The Unliving

In the fictional city of Nancheng, Lin Wanzhao, the proprietress of Fuxing Rice Shop in an old alley, runs the business alone after her husband dies, making a living by selling rice and handmade osmanthus cakes. Three years ago, she fell in love with a soldier named Shen Zhao. Before leaving for war, he promised, “Wait for me to come back and marry you,” but word soon came that he had been killed in action. Then one day, Shen Zhao, now suffering from amnesia, walks into the shop and eats one of Lin Wanzhao's osmanthus cakes, stirring a familiar feeling within him. As Lin Wanzhao helps Shen Zhao recover his memories, she must also face threats from her younger brother-in-law Lin Fu, who wants to take over the shop. Just as Shen Zhao finally remembers everything, Lin Wanzhao is injured while protecting the business. She eventually dies with the wedding still unfulfilled, leaving Shen Zhao to hold her body and spend the rest of his life watching over the shop.