In the bustling and vibrant environment of Shanghai during the 1930s, a young woman named Yu Ling struggles to find her place in a world full of contrasts. The daughter of a successful merchant, she has lived her entire life sheltered and distanced from the realities of the streets. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her father is betrayed and their fortune crumbles, plunging the family into poverty.
Determined to change her fate, Yu Ling becomes a savvy businesswoman and delves into the dark and dangerous world of smuggling—an illegal activity that gives her the chance to reclaim what she has lost. Her wit and bravery make her a respected figure among the city's criminals, but also put her in the crosshairs of the authorities. As she navigates this new and perilous path, Yu Ling finds herself torn between the desire for revenge and the struggle for survival.
In her quest for justice, she will uncover family secrets, face unexpected betrayals, and grapple with her growing attraction to a police officer who becomes both her greatest adversary and her potential savior. Yu Ling's fate will lead her to confront decisions that will change not only her life but the future of everyone she loves, as Shanghai, with its mix of glamour and danger, becomes the backdrop for her epic struggle.