Reborn in 2003: Starting Out as a Deputy Mayor

2003, the county committee meeting room.

Lin Qingshan, a twenty-five-year-old grassroots official, says “I disagree” to a project that poses a risk of pollution.

After the meeting, he volunteers to work in Shensha, the most remote township in the county.

No one knows that the body of this young man houses the soul of a fifty-five-year-old.

In his previous life, he spent half his life working in the townships. He built roads and schools and fought floods. He did right by the people, but let his family down. His father died while he was on the front lines of flood control, and when his wife fell ill, he was away on a business trip.

Reborn in 2003, he will make up for those regrets.

He will build roads and schools, start factories, and lead the villagers toward a better life.

Starting at the grassroots, he will take one step at a time, work with a clear conscience, and let results speak for themselves.

He will not fail the people, or his family.

“Be a good person, get some real things done, and ask only for a clear conscience.” Rebirth + feel-good wish fulfillment + workplace + urban life + period setting + political intrigue