This film is based on the last novel of the same name by Sanmao. During the Japanese occupation, female writer Shen Shaohua (played by Brigitte Lin) serialized her autobiographical novel 'White Magnolia' in the newspaper, which resonated with many readers. One day, she receives a letter from a mysterious reader. She becomes curious about this man named Zhang Nengcai (played by Qin Han). Eventually, they meet and fall in love at first sight. However, because Zhang is a traitor, he often attracts trouble from outsiders, causing Shaohua much unease. At this time, her close friend Yue Feng (played by Maggie Cheung), upset over a quarrel with her boyfriend (played by Yan Hao), comes to her for comfort. While Shaohua tries to advise her, she also introduces her lover to Yue Feng. The three of them go on a trip together and have a great time. However, when they witness Japanese soldiers humiliating Chinese people, Yue Feng suddenly finds Zhang repulsive. The trio part on unhappy terms. Afterward, as the political situation becomes unstable, with Japan's surrender and the start of the civil war between the Nationalists and Communists, Shaohua's emotional journey becomes even more complex...
