American Tax Officer

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Hearing this, Smollett and his two associates let out a sigh of relief, followed by a worried inquiry, "Then, Director David, may I ask how much this penalty interest... is due for payment?"

"As far as I'm aware, Amazon has offered you an acquisition price of 8 billion US dollars; your recent negotiations, reaching 8.5 billion, shouldn't be an issue..."

Upon hearing this, Smollett and the others felt another wave of bitterness in their hearts.

It wasn't just that Director David had uncovered their company's impending acquisition by Amazon, he had also accessed such confidential information as the acquisition price, no wonder he seemed so confident in dealing with them.

But before they had time to ponder further, the words that followed from David left them dumbfounded.

"So, we won't ask for much, just casually pay a penalty of 1 billion and that will do!"

"1 billion!"

The three stood there, stunned, their minds reeling.

1 billion US dollars, and that wasn't considered a lot?

Just 'casually' pay 1 billion US dollars and that's enough?

You really dare to say that.

Moreover, you have to understand that this acquisition price of over 80 billion wasn't solely theirs; many investors and shareholders had shares in it too.

If 1 billion US dollars were to be inexplicably deducted now, how would they explain it to so many people?

"What, do you think it's a lot?"

David narrowed his eyes, emitting an imposing aura without even showing anger.

"Director David, we are willing to pay the penalty for tax evasion, but this amount... it's just too enormous for our board to accept..."

Under someone else's roof, so even with their displeasure, Smollett couldn't afford to be defiant and instead replied diplomatically.

"The overdue taxes you owe, just like Fox Film Corporation, have been accumulating for over a decade or two, and if we talk about the severity of the matter, you're much worse than Fox Film Corporation. After all, you've had multiple acquisitions in the past. Right now, penalizing you 1 billion US dollars is only one-eighth of your acquisition price; don't be ungrateful!"

"I understand, Director David, but this fine... please consider reducing it a bit, so we have something to report back to the board."

Smollett weakly contested the statement but still pleaded through gritted teeth.

However, David had lost his patience and he spoke coldly, "I am not here to negotiate with you. Either you pay the tax evasion penalty or you will be responsible for the consequences!"

This non-negotiable statement deflated Smollett and the others completely. After exchanging glances, Smollett said feebly, "Alright, Director David, but 1 billion is no small sum; I hope you can give us some time to pay."

"One week!"

David, aware of MGM's difficult financial situation and that it was only awaiting Amazon's acquisition for a lifeline, consequently didn't press them too hard.

Hearing that David had given them a one-week deadline, Smollett and his associates felt some relief; if they were to produce the money immediately, it would definitely be impossible.

"..."

After agreeing to pay the penalty for tax evasion, MGM was able to slip away from the Western Suburb Branch's tax audit.

No sooner had the three men stepped out the door than the media stationed there, eager to capture the news firsthand, immediately swarmed them.

"Mr. Smollett, may I ask if you came here to discuss the tax audit with Director David?"

"Mr. Smollett, under the 'threats' and appeal of Director David, did MGM concede?"

"Mr. Smollett, is it true your company really felt threatened?"

Being one of Hollywood's Eight Major Film Companies, every action MGM took was under intense media scrutiny, especially after the Western Suburbs Branch initiated the tax audit operation.

The fact that three of the company's executives were summoned here had also sparked much speculation and talk.

"Don't rush; let me explain!"

Smollett gestured with his hands downward to quiet the crowd, saying, "Firstly, the Western Suburb Branch, as an affiliate of the IRS, is not some kind of rogue, and there are no 'threats' against us, and secondly, after some friendly discussions, we have indeed reached an agreement with Director David."

Obligated to declare the matter to the media as agreed with David, he now had to reluctantly speak up.

"Mr. Smollett, may I ask what agreement did MGM reach with Director David?"

The question from the Los Angeles Times reporter voiced what the people on the scene and watching the live broadcast wanted to know.

"Years ago, there were some issues with the tax department at MGM, leading to some tax matters not being handled promptly. After Director David clarified the situation, we deeply realized our mistakes and have voluntarily agreed to pay our previous taxes and a penalty interest totaling 1 billion US dollars."

The media on the scene and the live audience were stunned upon hearing this.

Realized their mistakes?

Voluntarily paying a 1 billion US dollar penalty?

That's 1 billion.

Not 10 dollars, who would voluntarily agree to this?

"My gosh, are you serious, MGM voluntarily agreeing to a 1 billion US dollar penalty?"

"Isn't MGM one of Hollywood's Eight Major Film Companies? And with the other seven major studios still not reacting, why did they 'surrender'?"

"No, something's off; surely the Western Suburbs Branch, like they did in the trial against Fox Film Corporation before, must've obtained some evidence of their tax evasion, which is why they are now accepting the punishment!"

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