The Young Master's Ordeals

In the year of the story, Jin Fu, a wealthy Shanghai playboy, indulges in wine and revelry until he suddenly hears of his father's passing. Filled with regret, Jin Fu is set to inherit a large fortune, including over a million silver taels in stocks held in banks in California, USA. The family tutor and steward, Wang Zhe, conveys his father’s will: to respect oneself, honor the ancestors, and promptly marry Lianhua. Meanwhile, Director Li, coveting Jin Fu's wealth, pressures him to marry his daughter, Shishi. Jin Fu can only evade and delay.

Suddenly, a letter arrives from the California bank announcing its bankruptcy and inability to make payments. Overnight, Jin Fu transforms from a millionaire into a pauper. Creditors soon arrive en masse, sealing off furniture and items, while servants leave one after another. At this time, an attendant, Song Agen, hands Jin Fu a letter from Lianhua, enclosing an 8,000 silver tael note obtained from mortgaging her house to help alleviate his immediate financial distress.

Jin Fu decides not to burden Lianhua further and resolves to die so that she may find happiness. He visits a life insurance company run by a foreigner named Peterfu, purchasing a policy that would pay out should he meet an unfortunate end...