“No. No!” Mr. Yi protested. “I’m an honest man—let me
explain, Mrs. Fun, please, I’m actually trying to help your son.”

“That may be how you feel, Mr. Yi—but there was a time when
you would not have kidnapped a poor man’s tricycle

because you saw opportunity for yourself.”

Mr. Yi said nothing.

“It’s not how your parents taught you in Guanshan village.”

“Only my mother is alive now,” Mr. Yi said.

“But she does not work anymore.”

“Why is that, Mr. Yi?”

“Because I send her money.”

“And do you know what she does with the money?”

Mr. Yi thought for a moment. “Buys luxury goods for herself?
Gets facials?”

The ghost of Mrs. Fun smiled.

“She puts it in the bank, every yuan.”

Mr. Yi was surprised.

“In case you ever go broke, Mr. Yi—

she can save the day. It’s every mother’s fantasy.”