The Bitter Flesh Scheme

The ballroom at Paramount Hall in the former International Settlement seemed as lively as ever, still awash in decadent lights and revelry. The difference was that there were hardly any foreigners inside now, while there were far more Japanese.

Courtesans ought to know the sorrow of a fallen nation, but what could they do? If they did not keep singing the Flowers of the Rear Court across the river, what else could they do? Women in troubled times did not have it easy. Women who relied on charm and beauty to socialize might seem to enjoy abundant material comforts, but their lives were not as easy as they appeared. One wrong step could ruin a lifetime. They went into dance hosting to make a living. Dance girls were people too—who could they tell of the pain in their hearts...

After chatting idly for quite a while, Liang Zhongchun leaned forward. "Brother Ah Shing, what exactly did you want to see me about today?"

"What are you saying? With the relationship we have, can't I ask Director Liang out for a drink without a reason?" Seeing the utter disbelief in Liang Zhongchun's eyes, Ming Lou nodded instead. "There are indeed some things I want to ask you about. Don't hide anything from me."

"Don't worry. We've known each other for three years now—don't you know what kind of person I am? Besides, although the Japanese are winning battles everywhere now, we work for them. Don't we know what they're really like? Strong on the outside, weak within—their decline is already showing. And they've gone mad again, bombing an American base. Tell me, no matter how strong the Japanese are, how many more years can they keep fighting? They've already been at war for five years. I refuse to believe they can