In a vibrant and bustling port city, a young man named Wu feels trapped between his love for the beautiful actress Mei and the pressures of his family. He is a dreamer, an artist in a world that does not forgive those who dare to pursue their passions. While Mei shines on stage, Wu struggles to stay afloat in an environment where familial expectations interfere with his quest for happiness.
Wu's life takes an unexpected turn when, after an unfortunate incident during a performance, he finds himself caught in a moral dilemma. In trying to protect Mei from a scandal that could ruin her career, he becomes the target of a series of misunderstandings and jealousies. As the pressure mounts, Wu must confront not only the demands of his family and society but also his own fears and desires.
With a series of dramatic twists, the story explores sacrifice, love, and the struggle for identity. As tensions reach their climax, Wu must decide whether to remain true to himself and to Mei or to yield to the expectations that have long been suffocating him. The film is an ode to perseverance and the quest for a place in the world, all wrapped in the charm of silent cinema with an emotional depth that resonates even a century later.