In the early 20th century Pearl River Delta, “self-combed women” like Shang Meiju, who vowed never to marry, adopted and raised girls to sell as concubines. Ah Di, a self-combed woman, was forced into marriage by her fiancé, Tan Afu, but Shang Meiju intervened, leading to a “fake marriage” agreement. Shang Meiju’s adopted daughter, Yan Zhi, was offered for 20,000 silver dollars but deterred suitors with her beauty. Ah Di developed feelings for Ah Fu, and their secret meeting was discovered. Shang Meiju’s lover returned as a buyer for Yan Zhi, who, feeling like a commodity, committed suicide. Overwhelmed, Shang Meiju went mad, witnessing her sister’s wedding procession fade away.

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