1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 75 Settling the Bill

The World Cup has come to an end!

For Xu Shengjie, it signifies the arrival of the harvest season.

However, he couldn't and didn't want to talk about this, lest he attract the attention of those with ulterior motives.

This is America, where there are tons of hyenas.

This country has no shortage of outlaws, including criminals, soldiers, corrupt police officers, and politicians...

Being shot in the back and then committing suicide is perfectly normal.

Xu Shengjie doesn't want to be too flashy so far.

He can make money by writing books, making movies, and singing without any problems.

Even when he wins the lottery, like when he won over 80,000 in the last time, everyone expressed their blessings and goodwill.

But what if he won 800,000, or 8 million...?

Ha ha!

Human hearts are unpredictable.

……

Sally, also known as Theron.

Yes, Sally is her nickname. People who know her well call her by that name, not Charlize or Theron.

Sally went home last night!

Although she didn't know why Xu Shengjie was so excited, she still felt happy for him.

Unfortunately, they didn't go any further.

Xu Shengjie didn't feel any regret; his mind was now filled with thoughts of the prize money.

The following day, New York was hit by rain.

Xu Shengjie drove the secondhand King to Mott Street to visit Uncle Gui.

"The statistics are in, and this time you..."

Gui Bo, with a kind face, said with a smile, "This time, I won't charge you a handling fee."

"what?"

Xu Shengjie was taken aback and blurted out, "Uncle Gui, this is against the rules."

"Bullshit rules, I say it's suitable, so it's suitable. Stop giving me nonsense."

Speaking of which, Uncle Ghost really benefited from your help this time. When you were placing your bets before, I thought you were full of confidence, so I secretly followed suit and went for a five-game winning streak. I was hoping to make a small profit, but… So, Uncle Ghost, I have to thank you. Now that I'm getting old, suddenly I'm financially secure, and my savings for my funeral are overflowing.

Furthermore, through my connections with On Leong Tong, I had your information erased in Europe and replaced with my own personal information.

Xu Shengjie looked surprised.

After a long pause, he asked softly, "Uncle Ghost, how much did you buy?"

"Not much, just ten thousand."

"So, Uncle Gui made a damn six million this time."

You're even more impressive, kid. You won five in a row, and the total prize money is $1087 million.

You need to figure out what to do with this money. If you go through the normal accounting process, you'll have to pay three million in taxes.

hiss!

Upon hearing this, Xu Shengjie felt his heart and liver tremble.

"Don't complain, gambling winnings aren't subject to capital gains tax; they're only subject to the standard income tax rate for earned or passive income... For federal income tax, your amount is at the maximum, with a marginal tax rate as high as 39.6%. However, local taxes can be itemized when filing federal tax returns, and from what I've heard, the actual tax rate is 28%."

In other words, your combined tax deductions (federal + local) will amount to a little over three million, but you'll actually receive $7761600.

hiss!

Xu Shengjie gasped again.

More than seven million, or fifty million RMB.

I've never dealt with such a large sum of money in either of my two lives.

He opened his mouth, feeling a dryness in his throat.

Uncle Gui handed him a bottle of mineral water and then said, "Find a reliable accountant to help you with the books."

This 28% tax will be deducted directly by the organization and deposited into your personal account. If your accountant is reliable, they might even be able to help you get some back next tax season…

Next, here is Gui Bo's personal advice; whether you listen to it or not is up to you.

First, find a new place to live; the security situation where you live isn't great. You might be able to keep it a secret for a while, but not forever. Most of the people in Chinatown are good, but there will always be some bad apples.

I can guarantee that the gangs under On Leong Tong will not have any bad intentions.

But……"

Uncle Gui took a pipe from the counter and lit it.

"Let's move to a better house, one that's safer."

Another point is to give yourself more buffs so that you won't be targeted by those with ulterior motives.

Fame, or power!

It's about having an identity.

Xu Shengjie's current identity offers him little protection.

If anyone really caused trouble, he was certain that James and Kenny, including Mr. Yin, Uncle Jimmy of the East Coast Gang, and Uncle John of the Flying Dragon Gang, would protect him. But even that protection wouldn't be complete... There were just too many damn outlaws in America!

Not to mention the gang members of those black people and white people, who will also be eager to make a move.

"I see!"

"Alright, let's go have a good time and indulge in sensual pleasures."

I heard you changed girls? Did things fall apart with that redhead? Kenny said your current blonde is even better than the redhead. Damn, it's good to be an intellectual; women are lining up for you.

"Friends, they're friends, we're not..."

"I don't care what your relationship is. When something good happens, think of Uncle Gui."

Furthermore, "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, lest they wither and fall, leaving only bare branches to break..."

"It's waiting!"

"What?"

"Don't wait until there are no flowers left to break off branches."

"I fucking want to 'arrive,' I fucking don't want to use 'wait,' what's it to you?"

I wanted to show off my writing skills, but I ended up showing my lack of talent.

Gui Bo flew into a rage and spat in Xu Shengjie's face.

"That's what I mean. If you're capable, get to work. Don't fucking talk about feelings."

Nineteen is the age of indulgence and debauchery; what's the point of talking about feelings? Besides, feelings often develop naturally as one goes through the motions.

There's a Chinese idiom that goes: "Familiarity breeds fondness!"

"Uncle Gui, this idiom doesn't seem to be interpreted that way."

"That's how I explain it, that's how I'm going to explain it... Get out, get out, get out! You're such a nuisance, guarding the house..."

Xu Shengjie scurried away, looking dejected.

"That money should arrive in your account around the end of the month. Keep an eye out then; the bank will probably contact you."

"I see!"

After Xu Shengjie finished speaking, he pushed open the door and left.

……

As the saying goes, good things come in pairs.

That evening, Gong Xue called.

Alice has recovered from her illness and is now able to extricate herself from her predicament.

"Tomorrow, when is a convenient time for you to meet?"

"How about Fook Lam Moon tomorrow at noon? The one on Canal Street!"

"Of course, but I'll be bringing someone with me. Do you mind?"

"Of course I don't mind."

Xu Shengjie said with a smile.

I reckon it's her daughter, Zhang Xia, Alice Zhang.

Actually, Xu Shengjie could have found other accountants.

There are countless certified public accountants in New York, and talented people are plentiful. However, Gong Xue was recommended by James Huang, who also spoke highly of her, indicating that she is indeed capable. It's hard to tell... Xu Shengjie had met Gong Xue twice before and felt very comfortable with her overall; those qualities of an Eastern woman were evident in her.

No wonder they say Gong Xue is from the South and Zhu Lin is from the North!

Future writers and readers in the arts and entertainment industry will indeed possess an appreciation for aesthetics.

Anyway, it's a hundred times better than the likes of the QH Academy of Fine Arts.

Xu Shengjie had another worry on his mind, and he enthusiastically turned on his typewriter. He then furiously wrote 10,000 words of "The Matrix" before going to bed satisfied.

94 was truly a great year!

……