America 1919

But Nucky didn't choose the path of the brigadier and reclaim the power of Atlantic City; instead, he opted for a life of ease and tranquility. His wealth was still intact, his prestige still present, but he no longer participated in the power struggles of Atlantic City, only occasionally offering advice to friends in their election campaigns. Nucky was a very smart man, smart enough to understand that he couldn't fight against the prevailing trends, like that time when he realized he couldn't stop the IRS from taking him away, and he chose to accept it with equanimity. Just like now! Nucky had seen the truth, that if Donnie dared to publish such an article, it wasn't because Donnie was cornered into a desperate leap, for if that were the case, Harry D'Agostino wouldn't have come to Atlantic City. Thus, Nucky was certain that Donnie would surely win, even if his opponent this time was the IRS. Nucky also foresaw that after Donnie's victory, he would gain prestige, so at this time, Nucky decided to step back because he believed in Donnie's reputation in treating his business partners! "There's nothing to be surprised about!" Nucky consoled Eli Johnson, "I know there are some deals between you and Donnie that I'm unaware of, and I trust that if we choose to step back, Donnie will give us a very respectable outcome. That's why I called you here today, to tell you that from now on, when you're dealing with John, put away your arrogant attitude. We're brothers after all, so I hope for a good ending for you, too!" After saying this, Nucky no longer cared how Eli Johnson tried to convince him; he had done everything he could as an older brother, even if Eli had once betrayed him! After Eli Johnson left Nucky's study, Nucky even asked Louis to leave. Once they were gone, Nucky, with eyes red from emotion, said, "I really can't accept this!" But Nucky had decided to lock up these feelings of frustration deep inside his heart and never mention them to anyone. At this moment, Nucky took out a map from his drawer, the latest map of Atlantic City released by City Hall at the beginning of the year. On this map, many blank spaces had been marked with different notes by Nucky. But now, Nucky methodically tore that map into shreds, not bothering to throw them in the trash bin, but instead burning it all away... . Harry D'Agostino did not leave Atlantic City, therefore, he found Donnie, holding a copy of the "Atlantic City Post" in his hand! Now, Harry D'Agostino truly had not expected Donnie would have such a counterattack, and such a fierce and precise one at that; the reason he hadn't come to find Donnie immediately. It was because he had been discussing it with his colleagues, with his team... Although he was Harding's staff member, he also had his own staff in the background. They had a thorough discussion about Donnie's retaliation. But no matter how they discussed it, they all knew clearly what kind of situation this article, "An American's American Dream," would bring to the IRS. Even when he spoke on the phone with Albert Furr, he could detect from Albert Furr's tone the attitude towards this matter in Washington. Everyone was going crazy! "Donnie, why did you write this article? You should know, even if you gain massive prestige through this article, it will also make the IRS hate you to the bone. Albert is currently in Washington negotiating with Congress, and with you stirring up this issue, isn't it going to make our negotiations much more difficult?" Harry D'Agostino didn't know whether he was truly worried about that after reading the article, or if there was something else that concerned him! Donnie laughed and said, "What's there to worry about? We still have trump cards we haven't played yet, and Harry, you know the plan that comes after. Don't you think that once these two incidents break out one after another, the IRS will be completely unable to give me any more trouble?" Looking at Donnie's smile, Harry D'Agostino's expression became increasingly complex. He was now certain of one thing—Donnie trusted no one. He didn't trust himself, nor did he trust his partners; Donnie only trusted himself. He wanted to firmly control the rhythm of the situation, not allowing any deviation from the plan! "But this will always prevent you from easing your relationship with the IRS!" Donnie said, still smiling, "It doesn't matter. As long as our relationship is rock solid, I don't need to worry too much about the IRS because I know, my friends, they will stand in front of me at that time. Isn't that right?" The reputation of the IRS is indeed very prominent in later generations. They caught legendary figures in American gangster history like Al Capone, along with quite a few government officials, and even on another timeline, they investigated Trump himself. But a close study of their situation reveals that their reputation is greater than their actual power. The real big shots, they never touch, not because they lack evidence, but because they lack the courage! After all, the IRS is a department under the U.S. Government, not an independent entity! So, when Donnie said this, Harry D'Agostino didn't doubt Donnie's true intentions. "OK, but, Donnie, next time you have such shocking opinions to express, can you discuss them with me first? You said it yourself, we're friends, partners, right?" At this moment, Harry D'Agostino was truly intimidated by Donnie; his methods were unfathomable and unmanageable. In fact, over the past few days, Harry D'Agostino had been wondering, if he were Coshek Kevin and knew about Donnie's plan, how would he deal with it? I'm afraid assassination would be the only way! But to assassinate Donnie Block? Who doesn't know that Donnie is constantly accompanied by a group of tough guys from the battlefield? What if the assassination attempt on Donnie failed and instead got oneself into a heap of trouble? "OK!" Donnie said with a smile, "This time I admit I was rash. Next time, if there is a next time, I will definitely inform you in advance!" Harry D'Agostino's expression stiffened as he said, "Another time? Don't worry, I definitely won't let this kind of thing happen again!" Donnie laughed heartily, stood up, and handed Harry D'Agostino a glass of whiskey, saying, "That's what a friend of mine should say. I earn money honestly at the front, and you guys happily collect it in the back. Isn't that great?" Looking at Donnie, an idea suddenly struck Harry D'Agostino, "Donnie, have you ever thought about running for office?"