He Knew How to Do Business

Amid an unbearable stench of decay, several townspeople were arguing furiously at the entrance to the residential complex. The one leading them was practically cursing up a storm as he pointed at a girl standing alone on the other side, his finger trembling with anger.

"You may be filial, but there's no need to drag the neighbors into this, is there? I woke up choking on that stench this morning. My son—he's already in poor health—got sick from the smell, and he's still feeling weak!"

The people behind him joined in, indignant. "Do you have any idea how bad it stinks? Huh? I've put up with you for days. How are we supposed to live like this?"

"You've turned our whole neighborhood into a dump. How come you're not throwing up?"

"We're settling this today, one way or another. If you've gone crazy, move out while you still can. Don't drag us down with you!"

The girl they were berating wore a blue Chinese-style blouse with knotted buttons, a black skirt that fell below her knees, and a pair of cloth shoes.

As she listened to her neighbors' complaints, her face showed fear and confusion—but no remorse.

"Your dad's been dead for days. I'm begging you, please, just bury him already. Let us—and your dad—rest in peace!"

At that, the girl's expression finally changed. As if she could no longer bear it, she retorted angrily, "My dad isn't dead! He's just sick!"

"Dad used to get along with all of you. Why are you all cursing him to die?! You did it last time, too, and now you're doing it again. You even tried to break into my home! Where's the justice in that?"

Her anger was so genuine that the furious neighbors all felt a helpless frustration: *For God's