In 1930s Shanghai, a young boy named Shuisheng arrives from the countryside to join his uncle, who works for the powerful Axe Gang. Assigned to serve Xiao Jinbao, a glamorous nightclub singer and mistress of the gang’s leader, Tang, Shuisheng is quickly enveloped in the opulent yet perilous world of organized crime. He witnesses the intricacies of gang life and the authority Tang wields over his men. Shuisheng's naïve curiosity draws him into a vortex of loyalty, betrayal, and brutality.

As Shuisheng navigates this perilous environment, he develops an understanding of the underlying tensions and power struggles within the gang. He observes Xiao Jinbao's precarious position and the dangers she faces, which contrast sharply with her public allure. The veneer of Shanghai's nightlife is shattered as Shuisheng becomes privy to the harsh realities hidden beneath the surface glamour. Each character's actions lead to mounting suspense, underscoring the brutal world of gang politics and the fragile nature of alliances in this peril-filled environment.