The book is based on the true story of a Chinese/Soviet spy, Gao Qing, code-named Bashan (Palm Hill). Gao's story begins in 1939 when he and 19 other Chinese are sent to Spy School in Moscow under the supervision of Stalin via the section known as The Comintern. His orders were simple . Everything he did, or learned, was top secret and must not be divulged to anyone except his Soviet controller or contact in Moscow. However, Gao chose to remain true to the Chinese Communist Party. For his protection, only a select few Chinese Communists knew of his existence. Gao, posing as a rich businessman, is sent to Chongqing, the provisional Capital of the Kuomingtang during World War II. His first job is to set up a radio link between Moscow and the Soviet spies throughout Asia. Gao was involved in a number of dangerous espionage activities and narrowly escaped certain death. Sadly, his ignoble end is not at the hands of an enemy.