From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 019 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Story
Summary: The narrative explores the life of a wealthy young man who, despite his privileged position, struggles with a lack of purpose and direction. His interactions with friends and acquaintances reveal the emptiness he feels inside.
The Hollow Young Master
(Original Title: 空心的大少爷)
Last year, when my classmates were reminiscing about a certain girl from our alma mater, one particular event struck me as quite odd. It was told by a friend who seemed to know every detail. The girl, after returning from a trip with her father, was surrounded by numerous suitors. Yet, she found herself isolated, caught between her own high expectations and the bewildering attention she received. Each encounter only deepened her sense of solitude, and her friends, though numerous, could not fill the void within. One weekend afternoon, amidst idle conversations and fleeting amusements, she confided in a childhood acquaintance. It reminded me, even for those who seemingly have everything, the quest for meaningful connections is an unending journey.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent