From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 030 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Essay
Summary: This piece explores the everyday experiences and challenges faced by shopgirls in 1930s Shanghai. The narrative sheds light on social expectations and the limitations imposed on women in the workforce at that time.
The Life of a Shopgirl
(Original Title: 女店員的生活)
Today, as usual, I began my afternoon serving customers. A regular entered the shop, and we exchanged pleasantries. Our conversations are often punctuated by the mundane, yet occasionally they bring me unexpected insights into life beyond the shop’s walls. My role, my attire, and my demeanor are constantly under scrutiny, not only by society but also by my own critical eye. In this little world of commerce, I must maintain a balance between personal ambition and societal expectations. Navigating these dynamics is no easy feat, but each day, I gain a deeper understanding of this complex dance.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent