American Farmers: Facing a Cutoff at the Start

"Freezing rain..."

"Blizzard..."

As old Frank leaned closer and watched the deep purple spreading across the television screen, his smile slowly faded, and his brows furrowed more and more deeply.

"This is a bit of a problem. If it really rains freezing rain and the roads are icy, not only will guests from the city be unable to get in, but it will also be difficult for us to go out."

Roy, who had also gathered around the television, sighed as well:

"This will increase the workload on the farm, especially the various livestock."

"I need to be careful with my new greenhouse; those piglets can't withstand any rough handling."

"You need to get your cows into the shed as soon as possible and lay out plenty of dry hay so they don't freeze."

Old Frank waved his hand and yawned: "Alright, we'll talk about tomorrow's problems tomorrow."

"Everyone's exhausted today, let's get some rest."

Here! Take a look!

Roy took the wad of bills from old Frank without looking at it closely, casually stuffed it into Rachel's pocket, and called to Lyra to go back to his family's farm next door.

When Fett returned to his bedroom, although he was physically tired, his mind was racing because of the unexpected turn of events, and he couldn't fall asleep.

He lay on the bed and took out his phone.

After thinking for a moment, I sent Lina a message:

"Today's results are in: net profit from selling trees is 4,400, and I made 1,700 from selling knives and deposits."

"Overall, the deal was done."

"However, there is bad news: the weather forecast predicts freezing rain or blizzards, which may affect the flow of passengers in the coming days."

A short while later, Lina replied with a message:

"Wow! That's a great result! It seems our plan was a success."

"As for the weather, don't worry too much; these kinds of extreme weather events usually don't last long."

"There will only be more people when the weather gets better."

"But you need to be careful to keep warm. Your leg injury hasn't fully healed yet, so don't catch a cold."

Looking at the text on the screen, Fett felt a warmth in his heart and replied:

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"As for you, be careful in the apartment alone. If the roads are icy due to rain or snow, don't wander around."

"Okay."

Lina quickly replied with a playful emoji, and then sent another message:

"Oh, and remember to sort out the accounts for the past two days. Save what needs to be saved and record what needs to be recorded."

"It will be easier when I file my taxes next year. I don't want those guys in the IRS to find any fault with me."

"Got it, thanks for reminding me!" Fett smiled and replied, but he didn't really care.

We can deal with the tax filing next year. In this remote and impoverished area, who knows exactly how many trees we sold?

It's just a habit Lina has developed from working in banking.

The two chatted for a few more minutes until they felt sleepy, then said goodnight to each other.

The next morning.

The sky was terribly overcast, and the temperature plummeted. Although it hadn't rained yet, the damp chill seeped straight into your bones.

Today is Sunday.

Although the number of visitors wasn't as high as yesterday due to the weather forecast, many families still took advantage of the last window of opportunity before the cold wave hit.

There were seven or eight cars parked in the yard early in the morning.

Three or four adults and children were gathered around the forge at the garage entrance, warming themselves by the fire and waiting for the newly forged wooden knives.

"I want the one with the red cartridge case!"

"Me too! Me too!"

The children's noise and the hissing of the belt sander mingled together, creating a lively atmosphere.

Leila was making wool felt with a few little girls under the sheltered porch.

Rachel was also playing with two mothers and children and the gentle little animals.

Old Frank and Roy were helping the family tie a Christmas tree to the roof of their car.

Everything is proceeding smoothly.

Just then, an unmarked black Ford sedan drove straight into the farm gate at a high speed, its tires kicking up bits of gravel.

The car stopped abruptly and almost grazed a child who was chasing and playing.

The people around were startled and stopped what they were doing to look over.

The car door opened, and two men wearing cheap suits and carrying briefcases got out.

Ignoring the surprised looks around them, they walked straight to the still-dazed old Frank, pulled out an ID from their pocket, and flashed it in front of the old man:

"IRS (Internal Revenue Service)."

Who is in charge here?

As soon as those three letters were uttered, the once lively courtyard suddenly became much quieter.

The customers who were about to take out their money to buy the trees all stopped in their tracks.

They looked at each other, but no one spoke. They simply stuffed their wallets back into their pockets and quietly took a step back, as if afraid of getting involved in this trouble.

In the United States, being approached by the IRS is no joke. Even if you haven't done anything wrong, getting involved in an investigation can be very damaging.

Old Frank, who had lived most of his life, had never seen anything like this before. He handed the rope to Roy and asked hesitantly:

"I...I am. What's wrong?"

"Didn't I pay all the taxes on time?"

The bald, middle-aged man pushed up his glasses, his gaze sweeping over the cash box that hadn't yet been put away under the porch. His tone was calm, yet carried a chilling undertone:

"Someone has reported that your farm is suspected of illegal operations and massive tax evasion."

He pointed to the Christmas trees and wooden knives that were being traded:

"The farm seems to be doing well? Are all these cash transactions reported for taxes?"

IRS?

report?

Lina said she's going to file her taxes next year, so what are the IRS people doing here now?

Fett also came out of the garage at this moment, and said in a deep voice:

"Gentlemen, it's Sunday today. Are you also working overtime?"

"work overtime?"

The bald man snorted:

"We are always on the front lines against tax evasion."

"Stop all transactions immediately! We need to seal off the site and audit the accounts!"

Fett glanced at old Frank, who, despite his grim expression, shook his head and gave him a reassuring look.

Feeling reassured, Fett stepped forward and spoke as calmly as possible:

"Sir, please don't jump to conclusions. Could we go to a quieter place over there so we can sit down and have a proper talk?"

The bald man, however, seemed not to hear him. He turned around, raised his voice at the somewhat bewildered customers around him, and adopted a businesslike demeanor:

"Everyone! Please cooperate with our work!"

"If you continue to spend money here, it may involve assisting in tax evasion!"

Upon hearing this, the guests who were still observing panicked completely.

It's just buying a tree, who would want to get into this kind of trouble?

Everyone grabbed their children, some even abandoning the trees they had chosen, and scrambled into their cars, wanting nothing more than to leave this place of trouble as quickly as possible.

At the same time, the air in front of Fett distorted slightly, and that familiar light screen reappeared:

[Critical selection node detected!]

Option 1: [The instigator of the information war]

He pretended to cry and beg for forgiveness, but secretly recorded a video to launch a media war, only to face even fiercer retaliation!

(Reward: [Beginner Acting Skills])

Option Two: [Like Father, Like Son]

Responding to their father's anger, father and son joined forces, grabbed weapons, and blasted the two uninvited guests out the door. Due to their violent resistance to inspection, they will be sent to Cummings Prison.

(Reward: [Firearms Mastery])

Option Three: [The Woman Behind the Successful Man]

By using words to guide the other party to reveal their weaknesses, they discovered the shady dealings behind the surprise inspection and called Lina for help to get through the crisis.

(Bonus: [Beginner's Guide to Tax Avoidance])