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

On the eighth day of the first lunar month, the Finance Bureau of Gangcheng City officially resumed work.

The festive atmosphere of the New Year hadn't completely dissipated in the courtyard, and red lanterns swayed gently in the morning breeze. Lin Fan arrived at work promptly at 7:30, cleaned the office, and brewed tea for Zhou Wenyuan.

At eight o'clock sharp, Zhou Wenyuan pushed open the door and came in, followed by a young man wearing glasses.

"Good morning, Xiao Lin." Zhou Wenyuan took off his coat. "Let me introduce you. This is Xiao Chen, Chen Ming, the new secretary, in charge of office document processing."

"Hello, Secretary Chen." Lin Fan stood up and shook hands.

Chen Ming, who was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old and looked very refined, said, "Hello, Lin Fan. Director Zhou asked me to learn more from you."

Director Zhou? Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat. This title didn't exist before the new year.

Zhou Wenyuan sat down and took a sip of tea: "The Party Committee of the Bureau just held a meeting and there have been personnel adjustments. Deputy Director Sun has been transferred to the Municipal Bureau of Statistics as its director, and your brother-in-law went with him. I will be taking over Deputy Director Sun's position, in charge of the Treasury Section, the Budget Section, and the General Office."

Although Lin Fan had a premonition, he was still shocked when he heard the news. Zhou Wenyuan's promotion to deputy director was a qualitative leap.

"Congratulations, Director Zhou," he said sincerely.

"It's just a title; the work still needs to be done." Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand. "Xiao Chen will be working in this office from now on, handling daily documents. Xiao Lin, you'll still be with me, driving around, and helping me with things when you're not busy. You'll be half a secretary, but mainly for fieldwork."

"Understood." Lin Fan nodded.

"Oh, right," Zhou Wenyuan said, taking out his car keys from the drawer, "the bureau gave me a new car, a Mitsubishi Pajero, which will make it easier to drive to the provincial capital. You can use that Armed Police Santana for now. It's borrowed from another unit, so it's not part of the bureau's assets. It'll be convenient for you to drive it."

Lin Fan took the keys. The Santana with the Armed Police license plate wasn't as impressive as a new car, but it was practical and offered freedom—no registration, no application, you could drive it whenever you wanted.

"Thank you, Director Zhou."

"Don't call me Director Zhou. When we're alone, just call me Brother Zhou." Zhou Wenyuan smiled. "Although I'm in the position of deputy director, I'm still temporarily handling the work of the Treasury Department. You should continue doing what you're supposed to do."

Just then, the phone rang. Zhou Wenyuan answered: "Feeding? Old Zheng... Yes, I'm at work... Okay, let's meet at Juxianlou at noon, I'll bring Xiaolin."

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Wenyuan said to Lin Fan, "Director Zheng of the Transportation Bureau, it's lunchtime. Please make the arrangements."

"Yes."

At nine o'clock, the bureau held a general meeting of all cadres to announce personnel appointments and removals. On the stage, Zhou Wenyuan sat to the right of the bureau chief, his expression calm. Below the stage, Lin Fan sat in a corner taking notes, occasionally glancing up at that familiar figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

In his previous life, he knew Zhou Wenyuan, who was already the director of a provincial department. He never expected to witness Zhou Wenyuan's rise to power in this life.

After the meeting, people from different departments began visiting each other to exchange New Year's greetings. There were noticeably more people visiting the Treasury Department, and their attitudes were more respectful—everyone knew that Zhou Wenyuan was now a powerful deputy director in charge of key departments.

Lin Fan was busy all morning, receiving a bunch of small New Year's gifts: tea, cigarettes, and shopping cards. They were all small in value, but they added up.

At 11:30 a.m., Lin Fan drove Zhou Wenyuan to Juxianlou. The newly equipped Mitsubishi Pajero was indeed impressive, spacious, with a high chassis, and very comfortable to ride in.

"How's the car?" Zhou Wenyuan asked from the back seat.

"Nice car," Lin Fan said. "It should be good for long-distance driving."

"It's just that the fuel consumption is high," Zhou Wenyuan chuckled. "But the bureau reimburses it, so who cares?"

Director Zheng had already arrived at the private room of Juxianlou Restaurant, and he brought someone with him—the director of the Transportation Bureau's office.

"Old Zhou, congratulations on your promotion!" Director Zheng stood up and shook hands.

"Same to you, same to you." Zhou Wenyuan smiled and sat down. "How's the setup going on your end?"

"Thanks to you, everything went smoothly." Director Zheng personally poured tea. "Those troublemakers in the engineering department have all been transferred away, and the newly promoted young people are motivated and obedient. I really have to thank you this time."

"We support each other," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The inspection team helps you find problems, and you take the opportunity to rectify them. It's a win-win situation."

The dishes arrived, and Director Zheng urged everyone to eat. After a few drinks, he lowered his voice and said, "Old Zhou, I heard you're going to deal with Liu Jianguo from the Industry and Commerce Bureau?"

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat.

Zhou Wenyuan glanced at Lin Fan and said calmly, "It's not that I want to deal with him, he just walked right into the line of fire."

"What's going on?" Director Zheng asked, intrigued.

"Liu Jianguo, the deputy director of the Donghe Industrial and Commercial Bureau, has been extorting money and demanding bribes for a long time," Zhou Wenyuan said. "During the inspection team's work before the Lunar New Year, he made things difficult for Xiaolin's clothing store, fining it 5,000 yuan and issuing a blank receipt. I had someone check, and good heavens, at least half of the fines he handled over the years went into his own pocket."

Director Zheng gasped, "So daring?"

"His brother-in-law is the deputy secretary-general of Donghe District, he has connections," Zhou Wenyuan said, taking a sip of his drink. "But now his brother-in-law has been transferred to the CPPCC, and his connections have scattered. I had dinner with Director Li of the Industry and Commerce Bureau during the Spring Festival and brought this up. Director Li slammed his fist on the table and said that such a black sheep must be eliminated."

"and then?"

"Expel him from both the Party and public office, and transfer him to the judicial authorities," Zhou Wenyuan said casually. "He'll probably get a few years in prison."

Lin Fan tightened his grip on the chopsticks. He hadn't expected Zhou Wenyuan to act so quickly and thoroughly.

"Old Zhou, what's going on here..." Director Zheng hesitated, unable to finish his sentence.

"We'll handle this strictly according to the rules," Zhou Wenyuan said. "If we don't deal with people like this, how can we improve the business environment? How can businesses develop?"

"That's right." Director Zheng raised his glass. "Come on, let's drink to Lao Zhou's swift and decisive actions."

The three clinked glasses. Lin Fan downed his drink in one gulp, his heart filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, he was grateful to Zhou Wenyuan for standing up for him; on the other hand, he also felt the weight of power—a single word could decide a person's fate.

On the way back to the station after dinner, Zhou Wenyuan said, "Don't overthink Liu Jianguo's matter. I'm not standing up for you, but for justice. Keeping someone like that in law enforcement is a menace."

"I understand," Lin Fan nodded.

"However," Zhou Wenyuan paused, "this is also a reminder for you. In the government, you need to be cautious, but you can't be too soft either. You need to be firm when you need to be, and you need to use your connections when necessary."

"I'll remember that, Brother Zhou."

Back in his office in the afternoon, Chen Ming was organizing documents. Seeing Lin Fan return, he stood up: "Lin Fan, what are Director Zhou's plans for this afternoon?"

"Go to the provincial department at 2:30, and you probably won't be back until after 10," Lin Fan said. "Prepare the documents that need to be signed and wait for the director to come back to handle them."

"Okay." Chen Ming said respectfully, "Lin Fan, I'm new here and there are many things I don't understand. Please guide me."

"Let's learn from each other." Lin Fan smiled. "You go ahead with your work, I'm going out for a bit."

He drove to the Donghe Wholesale Market. The old shop was already open for business, and Wang Juan was doing accounts at the counter.

"Lin Fan? What brings you here?" Wang Juan looked up, her eyes filled with surprise.

"Just passing by, thought I'd drop by." Lin Fan walked into the shop. "How's business?"

"We just opened, and there aren't many customers yet," Wang Juan said, putting down her ledger. "But we received calls from a few regular customers yesterday, saying they'd be coming to restock today."

Lin Fan looked around; the shelves were full of new spring clothes. A poster on the wall displayed a promotional event designed by Wang Juan.

"What about the West District store?"

"We'll open tomorrow," Wang Juan said. "Xiao Yan will be overseeing things over there, making the final arrangements."

"That's good." Lin Fan nodded. "By the way, the Industry and Commerce Bureau won't bother us anymore."

Wang Juan was taken aback: "Why?"

"Liu Jianguo should have been expelled from the Party and removed from his post, and may go to jail," Lin Fan said calmly.

Wang Juan's eyes widened: "Really? How did you know?"

"I heard that," Lin Fan said, not going into details. "Anyway, the people at the Industry and Commerce Bureau will be more disciplined from now on. Just run your business normally, and call me if anything happens."

Wang Juan looked at Lin Fan with a complicated expression: "Lin Fan, did you...do something?"

"What can I do?" Lin Fan laughed. "What power could a lowly employee have? He brought this upon himself and got himself into trouble."

Wang Juan didn't believe it, but she didn't ask any further questions. She lowered her head and whispered, "You're so kind."

Lin Fan glanced at his watch. "I should go back now. I have to go to the provincial department with my superiors this afternoon."

Drive carefully.

"Um."

After leaving the wholesale market, Lin Fan sat in his car for a while, lost in thought. Wang Juan's question, "Did you do something?" left him feeling uneasy.

He really didn't do anything; it was Zhou Wenyuan who did it. But if it weren't for his connection, would Zhou Wenyuan have bothered with such a trivial matter?

Ultimately, it was thanks to Zhou Wenyuan's influence that they succeeded.

But how long can this momentum last? As Zhou Wenyuan climbs higher and higher, will he still be able to stay by his side?

Lin Fan shook his head, banishing these distracting thoughts. It was too early to think about such things now; he should focus on doing the task at hand first.

The following week, Lin Fan entered a new rhythm.

Every morning at 7:30, I would arrive at the office and first deal with the documents in Zhou Wenyuan's office—although I wasn't his secretary, Zhou Wenyuan was in the habit of letting me review them first and pick out the important ones.

At 8:30, Zhou Wenyuan arrived at the office, and Lin Fan reported on the day's schedule: what time the meeting was, what time he met with guests, and what time he went to the grassroots level.

Starting at nine o'clock, it's a constant rush. Today he's reporting to the provincial government, tomorrow he's conducting research in the counties and districts, and the day after tomorrow he's having dinner with business partners. Lin Fan's role is quite delicate—he's a driver, but also an assistant; a subordinate, but also a confidant.

Zhou Wenyuan trusted him a lot and entrusted him with many personal matters: delivering New Year's gifts to his former boss, helping his friends' children find jobs, and even buying materials for home renovations.

Lin Fan handled things perfectly. He didn't skimp on necessary expenses, and he wasn't careless in areas requiring attention. Zhou Wenyuan relied on him more and more.

A Santana with a People's Armed Police license plate became Lin Fan's standard vehicle. This car was indeed convenient—no registration was required to enter the government compound, no queues were needed to pass through toll booths, and sometimes, if he committed a traffic violation, the traffic police would turn their heads when they saw the license plate.

But Lin Fan was very careful about his actions. He didn't go where he shouldn't, and he didn't show off when he shouldn't. He knew that this car was a privilege, but also a target. Used well, it was an advantage; used poorly, it was a disaster.

On the 25th day of the first lunar month, the bureau held a party group meeting. Lin Fan waited downstairs for Zhou Wenyuan to finish the meeting.

The meeting lasted all morning, and it was already noon when they came out. Zhou Wenyuan looked rather unwell, and lit a cigarette after getting into his car.

"Chief, what's wrong?" Lin Fan asked.

"It's about the budget allocation." Zhou Wenyuan exhaled a puff of smoke. "Several deputy directors want more funding, and they're arguing fiercely. The director asked me to coordinate, which is a job that's bound to offend people."

"What should we do then?"

"Fight for what you should fight for, and yield where you should yield," Zhou Wenyuan said. "However, some people don't know their limits and overstep their bounds. This afternoon, come with me to the Audit Bureau and have a chat with Director Wang."

"What are you going to talk about?"

"Some companies' accounts need to be audited," Zhou Wenyuan sneered. "Want more money? Get your accounts straight first."

Lin Fan understood. This was Zhou Wenyuan's counterattack—using auditing to reprimand those who didn't understand the rules.

In the afternoon, upon arriving at the Audit Bureau, Director Wang warmly received them. The two talked behind closed doors for an hour, and both emerged with smiles on their faces.

"Xiao Lin, please put the two cases of wine for Director Wang in the trunk of his car," Zhou Wenyuan said.

Lin Fan complied. Director Wang hesitated for a moment, but then accepted it.

On the way back, Zhou Wenyuan said, "The Audit Bureau will be conducting special audits of several units next week. I've given them the list; they're the ones who have been most vocal about budget allocation."

"Wouldn't this...?"

"Offend people?" Zhou Wenyuan laughed. "How can you be a leader without offending people? The key is to offend them in a worthwhile way. These people's accounts are always unclear; an investigation will uncover everything. Once problems are found, will they still have the nerve to ask for money?"

Lin Fan admired Zhou Wenyuan's methods. This was not a simple act of revenge, but a well-reasoned and justified restraint.

"Xiao Lin, remember this," Zhou Wenyuan said, "In the government, you can't always be a nice guy. You have to be firm when you need to be, but you have to be reasonable and have evidence so that no one can find fault with you."

"I've got it."

By mid-February, business at the Donghe Wholesale Market had completely returned to normal.

The established store's monthly profit is stable at around 35,000 yuan, while the western district store has exceeded 10,000 yuan. The provincial capital agent's monthly order amount remains around 60,000 yuan, and they have also introduced customers from two surrounding counties.

Wang Juan became increasingly capable, managing the business with great efficiency. She learned to read financial statements, acquire negotiation skills, and manage employees. The five girls in the shop all respected her and called her "Sister Juan."

Lin Fan went there once a week to check the accounts and discuss the next steps. The two developed a better and better understanding, sometimes knowing what the other was thinking with just a glance.

But after that hug, neither of them crossed the line again. Lin Fan didn't dare—afraid of being impolite, afraid of ruining their current understanding. Wang Juan was shy—a girl from the countryside, with strong traditional values.

However, feelings are like grass in spring; they just keep sprouting.

February 18th was Wang Juan's birthday. Lin Fan hadn't told her beforehand, but he brought a cake with him when he went to the shop in the afternoon.

"How did you know it was my birthday today?" Wang Juan asked, both surprised and delighted.

"I remembered your ID card from last time," Lin Fan smiled. "I'll treat you to dinner tonight to celebrate."

"In the shop..."

"It's okay to leave a little early," Lin Fan said. "Let the girls get off work earlier, and you can get some rest too."

Wang Juan thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay."

That evening at Juxianlou, it was just the two of them. Lin Fan ordered several dishes that Wang Juan liked, and also a bottle of red wine.

"I don't drink alcohol," Wang Juan said, blushing.

"Just a little bit, just a small amount." Lin Fan poured her a little. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you." Wang Juan picked up her cup, took a small sip, and her face turned even redder.

The two chatted as they ate. Wang Juan told many things about the shop: Xiao Fang wanted to study design, Xiao Li planned to save money to buy a house, Xiao Yan's boyfriend worked in the provincial capital...

Lin Fan listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a few words. Under the lamplight, Wang Juan's face was soft and warm, her eyes shining.

"Lin Fan," Wang Juan suddenly said, "I don't know where I would be right now if it weren't for you."

"Don't say that," Lin Fan shook his head. "It's all thanks to your own hard work."

"It's not about effort," Wang Juan said earnestly, "it's about opportunity. You gave me that opportunity and supported me all the way. I will remember this kindness for the rest of my life."

Lin Fan looked at her, a surge of emotion welling up inside him. But he suppressed it, simply saying, "We're partners, we'll help each other succeed."

After dinner, Lin Fan drove Wang Juan back to her place. The car was parked downstairs, but neither of them got out immediately.

"Lin Fan," Wang Juan said softly, "can I ask you a question?"

"Ask away."

"Why...why are you so good to me?" Wang Juan looked at him. "Not the kind of good you do in business, it's...extraordinarily good."

The car fell silent. A breeze blew in through the window, causing the tree branches to sway gently.

After a long silence, Lin Fan said, "Because it's worth it."

"What's worth it?"

"You deserve my kindness." Lin Fan turned to look at her. "Wang Juan, you're a good girl—smart, capable, and kind. You deserve everyone's kindness."

Wang Juan's eyes welled up with tears. She lowered her head and said in a soft voice, "I...I also think you're very good."

Lin Fan's heart raced. But he restrained himself, simply patting her shoulder: "Alright, go upstairs. Get some rest."

Wang Juan looked up at him, nodded, and said, "Okay. Be careful on the road."

Watching her retreating figure, Lin Fan sat in the car for a long time.

It's not that I don't want to, it's that I dare not. I owed her too much in my past life, and I must repay it slowly in this one. I can't rush it; I must make her willing and happy.

That's what he persisted in.

In late February, Zhou Wenyuan instructed Lin Fan on a matter: "Director Li from the Provincial Department is coming to conduct research next week. You need to arrange the reception. It should be high-level, but not excessive. The accommodation should be quiet, and the food should be distinctive."

Lin Fan understood that this was a test of his competence. He first contacted the Municipal Party Committee Reception Office and booked the best suite at the government guesthouse. Then he visited several distinctive restaurants to scout out options, and finally chose a private restaurant with an elegant ambiance and exquisite dishes.

Next, the itinerary was arranged: the first day was for listening to reports, the second day for visiting projects, and the third day for a discussion. Every detail was considered—what fruit to put in the meeting room, the tour route, who would speak at the discussion…

The plan was presented to Zhou Wenyuan, who was very satisfied: "It's well thought out. Let's do it this way."

On the day of the reception, Lin Fan accompanied him throughout. He was the driver, the liaison, and the waiter—Director Li's teacup was always filled with hot water, the necessary materials were always available, and even Director Li's casual remark that he "wanted something spicy" resulted in a dish of chopped chili fish head being served on the dinner table that evening.

Director Li was very satisfied. Before leaving, he said to Zhou Wenyuan, "Wenyuan, your Xiao Lin is quite good. He's reliable."

"Young man, you still need more training," Zhou Wenyuan said modestly, but there was a hint of pride in his eyes.

After seeing Director Li off, Zhou Wenyuan said to Lin Fan, "This reception was very successful. Director Li will tell the other leaders that our Municipal Finance Bureau did a solid job and provided excellent hospitality. This is all thanks to you."

"It's thanks to the director's excellent guidance," Lin Fan said.

"No need to be modest." Zhou Wenyuan patted him on the shoulder. "Work hard, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

Lin Fan nodded. He knew this reception was a milestone—he had not only entered Zhou Wenyuan's inner circle, but had also made his way into the provincial department leadership.

Back in the office, Chen Ming handed him an envelope: "Lin Fan, this is the remaining balance from the hospitality expenses. Director Zhou gave it to you."

Lin Fan took it; there was two thousand yuan inside. He knew this was a reward from Zhou Wenyuan, a sign of his approval.

"Thank you." He put the money away, feeling at ease.

After get off work, Lin Fan drove home. His parents had already prepared dinner and were waiting for him.

"Xiao Fan, why are you so late today?" his mother asked.

"I'm receiving provincial leaders." Lin Fan washed his hands and sat down. "Dad, Mom, I have something to tell you. I might have to work overtime a lot, so don't wait for me to eat anymore."

"Work is important," Lin Jianguo said, "but you must take care of your health."

"Know."

During the meal, Lin Fan mentioned Zhou Wenyuan's promotion to deputy director. Upon hearing this, Lin Jianguo remarked, "Director Zhou is a good man; you should work hard under his guidance."

"Um."

"Oh, by the way," the mother said, "your sister called yesterday and said she's doing quite well at the statistics bureau. Your brother-in-law is driving for the director, and he has an even easier job than before."

Lin Fan was relieved. With his sister's family settled, he had one less thing to worry about.