Xiang Hanzhi

Knowing nothing more than the working-class life he is born into, headstrong Lu Xiaolu reluctantly starts down the path he is expected to follow. At age nineteen in 1990s China, he feels pressure to follow suit with those around him and takes a job at the town’s saccharin factory. Slowly, he adjusts to the bureaucratic factory routine, making the best of the situation by bonding with coworkers, flirting with girls, and refusing to give in completely to the expectations of those around him. As Lu Xiaolu finds his way, a startling portrait of an economically expanding China comes into view; the propaganda of a common goal gives way to a bottom-line system that he sees as indifferent to individual happiness. But thanks to the relationships he develops, Lu Xiaolu decides to fight for the life he wants.

Jian Bing is a well-known advertising director in the industry, while Sheng Yang is a newcomer just entering society. They meet by chance at a restaurant—a recently divorced woman and a person waiting for love in vain. With Sheng Yang's companionship, Jian Bing regains confidence in life and love. Under Jian Bing's guidance and encouragement, Sheng Yang grows from an inexperienced and impulsive young man, showing his potential. They heal each other and gradually develop feelings. However, they face unavoidable obstacles in reality—identity and experience differences, opposition from their families, and workplace gossip. Jian Bing and Sheng Yang decide to leave the future in the hands of time. They dedicate many first experiences to each other, and it is through this trust and shared journey that they become better versions of themselves. After going through twists and turns, they once again find their way back to each other.