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

The 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is the Little New Year.

Colorful lanterns were hung at the entrance of the Steel City Finance Bureau, and colorful lights were also wrapped around the sycamore trees in the courtyard. The festive atmosphere of the New Year was instantly strengthened.

When Lin Fan arrived at work in the morning, he found the office piled high with things—boxes of apples and oranges, boxes of pastries, and various New Year's goods wrapped in red paper.

"Where did all of these come from?" he asked Zhao Xiaowen, who had arrived first.

"These were from various departments," Zhao Xiaowen said with a smile. "The inspection team has finished their work, and everyone wanted to express their gratitude. Section Chief Zhou asked us to leave them here, saying that it's the end of the year, and we should distribute them among our colleagues."

Lin Fan looked at the mountain of New Year's goods and felt a pang of emotion. A month ago, when the inspection team came down to check, many units were still resistant. Now that the work is over and the problems have been rectified, the relationships have actually improved.

This is the delicate nature of working in government offices—official business is handled officially, while personal relationships are kept separate.

Zhou Wenyuan arrived at nine o'clock, carrying two boxes of tea. Seeing the scene in the office, he smiled: "Wow, quite a haul!"

"Section Chief, these are all..." Lin Fan was about to report.

"I know." Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand. "Okay, Xiao Lin, you're in charge of distributing them. Keep some for our department, and give some of the rest to the logistics department, the office, and the budget department. It's about reciprocity."

"clear."

"Oh, right," Zhou Wenyuan said, taking an envelope out of the drawer. "This is for you."

Lin Fan took it; inside was five hundred yuan.

"Section Chief, this is..."

"Year-end bonus," Zhou Wenyuan said. "Although you're in a support staff position, your work performance was outstanding, so I negotiated with the bureau for it. It's not much, just a token."

"Thank you, Section Chief." Lin Fan felt a warmth in his heart. Five hundred yuan wasn't a lot, but it represented recognition.

"Section Chief, I..."

"Don't get excited," Zhou Wenyuan smiled. "This is what you deserve. You're hardworking, have a positive outlook, and are young. The organization needs fresh blood like you. Keep up the good work and try to become a probationary member of the Party next year or the year after."

"I will definitely try my best," Lin Fan said solemnly.

Zhou Wenyuan nodded: "The bureau is having its year-end summary meeting this afternoon, and then we'll be going on holiday. Pack your things and get ready for the New Year."

"Yes."

The year-end summary meeting was simple. The bureau leader said a few words, thanking everyone for their hard work throughout the year, and then began distributing New Year's gifts. Each person received a box of apples, a box of oranges, two boxes of pastries, and a can of oil.

After the meeting, people from different departments began visiting each other to exchange New Year's greetings. Lin Fan followed Zhou Wenyuan to several important departments—the Budget Department, the General Office, and the Personnel Department. At each location, Zhou Wenyuan would introduce him: "This is our Xiao Lin. He'll soon be a candidate for Party membership. Young people like him have a bright future."

Everyone smiled and shook hands with Lin Fan, offering words of encouragement. Lin Fan knew that Zhou Wenyuan was paving the way for him—helping him become a familiar face to the leaders of various departments.

It was already four o'clock in the afternoon when Lin Fan returned to the office. Zhao Xiaowen was packing things when she saw Lin Fan come back. She handed him a paper bag: "Team Leader Lin, this is cured meat that my mom made herself. Have a taste."

"I can't accept this..."

"You're welcome," Zhao Xiaowen said sincerely. "I've learned a lot from you over the past month. Thank you."

Lin Fan took the paper bag: "Thank you. Xiaowen, Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year!"

After seeing Zhao Xiaowen off, Lin Fan began packing his things. He loaded the New Year's goods into his car—the trunk of his Santana with the armed police license plate was large and packed full.

Just as they were about to leave, Zhou Wenyuan came downstairs carrying two bottles of wine.

"Kobayashi, you haven't left yet?"

"I was just about to leave," Lin Fan said. "Section Chief, what's going on here...?"

"It's a gift, Moutai." Zhou Wenyuan put the liquor in the trunk. "I don't drink much, you can take it back to your dad. It's the New Year, the whole family should have something nice to drink together."

"Section Chief, this is far too valuable..."

"Take it." Zhou Wenyuan said without room for argument. "By the way, start work on the eighth day of the new year, don't be late. New year, new beginnings, there's still a lot of work to do next year."

"Understood. Section Chief, I wish you a Happy New Year and a happy family."

"You too." Zhou Wenyuan patted him on the shoulder. "Be careful on the road."

Before the Lunar New Year, Lin Fan drove his parents back to their hometown.

My hometown is in a county under the jurisdiction of Gangcheng City, about 20 kilometers from the city center. The road is difficult to travel, but the vehicle with the armed police license plate made the journey much smoother.

Lin Jianguo sat in the passenger seat, wearing a newly bought cotton-padded coat, his back ramrod straight. His mother sat in the back, holding various New Year's goods in her arms.

"Xiao Fan, this car is really stable." Lin Jianguo touched the seat. "Much better than a bus."

"Of course, it's a new car." Lin Fan smiled. "Dad, buckle your seatbelt."

"What's that thing for? It's uncomfortable."

"It's a must, safety first," Lin Fan insisted.

Lin Jianguo reluctantly tied the cord, but he was still smiling—his son had made something of himself, driving a nice car and taking him back to their hometown; something he had never dared to dream of before.

My hometown is a small village with about a hundred or so households. When the car drove into the village entrance, it attracted a lot of onlookers.

"Jianguo is back?" an elderly person greeted.

"Yes, Uncle, come back for the New Year!" Lin Jianguo rolled down the car window and said in a loud voice.

The car stopped in front of the old house. It was an old-fashioned bungalow, quite old, but kept clean. Lin Fan's uncle, Lin Jianjun, was already waiting at the door.

"Brother, sister-in-law, Xiaofan!" Lin Jianjun greeted them, his eyes lighting up when he saw the car. "This car... is it the armed police?"

"Provided by the company," Lin Fan said casually.

"That's amazing." Lin Jianjun walked around the car. "Xiao Fan is doing well at the Finance Bureau."

After sitting down inside, Lin Fan unloaded the New Year's goods—Moutai liquor, Zhonghua cigarettes, high-end tea, imported chocolates, and boxes of fruits and pastries.

"Jianjun, these are for you." Lin Jianguo handed two bottles of Moutai to his younger brother. "These were given to us by Leader Xiaofan. Let's try some good wine."

"This...this is too valuable." Lin Jianjun's hands trembled slightly. He had spent his whole life farming in the village and had never seen Moutai before.

"Take it, I'll give it to you, so take it." Lin Jianguo's face beamed.

I had lunch at my uncle's house. My aunt prepared a table full of dishes, all with a rustic, farm-style flavor. Lin Fan ate with great relish—it was a taste from his memories, one he hadn't experienced in a long time in his previous life.

After dinner, Lin Fan drove his father to pay New Year's visits to several elders. The first family was the village's former Party Secretary, who was over seventy but still in good health.

The old Party Secretary paused for a moment when he saw the armed police vehicle: "Jianguo, this is...?"

"This is my son Xiaofan's car," Lin Jianguo said with pride. "He works at the Municipal Finance Bureau."

"Great, great!" The old Party Secretary held Lin Fan's hand. "Our village has produced a talented person. Xiao Fan, work hard and bring honor to our village."

Lin Fan said respectfully, "Don't worry, old Party Secretary, I will definitely work hard."

He took out the prepared gifts from the car—a box of tea, two bottles of wine, and a red envelope containing fifty yuan.

"Old Party Secretary, this is just a small token of my appreciation. Please buy something nice to eat."

"How can this be done..." the old Party Secretary declined.

"Please accept this," Lin Jianguo said. "It's a small token of Xiaofan's filial piety."

The old Party Secretary finally accepted it, his eyes welling up with tears: "Jianguo, you've raised a good son."

He then visited a few more homes, all of which were inhabited by elders in the village. Lin Fan gave each family a gift—not much, but it was all out of goodwill. The elders were very happy, holding his hands and talking incessantly.

When I got back to my uncle's house, it was already dark. My aunt had prepared another meal and invited a few relatives over.

At the dinner table, everyone praised Lin Fan for his success. Lin Fan smiled modestly and toasted the elders. Lin Jianguo sat in the head seat, a smile on his face the whole time, his back straighter than ever before.

That night, Lin Fan slept in the old house. Lying in the bed he had slept in as a child, listening to the wind outside the window, he felt very at ease.

This is the life he wants—his parents have face, his relatives respect him, and he is successful.

No matter how much money you make or how high your official position is, isn't it all for these things?

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, Lin Fan returned to the city. He first went to the Donghe Wholesale Market.

The market was nearly deserted; most shops had closed for the Lunar New Year. Wang Juan's old shop was still open, with red lanterns hanging above the entrance.

Lin Fan parked his car and went into the store. Wang Juan was doing the accounting at the counter when she heard the sound, looked up, and her eyes lit up.

"Lin Fan! You're back?"

"Hmm." Lin Fan looked around. "The door's still open?"

"We'll close tomorrow." Wang Juan closed the ledger. "Last day, finish reconciling the accounts. What brings you here?"

"Just came to see you." Lin Fan took out a few red envelopes from his bag. "These are the employees' year-end bonuses. Could you distribute them for me?"

Wang Juan took the envelopes and counted them: "Five red envelopes, two hundred each... And this one?"

"This is for you," Lin Fan said, pointing to the thickest one. "Two thousand."

Wang Juan was stunned: "Why are you giving me so much? I'm just helping you manage it..."

"You're not just helping me manage it; we're doing business together," Lin Fan said earnestly. "These past few months, you've worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk, managing the shop so well. You deserve it."

Wang Juan's eyes instantly reddened: "Lin Fan, I... I can't accept this. You gave me a chance and taught me how to do things; I'm already very grateful..."

"Here you go." Lin Fan stuffed the red envelope into her hand. "We'll need you next year. The West District store is just starting out, the old store needs to be stabilized, and the provincial capital agency needs to be maintained. The tasks are heavy."

Looking at the red envelope in her hand, Wang Juan finally burst into tears. She suddenly stepped forward and hugged Lin Fan.

It was a very light hug, which quickly came to an end. But the warmth of that moment left them both stunned.

"I'm sorry..." Wang Juan took two steps back, her face flushed. "I...I was too excited."

Lin Fan also felt a little awkward: "It's nothing."

Lin Fan asked, "When are you coming home?"

"The train leaves tomorrow afternoon," Wang Juan said. "My mom has called several times to urge me."

"Have you bought the tickets?"

"I've bought a sleeper berth."

Lin Fan thought for a moment and said, "I'll take you tomorrow."

"No need, no need, you go about your business..."

"It's settled then." Lin Fan said firmly. "I'll pick you up tomorrow at noon and take you to the station."

Wang Juan glanced at him and nodded: "Okay."

The two chatted about business for a while longer. Wang Juan showed Lin Fan the account books: the main store's monthly profit was stable at around 30,000 yuan; the West District store, which had been open for two months, had already started to turn a profit, with a monthly profit of over 8,000 yuan; and the provincial capital distributor's monthly orders remained around 50,000 yuan.

"Next year I plan to expand my agency to two more counties," Wang Juan said. "People have already contacted me, saying they want to sell our products."

"You decide what to do," Lin Fan said. "I trust you."

These words made Wang Juan blush again.

After leaving the wholesale market, Lin Fan went to a supermarket and bought some New Year's goods. Then he drove home.

Lin Fan's parents were making dumplings when his mother asked, "Did you see Xiao Wang?" when Lin Fan returned.

"I saw her." Lin Fan put down his things. "I'll take her to the station tomorrow."

"Xiao Wang is a good kid," his mother said while making dumplings. "He's hardworking, reliable, and honest. You should help him out more often."

"I know." Lin Fan washed his hands and helped.

The father rolled out the dough, the mother filled the dumplings, and Lin Fan arranged them. The family chatted and worked together happily.

"Xiao Fan," her father suddenly said, "Your Section Chief Zhou has been so good to you, we should show our appreciation. How about we invite him over for dinner?"

Lin Fan thought for a moment and said, "Let's wait until after the New Year. I'll ask the section chief if he has time."

"Okay. I'll cook a few of my signature dishes myself."

"Dad, you can cook?" Lin Fan smiled.

"You look down on your father?" Lin Jianguo glared. "Back when I was delivering vegetables to the factory, the head chef taught me two dishes: braised pork and sweet and sour fish. They were both excellent."

"Then I'll wait and try it."

After making dumplings, the family sat on the sofa watching TV. A skit made the parents laugh out loud.

Looking at his parents' smiling faces, Lin Fan felt a surge of emotion. This was what he wanted to protect.

It was noon on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month.

Lin Fan drove to the wholesale market to pick up Wang Juan. Wang Juan had already packed her things: a suitcase and a backpack.

"You don't have much stuff." Lin Fan helped her put her luggage into the trunk.

"I'm only going home for a few days, so I don't need to bring too much." Wang Juan sat in the car, looking a little reserved.

The car headed towards the train station. There weren't many cars on the road, and we arrived quickly.

Lin Fan parked the car and was about to take Wang Juan to the station when she stopped him: "I'll just drop you off here. Go home early, your aunt and uncle are waiting for you."

"I'll leave after I watch you go in."

Wang Juan bit her lip and took a paper bag out of her bag: "This... is for you."

Lin Fan took it; inside was a hand-knitted scarf, gray with fine stitches.

"I knitted it myself, it's not very good..." Wang Juan blushed again, "It's cold, wear it while you drive."

Lin Fan touched the soft scarf, feeling a warmth in his heart: "Thank you, I like it very much."

"Then I'm leaving." Wang Juan pulled her suitcase. "Lin Fan, Happy New Year."

Happy New Year. Be careful on the road, and send me a text message when you get home.

"Um."

Wang Juan turned and walked into the station. After taking a few steps, she turned back and waved to Lin Fan.

Lin Fan waved back until her figure disappeared into the crowd.

Back in the car, he picked up the scarf and smelled it; it had a faint fragrance. It was jasmine-scented laundry detergent, the kind Wang Juan often used.

Lin Fan carefully put away the scarf and started the car to go home.

In the afternoon, the family began preparing the New Year's Eve dinner. The mother was the main cook, the father assisted, and Lin Fan was in charge of putting up Spring Festival couplets and hanging lanterns.

As evening approached, a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner was laid out: braised pork, steamed fish, poached chicken, four-happiness meatballs, garlic broccoli... all home-style dishes, but with an enticing aroma.

"Let me say a few words before we eat," Lin Jianguo said, raising his glass. "This year has been the year with the biggest changes for our family. Xiao Fan has a stable job, I've found work myself, and life at home is getting better and better. Cheers to the New Year!"

"Cheers!"

The three clinked glasses. Lin Fan drank a soft drink, while his parents drank the Moutai that Zhou Wenyuan had given them.

"This wine smells really good." Lin Jianguo took a sip. "Good wine is just different."

"Then drink less," the mother said. "You're getting old, take care of your health."

"It's Chinese New Year, we're happy." Lin Jianguo poured another glass.

After dinner, the family sat on the sofa to watch the Spring Festival Gala. The skits, songs, dances, and crosstalk performances were similar every year, but they were always a joy to watch.

Around 11 a.m., Lin Fan received a text message from Wang Juan: "I'm home, everything went smoothly. Happy New Year!"

He replied, "It's good that you're home. Happy New Year, please give my regards to your parents."

"Okay. Are you watching the Spring Festival Gala too?"

"I'm watching, Zhao Benshan's skit just finished."

"I watched it too, and I laughed until my stomach hurt."

The two chatted for a while until the clock struck midnight. Outside the window, firecrackers went off and fireworks lit up the sky.

Lin Fan walked to the balcony and looked at the fireworks filling the sky. 2003 had passed, and 2004 had arrived.

That year, he was twenty-one years old, about to become an active member of the Party, with a mentor to help him, his career taking off, and someone he liked by his side.

Everything is just right.

The parents also went out onto the balcony, and the three of them watched the fireworks together.

"Xiao Fan," his mother suddenly said, "what are your wishes for the New Year?"

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "I hope my parents are healthy, I hope my work goes smoothly, I hope... everyone is doing well."

"Is that all?" the father asked.

"That's enough," Lin Fan said with a smile.

Yes, that's enough. Ordinary happiness is the hardest to find.

The fireworks gradually faded, and the night sky returned to tranquility. But the lights in every household remained warm and bright.

This is the essence of life, this is what he wants to protect in his second life.