on it.

Lin Fan opened the book, and the first page contained only one line: "Preliminary review of clues related to Comrade Zhang XX".

Upon seeing this name, his pupils contracted slightly. Zhang XX, a member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee and the Party Secretary of a major city, was a genuine deputy provincial-level official with deep roots within the province.

"Is the source of the clue reliable?" Lin Fan asked.

"It was transferred by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection through internal channels, so it should have a certain degree of credibility," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But as you can see, there is currently only some fragmented information: interference in engineering projects, providing convenience for relatives to engage in business, and excessively close ties with certain businessmen... There is a lack of direct evidence."

"What is the opinion of the provincial discipline inspection commission leaders?"

"Secretary Wang's idea is for you to lead two or three absolutely reliable people to conduct preliminary investigations. Pay attention to the methods and maintain strict confidentiality. If there is substantial progress, then we can proceed with the approval process and take further measures." Zhou Wenyuan looked at him. "This task is very sensitive, and the pressure will be immense. Do you dare to accept it?"

Lin Fan remained silent for a few seconds. In his four years as a discipline inspection officer, he had handled cases involving department-level officials and investigated state-owned enterprise executives, but this was the first time he had investigated a deputy provincial-level official. He knew what this meant—once an investigation was launched, it was like stepping into a minefield, every step fraught with danger.

"I'll take it." He raised his head, his gaze firm. "If he really has a problem, no matter what level he is, we must investigate him thoroughly."

A hint of approval flashed in Zhou Wenyuan's eyes, but his tone remained serious: "It's good to have determination, but strategy is even more important. Zhang XX has been operating locally for many years, and his network of relationships is complex. Your investigation must be as precise as surgery; you can't alert him, and you certainly can't give him any leverage. If you need any support, you can report directly to me."

"clear."

After leaving the provincial party committee compound, Lin Fan did not return to his unit, but instead had his driver take him to a case-handling location in the suburbs. He needed quiet time to think.

In the car, he closed his eyes to rest, repeatedly replaying the events in his mind. He had actually heard about Zhang XX's problems before. During his years at the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, there had been a constant stream of complaints and reports about this municipal party secretary, but most of them were rather vague and lacked concrete evidence. This time, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection had directly assigned the case to him, indicating that the problem might be more serious than imagined.

Upon arriving at the investigation site—an inconspicuous five-story building with no signage at the entrance—it was revealed to be a dedicated investigation facility of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, heavily guarded.

In the office on the second floor, the other two members of the investigation team were already waiting. One was Old Ma, a veteran discipline inspector in his fifties, with rich experience; the other was Xiao Chen, a female cadre in her early thirties, meticulous and skilled in data analysis.

"Director Lin, this is a relationship diagram compiled based on the existing clues." Xiao Chen opened his laptop, and a complex relationship diagram appeared on the screen. Zhang XX was located in the center, with dozens of lines radiating outwards, connecting relatives, businessmen, subordinates, and so on.

Lin Fan examined the documents carefully: "Focus your investigation on these lines: the investment company under his son Zhang Hao's name, the construction company controlled by his brother-in-law, and several real estate developers closely associated with him. Lao Ma, you lead the team to start from the periphery, such as the industry and commerce bureau, tax bureau, and banks; Xiao Chen, you are in charge of information screening and data analysis. Remember, keep a low profile and don't alert anyone."

"Understood," the two replied in unison.

Over the next month, the investigation team, like hunters lurking in the shadows, silently gathered information. Lao Ma, along with his men, used pretexts such as "tax audit" and "annual business inspection" to review the accounts and files of a large number of companies; Xiao Chen, on the other hand, used big data technology to analyze the flow of funds and related transactions.

Clues began to slowly emerge.

Zhang Hao's investment company, with a registered capital of only ten million yuan, participated in more than a dozen large-scale projects within three years, with a total investment of over five billion yuan, many of which were key projects in cities where Zhang was in charge.

His brother-in-law's construction company, despite having mediocre qualifications, consistently wins bids for major municipal projects, and the winning bids are often higher than the market average.

Even more suspicious is the flow of funds—several large sums of money flowed through complex channels and ultimately ended up in overseas accounts.

"Director Lin, look at this." One evening, Xiao Chen pointed to a series of transaction records on the screen. "Last year, Zhang Hao's company paid eight million to a Hong Kong company for 'consulting services,' but the registered address of this Hong Kong company is fictitious, and the actual controller cannot be found. And a week after this payment, Zhang Hao purchased a luxury mansion in Hong Kong worth twenty million."

Lin Fan stared at the data: "Have you investigated the source of the funds?"

"We're investigating, but it's very difficult. The funds changed hands through multiple shell companies and eventually exited through underground banks," Lao Ma added. "However, we found a potential key witness—Zhang Hao's company's former CFO, who suddenly resigned last year and went to Shenzhen. It's said he disapproved of some of the company's practices."

"Can we find him?"

"We have located his address and company in Shenzhen. However, it is up to you to decide whether or not to make contact."

Lin Fan pondered for a moment. Contacting witnesses meant the investigation might be exposed. But without contacting them, much crucial information would remain elusive.

"Wait a little longer." He finally decided, "First, solidify the peripheral evidence. In particular, we need to find concrete evidence of the transfer of benefits between those real estate developers and Zhang XX."

Just as the verification work was progressing intensively, an unexpected storm suddenly struck.

In early July, an anonymous article suddenly appeared online with a sensational title: "A leader of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection abuses his power for personal gain and interferes in business operations." The article implied that Lin Fan used his position to benefit his relatives' businesses and also "reported" several so-called "cases" under his real name.

The article was quickly deleted, but it had already spread within a small circle.

"Director Lin, this is clearly someone trying to smear us and interfere with the investigation!" Old Ma said angrily.

Lin Fan remained calm: "What's meant to happen will happen. This shows that our investigation has touched a nerve with some people. Let them jump; the higher they jump, the more they'll expose."

That being said, the pressure was real. Secretary Wang of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection spoke with him specifically: "Comrade Lin Fan, the organization's eyes are sharp. The organization is well aware of your character and work. But public opinion also needs to be considered, and it must be handled appropriately. If necessary, the Commission for Discipline Inspection can issue a clarification statement."

"Thank you for your trust, Secretary Wang," Lin Fan said. "The innocent will clear themselves. Issuing a clarification now would only make us seem guilty. I suggest we ignore it and focus on investigating Zhang XX's case. Once the case is cleared up, the rumors will fall apart on their own."

"Good, that shows composure." Secretary Wang nodded. "However, you need to speed things up. I suspect the enemy won't only have this one trick up their sleeve."

Sure enough, a few days later, even more direct pressure came.

Lin Fan's former superior, a retired provincial leader, called him: "Little Lin, I heard you're investigating Zhang XX's case? I know him well; he's very capable and has made significant contributions to local development. Some of the accusations might be malicious fabrications. Your disciplinary committee must be cautious in handling cases; you can't wrong good officials."

The words were phrased tactfully, but the meaning was clear.

Lin Fan respectfully replied, "Senior leader, please rest assured, we will definitely act in accordance with the law and regulations, emphasizing evidence and procedures. If Secretary Zhang is innocent, the investigation will naturally clear his name; if he is indeed guilty, then it is his own fault."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan took a deep breath. This was just the beginning; even higher-level intervention might be on the way.

He dialed Zhou Wenyuan's number.

"Governor, you've probably heard about the situation, haven't you?"

"I've heard about it," Zhou Wenyuan said calmly. "Are you under a lot of pressure?"

"A little. But I can still manage."

"Just hold on," Zhou Wenyuan said. "I just spoke with Zhang XX on the phone about economic work. He was subtly probing the situation of the case. I told him to trust the organization and the disciplinary committee, and to confess if there are any problems, and to focus on his work if there are none."

This is a very artful way of putting it—it's both a reminder and a warning.

"Governor, we've found a key witness, but there are risks involved in contacting him."

How confident are you?

"Sixty percent."

Zhou Wenyuan paused for a few seconds: "Then let's make contact. But we need to have contingency plans in place to ensure safety. Do we need the police's cooperation?"

"Not for now, we can handle it ourselves."

"Okay. Remember, no matter what happens, the bottom line of acting in accordance with the law must not be crossed. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to contact me."

With Zhou Wenyuan's explicit support, Lin Fan felt much more at ease.

In mid-July, Lao Ma and Xiao Chen secretly traveled to Shenzhen. Three days later, they brought back crucial evidence—a complete set of copybooks and a written testimony provided by the former CFO, detailing how Zhang Hao's company embezzled funds through false contracts and invoices, and how it transferred benefits to Zhang's relatives.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chen recovered a batch of deleted emails and chat records through technical means, which clearly showed Zhang XX abusing his power to intervene on behalf of specific companies and engaging in illegal operations.

The chain of evidence is gradually becoming complete.

In early August, the investigation team submitted a preliminary investigation report to the Standing Committee of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection. After intense discussion, the Standing Committee ultimately decided to submit the report to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection for approval, and to initiate an investigation into Zhang XX.

The approval came quickly. On August 15th, an ordinary Tuesday morning, Zhang XX was taken away from the municipal party committee meeting room. The news shocked the entire province like a thunderbolt.

For the next three months, Lin Fan and his team practically lived at the investigation site. Interrogation, external investigations, evidence collection, analysis… they worked more than eighteen hours a day. Zhang XX initially maintained a tough stance, vehemently denying everything, but faced with irrefutable evidence, his psychological defenses gradually crumbled.

On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lin Fan looked out at the full moon in the corridor outside the interrogation room and made a phone call home.

"Dad, when are you coming back? Grandma made mooncakes and saved the biggest one for you." His son Beibei's voice came through the phone.

"Dad still has work to do, he'll be back in a while. You must listen to Mom and study hard."

"Okay, Dad. Our teacher told us a story about integrity today and said you're a hero."

Lin Fan's nose tingled with emotion: "Dad isn't a hero, Dad just did what he was supposed to do."

After hanging up the phone, he composed himself and went back into the interrogation room.

Breakthroughs in cases often lie in the details. A seemingly insignificant USB drive contained a recording of Zhang XX's private meeting with a businessman; a yellowed notebook recorded his thought process more than a decade ago when he accepted his first bribe…

When all the evidence was laid out before him, Zhang finally bowed his head.

"I have failed the organization's training and the people's trust..." He wept bitterly, confessing to serious violations of discipline and law, including accepting huge bribes, abusing his power, and corrupting his family's morals.

The case was transferred to the judicial authorities. After trial, Zhang was sentenced to fifteen years in prison, and his illegal gains were confiscated.

On the day the case was closed, Lin Fan walked out of the investigation site, the sunlight so bright he could barely open his eyes. After working continuously for over a hundred days, he had lost more than ten kilograms, and gray hairs had started to appear at his temples.

My phone rang. It was a text message from Zhou Wenyuan: "You've worked hard. Go home and rest for a few days, spend time with your family. Come see me next week, we need to discuss something."

Lin Fan replied, "Okay, Governor."

He didn't go home immediately, but went to the riverbank. More than four years ago, after the medical corruption scandal ended, he had also sat here in silence. Now, the river still flows eastward, but he is no longer the naive secretary he once was.

The road to fighting corruption is long and arduous. But he knows that as long as he remains true to his original aspiration and as long as justice is in his heart, he must continue down this path.

One week later, in the governor's office.

Zhou Wenyuan looked at Lin Fan sitting opposite him. The tempering of four years of inspection work had made this young man more calm and resolute. His eyes had lost some of their bookishness and gained more of the sharp insight into the world.

"Zhang XX's case was handled exceptionally well. The leaders of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection even called to commend him," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Through these years of training, you have grown into a backbone force on the discipline inspection and supervision front. The organization is considering giving you even greater responsibilities."

Lin Fan sat up straight.

"The position of deputy secretary of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection will soon be vacant, and both Secretary Wang and I believe you are a suitable candidate." Zhou Wenyuan looked at him. "Of course, this requires going through the proper procedures. But I'd like to hear your thoughts first."

Lin Fan remained silent for a moment.

"Governor, thank you for the organization and for your trust. But I'm thinking..." he said slowly, "The position of Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission is very important, but I would like to stay on the front line of case handling even more. In the past few years, I have deeply realized that the front line of the fight against corruption needs people who can fight and dare to fight. I am still young, and I want to handle a few more tough cases."

Zhou Wenyuan was somewhat surprised, then smiled appreciatively: "Good! Not coveting power, just wanting to get things done. That's a good idea. However, position and getting things done are not contradictory. The deputy secretary can also be in charge of case work, and the platform is higher, with more resources that can be coordinated."

He stood up and walked to the window: "Xiao Fan, our province has achieved a phased victory in the fight against corruption, but the situation remains severe and complex. There are still many problems in areas such as engineering construction, state-owned enterprises and assets, financial credit, law enforcement and the judiciary. We need more principled, capable, and responsible cadres like you to tackle the tough issues and uproot the rotten ones."

Lin Fan also stood up: "I understand. If the organization makes a decision, I will resolutely obey. No matter what position I hold, my duty to fight corruption will not change."

"That's right." Zhou Wenyuan turned around. "The Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee will discuss cadres next week, and your nomination will be on the list. Be prepared."

Stepping out of the governor's office, Lin Fan didn't feel much excitement; instead, he felt an even greater weight on his shoulders.

In the corridor, several young cadres were whispering among themselves. When they saw him approaching, they immediately stopped talking and greeted him respectfully, "Hello, Director Lin."

Lin Fan nodded and, as he walked past them, he heard faint whispers:

"I heard Director Lin is going to be promoted again..."

"Wow, that's impressive, a 38-year-old deputy secretary of the provincial discipline inspection commission..."

"They did it with real blood and sweat..."

He didn't stop walking, but he felt a mix of emotions. From a temporary worker who only sought "stability and wealth" at the beginning of his rebirth to a discipline inspection cadre standing at the forefront of the fight against corruption, the road he had walked was arduous, but every step he took was solid.

What is power? He once thought that power was a shield to protect his family and a ladder to realize his ambitions. Now he understands that power is also a responsibility, a burden, and a sword hanging over his head, constantly reminding the wielder: the sword's edge should point to justice; and the hilt should be held in reverence.

When he got home that evening, Wang Juan cooked a delicious meal. His parents and sister's family all came to celebrate his "victory in another battle."

"Xiao Fan, your position is getting higher and higher, and I'm both happy and worried." His mother held his hand. "I'm happy that my son is successful, but I'm worried... this anti-corruption campaign might offend some people."

"Mom, don't worry." Lin Fan served his mother some food. "Your son is upright and honest. Besides, with Governor Zhou and the organization backing us up, we have nothing to fear."

The father took a sip of wine and sighed, "Your grandfather used to say that in the Lin family, if you do nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear. What you're doing is right, it's a good thing, and Dad supports you. Just... take care of your health, don't overwork yourself."

"Okay, Dad."

After dinner, Lin Fan played with the two children for a while. Bao Bao was already in junior high school and had his own ideas; Bei Bei was still in elementary school, innocent and carefree.

"Dad, my classmates all say you caught a lot of bad guys," Beibei asked, tilting her little face up. "Are bad guys all scary?"

Lin Fan patted his head: "Bad guys aren't scary, what's scary is that good people don't dare to fight against bad guys. As long as everyone dares to stand up, bad guys will have nowhere to hide."

"When I grow up, I want to be like my dad and catch bad guys!"

Lin Fan smiled: "Okay. But what you need to do now is study hard and master your skills."

It was late at night, and everyone in the family was asleep. Lin Fan stood on the balcony, looking at the city's night view. Thousands of lights shone, and all was peaceful.

Behind this tranquility, how many people are silently protecting it? And how many undercurrents are still surging?

He didn't know. But he knew he was one of the guardians.

My phone vibrated; it was a long text message from Zhou Wenyuan:

"Xiao Fan, I just finished a meeting. The Central Committee's opinion on further deepening the reform of the discipline inspection and supervision system has been released, and the tasks ahead will be even heavier. We've come a long way together, experiencing both highs and lows. I often think back to when you first became my driver, so hardworking and dedicated, with a bright light in your heart. Over the years, that light hasn't gone out; instead, it's grown brighter. The road ahead is still long, let's walk it together. Take care of yourself, goodnight."

Lin Fan read it several times, his eyes welling up with tears.

He replied, "Governor Zhou, please take care. The road ahead is long, but if you're heading in the right direction, you won't be afraid of how far it is."

send.

A night breeze caressed my face, carrying the slight coolness of early summer.

The sun will rise as usual tomorrow.

And a new journey is about to begin.

(End of the article)

---

Final Remarks

Lin Fan's story begins with a rebirth and ends with his original aspiration.

He has walked this path for over a decade, from seeking personal "stability and wealth" to shouldering the responsibility of "fairness and justice" for the world. Along the way, he received help from benefactors, assistance from brothers, and support from family, but most fundamentally, it was the inextinguishable light in his heart—his adherence to kindness, his pursuit of justice, and his commitment to responsibility.

Zhou Wenyuan rose from a section chief in the Finance Bureau to the governor of a province, while Lin Fan went from a temporary worker to a valiant disciplinary inspector. Their career paths are intertwined with trust, succession, and shared ideals.

The fight against corruption has no end, and development is a never-ending process. But as long as there are people like Lin Fan, leaders like Zhou Wenyuan, and countless Party members and cadres who uphold their original aspirations and fulfill their duties, this land will continue to eradicate corruption and be revitalized.

Stability is not a harbor to avoid storms, but rather composure after weathering the storm.

True wealth is not about extravagance and fine clothes, but about inner peace and a clear conscience.

Lin Fan found his "stable and wealthy life".

May every striver find their own original aspiration and perseverance.

— End of article —