America 1919

As it turned out, when the IRS wanted to do something, its efficiency was quite impressive. Soon, newspapers from Philadelphia, New York, and other parts of New Jersey began to publish reasons for the IRS's investigation into Donnie. In these reports, one thing was mentioned without exception, that Donnie's growth had been too rapid and the funds involved in his development were too substantial, which obviously couldn't match up with his reported income. So, that was the reason why the IRS had initiated an investigation into Donnie. Moreover, in these reports, the major newspapers began to set a tone collectively, elevating the issue to matters of national pride and income inequality. Although as an immigrant nation, expecting an American to have deep national sentiments towards the United States is impossible. But the issue of income inequality still perfectly struck a chord with some Americans. However, that wasn't the key point; the real crux of the entire report was questioning why ordinary toiling folks had to carefully calculate how much tax to pay each year, afraid of any oversight that would draw the IRS's attention, yet you, a renowned millionaire in America, don't have to pay taxes? Not only do you not pay taxes, you're also evading them, which is intolerable! Therefore, with this sentiment, it wasn't long before many other media outlets also started covering the story, which was followed by the traditional response in Western countries. Protests! This kind of callous behavior from the wealthy must be met with protest marches! "How are things on Atlantic City's side?" Sitting in the office of the Surf Hotel, Donnie was, of course, aware of the current developments. Robert, sitting opposite Donnie, said seriously, "Things are somewhat better here in Atlantic City, as all four newspapers are under our control. However, other newspapers will still report, and there's also word of mouth from tourists visiting Atlantic City from Philadelphia, New York, and other cities. The news has already spread here, but there haven't been any protests or marches reported!" Donnie then slowly nodded, relieved that there weren't any protests or marches. Although Donnie had always looked down on so-called protest marches, he had to admit that such events did have an effect in the United States, primarily because some politicians cared about their reputations! "Has it affected the business of the Surf Hotel?" This was what Donnie was most concerned about; if his own troubles affected the business of the Surf Hotel, he wouldn't wait for Harry D'Agostino and would immediately start his plan! Nate, also sitting opposite Donnie, quickly answered, "Not at all, business at the Surf Hotel has been very good, especially as news of the Gambling Techniques competition spread, even more gamblers have come to the Surf Hotel!" See, that was why Donnie looked down on protest marches! Often, that's how it was: the people who engaged in protests and marches were simply not the same demographic that patronized the Surf Hotel. Robert said to Donnie, "Recently, quite a few media outlets have sent us invitations wanting to have a special interview with you about this issue!" Donnie waved his hand and said, "A response is necessary, but there's no need to favor other papers. Get the Atlantic City Post ready; I will publish a statement there in a few days!" Kafe Jackson, serving as Donnie's lawyer at the moment, was naturally in Donnie's office: "Boss, I must remind you, to minimize the impact of this situation, the best method is to issue a statement as quickly as possible. From my experience, the longer this drags on, the more room for imagination it gives others, which is increasingly unfavorable for us!" Donnie nodded and replied, "I know, don't worry, it's happening in the next couple of days!" Harry D'Agostino had already boarded the train to Atlantic City, and barring unforeseen circumstances, he would arrive in Atlantic City tomorrow. After finalizing the terms with him, Donnie would then release his own statement! "Oh, and could you draft a statement for me? I will add some content to it later!" Donnie reminded Kafe Jackson. To calm the public uproar, a mere formal statement surely wouldn't suffice; Donnie had to sprinkle some additional elements into it. "Understood!" Kafe Jackson said, "I'll have it ready for you tomorrow!" "Robert!" Donnie then spoke to Robert, "Get John to keep a close eye on the situation in Atlantic City. With the current uproar, I believe those guys will be unable to sit still. As soon as they make a move, we'll have a reason to cut them loose, then the rest of the Atlantic City folks won't have anything to say!" Robert knew Donnie was referring to Nevin Baird and others, and he nodded in agreement, "Okay, I'll go talk to John about it right now!" . The next day! Harry D'Agostino arrived in Atlantic City and was picked up by Steve Cotting at the Surf Hotel! "How did things get so blown up?" asked Harry D'Agostino in bewilderment upon meeting Donnie, clearly taken aback by the IRS's countermove after getting off the train. At that moment, Donnie was on the phone with Andrew Mellon, who had also called today to show his concern about Donnie's situation, inquiring if there was any way he could help. Expressing his gratitude for Andrew Mellon's concern, Donnie also indicated that he would handle the situation himself, adding, "You all must be under considerable pressure over there as well, right!"