Hua, a young woman from Beijing, has recently moved to Paris. In this unfamiliar city, she navigates life between her small apartment and the university, while interacting with past lovers and new French friends. She encounters Matthieu, a young laborer who becomes infatuated with her. Driven by an overwhelming desire for her, he treats Hua poorly, akin to a pet. Their relationship becomes intense, characterized by Matthieu’s fervent affection and harsh verbal mistreatment. When Hua decides to leave him, she realizes the depth of her dependency and the significant role he has assumed in her life as a woman.