Chapter 24: Chapter 24: No Choice but to Pay Taxes

However, what he said was quite clever, directly pulling out the "police" as a big banner.

He refused to believe that David was truly determined to oppose the entire police force!

Nor did he believe the National Tax Bureau had evidence of their acceptance of protection fees!

"I'm slandering you?"

David smiled and said, "On December 3rd, at Caesar Shopping Center, you profited 1,000 US dollars by protecting a group of robbers."

"On December 9th, within your station branch, you cleared several individuals of illegal firearms possession records, making a profit of 800 US dollars, and on December 22nd, you received a protection fee of 1,500 US dollars from this current group of car thieves."

"..."

"Do I have that right?"

"Or is this also slander on my part?"

After hearing these words, both Wade and Balk initially revealed shock on their faces; then gradually, their expressions turned into sheer terror.

After a moment, the two turned to look at each other, their eyes meeting, reflecting their inner fear and unease.

They simply couldn't understand how David knew so much about their acceptance of bribes.

Even more outrageous was the fact that, over the past month, almost every payment, even down to the exact amount of money involved, was known in such detail.

Could it be... the National Tax Bureau had been secretly investigating them all along?

But how could that be possible!

The Black Tax Act had only just been passed; the focus of the National Tax Bureau should be on targeting those criminals, not their police station!

"We don't want to target your police force, but since the Black Tax Act has passed Congress, it is now the law of the land, and we must comply with and uphold it. Therefore, this action is only aimed at the issue, not the person, and we hope you can understand!"

Before the two could recover from their shock, David imposed another round of 'righteous pressure'.

"Inspector David, I don't know where you got this information from, but what you're saying could potentially create opposition between your National Tax Bureau and our police force. I hope you will think thrice!"

At this point, Wade had no better options.

All he could do was to evoke the police force, hoping David would not escalate the situation.

Secondly, it's well known that without the National Tax Bureau's tax collection, who would provide social welfare?

Who would pay for the construction of cities, facilities, public transportation?

Who would pay to maintain the navy fleets, the army that protects our homes and defends our country?

When the police force clashes with other departments, the public is likely to support the police because without it, there would be chaos and no public order.

But if there's a conflict with the National Tax Bureau, don't even think about it, the public will definitely support the National Tax Bureau without hesitation.

After all, as important as the police department is, it doesn't distribute money to the public.

But the National Tax Bureau does indeed give out money.

As to what's more important, any citizen would make their choice.

Unsatisfied, Wade glanced at Balk and said, "So what you're saying is, we should just surrender meekly?"

"Of course not, we should let Chief Smith handle this matter. If he decides to compromise, then anything more we say is useless," Balk suggested.

Hearing this, Wade fell silent.

And at that moment, Miyano Masho and others also approached.

Although Miyano had not heard the contents of the conversation between the two parties, from the expressions on Wade Balk's faces and Wade's angry teacup-smashing action earlier, he knew it couldn't be good news.

He braced himself and asked, "How did it go, Wade, Balk?"

Balk replied, "Miyano, we've done everything we could. Take your men to the National Tax Bureau tomorrow and pay the taxes you owe!"

"What!"

Even with his expectations set, Miyano Masho was still somewhat angry and unwilling to accept it as he inquired, "Is there really no other way? If it's a matter of money, I can accept even 200,000 or 300,000 dollars!"

"This isn't about money at all. Miyano, as your friend, let me warn you, you can't afford to mess with the National Tax Bureau. If you want to survive here, it's best to do as they say!"

"But..."

"Alright, it's time to go!"

Balk didn't give Miyano another chance to speak. It's not just about others now; their own situation was dire, and they couldn't afford to worry about anyone else.