In Shanghai of the '30s, Shuhui (Wang Lei) brings together Manzhen (Wu Chien-lien) and Shijun (Leon Lai), and the two fall in love. However, Shijun's parents in Nanjing have planned for him to marry wealthy Cuizhi (Annie Wu), who instead becomes romantically attracted to Shuhui. Manzhen is concerned about the reputation of Shijun's older sister, prostitute Manlu (Anita Mui). After Manlu marries businessman Hongcai (Ge You), he suggests Manzhen become a concubine and the mother of his children. Manlu goes along with this plan in order to save her marriage. This drama is adapted from Eileen Chang's novel, Half a Lifetime's Romance. Shown at the 1997 Vancouver Film Festival and South Korea's 1997 Pusan Film Festival.