Raised in torture and abuse, Duanwu risks her life every day, harvesting pearls from the sea; however, one daunting task offers her a slim chance of freedom.

Duanwu's performance dazzles the guests at the pearl auction; as she plots a path to a new life, a sudden turn of events exposes a buried secret.

Duanwu sees an opportunity in discarded gemstone scraps; a heated encounter unfolds between her and Cui Shijiu at Yan Zijing's poetry contest.

A meeting further stokes Cui Shijiu's fury toward Yan Zijing; hoping to make a sale, Duanwu resorts to a scheme that she later regrets.