In this set of real old photos, we see vivid pictures, as if the time machine has taken us back to the past years. In one photograph, a Japanese woman who had been well-groomed is now disheveled and tired, another shows a young girl who is forced to undress by an indifferent interrogator, looking helpless and aggrieved, and another shows an outrageous scene of a Chinese woman being humiliated after a Japanese sweep.
And in this era full of ancient and mysterious atmosphere, the life of the Qinglou woman is a different landscape. They may have a delicate appearance, but they often have to face the demands and manipulations of customers. In the Qinglou, they are the companions of laughter, the confidants of the soul, and the victims of the body. And when the lights go out and the guests leave, they may be left alone in bed, exhausted, filled with endless anguish and helplessness.
Perhaps they once had dreams and longed for freedom and dignity, but fate trapped them in this seemingly glorious but sad green building. Their lives are not only about flowers and applause, but also about silent laments and the pain they endure alone. Behind every photo, there are little-known stories, every face is engraved with the traces of time, and every eye carries too much sadness and expectation.
However, in such a life, the women of the Qinglou may also have been strong and brave. They may bear everything silently, but they still maintain the softness and tenacity of their hearts. They may have longed for the distant sky, hoping that one day they would be able to break free and pursue their dreams. In this strange and cruel world, the women of Qinglou may be helpless, but their hearts may be full of yearning and hope for the future.
Perhaps, we cannot fully understand their lives, but we can face them with compassion and respect, and care for them with warmth and care. Every old photo is a witness to a piece of history, and every Qinglou woman is a part of this history. May their stories be remembered and may their souls be at peace.