American Tax Officer

As three o'clock approached, the main hall on the first floor of the headquarters was already filled with numerous media journalists.

Previously, when David was elected, their inquiries did not yield a precise outcome, but they had a premonition that at today's press conference held at the headquarters, they would definitely receive news about Hollywood.

And this news might very well be a blockbuster!

"Here they come, they're coming!"

Under the anticipation of the crowd, someone shouted, and everyone looked forward in unison, and sure enough, personnel led by Obadiah from the headquarters walked over.

Having arrived at the scene, Obadiah went up to the stage first, adjusted the microphone, and said, "Hello, friends from the media, as well as viewers who are following the news from the Tax Bureau, I am Obadiah."

"Thank you all for paying attention to our Tax Bureau's 'Deification' project. As you all know, the candidate has been selected, Mr. David from the Lake District Sub-Bureau Branch of Las Vegas.

Next, let's have David come up on stage to briefly answer some questions about his main focus after taking office and the strategies for the region under his jurisdiction!"

With those words, it was now David's turn to become nervous.

This was different from the interview at the doorstep of the Lake District Sub-Bureau Branch yesterday. Although his election was shocking, it was not yet to the extent that it captured nationwide attention.

However, following the Tax Bureau's publicity and the opinion fermentation generated by Hollywood, combined with the fact that it was a press conference held at the headquarters, not only were a large number of citizens paying attention to him, but perhaps even the White House was watching his livestream. Anyone would be nervous in his shoes.

He took a deep breath to calm his nerves, straightened out his clothing, then slowly walked up to the podium and began, "Hello everyone, I am David. I am very honored to be selected for the 'Deification' project and to be appointed as the Director of the Los Angeles West Suburb Branch."

"I know that due to the special geographical location of the Western Suburb Branch, this has drawn a lot of attention. Next, I will roughly outline my strategic plan after taking office."

"First of all, as everyone knows, on December 3 last year, our Tax Bureau introduced the 'Black Tax Law'. After taking office, I will mobilize all inspectors to conduct a 'big sweep' within our jurisdiction. I will ensure that these lawbreakers have nowhere to hide, until they have paid every penny of the taxes they owe from their ill-gotten gains..."

"Sorry to interrupt, Director David!"

Just then, a reporter from NBC raised a hand to interrupt David's speech, asking, "I want to ask, as far as I know, you generated tax revenue of $219 million during your assessment period. If you take office as the Director of the West Suburb Branch, how confident are you in generating tax revenue during your first assessment period?"

David paused and replied, "I dare not predict a large amount, but since I was able to collect $219 million in the Lake District, moving to the Western Suburb Branch should result in no less than that."
Enjoy more content from empire

No one noticed that at this remark, the corner of Rohan's mouth below flashed a smirk.

Earlier in the meeting room, they had set this trap for David, and now he had actually made such a promise in front of the media. If he failed to fulfill this promise at the end of the assessment period, they would have even more reason to exploit the issue!

"Director David, what about Hollywood? Do you have any targeted policies for when you take office?"

At this, a reporter from The New York Times spoke up.

And this question was what most of the media and audience wanted to know.

"If you mention targeted policies, then I don't have any, nor will I specifically target anyone or any industry. What I'm targeting are only individuals and industries suspected of tax evasion. In short, whoever is suspected of tax evasion will be who I focus on!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a journalist from The Wall Street Journal immediately followed up, "Director David, as far as I know, the previous Director of the Los Angeles West Suburb Branch, Vivian, did not take much action against Hollywood during her tenure. Will you initiate substantial actions after taking office?"

"Of course."

As soon as he said this, the room began to buzz, and the viewers watching the livestream became interested as well.

Although David did not say he would have targeted policy deployments against Hollywood, he now confirmed in person that substantial actions would definitely be taken against Hollywood after he took office.

If the Tax Bureau were to take substantial actions against Hollywood, it was certain that the place would no longer be as calm as it had been before.

"Director David, Hollywood has thousands of film production companies and related enterprises, and tens of thousands of people working in the film industry. Apart from saying you will carry out substantial actions here upon taking office, even a slight change in tax policy might affect the interests of tens of thousands of people. Aren't you afraid of triggering a backlash?"

This time, a journalist from The Wall Street Journal asked.

At this question, David's brow furrowed slightly, as he realized that the other party was trying to set a trap for him.

But since it was a live broadcast, he couldn't just remain silent.

So what should his response be?

After pondering for about ten seconds, David seemed to have thought of something, and suddenly changed his tone, "Your question is good, but let me digress a moment. Have you ever heard about the situation in Detroit?"

The Wall Street Journal reporter was somewhat bewildered by the question but still replied, "I've heard about it. Ever since the city government declared bankruptcy in 2013, the situation has been very poor."