In Republican-era Shanghai, Gu Wanqing is a wealthy young woman with bright eyes and delicate features, but she's rebellious and stubborn, rejecting her family's arranged marriage and longing for freedom. Su Yingxue, a poor girl who earns a job at a newspaper through hard work, ventures to the front lines as a reporter, determined to expose society's dark side.
One day on the street, Gu Wanqing sees Su Yingxue being chased by police officers for reporting on a factory strike. Admiring her courage, Gu Wanqing hides her in a carriage. Their brief conversation in the cramped space sparks a mutual attraction. Gu Wanqing is drawn to Su Yingxue's independence and sense of justice, while Su Yingxue admires Gu Wanqing's kindness and boldness.
Afterward, Gu Wanqing approaches Su Yingxue as a reader, and their bond deepens, growing from admiration into love. But in a feudal age, there is no place for love between women. Gu Wanqing's family is furious and confines her to the house. Su Yingxue refuses to back down. Using her position as a reporter, she publishes articles advocating women's freedom and draws the attention of progressive people. She also secretly contacts an underground organization to arrange a rescue.
A large-scale patriotic movement breaks out in Shanghai. Gu Wanqing escapes when her guards let their vigilance slip, and reunites with Su Yingxue, who has joined the movement. They embrace and pledge their love to each other. With help from progressive forces and the underground organization, Gu Wanqing breaks with her family, and the two leave Shanghai together for a more open-minded city, where they open a bookstore. They make a living while continuing to speak up for women's equality, remaining by each other's side for the rest of their lives.
Good looking, free love