Volume One: The Beginning of the Mist
In the autumn of the 25th year of the Republic of China, the French Concession in Shanghai was immersed in golden fallen sycamore leaves. The bell on the Bund rang seven times as usual, and the steam whistle on the Huangpu River sounded, as if the city still maintained its former tranquility. However, under this gorgeous appearance, there are undercurrents, and various forces are fighting openly and secretly on the stage of this oriental Paris.
As night falls, the lanterns come on. There was a lot of traffic in front of the Paramount Ballroom on Xiafei Road. Gentlemen in suits and ladies in cheongsam walked in together. In the ballroom, the gramophone played the latest jazz music, and the melodious voice of the singer was intertwined with the chatter and laughter of the guests, creating a luxurious night scene.
