The New Tales of Old Shanghai - Recollections
Malvern College Qingdao , Wang , Esther - 16
W as there a space , delivering its temperament through time even if it has passed away ? Was there a place , leaving its footprints by the stories even as it withered with the bleak fame ? If there must be an answer , I would say it must be the old Shanghai I know -- vague but elegant ; enchanting but wild ; caustic but intelligent ; snobbish but emotional …
So what does Old Shanghai mean to me ?
Was it bitter tales written by Eileen Chang ? Was it all her romantic dramas happening in a parallel timeline , performing in every corner of the city ?
Unstoppable drizzling moisture the damp streets , accompanied by the sound of rickshaws splashing the puddles beside the pavement . Under the dim toast tan street lamps , a mid-age couple was sharing roasted chestnuts . The man looked like complaining his monotonous life stranded in the small office building , while throwing chestnut shells into the sewer . His wife , paid no interest in the tedious talks , seemed even unable to enjoy the snacks . The only thing she cared about was to figure out a way of saving the tight spending for a new winter coat . Nearby , the outlines of the residences were blurred in the ink blue sky . White light bulbs made windows as regular luminous rectangles inlayed in the cement walls . Intermittent quarrels escaped through the glass cracks , following with the violent clash of mahjong …
The night sheds people ’ s pretty appearance away as it deepened , remaining only their fragile and resentful bodies . At this moment , people devote all their pains to the darkness . The exhausted housemaid have just comfort her master ’ s little child asleep , still having dishes and clothes that must be cleaned in a few hours . A young wife recollecting her mother-in-law ’ s pointy criticisms in the poky bedroom , and finally failed to inhibit her tears while thinking of her husband ’ s unconcerned attitude . Somewhere a household ’ s door was been knocked crudely , and a heavily drunk man rushed into the house while his drowsy wife let him in , foul mouthed .
Chose the white rose as glittering moonbeam , or keep the red rose as cinnabar mole ? Entangled by the innermost feelings , life in the old Shanghai was complicated as love .
Was it the passionate celebration sang by the glamorous singers ? Was it the fashion posters recording the flourishing pictures of the fascinating fashions everywhere ?
Chatty sounds came out from the tailor ’ s shop . Women wearing perfumes are discussing the latest design of cheongsams . Their curved hair shivered when they talked excitingly , uncovered their opulent golden earrings shaking at the same frequency . Opposite side on the road , a man lightened a cigar in front of the Russian coffee shop . He wore an unsuitable hat , which covered half of his face . Under the newspaper he held was a well made raven suit . Of course , all gears were imitated from the Western businessmen he met at the Bund .
When stars began to burn tenderly in the silk blue night sky , the uproars still could not be settled down . On the contrary , the sunset gave birth to endless entertainment . Hasty rickshaws shuttled on the avenues , symbolized the beginning of nightlife . In the clamorous dancing halls , people were shaking their body selflessly trying to omit their tiredness . Blood red lip print stamped on the goblet , the clear sound of glasses striking together witnessed the revelry . Through the bubbling light brown champagne , people ’ s face faded while neon lights flashing crazily looked like impossible to die off . Exaggerate colors entirely mixed together , radiant like fireworks scanning on the swaying flesh wrapped by silk stockings and suit trousers . Cigarette ash flew as they pleased , mingled with the unpleasant smell of body odor . However , everything was concealed by the bewitched scent of rouge and powder . When high heel sandals and leather shoes rubbed against the oily wooden floor , the rhythm of the ballroom have been decided .