Chapter 76: Chapter 74: Tavern Night Talk
 

“`

The crowd did not linger, and they all got up and left one after another.

After everyone had gone, Lewis looked toward David and said, “David, it’s not easy to do well in the position of Chief Tax Officer even though it’s a powerful role. I remember when I was first promoted to Chief Tax Officer…”

In the following time.

Lewis began imparting the experiences he had gathered since his promotion to Chief Tax Officer, and how he had gradually secured his position, giving David an overview.

Besides this, he also taught David how to lead and manage his subordinates, which benefited David a lot and provided him with considerable knowledge for his new role.

“Alright, I’ve taught you everything I can. Now, I wish Director David a future as bright as a brocade!”

“Oh, and if you really do have a bright future, don’t forget about me!”

Lewis’s words seemed to be said in jest, but they were actually heartfelt.

The advent of the Black Tax Bill was like a major reform within the entire taxation bureau system.

And now David had been promoted to Chief Tax Officer at such a young age.

Who could guarantee that he wouldn’t break the mold and get promoted to Deputy Tax Inspector, Tax Investigator, Director, or even be transferred to the headquarters?

If that day really came, he would have secured a powerful ally in advance, which would naturally be of great help to his own career!

David also replied with a smile, “I wish Deputy Tax Inspector Lewis a future as bright as a brocade as well…”

…

At night, a bright moon hung high in the sky.

In his residence, David was sitting on the balcony, blowing in the wind while thinking about his plans for when he took office as Chief Tax Officer the next day.

Dieter was definitely a target.

Not only was the guy a fat fish, but he was also the bully of the Lake District.

If he could successfully take him down, it would be a significant deterrent to other lawbreakers.

Just imagine, even someone as powerful as Dieter would have to obediently pay taxes to the internal revenue service. How many of you criminals, weighing your own strength, would then dare to evade taxes right under the nose of the internal revenue service?

However, that being said, this guy had both money and power, and was known for his arrogant and domineering character. To successfully take him down, there will need to be a well-thought-out plan and deployment!

Then there was the case involving Chief Smith.

This was another case David intended to use to establish his authority after his promotion.

Smith, being a protector for many criminals in the Lake District, taking him down might yield a list of criminals, which in turn could generate a hefty amount of taxes!

As David was engrossed in his thoughts, the telephone on the table rang. He picked it up and saw it was Nisen calling. He immediately answered, “Nisen?”

“You’re not asleep, are you, David?”

“No.”

“How about a drink then?”

David paused for a moment. He detected a hint of dejection in Nisen’s voice, probably due to the matter of tomorrow, and then responded, “Sure, where?”

“What about the Bangguo People Bar?”

“Great, I’ll head there now!”

After hanging up, David got dressed. Although he was not on a mission, for safety’s sake he still fastened his service weapon and then hailed a cab to his destination.

About 20 minutes later, he arrived at the Bangguo People Bar.

Getting out of the cab, he immediately spotted the Volvo not far away, with Nisen leaning against the car door, looking dejected and smoking a cigarette.

Seeing David arrive, he threw his cigarette butt on the ground and stomped it out, then the two walked shoulder to shoulder into the bar.

Inside the bar.

“`

Seeing the arrival of David and Nisen, the Bangguo People who had been chatting and laughing changed their expressions instantly.

Having visited once before, they naturally recognized David and Nisen, thinking the National Tax Bureau was looking to find fault again.

“David, Inspector Nisen, it doesn’t seem to be the time for you to collect taxes, is it?”

The bartender, Jin Guangyao, was staring fixedly at the two men.

Nisen replied, “Don’t misunderstand, we’re not here to trouble you today, we’ve come to drink, give me a whiskey on the rocks!”

“The same for me!”

Hearing that the two were only there to drink, Jin Guangyao and the others in the bar immediately relaxed.

“If the two Inspectors are here to drink, then of course we’re welcoming!”

With that, Jin Guangyao turned around to mix the drinks.

Under his practiced movements, two glasses of whiskey were swiftly prepared and brought over.

Nisen picked up his glass and said, “Here’s to our new BOSS!”

David heard the despondency in Nisen’s voice but didn’t rush to say anything, first clinking his glass with his and then taking a sip.

After putting down his glass, he comforted, “I know, Chief Tax Officer has always been your aspiration, but don’t lose heart, I’ll help you!”

During this period, Nisen might not have been much help with the taxes.

However, his presence was necessary to David, both before and after.

The National Tax Bureau’s reputation may echo throughout America, but among those criminals, many desperadoes still existed.

And Nisen, having retired from the Marine Corps, had a skill set that was not weak, should there be any unexpected situations.

With Nisen around, there would at least be some assurance for his safety!

“Not at all, David, don’t get me wrong, it’s just a sudden outpouring of feelings…”

Nisen, worried David might misunderstand, hastily explained.

David patted him on the shoulder and replied, “I understand, and even though I’ll be the Chief Tax Officer, I still consider you my partner!”

Hearing this, Nisen was quite moved, and the gloom in his heart dissipated a bit. After a while, he said, “Partner is partner, but according to the rules and regulations, I still need a new partner, and with that matter… I’ll have to trouble you!”

David understood what he meant and promised, “Don’t worry, regarding your new partner, I’ll definitely select someone with outstanding capabilities who won’t hold you back!”

“That would be great!”

Nisen breathed a sigh of relief.

He had indeed feared having a novice or an intern Inspector as a new partner slowing him down, but with David promising to carefully pick, he could now rest easy!

After that, the two chatted for a long while and drank several more glasses, until around 11 o’clock, when the two, heavy with drink, prepared to leave.

Jin Guangyao was very perceptive too.

He arranged for a sober underling to act as a driver for the two, and they did not decline, allowing the driver to take them home in turn.

Upon reaching their homes, the two soon fell into a deep sleep.

Though they were deep in slumber, many others were sleepless that night.

Tomorrow marked the start of the assessment period.

During this assessment period, Inspectors who had achieved high tax performance naturally fantasized about the praise and rewards that awaited them the next day.

And those with lower tax achievements were afraid and anxious, not knowing what criticisms they might face tomorrow.

In short, there were happy people and worried people!