The protagonist Hong San brought his mother and good friend Qi Lin to Shanghai to join Yan Hua, and was involved in the power struggle between the two companies. Yan Hua was a dock worker at this time. He was elected as a worker leader without fear of power. Hong San relied on his wit to escape danger many times in the dangerous Shanghai. Hong San and the loyal man Shen Dayi formed a sworn brotherhood, and became friends with Lin Yiyi, who came to Shanghai to avenge his father. Lin Yiyi, who was dressed as a man, fell in love with Hong San. Hong San approached the rich girl Yu Mengzhu, and Yu Mengzhu fell in love with Hong San. Yan Hua was in danger and was rescued by the Communist Liang Xingyi and joined the Communist Party. Lin Yiyi took risks for revenge, and Hong San ran around the world with him. Lin Yiyi died, and Hong San returned to Shanghai. Inspired by the progressive ideas of Yan Hua and Liang Xingyi, Hong San gave up the hard-won "good life" and gave everything and even his life to escort Liang Xingyi out of Shanghai. Hong Sanyuan gradually understood that this road led by the Communist Party is the great future he wants to pursue.