The story takes place in the Chinese countryside from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. It is an era full of change and hardship. Economic and social development are lagging behind, agriculture remains the mainstay in rural areas, and living standards are generally low. The Cultural Revolution has just ended, and social order and ways of thinking are gradually recovering and adjusting. Educational resources are scarce, and rural children face many obstacles if they hope to change their fate through education. The national college entrance examination has yet to be reinstated. Attending high school is a rare opportunity for rural children, but it also brings financial strain on their families and pressure from social expectations. Against this backdrop, Xia Luo and Xia Ningxue have both been accepted into a key high school, only to face a life-altering choice when an unexpected crisis strikes.
