In the late 1960s, Alexander O'Dumbay, a young and successful executive working for a British shipping company in Hong Kong, leads a life filled with responsibility and little time for pleasure. One evening, seeking an escape from his hectic work routine, he wanders through the bustling streets of the city and encounters Liu, a beautiful and enigmatic Chinese actress. A passionate and unforgettable night follows, but Alexander's memory of the events is fragmented.

The next morning, he discovers a mysterious tattoo with ancient Chinese characters on his back. As he tries to piece together what happened, Alexander embarks on a journey to uncover the meaning behind the tattoo and the connection to Liu. His quest leads him to Beijing, where he learns more about the cultural and political forces that bind Liu to a future she cannot escape.

Through a series of revelations, Alexander realizes that the tattoo is a token of "Eternal Love," an ancient message that transcends time and culture. Liu, bound by tradition and her arranged marriage to a powerful figure, leaves Alexander with nothing but the memory of their brief but intense encounter. As Alexander faces the end of his life, he is haunted by the memory of Liu's hazel eyes and the fleeting love they shared.