Vaunted director Li Han-Hsiang reveals the way of the world in this anthology film of four stories that feature far more swindlers and swindling than lovers or love. There's fake acupuncturists, gullible counterfeiters, a jewelry heist in a VD clinic, and a salesgirl's subtle scam in these short cinematic stories of gulls, dopes, marks, and fools and the cons, cheaters, charlatans, and connivers who trick them. It's four times the fraud as the cheats, gyps, and rip-offs come fast and furious!

The lecherous Ming emperor Cheng Teh sat on the throne, women were utterly subservient to men. Businessmen, officials and scholars suggested building houses of infinite pleasure to their ives. In the Ching Hua House of pleasure, the girls underwent exacting drills and instruction in the sensual arts under a stern madam, who punished any uncooperative girl into submission. Susan, the fairest and most headstrong girl in the Ching Hua House, fell in love at first sight with a handsome young scholar. He was on his way to Peking to sit for the imperial xaminations. Yet he fell in love with Susan too, and he spent his last penny to pass the night with her......

Two illegal immigrants meet a young kid and the three become best friends until one of them joins the Triads. Now the remaining two must fight the Triads in a battle to the death.

Three female detectives - from Hong Kong, Korea and Singapore - go undercover in a cabaret to expose a murderer.

2017 film by Yan Pak-wing and Chiu Sin-hang

Detective Johnny Du was smart and agile but his height of 5 feet 4 has hindered him from joining the G4 protection detail for the Chief Executive. His sassy girlfriend Angel bullied him all the time, leaving him depressed at work and at home. His helplessness attracted Vincent, the Devil Prince and Jim, the Angel to fight for his soul.

The main characters - the arrogant, harassed director, the sexy starlet, or naïve actors are familiar enough stereotypes. Along the way however, there is some fun to be had as more humorous incidents occur on the sound stage, together with dashes of nudity. Some of the events are presumably inspired by real life experiences, others have a distinct air of wishful fabrication. The over-the-top Kung Fu star, deserted by director and crew as he goes through his pointless extended routine, for instance. Or the action heroes, sweating in furs while they dutifully munch through their meal scene, 'snow' falling outside in studio land.