"No problem."
Tax Chief Richards immediately returned to his office, opened his phone contacts, found a number for 'Edward,' and dialed it.
In Henderson City, at the National Tax Bureau Valley District Sub-bureau Branch Inspector's Office, a man around 40 years old was explaining some matters to a group of inspectors.
Suddenly, the vibration of his phone in his pocket made him stop mid-sentence. He then took out the phone, his expression changed when he saw the incoming caller ID, but he still promptly walked to a quiet spot to answer the call.
"Tax Chief Richards, your Western Sub-bureau sure is prestigious, having sent a police director and a deputy mayor to prison. What, are you planning to show off to me?"
"You're overthinking it, Edward. I've got no time to show off to you. I called you to offer you a big break!"
"A big break?"
Edward was utterly baffled by this statement.
"That's right. Do you want to make a name for yourself like our Western Sub-bureau, do you wish to have a tax revenue of millions?"
Upon hearing this, Edward's expression lit up, and he hurriedly asked, "What do you mean?"
"Alright, I won't keep you in suspense. Director David said he wants to visit your Henderson City to take care of the crackdown directive for your Valley Branch!"
"What, Director David is coming!"
Edward's breathing suddenly became rapid.
After seeing the huge tax achievements garnered by the Western Sub-bureau and how Richards had personally made quite the splash, he was naturally green with envy.
He had even fantasized about how great it would be if David could visit their Henderson City.
But what he hadn't expected was that this fantasy... seemed to be about to come true!
"Tax Chief Edward, Director David going to your Henderson City will need some people to get things done, so I immediately thought of you. You are capable of..."
"I can, I can, definitely can!!!"
Before Richards could finish speaking on the other end of the phone, Edward had eagerly agreed, fearful that a second's delay might cost him this opportunity.
He wasn't a fool; this might be his one and only chance to make a name for himself and to earn a huge amount of tax revenue—he couldn't miss out!
"Is that so... But, Edward, to secure this opportunity for you in front of Director David, I had to put in quite a bit of effort..."
"I understand, Richards. You recommended this opportunity to me; consider me in your debt. If there's anything you need in the future, just command me!"
Hearing this, Richards from the Western Sub-bureau showed a satisfied demeanor and replied, "No need to be formal, Edward. We're friends after all. This is what I'll do—I'll give Director David your contact information, and he will get in touch with you. Oh, and remember, we must keep Director David's visit to your city low-key to avoid startling anyone!"
"Don't worry, I understand!"
After hanging up the phone, Richards immediately took out some paper and a pen, wrote down Edward's contact information, and set out towards where Director David was.
When he arrived at David's location, he found that Director Hopkinson was also there.
It seemed that Director Hopkinson had received the news about David's departure from the city and was looking rather downcast.
Richards, not concerning himself with this, handed over the note: "Director David, this is Tax Chief Edward of Henderson City, Valley Branch. I've already briefly spoken with him; you can directly discuss your needs with him!"
David nodded, took the note, and tucked it into his pocket.
At that moment, Hopkinson spoke resignedly, "Director David, will we have the chance to collaborate again in the future?"
"There will be an opportunity soon, Director Hopkinson. I'll contact you then!"
"Really?"
Hopkinson's resignation was instantly replaced by a look of anticipation.
He had only asked out of a hint of hope, knowing that with the crackdown issue resolved, there was little chance for further contact between them.
"Let's go, Old Henderson Station!"
Although the director did have some illegal income, it wasn't enough to warrant a major operation, so David had no choice but to cross off this target.
Half an hour later, they arrived at Old Henderson Station.
By this time it was 12:36 PM. According to the information provided by Edward, the City Manager of the City Hall would arrive at one o'clock, so they just needed to wait a little longer.
At 1 PM sharp, a vehicle from the City Hall appeared once again at the entrance of the station.
The car door opened, and this time, a portly man around 40 years old in a suit got out.
[Name: Sharp DiCario.]
[Occupation: City Manager of Henderson.]
[Income: Legal monthly income of $18,200, Illegal income of $1.31 million.]
[Income Details: On December 16th, leaked the urban construction plan for the Valley District to Archer Real Estate Company, making a profit of $300,000, on December 28th, approved a piece of land in the high-tech zone to a business in violation of regulations, making a profit of $300,000, on January 13th, outsourced city image projects to private enterprises, making a profit of $300,000...]
[More Details: ...]
[Tax Owed: $518,760.]
After reviewing this fellow's information, David finally showed a hint of satisfaction.
The City Manager's position nearly soaked up the largest gravy at the City Hall.
Plus one more thing, this job controlled the daily operations of the entire city and could be said to be second to the police department in effectively executing the city's strict law enforcement and powerful measures.
Taking down this guy, along with a deputy mayor, should effectively intimidate the City Hall of Henderson!
"Let's go to State University!"
In the time that followed, David and his companions went to State University to stake out the last deputy mayor, Clement.
When 2 PM rolled around, under the scrutiny of the 'golden finger', all of the information of the deputy mayor named Clement was laid bare before David's eyes.
The results were somewhat satisfying. Although this deputy mayor hadn't embezzled millions like Sharp had, he'd taken around $200,000, which was worth making a fuss about!
Afterward, he had Nisen drive to Archer Real Estate Company.
"Hello sir, do you have an appointment?"
"We're from the National Tax Bureau. Take us to see your general manager!"
Upon hearing that David and his two companions were from the National Tax Bureau, the receptionist did not dare to delay and immediately turned around to seek instructions.
Not long after, they were led to an office on the 10th floor of the real estate company.
"Gentlemen from the National Tax Bureau, our company's tax affairs are handled by professionals with no issues whatsoever. May I know if there is anything else?"
The general manager, upon seeing David and his party enter, didn't panic but calmly asked.
"Mr. Harrington, right..."
"..."
Half an hour later, David walked out of the office with a pleased look on his face.
After he used the 'golden finger' feature to list the opponent's evidence of wrongdoing one by one and then intimidated them, naturally, the other party had no choice but to give in.
They not only handed over some evidence of bribing City Manager Sharp but also agreed to stand out and testify in court when the time came.
Next, David specifically targeted those who had dealings with Sharp and Clement, launching 'house calls' for investigation one by one.
The results were without exception; all of these people succumbed to his 'mighty influence'!
So now, it was time for the grand show to begin in the city of Henderson!