1920s Hong Kong was marred by rampant corruption, and Zhang Wang (portrayed by Wan Zhizhiang) took on heavy debts to buy a fireman's position to better his family's life. His selfless actions earned him enemies like Chen Bo (Taidi Zhizhiwei), who plotted to sell Zhang Wang to Southeast Asia. Zhang Wang's wife, Xiu Lan (Miji Xue), embarked on a desperate mission to rescue him, but found herself powerless against the odds.
Zhang Wang was enslaved in an Indonesian mine, constantly attempting escape. He finally met his savior, the boss' daughter Pro Nan (Luo Lin), during one such escape attempts. Pro Nan sympathized with Zhang Wang's plight and helped him establish a transportation business, but their efforts were met with Dutch military suppression, causing casualties among the workers.
Pro Nan fled with her family possessions after the incident, leaving Zhang Wang behind. Pro Nan and Zhang Wang formed a bond during this time, but Zhang Wang's longing for his wife and children never subsided, viewing Pro Nan as a comrade-in-arms rather than a lover.
When Xiu Lan fell ill and wandered in a foreign land, she was cared for by the tycoon Lei Xinghe (Wang Wei), who developed feelings for her and later remarried her out of gratitude. When they reunited in Hong Kong, Xiu Lan hesitated to reveal herself due to guilt, only secretly helping Zhang Wang escape from his pursuer, Huang Shui (Lin Jihuah).
Huang Shui relentlessly pursued Zhang Wang, harming not only him but also his brother, Huang Shan (Lin Wenlong), and their wife, Xiao Yan (Gu Keying). In the end, Pro Nan sacrificed herself to save Zhang Wang from Huang Shui's clutches. Despite this act of love, Zhang Wang could not win her heart, and she passed away without reuniting with her loved ones.
Zhang Wang continued to yearn for his family, but Xiu Lan found herself torn between duty and affection. Lei Xinghe was willing to let Xiu Lan go but cherished her deeply. Meanwhile, the villain Huang Shui met a fitting end at the hands of Huang Shan. Huang Shan served a 25-year sentence, while his wife, Xiao Yan, quietly waited for him......
