But he also knew that the intelligence departent's information might not always be accurate.
Therefore, he didn't dare to report this figure directly; he could only give a rough estimate.
"As expected..."
David had anticipated this and wasn't too surprised. After some thought, he looked at Keanu and said, "Inspector Keanu, since each of these three cases involves several million US dollars, they certainly qualify as major cases. Using the three big guns to replace me in handling these, that wouldn't be fair to me..."
"Director David, we are just asking for your help in investigating these three major cases. Although I admit your inspection skills are outstanding, but what if, just in case, you join us and there is no progress?"
"By then, I will have given you my support, and I definitely won't be able to get it back, so in that case, we would still be at a loss!"
These words made David inwardly amused.
With the golden finger at my disposal, as long as I'm willing to handle it, how could I fail?
But speaking of which.
After hearing that each of these three major cases involved millions in taxes, he was indeed somewhat tempted.
Currently, in the Lake District, besides the Dieter case and the Mexico Gang case, there didn't seem to be any other big cases.
If he could get involved in the big cases of the Avenue Sub-bureau Branch and make a profit, that would be a good choice!
Of course, that would have to come with a sufficient reward!
Otherwise, he certainly wouldn't be so dedicated to making a bridal gown for the Avenue Sub-bureau.
Gathering his thoughts, David replied confidently: "Inspector Keanu, if there is no progress in these three major cases with my involvement, I will compensate your Avenue Sub-bureau for the three big guns."
"But if I join and there is not only progress, but even a decisive role played, I can't be left out of the share for taxes that could potentially amount to tens of millions, can I?"
Keanu's expression darkened slightly and he asked, "What you say makes sense, so how much do you want?"
David paused before speaking: "If I play a decisive role in these three cases, I want 70 percent!"
"70 percent!"
Keanu, who had been relatively relaxed, suddenly stiffened upon hearing this.
He had thought that David would at most ask for 20 to 30 percent, considering that the cases belonged to their bureau, and they were now prepared to hand over the three big guns to David, which was somewhat of a favor.
But he never expected David to ask for so much right off the bat—70 percent!
At that time, two inspectors from his bureau were responsible for the investigation.
They happened to encounter David, who ended up settling the case for 80,000 in taxes, while David himself pocketed almost 250,000!
That incident left their Avenue Sub-bureau Branch feeling played and left its leaders fuming with rage.
Could it be that David was trying to pull the same trick again?
But on the other hand,
David surely must have conducted a detailed investigation into Li Gensheng in advance, in order to outplay the inspectors from the Avenue Sub-bureau Branch.
But with these three major cases, David shouldn't have researched them in advance.
So how could he be so confident to get more than what the intelligence division of the Avenue Sub-bureau Branch had estimated?
Watching Inspector Keanu, who had been lost in thought, David couldn't help but interrupt, "How about it, Inspector Keanu, made up your mind yet?"
Inspector Keanu snapped out of his reverie and replied, "No, no, no, Director David, just as I said, no matter what, you can only take 30% of the taxes from these three major cases!"
No matter why David was so confident, as long as Inspector Keanu insisted on 30%, there would be no loss, and he would not be played like in the previous Li Gensheng case.
David shook his index finger and said, "Inspector Keanu, that doesn't seem quite fair. You have to make a choice between the two options: either giving me 70% overall, or any additional amount I collect on top of your intelligence division's estimated taxes is mine."
"Director David..."
"If you don't choose one, then there's nothing more to discuss, Inspector Keanu!"
David cut him off before Inspector Keanu could finish.
Seeing David's resolute stance, Inspector Keanu stood up with a slight sense of helplessness and said, "I'm going to make a phone call!"
David, unbothered, gestured for him to proceed. He knew that even though Inspector Keanu was a Tax Investigator of the Avenue Sub-bureau Branch, he couldn't make decisions on matters involving large amounts of taxes on his own and had to consult the Chief Tax Officer of the branch.
Meanwhile, Inspector Keanu stepped out of the office to the stairwell, lit up a cigarette, and dialed Katharine's number.
Soon, the call was answered, and Katharine's voice came through, "How's the negotiation going?"
"Chief, there's been a bit of an issue. Here's what's happening..."
At the same time, in the Chief Tax Officer's office of the National Tax Bureau Avenue Sub-bureau Branch,
Upon hearing the two options David had presented, Catherine was also taken aback.