Actually, not just the inspectors, David was also feeling a bit downhearted.
He had originally thought that during this assessment period the inspection teams from the big cities would have done well to achieve a tax performance of ten million dollars.
But unexpectedly, these guys had all made a strong push at the end.
Especially the team from Newman Manhattan Branch, Kelly Orsey and Brown Soros.
In the last few days, they had managed to slash almost eight million US dollars in tax achievements, for a total of over eighteen million, which was absolutely astounding.
Besides that, the team from Los Angeles Long Beach Branch, Trollope Alger and Bellamy Hardy, also secured a tax achievement of thirteen million six hundred and eighty-six thousand US dollars this assessment period.
The third place reached eleven million six hundred thousand.
The fourth place ten million eight hundred ninety-nine thousand nine hundred,
The fifth place ten million one hundred eleven thousand one hundred...
The top five national teams of inspectors had each surpassed a tax performance of ten million.
And places six to ten all exceeded tax achievements of eight million.
So David's four million one hundred twenty thousand dollars in tax achievements could only rank forty-second nationwide.
As everyone was absorbed in their thoughts, William continued from the platform, "After three assessment periods of experience, inspectors from across the country are becoming more and more outstanding..."
"But don't be too disheartened, for this assessment period, due to our exceptional performance, the operational funds have been raised to six hundred thousand US dollars!"
With these words, an eager glint immediately sparked in the eyes of the inspectors present.
The Chief Tax Officers sitting in the front row also felt a restless churn in their hearts.
Last assessment period, the Lake District Sub-Bureau Branch had received a distribution of three hundred and fifty thousand operational funds due to their excellent performance.
Now, it had been increased directly to six hundred thousand; if they could obtain a larger portion, wouldn't they be even more invigorated for the new assessment period?
Under the eager gazes of the crowd, William said, "The operational funds in the National Tax Bureau have always been distributed based on contribution, and this time will be no exception!"
With that, he looked toward David and said, "This time, Team Seven has generated over four million in tax revenue; three hundred thousand of the operational funds will be distributed to Team Seven. Everyone is alright with this, right?"
William's words caused many people in the crowd to show a pained expression.
The operational funds were six hundred thousand dollars.
And just like that, Team Seven was taking three hundred thousand, they definitely wanted to oppose it, but they couldn't.
But what could they do, since Team Seven had generated the most tax revenue?
Moreover, the operational funds this time were all won thanks to Team Seven's efforts.
But as the saying goes, while some fret, others rejoice.
At this moment, Nisen, Bucky, and the other members of Team Seven were ecstatic in their hearts.
Last assessment period, because they had received operational funds, each group's tax achievements were significantly higher than those of other teams.
And this time they had gained three hundred thousand dollars.
With this money as support, once the new assessment period commenced, they may not only be a cut above the rest but possibly double, triple, or even more!
"Alright, since there are no objections, then it's decided!"
"As for the remaining three hundred thousand, Team Three showed exemplary performance this assessment period and will receive eighty thousand, Team Six will receive fifty thousand..."
"..."
The rest of the three hundred thousand operational funds were quickly distributed by William.
He then continued, "Additionally, a piece of news for everyone: this assessment period has seen the emergence of exceptionally talented inspectors from all over the country."
"In recognition of the contributions of these inspectors, numerous branch offices have begun to promote them out of the ordinary, but I believe many people are concerned about one issue."
"After these capable inspectors are promoted, will they no longer have a place on the tax achievement leaderboard?"
To tell the truth, this was indeed a concern of many, including David of course.
Generally speaking, the level of Chief Tax Officer is responsible only for leadership work.
As for the actual work of tax inspection, that is naturally the responsibility of inspectors.
But now the question was, for example, like David and other exceptionally capable inspectors across the country, after being promoted to Chief Tax Officer, did it mean they had to abandon their inspection work?
Of course, that was impossible!
These individuals clearly possessed outstanding inspection capabilities; to have them only responsible for the leadership work of a Chief Tax Officer would be an utter waste.
The National Tax Bureau would not undertake such self-defeating actions!
"No!"
"According to the latest explanation from Washington D.C. Headquarters, all inspectors who were promoted due to the Black Tax Law will still participate in the tax achievement leaderboard competition in the coming times!"
"The only difference is that they will not exist as part of a collective inspection team but will instead be ranked individually on the leaderboard!"
At this point, David was the happiest person in the room.
That way, if he generated tax revenue in the future, he wouldn't have to share it with Nisen like before; instead, it would all belong to him alone!
"Alright, the general affairs of this assessment period meeting are largely concluded. Next, I have an important announcement to make!"
"Due to the outstanding performance and display of Inspector David during the past two assessment periods, he has been granted the opportunity for an extraordinary promotion, and will take over the position of Chief Tax Officer Liu Yi!"
William looked at David and said, "Come up here, David!"
This news had been buzzing around the office for several days, and with the confirmation now, the people present weren't too surprised.
Amid envious and jealous glances from everyone, David stood up, straightened his collar, took a deep breath, and walked onto the stage.
And at that moment, a staff member approached, bearing a tray, upon which there was a tax emblem and a document.
This was the exclusive emblem and documents of a Chief Tax Officer.
Unlike the blue and yellow emblem of an inspector, the Chief Tax Officer's emblem was entirely golden and engraved with the National Tax Bureau's scales of justice.
Symbolizing that in the eyes of the National Tax Bureau, everyone is equal!
"Congratulations Director David!"
William took the emblem and documents from the tray and handed them to David, then led the room in a round of applause.
The other people in the room also erupted in resounding applause.
In such a moment, even with years of experience, David still felt deeply moved.
The applause lasted for about thirty seconds.
When it subsided, William said to him, "Say a few words, Director David!"
David nodded, stepped up to the microphone, composed himself, and began, "Before the Black Tax Law was introduced, I never thought I would assume the position of Chief Tax Officer at my age."
"But after the law was enacted..."
David was naturally prepared for his inaugural remarks. After delivering a fitting speech, he looked toward Liu Yi, "Of course, I have to thank my supervisor, Liu Yi, for his great help to me, as well as my partner Nisen, and the other members of our team. Thank you..."