A Heart's Secrets in Mortise and Tenon

Bound together by the heritage craft of mortise-and-tenon joinery, The Heart's Joinery tells the story of Shen Yan, a reserved and sensitive inheritor of the craft, and Lu Xingye, a sunny, resilient cultural product designer. From their first meeting at school to working side by side, they learn to protect one another.

At school, an unexpected collision brings them together in the woodworking club. As they hone their mortise-and-tenon skills, feelings quietly blossom, but outside prejudice and misunderstandings lead to cold wars and emotional push and pull.

At work, they face pressure from investors, workplace schemes, and conflicting ideals together. Their trust collapses and is rebuilt as they struggle to preserve and innovate the traditional craft.

From their youthful school days to an independent studio, from matching mortise-and-tenon pendants to matching wedding rings, they break through prejudice and overcome every crisis. They preserve the craftsmanship of handmade joinery and protect a love that has endured the years, expressing the central theme: “Both tradition and love must be steadfastly upheld.”