The novel describes the ups and downs of three couples during the Republic of China: the warlord Wei Ting, the evil girl Ying'er; the student studying in Europe Wang Ruzhuo, and the troubled daughter Jin Shurui; the warlord Zhou Wensheng and the actor Yin Zhongyu. They are sweet, sad, affectionate, and hateful. What touches people's hearts are the bits and pieces of happiness in ordinary life.
