In the late 1980s, China's reform and opening-up had made deep inroads, and the Tancheng Chemical Fiber Factory reached a critical crossroads in its development. Factory director Yuan Yong stood by industry, strongly advocating an expansion of polyester filament production. Deputy director Wan Xueming, eager for quick profits, argued that they should go to Shenzhen and speculate in real estate.
Yuan Yong had witnessed the factory's transformation from a tree nursery into a chemical fiber plant. Practical and tenacious, he formed a research team and invited experts to make a data-backed case for expanding production. Wan Xueming, a "relocated employee," was domineering by nature. His real estate proposal was rejected, and he was later disciplined for misconduct. After suffering one blow after another, he eventually died of illness.
The story also follows Yuan Yong through the hardships of his education, his work in horticulture, and his romantic life, showing how his character was forged. Through the two men's clash and contrasting fates, it portrays the competing visions for corporate development in the early days of reform and conveys the idea that staying on the right path and working hard will strengthen the nation.
