Wang Anyi's character was unable to see through the vanity of romance. Everything she does reflects a vulgar and self-serving character. Chang Ai-ling's main character, on the other hand, maintains detachment because she sees through the vanity of everything.
王安憶的王琦瑤闖不過情關，她的心思打算都透著世俗男女的謹慎卑微，不像張愛玲的白流蘇有著看穿一切的了然。