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

On the first day back to work after the National Day holiday, Lin Fan went to the China Construction Bank with a copy of his ID card.

Bank Manager Wang was waiting for him in his office. Upon seeing him, he smiled and said, "Xiao Lin, you're here early."

"President Wang, thank you for your help with this." Lin Fan handed over the materials. "These are photocopies of my and Director Zhou's ID cards, as well as a power of attorney."

President Wang took the materials and looked them over carefully: "Okay, the materials are complete. Here's what we'll do, I'll have Xiao Li from our international business department liaise with you. He specializes in cross-border business and knows the ropes."

"Thank you, President Wang."

"Don't mention it." Bank Manager Wang picked up the phone and dialed an internal line. "Xiao Li, come to my office."

A few minutes later, a young man wearing glasses knocked on the door and came in: "President Wang, you wanted to see me?"

"This is Lin Fan from the Finance Bureau," President Wang introduced. "Xiao Li, could you help him with his Hong Kong stock account? Use our bank's 'Cross-border Express' service; the procedures are simple and the efficiency is high."

"Understood." Xiao Li turned to Lin Fan. "Lin, please have a seat. Shall we talk in my office?"

"it is good."

Upon arriving at Xiao Li's office, the two sat down. Xiao Li took out a stack of forms: "Mr. Lin, please fill out these forms first. Account opening application form, risk disclosure statement, cross-border fund application form... eight forms in total."

Lin Fan took the form and began filling it out. He didn't understand some of the technical terms, so Xiao Li patiently explained them to him.

"How do you fill in this 'investment experience' section?" Xiao Li asked.

"It just says I have two years of experience investing in A-shares," Lin Fan said. "I bought Moutai stock for three months, but it's okay to say it's been a bit longer, right?"

"It's alright, it won't affect anything," Xiao Li smiled. "Opening a Hong Kong stock account mainly focuses on the legality of the source of funds, and investors bear their own investment risks. Your funds are from China Construction Bank, so our bank is responsible for the review. There won't be any problem."

After filling out the form for more than two hours, I finally finished. Xiao Li carefully checked it: "Okay, it's complete. Next, we just need to wait for approval, which will take about a week. After it's approved, you'll need to go to Hong Kong in person to complete the final procedures at our Central branch."

"Does the person have to go in person?"

"Absolutely," Xiao Li said. "It's a regulatory requirement; you need to have an in-person interview to open an account. But don't worry, someone from our Hong Kong branch will meet you and accompany you throughout the process."

"The cost..."

"You'll have to pay for your own expenses," Xiao Li said. "Airfare, accommodation, and meals are all your responsibility. We're only responsible for processing your application."

Lin Fan nodded: "Understood. When can we go?"

"Mid-to-late October, I'll wait for your notification," Xiao Li said. "Mr. Lin, please leave your contact information, and I'll let you know as soon as I have any news."

"it is good."

After leaving the Construction Bank, Lin Fan went straight back to the Finance Bureau. Zhou Wenyuan was reviewing documents in his office when he saw Lin Fan return. He looked up and asked, "How did it go?"

"I've submitted all the materials and am waiting for approval," Lin Fan said. "President Wang said it would take about a week. After it's approved, I'll have to go to Hong Kong for an in-person interview to open an account."

"Okay, I'll approve your leave when the time comes," Zhou Wenyuan said. "By the way, is the funding ready?"

"I'm all set," Lin Fan said. "I have 260,000 yuan, and with the working capital for my business, raising 300,000 yuan shouldn't be a problem. Brother Zhou, what about you…?"

"I also have 300,000 here," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But Xiaolin, are we really going to invest all that money? Hong Kong stocks are quite risky."

"Brother Zhou, I've done my research," Lin Fan said earnestly. "Tencent is a company that makes instant messaging, and young people are all using QQ now. The future belongs to the internet age, and companies like this have huge potential. The stock price is only a little over three Hong Kong dollars right now. If you buy it and hold it long-term, you're guaranteed to make a profit."

Zhou Wenyuan looked at Lin Fan with a complicated expression: "You kid, where did you get all this knowledge? Internet, QQ, these terms sound new to me."

"Read more books and newspapers in your spare time, and you'll gradually understand," Lin Fan said vaguely. "Brother Zhou, if you're worried, you can invest a small amount. Ten or twenty thousand, just to test the waters."

"No need for that," Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand. "I trust you. Didn't you predict the Moutai stock price right? I'll follow your advice again this time. But..."

"But what?"

"But we can't invest all our own money," Zhou Wenyuan said in a low voice. "I know people at the bank who can help us get loans. We can each borrow up to $50,000 in RMB under the guise of consumer loans, with low interest rates. If we use the loan money to invest in stocks, the profits are ours, and if we lose... well, it won't be a huge loss."

Lin Fan's eyes lit up: "That's a great idea! But Brother Zhou, is it legal to use loans to speculate on stocks?"

"For consumer loans, you can list the purpose as home renovation or buying a car; the bank doesn't care about the details," Zhou Wenyuan laughed. "I'll handle this; you don't need to worry about it."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou."

As Lin Fan left the office, he was incredibly excited. Zhou Wenyuan was truly his benefactor; he always thought of things in advance for him.

Back in the garage, he began sorting through the gifts he had accumulated over the past few days. Mid-Autumn Festival was over, but the gift-giving hadn't stopped—around National Day, another wave of gifts arrived from his subordinates.

The garage was half full of cigarettes, alcohol, tea, and candy, along with various health products and digital devices. Lin Fan picked and chose, keeping the valuables and preparing to give away the ordinary ones.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Wang Juan.

"Lin Fan, come to the shop tonight? I need to talk to you about something."

"What's up?"

You'll see when you get here.

At six o'clock in the evening, Lin Fan drove to the Donghe Wholesale Market. The old shop was already closed, but Wang Juan was still doing accounts behind the counter.

"Juan'er, what's all this mystery about?"

Wang Juan looked up, a smile on her face: "Sit down first, and let me settle this score."

Lin Fan walked around the store and saw that the autumn clothes were selling well, and the shelves were quite empty.

A few minutes later, Wang Juan closed the ledger: "All done. Lin Fan, business has been exceptionally good this month. The main store earned 38,000 yuan, and the West District store earned 12,000 yuan. Adding the commission from the provincial capital agent, the net profit this month is over 50,000 yuan."

"So many?" Lin Fan exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes." Wang Juan nodded. "The main reason is that the autumn clothes sold well; we restocked twice and they sold out both times. Lin Fan, I want to discuss something with you."

"you say."

"I want to open another store," Wang Juan said earnestly. "This time, not in the wholesale market, but in the commercial street. It will be a brand store, selling our 'Juanzi Clothing' products."

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "The rent in the commercial street must be expensive, right?"

"It's not cheap, 150,000 yuan a year," Wang Juan said. "But I've investigated it, and the location is good with high foot traffic. If I do a good job, earning 200,000 yuan a year shouldn't be a problem."

Are you sure you can do it?

"Yes," Wang Juan said firmly. "I've been researching brand operations lately. We currently have two wholesale stores, so our supply is stable and the quality is guaranteed. If we open a specialty store in the commercial street, we can build the brand and eventually open a chain."

Lin Fan looked at Wang Juan, feeling quite moved. Just six months ago, she was a timid waitress, but now she was actually thinking about opening a chain store.

"Okay, I support you," Lin Fan said. "Do you have enough money?"

"That's enough," Wang Juan said. "I've saved over 200,000 yuan in the past few months, more than enough to open a shop. I just wanted to hear your opinion."

"My opinion is to go for it." Lin Fan put his arm around her shoulder. "Juan'er, you're more capable than me now. You're in charge of business matters."

Wang Juan blushed: "No, it's all because you taught me so well."

"I did teach you some things, but it's mainly up to you to work hard," Lin Fan said. "Here's what we'll do: you'll be fully responsible for opening the shop. Just let me know if you need any help."

"Mmm." Wang Juan leaned on his shoulder. "Lin Fan, thank you for trusting me so much."

"Between us, there's no need for thanks."

The two stayed in the store until after 8 p.m., where Wang Juan explained her opening plan in detail. She had thought of everything, from location selection and decoration to sourcing and staffing.

Lin Fan felt more and more reassured as he listened. Wang Juan truly had a talent for business; she grasped things quickly and could apply what she learned to other situations.

After leaving the store, Lin Fan drove Wang Juan back to her place. On the way, Wang Juan asked, "Lin Fan, has your trip to Hong Kong been finalized?"

"It's settled, mid to late October," Lin Fan said. "I'll be there for about a week, open the account and get back."

"Be careful going alone," Wang Juan said softly. "I heard things are chaotic in Hong Kong; don't go to places you shouldn't go."

"Don't worry, I'm just going to take care of some business. I'll be right back," Lin Fan laughed. "Besides, I'm being accompanied by bank staff, so I'm safe."

"That's good." Wang Juan paused for a moment. "Lin Fan, let's get engaged when you come back from Hong Kong."

Lin Fan was taken aback: "Engaged?"

"Mmm." Wang Juan's voice was even softer. "My parents have been urging me to get married several times. They say our relationship is stable, we have a house, and it's time to get married."

Lin Fan felt a warmth in his heart: "Okay, let's get engaged when I get back from Hong Kong. But Juan'er, the wedding might have to wait until we're old enough, then we'll have a proper one."

"We can wait for a wedding, an engagement will do," Wang Juan said. "I just want... I want to become family with you."

"We're family now," Lin Fan said, holding her hand. "When I get back, the first thing we'll do is get engaged."

Lin Fan escorted Wang Juan downstairs and watched her go upstairs before driving away. He was overjoyed; Wang Juan's initiative to propose meant she genuinely wanted to spend her life with him.

It was past nine o'clock when I got home. My parents were still awake, watching TV in the living room.

"Xiao Fan's back?" his mother asked. "Have you eaten?"

"I ate, I ate with Wang Juan." Lin Fan sat down. "Dad, Mom, I have something to tell you. Wang Juan wants to open another shop, a brand store, on the commercial street."

"Another store opening?" the mother exclaimed in surprise. "Don't you already have two?"

"Wang Juan is capable and wants to expand her business," Lin Fan said. "I support her."

"That must cost a lot of money, right?" the father asked.

"I have enough money, from what I've earned these past few months," Lin Fan said. "Dad, Mom, there's one more thing. I'm going to Hong Kong in a while, on a business trip for about a week."

"Going to Hong Kong?" The mother was even more surprised. "That's so far away, what are you going there for?"

"It's something for work, just some business to take care of," Lin Fan said vaguely. "Don't worry, it's a legitimate business trip, someone will take care of you."

When are you going?

Mid to late October.

The mother thought for a moment and said, "Then we should bring some summer clothes. I heard it's hot in Hong Kong."

"I know, I'll get ready."

Back in his room, Lin Fan began planning his trip to Hong Kong. Opening an account and buying stocks were big things. But what made him even happier was that Wang Juan had proposed engagement.

He owed her in his past life, and he had to make up for it tenfold in this one. The engagement was just the first step; after that, they would have a wedding, have children, and live a good life.

Lost in thought, Lin Fan fell asleep. In his dream, he held Wang Juan's hand, walking down a red carpet...

On October 18th, Xiao Li from China Construction Bank called: "Mr. Lin, your application has been approved! You can leave for Hong Kong anytime. Our branch has made all the arrangements, including booking your accommodation in a four-star hotel close to our Central branch."

"That's great!" Lin Fan said excitedly. "I'll take leave and head over as soon as I've got it sorted out."

"Okay, let me know when you've decided, and I'll book your plane tickets," Xiao Li said. "By the way, Director Zhou's application has also been approved. You'll need to bring the original copy of his authorization letter."

"clear."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan immediately went to find Zhou Wenyuan.

"Brother Zhou, it's been approved in Hong Kong!"

"So soon?" Zhou Wenyuan glanced at the calendar. "Then get ready, go next week. I'll approve a week off for you, is that enough?"

"That's enough, opening an account won't take that long," Lin Fan said. "Brother Zhou, you need to give me the original copy of your authorization letter."

Zhou Wenyuan took an envelope out of the drawer: "It's all prepared. This is my ID card, my Hong Kong and Macau travel permit, and an authorization letter. Keep it safe, don't lose it."

"Don't worry, it won't get lost." Lin Fan took the envelope. "Brother Zhou, about the loan..."

"It's all taken care of," Zhou Wenyuan said. "The credit limit is US$50,000 per person, which is about RMB 410,000. The money has already been transferred to the designated account. Once you arrive in Hong Kong, you can transfer it directly to your Hong Kong stock account."

Lin Fan did the math in his head. Four hundred and one thousand, plus his own three hundred thousand, totaling seven hundred and one thousand. At the current Tencent stock price of three and two dollars, that could buy over two hundred thousand shares.

"Brother Zhou, if we make money this time, we'll be rich!"

"It's great if you make money, but don't worry too much if you lose money," Zhou Wenyuan said. "I understand that investing involves risk. Just go for it and don't feel pressured."

"clear."

Leaving the office, Lin Fan began packing his luggage. Clothes, documents, exchanged Hong Kong dollars... he checked everything one by one.

I called Wang Juan that evening and told her when I was going to Hong Kong.

"I'll leave next Wednesday and be back next Tuesday," Lin Fan said. "Juan'er, please take good care of the shop while I'm gone."

"Don't worry, I can handle it," Wang Juan said. "Lin Fan, be careful over there, don't wander off."

"I know, I'll take care of my business and come back as soon as I'm done."

"Okay. We'll get engaged when you come back."

"it is good."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan felt a warm glow inside. Having a wife like Wang Juan was truly a blessing.

Over the next few days, Lin Fan finished all his work. The matter of clearing the surplus funds was basically completed; all the units had paid their dues, and the provincial department was very satisfied.

Section Chief Li Jing specifically called Lin Fan into her office: "Xiao Lin, this cleanup work was done very well. The provincial leaders specifically praised you. Keep up the good work, Director Zhou values ​​you highly, and you have a bright future ahead of you."

"Thank you, Section Chief Li."

Lin Fan felt even better after leaving the budget department.

On Wednesday, October 22nd, Lin Fan boarded a plane to Hong Kong.

It was my first time flying, and I was a little nervous. But mostly I was excited—if this trip went smoothly, things would really be different from now on.

The plane landed in Hong Kong at 3 PM. Stepping out of the airport, a wave of heat hit me. Hong Kong in October still felt like summer.

A young woman named Ah May from the Hong Kong branch of China Construction Bank came to pick me up. She spoke fluent Mandarin.

"Mr. Lin, welcome to Hong Kong. The car is outside. I'll take you to your hotel to rest first, and you can go to the branch to complete the formalities tomorrow."

"Okay, thank you for your help."

The hotel is located in Central, is a four-star hotel, and while the rooms are small, they are very clean. You can see Victoria Harbour from the window.

Ah May said a few words and left. Lin Fan took a shower, changed into a short-sleeved shirt, and went out for a stroll.

Central is a bustling metropolis, lined with skyscrapers and teeming with traffic. Lin Fan strolled around the streets, soaking in the atmosphere of this international city.

I had a bowl of wonton noodles near the hotel in the evening. It tasted good, but it was expensive—30 Hong Kong dollars a bowl.

Times

The next morning, Ah May came to pick him up to go to the branch.

The China Construction Bank's Hong Kong branch is located in an office building in Central, and it's decorated very grandly. He was greeted by a middle-aged manager surnamed Chen.

"Mr. Lin, welcome, welcome. We have received all your materials, and we can complete the account opening procedures today."

"Thank you for your help, Manager Chen."

The account opening process was simpler than I expected. I filled out a few forms, signed a few documents, took a photo for record-keeping, and that was it.

"Mr. Lin, your account is now open," Manager Chen said. "Funds can be transferred in at any time. Our bank has a dedicated Hong Kong stock trading channel with preferential commission rates."

"Okay, thank you." Lin Fan took out Zhou Wenyuan's authorization letter. "Manager Chen, this is my supervisor's authorization letter; his account also needs to be opened."

"Understood, we'll do it together."

By the end of the morning, both of their accounts were open. Lin Fan transferred his and Zhou Wenyuan's funds into their respective accounts, totaling 1.42 million RMB, equivalent to approximately 1.5 million HKD.

"Mr. Lin, you can start trading now," Manager Chen said. "We have computers in our trading room, so you can operate right here."

"Okay, let me see."

Lin Fan followed Manager Chen to the trading room. Several computers were set up there, their screens displaying Hong Kong stock quotes.

He found Tencent Holdings, stock code 00700, with a share price of HK$3.20.

"Manager Chen, I'd like to buy this." Lin Fan pointed to the screen.

"Tencent?" Manager Chen was a little surprised. "Mr. Lin, this company just went public this June, and its stock price hasn't moved much. Are you sure you want to buy?"

"Confirmed," Lin Fan said. "Buy 230,000 shares first."

Two hundred and thirty thousand shares, HK$750,000. Lin Fan entered the transaction order, confirmed, and the transaction was completed.

Then, using Zhou Wenyuan's account, he bought 230,000 shares.

In less than ten minutes, HK$1.5 million was spent to buy 460,000 shares of Tencent.

Manager Chen, watching from the side, clicked his tongue in amazement: "Mr. Lin, you've really gone all out."

"It's a long-term investment, no rush." ​​Lin Fan smiled. "Manager Chen, the transaction is complete, but I still have something to take care of."

"What is it?"

"I'd like to buy some gifts to take back with me," Lin Fan said. "What are some local specialties from Hong Kong? Or... what are some good gifts for my boss or family?"

"There's plenty," Manager Chen laughed. "Jewelry, designer watches, cosmetics, electronics... whatever you need."

Lin Fan thought for a moment: "Watches, I'll buy a few for men and a few for women. And some cosmetics for my girlfriend too."

"Okay, I'll have Ah May go with you; she knows the area well."

Over the next two days, Lin Fan bought a lot of things in Hong Kong.

I bought Zhou Wenyuan a Rolex for HK$30,000. I bought Wang Juan a set of Chanel cosmetics and a platinum necklace for over HK$8,000. I bought my parents a Tissot watch each, my sister a set of Lancôme cosmetics, and my brother-in-law a Goldlion leather belt.

He also bought small gifts for Zhao Xiaowen and Chen Ming, such as chocolates and pens.

Carrying bags and packages back to the hotel, Lin Fan did the math—this trip to Hong Kong cost him nearly 50,000 Hong Kong dollars.

But it was worth it. The account was opened, the stocks were bought, and all the gifts were purchased.

On the fourth day, Lin Fan had nothing much to do, so he just wandered around Hong Kong. He went to Victoria Peak, saw Victoria Harbour, and strolled around Causeway Bay.

I called Zhou Wenyuan that evening to report the situation.

"Brother Zhou, everything's taken care of. The account's open, the stocks' bought, 230,000 Tencent shares each."

"So fast?" Zhou Wenyuan said on the other end of the phone. "How much did it cost?"

"A total of HKD 1.5 million, which is equivalent to RMB 1.42 million," Lin Fan said. "Brother Zhou, I've invested all of your loan of RMB 410,000 into it."

"Okay, I trust you to handle things," Zhou Wenyuan said. "When are you coming back?"

"My flight is tomorrow afternoon, and I'll arrive tonight."

"Okay, be careful."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan began packing his luggage. He came with one suitcase, but returned with two—both filled with things he had bought.

The plane landed in Steel City the following afternoon. Lin Fan walked out of the airport carrying two large suitcases, where Wang Juan was already waiting.

"Lin Fan!" Wang Juan ran over. "You're finally back!"

"Missed me, didn't you?" Lin Fan smiled.

"I've been thinking about it." Wang Juan helped him carry his suitcase. "Why did you buy so much stuff?"

"I brought gifts for everyone," Lin Fan said. "Let's go home first."

The two drove back to Lin Fan's house. His parents had already prepared dinner and were waiting for them.

"Xiao Fan's back?" his mother greeted him. "How's Hong Kong? Is it lively?"

"It's lively, much more bustling than here." Lin Fan put down the suitcase. "Dad, Mom, I brought you gifts."

They took out the watches they had bought for their parents, put them on, and couldn't stop smiling.

"This watch is really beautiful," the mother said. "It must have cost a lot of money, right?"

"It's not expensive, it's cheaper in Hong Kong." Lin Fan said vaguely. "Juan'er, this is for you."

Wang Juan took the cosmetics and necklace, her eyes lighting up: "So beautiful."

Do you like it?

"I like it." Wang Juan blushed. "Thank you, Lin Fan."

After finishing his meal, Lin Fan took out the gifts for his sister and brother-in-law and asked his mother to take them over the next day. He also took out the Rolex for Zhou Wenyuan and carefully put it away.

"Xiao Fan, did things go smoothly in Hong Kong this time?" the father asked.

"Everything went smoothly, it's all taken care of," Lin Fan said. "Dad, Mom, Juan'er and I have discussed it, and we'll get engaged when her new store opens."

"Really?" the mother said happily. "That's wonderful! When will the shop open?"

"Next month," Wang Juan said. "The shop has already been rented and is currently under renovation."

"Okay, we'll all go and support them," the father said.

That evening, Lin Fan drove Wang Juan back to her place. On the way, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, I've thought of a name for the new store: 'Juan Time Lifestyle Store.' We'll not only sell clothes, but also accessories and bags, creating a lifestyle."

"That's a good name," Lin Fan said. "Juan'er, you're getting more and more creative."

"I learned it all from you," Wang Juan said softly. "Lin Fan, let's get engaged after you've rested."

"Okay." Lin Fan took her hand. "We'll get engaged when the new store opens, a double celebration."

Lin Fan dropped Wang Juan off downstairs and watched her go inside before driving home.

This trip to Hong Kong was incredibly fruitful. I opened an account, bought stocks, bought gifts, and even got engaged to Wang Juan.

Everything is going in a good direction.

Back home, Lin Fan took out the Rolex he had given Zhou Wenyuan and examined it carefully. He would deliver it to him at work tomorrow; Zhou would surely be pleased.

I also need to find an opportunity to give Zhao Xiaowen and Chen Ming their gifts.

Lying in bed, Lin Fan reflected on his trip to Hong Kong. Although tiring, it was worth it. Tencent's stock isn't particularly noteworthy now, but in a few years, it will soar to new heights.

By then, his and Zhou Wenyuan's assets will have increased at least several dozen times.

This is the advantage of being reborn. Knowing what can make money and when to enter the market.

But having advantages alone isn't enough; you also need the ability to execute. Opening an account, taking out a loan, buying stocks—every step must be taken steadily.

Lin Fan did it.

Lost in thought, Lin Fan fell asleep. In his dream, Tencent's stock soared, and he and Zhou Wenyuan were beaming with joy...

The next day at work, Lin Fan first gave the Rolex to Zhou Wenyuan.

"Brother Zhou, this is a gift for you."

Zhou Wenyuan opened the box, his eyes lighting up: "A Rolex? You're really willing to spend money, kid."

"It's my pleasure," Lin Fan said. "If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't have been able to go to Hong Kong."

Zhou Wenyuan put on the watch, looked at it, and said, "Not bad, it suits you well. How much did it cost?"

"30,000 Hong Kong dollars."

"Okay, I'll give you the money later."

"No need, no need, this is just a small token of my appreciation."

"That won't do. Even brothers should keep clear accounts," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But Xiao Lin, I'll wear this watch for now. We'll settle things after we make money from the stocks."

"I'll do as you say."

After leaving the office, Lin Fan quietly gave the gifts he had intended for Zhao Xiaowen and Chen Ming.

Zhao Xiaowen was overjoyed to receive the pen: "Lin Fan, you actually brought me a gift?"

"I promised you." Lin Fan smiled.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Xiao Li from China Construction Bank.

"Mr. Lin, you've returned to the mainland, haven't you?"

"I'm back. I got back yesterday. Is something wrong?"

"Just wanted to let you know, the Tencent stock you bought went up three percent today," Xiao Li said. "The price is now three yuan and thirty cents."

Lin Fan was secretly delighted: "That's great! Xiao Li, let me know as soon as there's any movement in the stocks."

"Understood. Mr. Lin, you have a keen eye; this stock went up as soon as I bought it."

"Just good luck," Lin Fan said modestly.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Fan felt even better. The stock price had gone up, which was a small matter, but it proved that his judgment was correct.

Next, all I had to do was wait for the stock to slowly rise, wait for my engagement to Wang Juan, wait for the new store to open...

Everything was arranged perfectly.

This is the life he wants—steady and cautious, taking things one step at a time.