Gangsters are aplenty in this vibrant, romantic crime drama set in Shanghai during World War II. Hsu Wen-story Chiang's begins on a beach near Shanghai, when he washes up. He is taken in by Ting Lik, a compassionate beggar who is hopelessly in love with Feng Ching-Ching, a powerful gangster's daughter. Ting Lik quickly rises through the criminal ranks to become one of the most prominent gangsters in the city. Hsu stays at his side throughout and utilizes his own strength to get revenge on those who attempted to assassinate him much earlier. Later in the film, the focus shifts to Feng's exploits, who had a relationship with Hsu years ago while he was on the run in northern China. Returning to the present, Hsu and Feng rekindle their romance when Hsu discovers that Feng's father is one of his adversaries and murders him. Feng, on the other hand, is driven insane by sadness. Ting discovers this and vows vengeance against Hsu.