American tax officials

"No, no, this isn't about publicly humiliating you. They genuinely realize their mistake, and we will immediately apologize in front of the media and reiterate the contributions of your IRS. In short, we'll do whatever you say, without any objection!"

In the United States, the labor department of each city has considerable power.

They could manage laid-off and employed workers; the funds for various welfare benefits such as relief funds and unemployment benefits were also under their jurisdiction and control, so Bomench, the Minister of Labor, was naturally highly respected.

However, he felt incredibly frustrated and powerless today, because they had offended David and the IRS.

Now that things have come to this, he can only play the submissive role and try to win David back first; otherwise, his tenure as Secretary of Labor will probably be over.

"Yes, yes, yes... As long as you can rescind your order, Chief Inspector David, we'll do whatever you say, please..."

Steinbeck, standing nearby, echoed and begged for mercy.

"Ms. Steinbeck, I remember you just said that even if a governor evaded taxes, his merits and demerits could offset each other. What, are you now going to overturn your opinion?"

David didn't reply immediately, but instead changed the subject.

"This...I...I spoke without thinking before, please forgive me, Inspector David..."

"Heh, you speak without thinking?"

David sneered and continued, "Let me tell you, the source of your relief funds, unemployment benefits, and all sorts of welfare programs comes from the taxes of people like the governor. If everyone had tax problems like the governor, then not only relief funds, but also defense spending, welfare payments, and health insurance would all lose their budgets!"

Hearing David's words, even if Steinbeck and the others had objections, they dared not refute him at this moment and could only nod in agreement.

Seeing that David seemed to have vented his anger, Manch cautiously asked, "So, Chief Inspector David, what do you think about this Social Security fund in New York...?"

"As you said, this funding is indeed of great importance, so I will renegotiate with the General Administration. It shouldn't affect the vast majority of innocent people. However, you few must pay the price for what you did today. In addition to publicly apologizing and repenting, you will be barred from receiving any social security funds, such as relief funds or unemployment benefits, for ten years!"

To be honest, David's previous talk of cutting New York's social security funding was more of a scare tactic.

In fact, he never really intended to cut off the funding for New York outright from the beginning, and the headquarters probably thought the same way.

The reason is simple: New York City has too large a population. If this funding is cut, it will definitely cause major unrest in the city, which will also have a significant impact on the IRS's tax revenue.

So, teaching these people a lesson, making them apologize publicly, and allowing the IRS to save face and back down is actually enough.

"Yes, Inspector David, on behalf of the people of New York, I thank you for your magnanimity!"

Manchi finally breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems that this grandson really got the job done. Now David has relented and the budget for relief funds and unemployment benefits has been reallocated. This way, the workers and homeless people will stop causing trouble.

As the Minister of Labor, he not only fulfilled his duties but also made a contribution, thus saving his job!

As for Steinbeck and the other ringleaders of the riots, they will be barred from receiving any social security funds for ten years?

That's their own fault, it has nothing to do with him!

"Did you hear that? Aren't you going to thank Inspector David?!"

"Minister Manch, Inspector General David, a ten-year sentence is too harsh. Could you consider reducing it..."

"Yeah, yeah, how about five years, oh no, three years? We won't receive any social security benefits for three years, how about that?"

Upon hearing that they would be barred from receiving any social security benefits for ten years, Steinbeck and his companions felt as if the sky had fallen, and they mustered their courage to try and negotiate.

"Damn it, Inspector General David has already been very lenient. Can you please shut your stinking mouth and stop haggling?"

Seeing that Steinbeck was still so oblivious, Manchi wanted nothing more than to slap her across the face.

If we anger David, and he takes back his previous terms, we're doomed.

"Well... alright, thank you for your magnanimity, Inspector General David..."

Seeing Manch's murderous gaze, Steinbeck hesitated for a moment before finally gritting his teeth and giving in.

Although being unable to receive these social security funds for ten years is painful, it's better than being beaten to death by a group of angry homeless people and unemployed workers.

After the matter was settled.

Mancini didn't linger any longer and led Steinbeck and the others out.

He took a megaphone and shouted at the group of homeless people and unemployed workers who were still eyeing him menacingly: "Listen up, everyone. After our sincere apology, we have finally obtained Inspector David's forgiveness."

"He has indicated that he will renegotiate the issue of cutting New York's welfare benefits with senior officials at the IRS; it won't be a one-size-fits-all approach, and there will be a proper resolution!"

After saying that, he looked at Steinbeck and the others.

Steinbeck immediately stepped forward and said, "Gentlemen, what I said just now was indeed somewhat inappropriate. As the national tax agency, the IRS has made enormous contributions to this country. Funds such as our welfare payments and relief funds are all collected through the hard work of the IRS. We must maintain the highest respect for all the staff of the IRS..."

In the following time, Steinbeck and the others took turns apologizing for their behavior and expressing remorse.

"Very good!"

"Inspector General David is brilliant!"

"Yay!"

"..."

The workers and homeless people at the scene certainly didn't care about the men's remorse. They only knew that David had forgiven them and that the relief fund budget would not be cut off indiscriminately. So, they calmed down and then dispersed to go home.

Less than ten minutes later, most of the crowd had dispersed.

As for those protesters from before, having just narrowly escaped death, they no longer dare to shout.

After all, the governor's promise to find them good jobs is still far from being realized.

As for welfare benefits like unemployment and relief payments, the IRS can cut them at will. They're not stupid; they'll naturally make the right choice based on what's more important!

"Phew... Back to base, back to base!"

Seeing that the crisis was over, Chimicart breathed a sigh of relief, then waved his hand and led the group of police officers away.

Soon, only a few media reporters remained at the scene.

"Viewers at home, as you have all seen, after a reconsideration of the issue of New York's social security funds, the matter has been brought to a close..."

"..."

To be honest, the stability of the situation was somewhat disappointing for the media reporters.

After all, for those who make a living from online traffic, the bigger the project, the more beneficial it is for them.

But before they could be disappointed for long, a piece of news caused another uproar in the media.

It is said that the tax investigations targeting the mayor, police chief, and even governor of New York City may go to court in the next two days.

The speed at which the case was handled was unexpected by everyone, especially since it was being handed over to the courts.

"Dear viewers, we've just received some breaking news: the trials for Chief of Police Congua and Governor Dalick may take place within the next two days. Let's wait and see!"

"..."

After numerous media reports, the internet is now in an uproar.

After all, the IRS didn't just take away ordinary criminals for investigation this time; they took away one of the most powerful people in the state. Was David really that confident?

However, judging from David's impressive track record in the past, most netizens still have confidence in him.

……

Around 5 p.m.

David was still in his makeshift office, working on the upcoming trial for this group of people.

But just then, an inspector from the Manhattan precinct knocked on the door and came in, saying, "Inspector General David, White House Chief of Staff Wilder has arrived and wants to see you."

David's eyes narrowed upon hearing this. The White House chief of staff had come to see him personally at this critical juncture, which must be related to Governor Dalick!

"Bring him over!"

After all, he was the president's chief of staff, and he had come directly from Washington to see him, so David naturally couldn't refuse to see him.

Let's hear what the other person has to say first!

A few minutes later, Wilder was brought in. As soon as they met, he said directly, "Inspector General David, you've taken away the mayor, police chief, and governor of New York, and you're also trying to cut social security funding here. You've made quite a stir."

"The reason we took away the mayor, police chief, and governor is because they were indeed involved in tax matters. As for cutting social security funding here, it's to make them realize the contributions our IRS has made. I don't think there's anything wrong with that."

"Inspector General David, New York is, after all, an international financial center. What you're doing will make the city lose face and could even have international repercussions. I hope you can reconsider this matter."

"Is this the president's intention?"

"certainly."

David was silent for a moment, then replied with a firm gaze, "Then please tell the President that this matter has already been started, and it will be difficult to turn back now, but I will try my best to handle it reasonably."

Wilder's face darkened upon hearing this.

Because he had already realized that even with the intervention of the White House, David still had no intention of backing down.

In other words, it's highly likely that, just like the rumors circulating outside, governors and mayors will be dealt with!

Thinking of this, Wilder became somewhat impatient. He raised his voice and said, "Inspector General David, you are an expert in taxation, but sometimes your understanding of the overall national situation is not quite enough. As I said before, the way you are going to handle this matter may damage the image of this city and even the United States in the international community. Therefore, the White House hopes that this matter will be downplayed."

"Turning into mediocrity?"

David naturally understood the implication of those words, and smiled slightly as he replied, "Chief of Staff Wilder, I've put in so much effort to let the White House enjoy so many 'fruits of victory,' and now you're unwilling to bear a little pressure? Don't think you can have all the good things; it's time to put in some effort too."

His major actions in New York State this time were mainly aimed at dismantling the Freemason group's influence in the state.

Now that things are already halfway done, how could we possibly stop at this crucial moment?

Furthermore, as he said, during this period, he has been cracking down on the power of the three major corporations and promoting the tax avoidance bill, which has generated huge tax revenues. The White House has mostly remained silent and watched from behind the scenes, but in the end, it has reaped a lot of benefits. It has enjoyed the fruits of victory too comfortably!

"you……"

Wilder, the White House Chief of Staff, who was second only to the president, had never been treated like this before, and he was furious.

However, considering that the person in front of him was David, he could only suppress his dissatisfaction and replied, "Inspector General David, let's keep things separate. If you continue like this, the President won't be able to explain it to the international community. I hope you can understand."

"Heh, America is the most powerful country on this planet, and the President is the most powerful person in the world. Who dares to really demand an explanation from him?"

"this……"

David's shameless words left Wilder speechless for a moment.

"Alright, Chief of Staff Wilder, let me go over this again. I will do my best to handle this matter properly. As for stopping it, that's impossible. As for the international repercussions, I believe the White House will handle it well. That's all."

Wilder's brows were now furrowed into a deep frown, but since he had already said all that, there was nothing David could do to insist. He could only turn and walk out.

After getting into his car, he immediately dialed a number and said, "Sir, I've already spoken to David, but that bastard isn't going to budge an inch. It looks like Dalik and his gang are doomed."

Meanwhile, in the White House Oval Office.

Hearing the voice on the other end of the phone, Padden frowned, then replied, "Didn't you tell him what the consequences would be?"

"I've already said, and reiterated twice, the international impact this will have, but this bastard says we shouldn't just think about enjoying the fruits of victory, but let us deal with this problem."

"Just enjoying the fruits of victory? That bastard!" (End of Chapter)