From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 019 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Story
Summary: In 1930s Shanghai, an encounter by the river sparks a conversation between a woman and a man about the societal expectations and appearances. Through their dialogue, they explore themes of identity and the pressure to conform.
Sweat Stains on a Shirt
(Original Title: 衣上之汗痕)
Under the bright glow of the new lights at the riverside, the young woman sat pensively, her gaze fixed on the dance of the waves. The man beside her, noticing her distant stare, remarked on the changing tides of society and the unyielding pace of the city that surrounds them. They spoke softly, words laced with subtle humor, as they discussed the visible and invisible burdens each carried, symbolized by the sweat stains on his shirt—a reminder of the summer’s heat and the relentless demands of their lives. With a shared understanding, they pondered the masks they wore for the world and wondered if there might be a time when true selves could emerge unhindered.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent