Chapter 29: Establishing Authority

But before they could think too much, David's finger pointed to another person in the room and said, "And him!"

"On December 5th, on Crystal Shopping Street, he pickpocketed a tourist's wallet, making a profit of 1,000 US dollars."

"On December 8th, on Crystal Shopping Street, he pickpocketed a tourist's wallet, making a profit of 1,500 US dollars, on December 11th..."

"..."

The man who had been named, like Jin Guangyao before him, immediately had a drastic change in expression.

However.

David showed no sign of stopping; his hand pointed to the woman named Park Jungying and said, "She's the same."

"On December 9th, at Kaser Bar, she stole a gold necklace, wallet, and other items by getting a tourist drunk, making a profit of 5,000 US dollars."

"On December 13th, at Dove Tavern, she stole 2,000 US dollars in cash by getting a tourist drunk."

"..."

After exposing Park Jungying's dirty secrets, David turned to Quan Zhentai and mockingly said, "Is this what you call a good citizen?"

Quan Zhentai's face darkened, and he had nothing to say.

He didn't know how the other party had managed to investigate his subordinates so thoroughly.

But one thing was for certain.

Since the other party could investigate his subordinates in such detail, then as their boss, his own background must have been thoroughly checked as well.

Could the tax authority be this terrifying!

Without any warning, they had managed to get a grip on his whole gang!

After some reflection, Quan Zhentai tentatively said, "Inspector, in all of Las Vegas, there are at least eighty, if not a hundred groups involved in illegal activities."

"Honestly speaking, our group is not even worth a fart in comparison, why bother making things difficult for us?"

"How about this, I have some connections with Chief Smith, could you please see his face and let us off the hook?"

What was he paying Chief Smith so much protection money for?

Naturally, it was to deal with situations like this.

In his view, Chief Smith was also a significant figure in the Lake District; it shouldn't be the case that David would be so unaccommodating.

Hearing this, David and Nisen couldn't help but look at each other and then both burst out laughing.

Forget about Smith, what could his police department count for in front of the tax authority?

And to expect the tax authority to give face was simply laughable!

Moreover, David and Nisen had long ago decided that they would have Chief Smith 'cough up' some of his ill-gotten gains to the tax authority.

Why would they give him face now?

David's smile faded, and he pulled out his mobile phone and passed it to Quan Zhentai.

Quan Zhentai was baffled and asked, "What does this mean?"

"Didn't you say you were well acquainted with Chief Smith? Call him, and let's see if he dares to tell me in person to let you off the hook!"

He believed that the incident with the car theft gang yesterday and the matter of the two policemen, Wade Balk, must have reached Smith's ears by now.

Yet, until today, the guy hadn't dared to as much as fart.

Would he dare to intervene in Quan Zhentai's case?

David really didn't think so.

"This..."

Quan Zhentai and the others were stunned.

They had never imagined that not only would David dismiss their plea, but he wouldn't even give face to Smith.

As far as they were concerned,

Smith was not merely a chief, his connections were intricate and complex behind the scenes. It was said that he was even the white glove of some big shot.

Otherwise, among the many chiefs in the Lake District Sub-Bureau Branch, he wouldn't be the only one bold enough to openly collect protection fees.

"What, you don't dare to make the call now?"

Quan Zhentai had sobered up and replied, "I have my own phone!"

After saying this, he walked to one side.

Regardless, the call had to be made, or else the protection fees would be for nothing.

Besides, he also wanted to know what Smith would tell him to do after he informed him about the situation.

Meanwhile,

in a luxurious room on the 10th floor of the Bellagio Hotel,

Smith was comfortably lying on the bed, enjoying the massage from the seductive blonde behind him.

Just then, the phone on the table rang.

He reached for it, and when he saw the caller ID, his gaze became instantly sharp.

After a few seconds of silence, he stood up from the bed, lit a cigarette, walked over to the ashtray, and answered the phone, "This is Smith."

"Chief Smith, this is Quan Zhentai. We've run into a bit of trouble, two inspectors from the National Tax Bureau..."

A moment later, after hearing the whole story, a sinister look crossed Smith's face.

Miyano Masho yesterday, and now Quan Zhentai today — though the National Tax Bureau seemed to be just carrying out their duty, they were also challenging his authority!

After all, these people paid him protection fees every month.

And if he couldn't do something about it, how would they feel?

They would undoubtedly bear resentment towards him!

But when he thought about the words of that person this morning, he felt a helplessness in his heart.

According to that person, the Black Tax Legislation had only recently passed in Congress, and the National Tax Bureau's nationwide collection of black tax was not going smoothly.

Therefore, they were eager to make an example, to deter the criminals across the country.

Thus, he had been cautioned not to oppose the National Tax Bureau during this time or be caught in any predicament; otherwise, they might make an example out of him!

Thinking this, Smith gritted his teeth and said, "Got it, just do as they say!"

Back at the tavern, Quan Zhentai was petrified on the spot, completely unable to believe the words he heard over the phone.

After a good while, he snapped back to reality and questioned, "Chief Smith, the taxes the National Tax Bureau wants to collect are not a small amount, and once we're on file, from then on, every month..."

"I know, I said to do as they tell you, are you deaf?!"

"..."

At this point, Quan Zhentai was seething.

So in front of us, you act all high and mighty, untouchable.

But now, in front of the National Tax Bureau, you don't even dare to let out a peep, huh!

"Zhentai, if it were any other law enforcement department, of course, I would try my best to help you, but in America, the National Tax Bureau is not to be trifled with, understand?"

"And it's not just you; Miyano Masho's crew has also been 'recruited' by the National Tax Bureau. Everyone's in the same boat!"

Realizing that his tone might have been a bit harsh, Smith's voice softened a bit as he reassured.

"What, Miyano Masho and his gang have been targeted by the National Tax Bureau too?"

Quan Zhentai was stunned by this news; he hadn't been aware of this.

"Yes, this morning they already went and paid their taxes at the National Tax Bureau. Alright, hand the phone to Inspector David, I want to have a few words with him!"