Painter Wang Zijian is saved from drowning by Aying, the daughter of a fishing folk. Their relationship becomes an intimate one. When Wang's father presses him to marry his boss's daughter Du Jiazhen, he runs away in defiance. Du sows discord between the lovers and drives Aying insane. Wang returns hoping to remedy the harm done to Aying but is too late to save her from drowning herself in the sea.