American Tax Officer

"My hair, what does it have to do with us if they offended the national tax authority in the Lake District?"

"The Lake District Sub-Bureau Branch had done something really shady, they offended the state government, they can't possibly expect us to take the fall as well, can they?"

"Oh shit, it turns out it was the Lake District Sub-Bureau that caused this mess, then with our side losing so much in tax revenue, how is that going to be calculated? The Lake District should compensate us for our losses, right?"

Inspectors from the 18th city didn't care whether it was the Lake District or David or whatever.

All they knew was that if the law enforcement agencies in their jurisdiction started to crack down, their black tax revenue would suffer and the targets set by the black tax bill would be very hard to meet.

As a result, many inspectors directed their anger and complaints at the Lake District Sub-Bureau.

Under pressure, the various branches of the 18th city had no choice but to keep calling the state office, asking them to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

The state office also knew that if the tax revenue of the major cities encountered a huge Waterloo, they would not be able to explain to the headquarters, so they had to send representatives to visit the state government and try to talk to the Governor.

But unexpectedly, they were met with a closed door, which enraged Director Jon to no end, leaving him with no choice but to pick up the phone and call the Lake District to find out what was going on.

Lake District Sub-Bureau, director's office.

"Director Jon, everything we did in this case was completely by the book, and we have those second-generation kids' complete and unanimous testimonies, this is clearly Governor Stevenson taking revenge on us with his power!"

At this moment, William's face was also very dark. He hadn't expected the Governor to be so sly, putting pressure on the Lake District Sub-Bureau by targeting the tax revenue of the 18th city.

"He's indeed retaliating, but William, we can't let this get out of hand. This is the tax revenue of the 18th city we're talking about. If this goes on, the daily loss in tax revenue will be incalculable, and neither of us will be able to explain to the headquarters...,"

Hearing Jon's words over the phone, William's mood sank even further.

Because he could already tell that the state director now cared not about right or wrong but about tax performance and the impact on the headquarters.

"Here's what we'll do, William. Transfer Nisen out of Nevada State, as a way to give that damn Governor Stevenson a step down. If he's still ungrateful after that... hmph, then I won't be so easy to talk to!"

Although this case was led by David, Jon was no fool; he knew very well how much tax performance David could bring to Nevada State. He wouldn't let go of a hen that lays golden eggs, not for all the world.

So, Nisen would have to be the one to make a sacrifice.

"Director Jon, Nisen is one of David's most trusted men. If we transfer him, I'm afraid it might upset David..."

William knew the relationship between David and Nisen and was somewhat reluctant.

"What other choice do we have? That damn Governor Stevenson lost a son and is dead set on opposing us. You also know how much tax revenue our whole state will lose every day if this continues. Consider the bigger picture for now, William. Have a good talk with Director David and hope he can understand a bit."

"This... okay, then I'll go talk to him."

"Alright, that's all for now then."

After hanging up the call, William dialed David's number and said, "Director David, come to my office, there's something we need to discuss!"

A few minutes later, David walked in through the door and said, "Director, you wanted to see me?"

"Heard about what's going on in the 18th city?"

"18th city?"

David was somewhat baffled; he had come into the office today to start working on a second case for the big street district, completely unaware of anything to do with the 18th city.

"Here's what happened, early this morning, across Nevada State..."

William laid out the details of the crackdown happening in the major cities.

After hearing the full story, even David was stunned.

You might expect one or two cities to implement these crackdown policies; that would be normal.

But for 18 cities to carry out crackdown policies simultaneously, that was a bit abnormal!

Right!

David seemed to have thought of something and blurted out, "Doesn't this have something to do with the state government?"

In his opinion, such a situation in the 18 cities could only be caused by interference from the state government.

This must be retaliation from the Governor, he guessed.

"You guessed right. If the 18 cities really go ahead with this crackdown, it would be a serious blow to the black tax revenue throughout Nevada State. The state bureau is having quite the headache now, so..."

Seeing William hesitate to continue, David sensed that things were probably taking a turn for the worse.

But he wasn't worried about what the state bureau could do to him.

His achievements in tax performance for the Lake District and Nevada State were laid out before them, and it would take Director Jon at the state bureau being a fool to pressure him just to appease their wrath.

"The idea from the bureau is to reassign Nisen out of Nevada State, to give that damned Stevenson a way out. What do you think?"

David fell silent.

Nisen might not be great at solving cases, but his work capability, character, and skills were all quite acceptable.

So, to be honest, David was not very keen on letting him be transferred.

"Don't worry, Nisen has indeed earned his stripes with his contributions to the Lake District Sub-Bureau. If he's going to be reassigned, I'll definitely help him apply for a good position!"

What William was implying was clear: they wouldn't reassign Nisen to some dead-end job like watching over a pond.

Of course, David understood and replied, "I need to talk to Nisen about this, to ask about his own wishes before deciding."

Firstly, Nisen had once saved his life, so if David haphazardly decided his fate without respect, that would be wrong.

Secondly, Markus's death happened under his leadership; the blame shouldn't fall on Nisen alone.

Therefore, both in principle and sentiment, he, as a superior, should let Nisen have the power to choose for himself.

"Okay, then you go talk to him!"

William couldn't simply dictate the decision, especially since David was not a run-of-the-mill Chief Tax Officer; his dignity had to be respected.

After walking out, David returned to his own office, where Nisen, Bucky, and others were reporting on the second case in the main city area, so they were still there, ready to continue their report.

David sat back in his seat and looked at Nisen, asking, "Nisen, have you ever thought about being reassigned out of Nevada State?"

Nisen, who had been prepared to continue his report, was somewhat taken aback upon hearing this.

Not just Nisen, Bucky Simmons and the others present were also stunned.

After a long pause, Nisen finally reacted, asking with a forlorn air, "Is it pressure from the Governor on the Director?"

His mind was not dull, and he quickly surmised the reason.

"The Director told me that this morning, over in the 18 cities of Nevada State..."

David then explained in detail about the crackdown happening in the 18 cities.

After hearing it, Nisen, Bucky, and the others were first shocked, then anger appeared on their faces as they processed the information.

Bucky couldn't contain his anger, saying, "This damn Stevenson is such a sneaky bastard, how could he target our National Tax Bureau just for retaliation?"

"Damn, Stevenson is such an asshole..."

Simmons cursed indignantly as well.

But unlike them, Nisen wasn't so much angry as he was resigned.

If the 18 cities continued the crackdown like this, the losses in black tax revenue would be immeasurable, not to mention that the inspectors in each city would surely hate him from the bottom of their hearts.

After contemplating for a while, he said despondently, "If the higher-ups really want to reassign me out of Nevada State, then I am willing to accept..."

He knew that he had become the sacrificial scapegoat to pacify all parties, but there was no choice, as it was, after all, him who had killed Markus.

Only by reassigning him out of Nevada State and giving Stevenson a way out could this matter possibly be settled.