While in America, the system says Roosevelt was an emperor.

Tom entered the conference room, where Chief Denise was already waiting at the head of the table.

A map of New York City hung on the wall behind the main seat, and a large radio sat on the table in front of him.

After all the staff entered the meeting room, Denise placed one hand on the radio and the other hand down to signal for quiet.

"Is everyone here?"

"Quiet down, everyone."

Denise didn't say much, and simply turned on the radio.

At eight o'clock in the morning, the church bells rang out from nearby, and at the same time, white noise came from the radio.

A moment later, Emperor Luo… oops, Commander Luo’s voice rang out again.

"On behalf of the United States of America, I declare war on Japan!"

The declaration was brief yet powerful, with no fluff.

Last night's speech laid the groundwork, and this morning is the perfect time to declare war directly.

A few seconds later, various shouts came from outside the building!

"Damn those sons of bitches, those yellow-skinned dwarfs!"

"Damn it, I want to join the army! Tell me where the nearest registration point is!"

"For America!"

President Roosevelt's declaration of war was broadcast across all channels, and a thunderous roar of anger resounded throughout the United States.

Even more extreme, some went directly to yellow-skinned dwarfs they knew and engaged in "pro-Japanese" interactions.

Unlike the shouting passersby, the meeting room remained peaceful, as if the warring countries had nothing to do with them.

Tom glanced around at his colleagues. Some were trimming their nails, some were reading newspapers, and a few female colleagues were even taking out small makeup mirrors to touch up their makeup.

Tom, knowing the outcome of the war, remained calm, while the reactions of his other colleagues were quite amusing.

"I guess the gas was turned on at home last night; everyone knows war is inevitable."

"Even if they themselves are stupid, the head of the family and the think tank are not useless."

"Besides, even if Forrest Gump and Down syndrome were sent to the battlefield, it wouldn't be their turn. It would be strange if they cared about the war."

Tom thought about it for a moment, then smiled with relief.

She glanced at Dani one last time, but Dani also looked completely indifferent.

"As expected of a senator, Director Dennis's uncle can even get his hands on the details of the declaration of war broadcasts."

When Denise saw Tom looking at her, she smiled back at him, then stood up and said:

"As you all have heard, just now, the United States of America officially declared war on Japan."

"Once the war begins, military spending will certainly be astronomical."

"New York State is a major taxpayer state in the United States, and New York City is the number one taxpayer city in New York State."

Denise pointed behind her to the New York City area, which comprises five boroughs:

Manhattan—the world's financial center, home to Wall Street, and one of the wealthiest areas in America and even the world;

Richmond County – located on an isolated island, with the smallest population and worst economy;

Bronx County – a predominantly agricultural, predominantly white area consisting of farmland and ranches;

Queens – the largest borough in terms of area, the second most populous, and home to the largest Chinatown in the United States;

Brooklyn—the most populous borough, with an extremely diverse racial composition, rampant gangs, and a chaotic legal system.

"We are from the Municipal Finance Bureau, mainly responsible for taxation and municipal budget statements,"

"It's the end of the year, and the war has begun, so regarding taxes, you all know what I mean, right?"

Before Denise finished speaking, many people had already stood up to express their opinions.

"My family owns several farms in the Bronx and has influence locally, so I guarantee we'll exceed our targets."

"My uncle monopolizes the waste disposal industry on Staten Island (the island where Richmond County is located), and I'm in charge of Richmond County's commercial district."

"If anyone doesn't pay my taxes, I'll have my uncle shut down their garbage trucks so they can spend Christmas with the garbage."

"Needless to say, everyone in Manhattan has several brokerage firms there. Each household just needs to contribute a small amount to meet the quota."

"Of course, my family owns shares in several of the largest securities companies, so we'll definitely set a good example."

The crowd made no attempt to conceal their influence in the local area.

Their tone inevitably carried a hint of comparison and showing off.

After expressing their opinions, everyone sat down properly and looked at Dani.

Everyone knew perfectly well that the most "outstanding talent" present was none other than Director Dennis, who had direct access to the State Legislative Assembly.

Hearing everyone's opinions, Director Dennis nodded in satisfaction.

Soon, the boroughs of New York City were almost completely divided up, leaving only two "hot potatoes"—Queens and Brooklyn.

Denise pointed to Brooklyn and Queens on the map and asked the crowd:

"What about Brooklyn and Queens?"

"These two boroughs each have a population of over a million, which together make up half of New York City's population. We can't just give up on them, can we?"

"There are over a hundred American elites here, isn't one of them willing to step forward and take on more responsibility?"

The crowd looked at each other, but ultimately no one stepped forward.

These two areas are extremely chaotic, and the system describes them as an utterly chaotic bottom nest.

In previous years, tax officials in these two districts either died violent deaths or were dismissed due to severe under-collection of taxes.

The people weren't stupid. Going to the two underworld districts to collect taxes, not to mention completing the tax collection task, what if they died in a stray bullet during a gang shootout?

They still have a wonderful life to enjoy, and they can't afford to take risks.

In previous years, everyone would pretend to be dead, and then Denise would randomly pick a few unlucky people to be in charge of tax collection in these two districts.

This year seems to be no exception, as Denise scans the room, looking for the "unlucky one".

Finally, Denise's gaze fell on Tom, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on her lips.

Tom felt a chill run down his spine, as if he were a herbivore being watched by a carnivore.

This wasn't the first time Tom had felt this way; he had the same feeling when Denise was staring at him during his job interview.

Denise pointed directly to the map, and then to Tom.

"Tom Smith, of everyone here, you're the only one who hasn't volunteered which area you want to be in charge of."

"I remember your home address is in Brooklyn. You must be very familiar with Brooklyn."

"During the interview, you mentioned that you were fluent in Chinese, Italian, and Latin. Coincidentally, there is a huge Chinatown in Queens."

"Then the tax revenue for these two districts will be entrusted to you. No one is more suitable than you."

"Don't let me down."

Following Dani's finger, Tom's colleagues all looked at him, their eyes filled with mockery, contempt, and disdain.

Many male colleagues secretly rejoiced, thinking, "This pretty boy who got in by virtue of his looks, he should just die already."

A few female colleagues, however, showed a hint of regret in their eyes.

What a waste of Tom's handsome, angular face; he hadn't even had a chance to appreciate it before he was gone forever.

Tom pointed to his face, his expression one of disbelief, as if asking in bewilderment:

Clam?

Me, living in two counties/districts?