In 1918 Shanghai, Zhong Wan and her classmate Xie Yibai join forces to organize literacy classes for dock workers. As they fight for workers' rights, they develop shared beliefs and aspirations, inspiring people and helping He Baoren during the turbulent times leading up to the May Fourth Movement.
After a fateful and unexpected encounter, the son of Jiangnan's wealthiest man falls for the icy beauty Huai En, but she hides a secret.