In Shanghai in 1936, family traditions declined and her husband died early and was expelled from Russia. The former Belinusian nobleman-Sophia Belinsky Countesslived in a Shanghai alley. She relies on the nightclub as a socialite to support her mother-in-law's family and her daughter, but she has to endure the humiliation of her family. Todd Jacksonformer American diplomat , resigned and started a tea business in Shanghai in order to escape the chaotic international affairs. One night, he came to his favorite "Chunlin" nightclub, but Jackson, who was alone and blind, was spotted by robbers because of his bright clothes. Sophia, who is only a socialite and rarely accompanies guests out, finds Jackson in a dangerous situation and cannot bear his murder, so she actively asks to accompany him out to protect him. Jackson understands the current difficult situation of these white Russian nobles, and repays them in their words, but the strong Sophia did not accept it. She believes that her family will tide over the difficulties. They knew each other so much, and Jackson decided that this was his favorite.
Back in the humble and impoverished home, the family has already fallen asleep. Sophia, because of the old acquaintance of the year in the nightclub, recalls the clothes and shadows of her youth, full of sunshine. Jackson poured his savings to place bets on horse racing, hoping to use this bonus to raise funds and open a nightclub. This was his wish for many years. After winning the prize, he went to the "Chun Lin" nightclub, told Sofia about his plan and invited her to join. A year later, Jackson's "White Countess Nightclub" has opened. The nightclub is very lively. Sophia works here, but Jackson and Sophia agree that they will not talk about personal affairs except for friendship.
The War of Resistance Against Japan broke out in an all-out manner, and Sofia’s family found old acquaintances to help them prepare to leave Shanghai for Hong Kong, but they needed a large amount of money. The family asked Sophia to raise money. Jackson learned of Sophia's worries and sent a sum of money to her for emergency. Sophia's family's ferry tickets and passports are prepared, but there is no Sophia's. They were afraid of going to Hong Kong and were despised by aristocratic friends because of the work Sofia had done, so they prepared to abandon Sofia and leave on their own. Feinstein, a Jewish tailor living downstairs, found Sophia, who was lonely and weeping upstairs, and tried to persuade her to go to the dock to retrieve her daughter, so the two hurried there. Shanghai is about to fall, and the Chinese, Europeans and Americans are busy fleeing, only Jackson is still going to the nightclub to entertain the few guests. Old knowledge many years ago, the current Japanese leader Matsudawanted to take him to a safe area, but Jackson refused. Matsuda told him that he had just seen Sophia heading to the pier. This was Jackson's last chance. Jackson, waking up from his dream, groped for the pier alone
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