American Tax Officer

"Nockmand is right, and we at Allied America are different from those other big film companies—they all basically have big capital backing them up, but we're standing alone. If the Western Suburb Branch really wants to use this as an excuse to target us, I'm afraid Hollywood's Eight Major Film Companies will soon become seven."

Among Hollywood's Eight Major Film Companies, Allied America could be considered the worst off, so both Nockmand, the vice president, and Avrilor, the CEO, believe that it is unwise to continue the confrontation with the Western Suburb Branch.

Brother Tom understood the implications between their words and said with a furrowed brow and a grave voice, "Not long ago, Disney warned me not to follow in Migaomei's footsteps, but if we do the same thing as Migaomei now, I'm afraid we'll be isolated by the Hollywood film companies headed by Disney!"

"Isolated? They don't have the time to isolate us now. The Western Suburbs Branch, led by David, is pressing in on us step by step. I think they'll soon be in hot water themselves. If they fall too, then everyone will naturally be 'birds of a feather.' What isolation is there to speak of?"

Nockmand's thoughts coincided with those of Lucy from Migaomei who had come by earlier.

Brother Tom and Avrilor, who were listening to the side, also saw some sense in this and their eyes lit up.

However, after thinking for a while, Brother Tom with a contemplative look said, "Disney is said to be lobbying Congress. If they actually succeed, won't we be subject to a reckoning after the fall?"

"The Walt Disney Company has substantial clout, but the Black Tax Law is such an important piece of legislation, and it has only been in effect for a few months. No matter how much lobbying is done, it's impossible for it to be repealed. On the contrary, by doing this, I think it will only antagonize the IRS and David even more. When that time comes, David might even come down harder on them!"

"Hmm, Nockmand is right. Let's not even talk about whether Disney can sway Congress or not, but David clearly intends to make an example of us. If we don't do as he says today, I'm afraid his axe will fall on our heads immediately," Avrilor chimed in.

Their words caused Brother Tom's face to cycle through expressions. After about five or six minutes, his face turned fierce, and he gritted his teeth, "Let's just do it then!"

Now that they had conceded, they would face the wrath of the Hollywood companies led by Disney, but it wouldn't mean the end of the company.

However, if they were to vehemently anger David by continuing to resist, then Allied America would likely be finished immediately. The lighter and heavier choices were obvious to anyone making them.

After the three returned to David's office, Brother Tom didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "Alright, Director David, since you've put it that way, what do we need to do?"

"It's simple. Just pay the tax you previously avoided, including a late fee, and publicly admit your mistakes to the media. Then we can let this matter rest!"

The other party's sensible concession was quite satisfying to David.

Brother Tom nervously asked, "Then, Director David, how much do we need to pay?"

"Considering your situation, a total of 500 million US dollars will suffice."

"500 million..."

Even with a mental preparation, the three of them couldn't help the twitching at the corners of their mouths upon hearing the amount.
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"Director David, as you know, our situation at Allied America is very difficult. This penalty... could you consider reducing it a bit?"

Among Hollywood's Eight Major Film Companies, it was Allied America who was performing the worst. Unlike Migaomei, which still had a market value of 7 or 8 billion, Allied America's market value was less than 3 billion.

Should they really have to pay a 500 million dollar penalty, it wouldn't just be devastating for the company; it might just cost them half their very existence.

"It's precisely because I know how difficult your situation is at Allied America that I've rounded it down to 500 million for you. Otherwise, you'd have been treated just like Migaomei from the start. Don't be ungrateful!"

This statement left Brother Tom and his companions feeling incredibly aggrieved within. After all, Migaomei still had a market value of seventy to eighty billion, not to mention deeper foundations than Allied America, how could they compare?

"Director David..."

Next, Brother Tom still didn't give up trying to bargain.

But after a round of lamenting and unsuccessful haggling, coupled with David's firm attitude showing no signs of concession, they could only reluctantly accept the fine.

In this way, among Hollywood's Eight Major Film Companies, David had now dealt with two.

Although the two he dealt with ranked last and second-last among the Major Film Companies, with the support of the other six major companies, it wasn't enough to completely subdue Hollywood. However, for the Western Suburb Branch, it was a victory in this stage of the battle.

Outside the Western Suburb Branch.

Seeing Brother Tom and his group exit dejectedly, the media became unsettled and swarmed forward wanting to know the outcome.

"Mr. Krus, what was the result of your negotiations with Director David?"

"Mr. Krus, has the Allied America company you own encountered any other issues with the tax authorities?"

"..."

The reporters from various major media outlets were all asking questions at once.

Distraught over having to pay a 500 million dollar fine, Brother Tom was already very frustrated, but remembering David's instruction to announce the results to the media, he could only bear it and say, "Our company, Allied America, indeed had some omissions in our tax affairs due to the negligence of our tax accounting personnel.

Fortunately, with the Western Suburbs Branch's tally, we realized our errors. We will pay the omitted taxes for the years past to the Western Suburbs Branch, including a late fee totaling exactly 500 million US dollars!"