With the fat guy's intervention, the funeral arrangements were finally in order. The loudspeakers played mourning music, and those invited to help were aware of their responsibilities;
The fat guy, originally from a family of funeral directors, was in his element, handling things expertly. He could elaborate on every taboo and detail. Even though genuine superstition wasn't prevalent in modern society, even in rural areas, most people still embraced the thinking of "better safe than sorry," so they were thoroughly "bluffed" into agreement. Some elderly folks even intentionally sought conversation with the fat guy for hidden motives that needed no words.
Moreover, perhaps it was out of a bit of guilt, the fat guy handled the funeral with dedication, motivated by a desire for atonement. After all, he had indeed acted as a "bystander" in someone's time of need.
