From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 027 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Editorial
Summary: This piece discusses the significance and intricacies of the introduction process in professional and personal relationships in 1930s Shanghai. It highlights the financial and social considerations that come with engaging intermediaries.
The Art of Introduction
(Original Title: 介紹常識)
In a world where forging connections is paramount, utilizing intermediaries has become essential for establishing both personal and business relationships. Engaging an intermediary can sometimes come at a significant cost, often involving a standard fee which can pose a financial burden, especially considering economic hardships. Nevertheless, the role of intermediaries remains crucial due to their ability to provide credibility and intimacy that would otherwise be difficult to achieve in direct interactions. This process might seem complex, but intermediaries ensure that the connections made are beneficial to all parties involved, promising trustworthy recommendations and easing introductions. Therefore, anyone seeking to expand their network either socially or professionally should recognize the value intermediaries bring to these nuanced exchanges.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent