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

After the last snowfall in November, the steel city was plunged into the depths of winter.

The Finance Bureau was abuzz with news – employee welfare housing was finally going to be allocated.

These five six-story residential buildings took a full year and a half to build, from the start of construction last spring to completion this November. Located just two streets behind the Finance Bureau, a ten-minute walk from the office, it's a prime location.

The news spread when people went to work on Monday.

As soon as Lin Fan parked his car, he saw groups of people gathered at the entrance of the office building, discussing the housing allocation.

"Did you hear? There's a meeting this afternoon to mobilize people for room allocation!"

"The floor plan is posted in the lobby on the first floor, go check it out!"

"The 142-square-meter apartment is really nice, with four bedrooms, two living rooms, two bathrooms, and a huge balcony."

"What are you thinking? Only department heads can choose that; we ordinary employees only get 80 square meters..."

Lin Fan parked his car and walked towards the office building. He ran into his brother-in-law, Sun Lin, at the entrance.

Good morning, brother-in-law.

"Good morning." Sun Lin nodded, lowering his voice, "Have you heard? Room assignments."

"I just heard from someone," Lin Fan said, "Brother-in-law, what about the bureau chief...?"

"Don't worry, I spoke to the director yesterday," Sun Lin said. "They reserved a 125-square-meter unit for me. It's on the third floor, an east-facing unit, with good natural light."

"That's great, brother-in-law."

Sun Lin patted him on the shoulder. "Director Zhou has definitely made arrangements for you. By the way, which building do you want to choose?"

"I haven't looked at the floor plan yet."

"Then let's go take a look right away," Sun Lin said. "Choosing a house requires careful consideration; it's a once-in-a-lifetime decision."

The two walked into the office building together. The lobby on the first floor was indeed crowded with people, and large floor plans, floor distribution maps, and room allocation plans were posted on the walls.

Lin Fan squeezed in to take a look.

There are five buildings, named "Caiyuan No. 1" through "Caiyuan No. 5". Each building has three units, with either two or three units per floor. The 142-square-meter units have four bedrooms, two living rooms, and two bathrooms, and are only available in buildings one and two, with two units per floor. The 125-square-meter units have three bedrooms, two living rooms, and two bathrooms, and are distributed in all buildings. The 80-square-meter units have three units per floor, with two bedrooms, one living room, and one bathroom.

The housing allocation plan is written very clearly:

• Deputy Director and Director levels: 142 square meters available, additional payment of 10 yuan required;

• Deputy Section Chief and Section Chief levels: 125 square meters available, additional payment of 7 yuan;

• Regular civil servants: can choose an 80-square-meter apartment, and will need to pay an additional 5 yuan;

• Support staff and temporary workers: Depending on the remaining housing supply, the standards for ordinary civil servants will be applied.

The following notes further state: All property rights belong to the individual, but the property cannot be traded on the market for five years. Payment must be made within one month of the property allocation.

"This price is really a bargain," someone whispered nearby. "In the market outside, an 80-square-meter apartment in this location would cost at least 100,000 yuan."

"That's why it's called welfare housing," another person said. "But getting 50,000 yuan at once is still a lot of pressure."

"Take out a loan, a housing provident fund loan."

"Too……"

Lin Fan carefully examined the floor plan. The apartments on the third floor were the most sought-after—they didn't require climbing too high, and there was no fear of dampness on the first floor. He noticed that the 125-square-meter units on the third floor of Building 3, both the east and west units, were still vacant.

That would be wonderful if my parents could live there, and my sister could live across the hall from me.

Just then, someone tapped me on the shoulder.

Looking back, it was Zhou Wenyuan.

"Brother Zhou."

"Have you seen it?" Zhou Wenyuan asked.

"I just looked," Lin Fan said. "Brother Zhou, which one do you choose?"

"I'll choose unit 302 in building 2, the 142-square-meter one," Zhou Wenyuan said. "It's on the third floor, not too high, not too low. If you're going to choose, I suggest building 3. It's close to the central garden of the community, and quiet."

"I want to choose the third floor of building number three, the 125-square-meter one," Lin Fan said, "the one across from my brother-in-law's apartment."

Zhou Wenyuan thought for a moment: "Which building did Sun Lin choose?"

"He didn't seem to mention a specific building number, only that it was the third floor, east-facing unit."

"Then you need to confirm with him," Zhou Wenyuan said. "There's a meeting this afternoon, and registration for apartment selection will begin afterward. Hurry up."

"Understood, thank you, Brother Zhou."

"Do you have enough money?" Zhou Wenyuan asked.

"That's enough, I have some savings," Lin Fan said.

Actually, Lin Fan didn't have much cash on hand; he had just paid off the mortgage on his Riverside Garden apartment. Most of his remaining money was tied up in stocks and businesses. But he could still come up with 70,000 yuan. He bought the apartment in Anjuyuan early on, at only 88,000 yuan per square meter. Now, apartments in the same area have risen to 120,000 or 130,000 yuan per square meter. This subsidized housing unit, 125 square meters, for 70,000 yuan per square meter, was practically a steal.

"That's not enough to talk to," Zhou Wenyuan said. "I can help you out."

"We don't need Brother Zhou, this is enough."

"Okay, then go ahead and get busy. Be sure to attend the meeting this afternoon."

"OK."

Lin Fan returned to the logistics department office. Sister Liu and several colleagues were also discussing the housing allocation.

"Xiao Lin, have you looked at the floor plan?" Sister Liu asked.

"I've seen it."

"I never expected that even support staff and temporary workers could get housing," Sister Liu exclaimed. "When I worked in a factory, housing allocation was based on seniority, and it took more than ten years to get one. Government offices are much better."

"Sister Liu, are you going to choose?" a young colleague asked.

"Why not choose it?" Sister Liu said. "Eighty square meters, fifty thousand yuan, where else can you find such a good deal? I discussed it with my husband, and we'll sell our old house, add some money, and buy it outright."

"I'd like to choose it too, but getting 50,000 at once is a bit difficult..."

"Let's take out a loan," Sister Liu said. "A housing provident fund loan has a low interest rate. Xiao Lin, do you want to choose it?"

"Choose," Lin Fan said. "I'll choose the 125."

The office quieted down for a moment.

"125?" Sister Liu exclaimed in surprise. "That would require a deputy section chief level..."

"The same standards apply to support staff as regular employees, but there's no rule against choosing larger apartments," Lin Fan said. "As long as there are available units, it should be possible."

"That's true..." Sister Liu thought for a moment, "But the 125 costs 70,000, are you sure you have enough?"

"It should be enough if we put it together."

His colleagues' expressions were complicated. Everyone knew that Lin Fan was working for Deputy Director Zhou, but they didn't expect that he could even benefit from the housing allocation by choosing a larger apartment.

But no one said anything—that's how it is in government offices; connections are a skill. Besides, Lin Fan is usually low-key, hardworking, and well-liked.

"That's great," Sister Liu said with a smile. "Please invite us to your home sometime."

"Definitely." Lin Fan smiled.

At lunchtime, Lin Fan made a point of sitting at the same table as his brother-in-law.

"Brother-in-law, which building did you choose?"

"Building 3, Unit 3, Apartment 302, 125 square meters, east-facing," Sun Lin said. "The bureau chief reserved it for me. What, you want to choose the apartment across from mine?"

"Hmm, is the West Room still available?"

"It should be empty," Sun Lin said. "You should register this afternoon. But you need to talk to Director Zhou first and ask him to inform the housing management department. Otherwise, according to regulations, the support staff position can only be selected for an 80-square-meter apartment."

"Brother Zhou has agreed."

"That's fine then." Sun Lin nodded. "By the way, do you have enough money? Seventy thousand is no small sum."

"That's enough. I made some money on stocks, and business is doing alright."

"Okay, let me know if you have any difficulties," Sun Lin said. "Your sister was just saying that if you don't have enough money, we have some savings and we'll lend it to you first."

"I don't need my brother-in-law, that's enough."

"That's good." Sun Lin took a bite of food. "Now that the apartment is allocated, Mom and Dad can move in. Your sister is so happy. She talked about it to me half the night last night, saying that it would be easier to take care of them if they lived across the hall from each other."

"That's what I think too."

At 2 p.m., a general meeting of all staff was held in the conference room on the second floor.

The conference room, which could seat two hundred people, was packed to capacity, with chairs even added to the aisles. Everyone wore expressions of excitement—housing allocation was a major event, concerning the housing security of every family.

The director personally chaired the meeting.

"Comrades, after a year and a half of construction, the staff welfare housing for our bureau has finally been completed. This is a practical and beneficial thing that the bureau's Party Committee has done for everyone..."

The director spoke for ten minutes, mainly emphasizing the importance of housing allocation and the need to strictly abide by the housing allocation rules.

Then the deputy director in charge of logistics explained the housing allocation plan, which was the same as the one posted in the morning.

Finally, the head of the housing management department explained the housing selection process.

"Housing selection will be conducted in batches according to job rank. The first batch, for directors and deputy directors, will begin registration at 3 pm today; the second batch, for section chiefs and deputy section chiefs, will begin at 9 am tomorrow; the third batch, for ordinary civil servants, will begin at 2 pm tomorrow; and the fourth batch, for support staff and temporary workers, will begin at 9 am the day after tomorrow."

"Please bring your ID card, work permit, and proof of payment or loan when selecting a property. After making your selection, sign a letter of intent on the spot, and pay the full amount or complete the loan procedures within one week..."

The meeting didn't end until 3:30.

After the meeting, the department heads and deputy department heads went directly to the temporary housing selection office set up on the first floor. Everyone else returned to their own offices, but no one was in the mood to work; they were all discussing the housing allocation.

Lin Fan returned to the logistics department, where Sister Liu said, "Little Lin, Director Zhou wants you to go to his office."

"it is good."

Lin Fan went up to the fourth floor and knocked on the door of Zhou Wenyuan's office.

"Brother Zhou."

"Come in." Zhou Wenyuan was looking at documents. "Sit down. I've already spoken to Old Li in the housing management department about the housing allocation. You can choose with the department heads tomorrow morning, don't wait until the day after tomorrow."

"Thank you, Brother Zhou." Lin Fan felt a warmth in his heart. Zhou Wenyuan was worried that things might change if he delayed, so he decided to secure the house first.

"I'll have Lao Li reserve unit 302 in building 3 for you," Zhou Wenyuan said. "But you need to have the money ready. You'll have to sign a letter of intent after you choose your unit tomorrow and pay within a week."

"Understood, I'll bring the money tomorrow."

"Full payment?"

"Yes, full payment," Lin Fan said. "Loan procedures are too troublesome, so it's better to pay in full at once."

Zhou Wenyuan cautioned, "In government offices, flaunting wealth is the worst thing you can do. People are already talking about your choice of a 125-square-meter apartment during this housing allocation. Luckily, you have multiple apartments and it doesn't take up someone else's quota, otherwise it would have been really difficult."

"I know, Brother Zhou," Lin Fan said. "I'll definitely be more careful in the future."

"Okay, as long as you know what I mean." Zhou Wenyuan waved his hand. "Go on, get the money ready."

"Okay, Brother Zhou."

He drove to the Donghe Wholesale Market to pick up Wang Juan after get off work.

When he arrived at the store, Wang Juan was explaining things to the staff. Seeing Lin Fan, her eyes lit up: "Why are you here so early today?"

"I need to take care of some errands," Lin Fan said. "Are you done?"

"Right away," Wang Juan said to the shop assistant. "Xiao Fang, remember to hang up the new arrivals tomorrow morning. Put those wool coats in the most prominent spot."

"Okay, Sister Juan."

After giving her instructions, Wang Juan put on her coat and left the store with Lin Fan.

After getting in the car, Lin Fan said, "Juan'er, I have something to tell you."

"What's wrong?" Wang Juan fastened her seatbelt.

"The bureau has allocated apartments, and I chose one."

Wang Juan's eyes lit up: "Really? How big is it? How much does it cost?"

"125 square meters, three bedrooms, two living rooms, two bathrooms, 70,000 yuan," Lin Fan said. "It's on the third floor of building number three, across from my sister's apartment."

"That's great!" Wang Juan said happily. "Mom and Dad will be so happy to be living next door to our sister! When do we pay? Do we have enough money? If not, I have some."

"I have enough money. I'll choose an apartment and pay for it tomorrow," Lin Fan said. "But I chose this apartment so my parents can live there by themselves. We'll still live in Riverside Garden, but if I work too late, I'll move back to Anju Garden."

"It's up to you to decide." Wang Juan leaned on his shoulder. "Lin Fan, you're so kind."

"Your parents are my parents too," Lin Fan said. "When we have more money in the future, we'll buy your parents an apartment in the city as well."

"No need..." Wang Juan's eyes reddened, "My parents are used to living in the countryside..."

"We need to be prepared," Lin Fan laughed. "What if they want to come to the city to see their grandson?"

"What grandson..." Wang Juan blushed, "He's not even married yet..."

"Soon, I'll be of legal age next year," Lin Fan said. "Then we'll get our marriage certificate."

"Mmm," Wang Juan responded softly, feeling a sweet warmth in her heart.

The next morning, Lin Fan went to the housing selection office with his ID card, work permit, and bank card.

The section chiefs and deputy section chiefs were already lining up. Some of them paused for a moment upon seeing Lin Fan—

But no one dared to say anything. Everyone knew about Lin Fan's relationship with Deputy Director Zhou, and besides, Section Chief Li of the Housing Management Section was personally waiting at the door.

"Xiao Lin, you're here." Section Chief Li greeted him warmly. "Director Zhou instructed me to come with you."

Section Chief Li led Lin Fan directly into the office, avoiding the crowd in line.

Inside the office, several staff members were busy. A property listings table was posted on the wall, showing that quite a few properties had already been selected.

"Unit 3, Building 3, Apartment 302 (west-facing), right?" Section Chief Li asked.

"Yes," Lin Fan said.

"This apartment is still empty," Section Chief Li said to the staff. "Process the paperwork for Comrade Lin."

The staff member took out a stack of forms: "Mr. Lin, please fill out this house selection intention form. This is the house information form; please check it."

Lin Fan took the form and looked at it carefully.

Building: Caiyuan Building 3

Unit: Three Units

Floor: 3rd floor

Room number: 302 West-facing

Building area: 125.68 square meters

Apartment type: Three bedrooms, two living rooms, two bathrooms

Payment due: 70000 yuan (in words: Seventy Thousand Yuan Only)

After verifying that everything was correct, Lin Fan began filling out the form. Name, ID number, work department, contact number...

After filling out the form, the staff member said, "Mr. Lin, please show me the proof of payment."

Lin Fan took out his bank card: "I'll pay in full, I can pay right now."

"Okay, please follow me."

Next door was the finance office, where several accountants were collecting money. There were quite a few people queuing to pay, but Section Chief Li gave Lin Fan the green light and led him directly to the front.

"Full payment, 70,000." Lin Fan handed over his bank card.

The accountant swiped the card, printed out the invoice, and then issued a receipt.

"Mr. Lin, this is your payment receipt. The payment for the house has been settled, and we will handle the remaining procedures. The house is expected to be ready for handover in about a month, at which time we will notify you to pick up the keys."

"OK, thanks."

After completing the formalities, Lin Fan walked out of the office with a purchase intention form and a payment receipt in his hand.

Seventy thousand yuan, and a 125-square-meter apartment is mine.

He felt a sense of peace and感慨 (gǎnkǎi, mixed feelings of emotion and reflection). In his previous life, he had worked himself to the bone, only managing to buy an 80-square-meter apartment with a loan when he was over forty. Now, after two years of being reborn, he already owned three apartments, as well as shops, a garage, stocks, and businesses…

Life is truly like a dream.

Just as I was about to leave, I ran into my brother-in-law, Sun Lin.

"Brother-in-law, are you here to complete the paperwork too?"

"Yes, I just paid." Sun Lin waved the file folder in his hand. "Are you done?"

"It's done," Lin Fan said. "Building 3, Unit 3, Apartment 302 (west-facing), across from yours."

"That's great!" Sun Lin said happily. "Mom and Dad are so happy now. Does your sister know?"

"I haven't told her yet; I'm planning to surprise her tonight."

"Okay, let's have dinner together tonight to celebrate," Sun Lin said. "I'll treat you, my sister, and Wang Juan to a meal at a restaurant."

"Okay."

In the evening, the whole family gathered at the "Ke Lai Xiang" restaurant.

As soon as her older sister, Lin Ping, entered the door, she smiled and asked, "What's the occasion? Going out to eat?"

"That's good," Sun Lin said. "Let's order first, and talk while we eat."

After ordering, Sun Lin announced, "We've assigned rooms. I've chosen a 125-square-meter apartment on the third floor of building number three, facing east."

Lin Ping's eyes lit up: "Really? How much?"

"Seventy thousand," Sun Lin said. "I paid in full."

"That's wonderful!" Lin Ping exclaimed, almost jumping for joy. "We finally have our own big house! How big is it again?"

"125 square meters, three bedrooms, two living rooms, and two bathrooms," Sun Lin said. "It's enough for me."

"That's enough, that's more than enough!" Lin Ping grinned from ear to ear. "When will we be able to move in? I need to start planning the renovations..."

"Don't rush, there's even better news," Sun Lin said, keeping everyone in suspense.

"Anything else?"

Sun Lin looked at Lin Fan: "Let your brother speak."

Lin Fan smiled and took out a purchase intention form: "Sis, I also chose one. It's unit 302 in building 3, across from yours."

Lin Ping was stunned. She took the letter of intent and looked at it again and again: "125 square meters... 70,000... Lin Fan, you..."

"It's for my parents to live here," Lin Fan said. "You can live across from them from now on, it'll be easier for you to take care of them."

Lin Ping's eyes instantly reddened: "Xiao Fan...you child...how much does this cost...?"

"We have enough money, don't worry, sister," Lin Fan said. "Mom and Dad have worked hard all their lives, it's time for them to enjoy life."

Wang Juan said from the side, "Sister, this is Lin Fan's kind gesture, so please don't refuse. It would be great if we could live closer to each other in the future."

Lin Ping looked at her younger brother, then at her sister-in-law, tears streaming down her face. "Good...good...Mom and Dad will be so happy to know..."

Sun Lin handed over a tissue: "Alright, stop crying, it's a good thing."

"I'm so happy..." Lin Ping wiped away her tears. "Xiao Fan, thank you."

"We're family, no need to thank me," Lin Fan said. "The food's here, let's eat."

The meal was exceptionally lively. Lin Ping remained excited, constantly talking about the renovation plans.

Sun Lin interrupted with a laugh: "You're thinking too early. The house hasn't been handed over yet."

"What's wrong with thinking about it?" Lin Ping rolled her eyes at him. "I'm happy!"

Lin Fan and Wang Juan exchanged a smile. This is family—ordinary yet genuine happiness.

After dinner, Lin Fan took Wang Juan home.

On the way, Wang Juan said, "Lin Fan, I'm so happy today."

"Yeah, that's just how my sister is; she can't keep good news to herself," Lin Fan said. "But I'm happy too. I feel relieved that Mom and Dad are closer to my sister."

When do you plan to tell your parents?

"We'll go back this weekend," Lin Fan said. "I'll take them to see the apartment."

"I'll go too."

"it is good."

Lin Fan said, "Mom and Dad have something to tell you."

"What's up?"

Lin Fan took out a purchase intention form: "The bureau has allocated housing, and I chose one, 125 square meters, three bedrooms, two living rooms, and two bathrooms."

Lin Jianguo took the letter of intent. Although he couldn't understand much of the words, he recognized the numbers: "125 square meters... How much would that cost?"

"I've already paid the 70,000," Lin Fan said. "This apartment is for you two. It's across from my sister's, so it'll be convenient for us to take care of you in the future."

The elderly couple were stunned again.

"For us... to live in?" The mother asked incredulously. "Isn't this apartment perfectly fine now?"

Lin Fan said, "The house will be handed over next month. I'll pick you up and take you there to see it then."

The housing allocation issue caused a stir in the Finance Bureau for a few days before gradually subsiding.

Everyone has chosen their ideal house and started planning renovations and raising money. Close colleagues will even give each other advice on how to decorate their own homes and how to design theirs.

Lin Fan still went to and from get off work every day, running around with Zhou Wenyuan. But he felt more at ease—he had bought his parents a bigger house, next to his sister's, and accomplished another major milestone in his life.

Zhou Wenyuan chose a 142-square-meter apartment in Building 2 and has begun preparing for renovations. Once, while on a business trip, he even discussed the renovation style with Lin Fan.

"Your sister-in-law likes a simple European style, so I said okay, you can decide what to do," Zhou Wenyuan said.

"The simple European style is good; it looks classy," Lin Fan said.

"And you? How are you planning to pack your parents' outfit?"

"Simple and practical is fine," Lin Fan said. "For elderly people, it doesn't need to be too fancy. The key is warmth, non-slip surface, and convenience."

As the car entered the steel city, buildings lined the horizon. This city was developing at a visible pace.

Lin Fan looked out the window, feeling calm and fulfilled.

I have a house, my job is improving, I have a partner, and my parents are settled.

This is the stable and wealthy life he wanted.

Although we are not yet extremely wealthy, everything is moving in a positive direction.

Take it one step at a time, steadily and practically.

The best days are yet to come.

He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his eyes resolute.

The regrets of the past life will be made up for in this life. The road ahead is still long.

But as long as you have a home, a loved one, and benefactors, you have nothing to fear.

This winter, the steel city is very cold.

But in Lin Fan's heart, it was as warm as spring.