This novel presents the image of some contemporary Chinese intellectuals represented by Nie Zhiyuan who, instead of being pushed around by convention, tries to live beyond mediocrity and to pursue truth. Rather than being worldly or sophisticated, these people are serious about everything and hold on to the moral bottom-line of intellectuals by distancing themselves from the stink of money. They have independent intellectual personality with the determination to model after such great historical figures as Cao Xueqin. They broaden their academic perspective, construct their own framework of learning, and try their best to find the value and meaning of living above life. Of course, this novel also depicts the corruption of knowledge brought on by connections and circles, the distortion of personality brought on by money and power … and the perplexity, struggle, compromise and adherence of people with lofty ideals like Nie Zhiyuan.