And his life had been but a prelude to these three things – a summer shower, a glimpse of inky reeds and one man.... more>>

Shen Liangsheng is lying in the dirt bleeding away when a doctor, Ch'in Ching, discovers the wounded man. This sets off a series of events, some the doctor expected and others that catches him off guard but are nonetheless all a part of destiny's plans to pit these two men's desires against their principles. <<less

Set in early-20th century China, this story takes off in the port city of Tientsin (Tianjin) that is divided into lands called concessions and owned... more>> by several foreign powers. Shen Liangsheng is a charismatic and cunning playboy, a son of a rich businessman, who has profits as his top priority. He meets Ch'in Ching, an average school teacher who appears mild but actually holds a patriotic heart for his home. The two cross paths and sparks fly. But will their love hold strong through the imminent forces that will tear the country apart...? <<less