Sheng Aiyi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sheng Aiyi
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| Born | 1900 |
| Died | 1983 |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Alma mater | Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
| Occupation | entrepreneur |
| Title | Shanghai BaiLeMen (General Manager) |
| Parent(s) | Sheng Xuanhuai |
Sheng Aiyi (Chinese: 盛爱颐; pinyin: Shèng Àiyí; 1900–1983) was a very important Chinese businesswoman. She was the first woman in China to run a big entertainment company, the general manager of Shanghai BaiLeMen. Sheng Aiyi also helped guide the Shanghai Jiao Tong University as a board member. She was the seventh daughter of Sheng Xuanhuai, who was one of the wealthiest people in Shanghai.
Early Life and Education
Sheng Aiyi was known for being very smart and quick-witted, even as a young girl. This made her her father's favorite child. She went to Shanghai St. John's University, where she became very good at English.
Sheng Aiyi also had many other talents. She was skilled at drawing traditional Chinese pictures. She was also good at embroidery and beautiful handwriting. When her father passed away, she was only 16 years old. By then, she had grown into a graceful and well-respected young woman. Her mother, Mrs. Sheng, often talked to her about important family matters. Even before she turned 20, Sheng Aiyi was very knowledgeable and well-known in Shanghai.
Important Relationships
As a talented and famous woman, Sheng Aiyi had many people interested in her. One of the most talked-about relationships was with T. V. Soong. He was the brother of Soong Mei-ling, who later became a very powerful figure.
At that time, T. V. Soong was a young man who had just returned from studying abroad. He became the personal secretary for Sheng Enyi, who was Sheng Aiyi's brother. T. V. Soong and Sheng Aiyi fell in love. However, Sheng Aiyi's mother did not approve of their relationship. She felt that T. V. Soong's family was not as wealthy or important as theirs.
Later, T. V. Soong moved to Guangzhou to build his career. Sheng Aiyi promised him she would not marry anyone else until he returned. He became very successful, serving as the head of the Central Bank of China and a finance minister. But he married another woman, Lo-Yi Chang (Zhang Leyi), even though Sheng Aiyi was still waiting for him.
A Fight for Fairness
In September 1927, Sheng Aiyi's mother passed away. Her three brothers and two nephews claimed all the family property for themselves. They did not include Sheng Aiyi in the inheritance. This was a big surprise to them, as Sheng Aiyi was a modern and strong woman.
In June 1928, Sheng Aiyi took her brothers and nephews to court. This was a huge step, as she became the first woman in China's history to use the law to protect women's rights. She had the support of important figures like Soong Ching-ling and Soong Ai-ling. Sheng Aiyi won the case and received her rightful share of the family's wealth. This lawsuit was very important. It set a new example for women's right to inherit property in China.
Building a Landmark
In 1932, Sheng Aiyi used the money she won from the court case to build something amazing. She constructed the six-story Paramount ballroom in Shanghai. It was designed in an American style. It was said that even the mayor of Shanghai attended the opening ceremony.
The Paramount ballroom quickly became one of the most famous and luxurious entertainment spots in Shanghai. Many government officials from the Kuomintang party visited the club. Even Soong Mei-ling often held important parties and events there.
