Taking the decades from the Anti-Japanese War to the construction of New China as the context, focusing on the fate of Xu Fengjin, Gu Nanyan and others, they wrote a chapter of struggle, perseverance and construction for their family and country in Shanghai.
During the Anti-Japanese War, Shanghai fell under the iron heel of the Japanese army. Xu Fengjin joined the army and joined the underground organization with Gu Nanyan and other partners. They intercepted secret messages in concessions and base areas, rescued compatriots, and bombed arsenals, protecting Shanghai with courage.
After the war, the two turned to construction: building agricultural machinery factories to promote farming mechanization, running vocational schools to cultivate skilled workers, and helping textile and electronic factories move from basic production to integrated circuit research and development. They adhered to the original intention of "let the people live a good life" amidst difficulties.
Over the past few decades, they have transformed from revolutionaries to old men. Their love has settled in the flames of war and fireworks, and they have also witnessed young people taking over and innovating. Its story is in the collection of the Shanghai Museum. The spirit of "the original intention will never be extinguished and the fire will be passed down from generation to generation" illuminates the future of the city like the lights of the Pujiang River.
The novel restores the style of Shanghai, blending the fierceness of war, the passion of construction, and the warmth of life. It fully demonstrates the unyielding and enterprising spirit of the Chinese people in the interweaving of individuals, family, and country.
