The novel is set in the urban and rural life of Xi'an in the 1980s, with the intertwined fates of young Zheng Haichao, girl Zhou Xiaoyu, and college student Liu Qiaoyun as the main line. It writes about the youth, suffering, warmth and growth of ordinary people in a specific era. Through the collision between young heroic dreams and real life, the differences between urban and rural identities, and the struggles of lower-class families, the work shows simple goodwill, sincere friendship and persistence in dignity, and interprets the deep connotation of "those who please themselves are honored" - true glory does not mean relying on others, but staying true to one's heart, protecting those you love, and living sincerely and responsibly.
With delicate brushstrokes, she depicts Zheng Haichao's transformation from an impulsive and reckless young man to his gradual maturity in rescuing people, protecting friends, and taking on responsibilities, and learns to protect and give; Zhou Xiaoyu always remains kind, sensible, and tenacious in a poor and patriarchal environment, and obtains warmth and salvation in suffering; Liu Qiaoyun uses knowledge and courage to break status prejudice, bravely pursues love, and is independent and self-reliant, becoming the epitome of women of the era. The emotions and fate of the three people are intertwined with each other, including the vague heartbeat of young people, the family love that transcends blood ties, and the warmth of mutual support between people at the bottom.
Through daily scenes of families, factories, and villages, the novel reflects the individual plight and spiritual strength in the transformation of the times: the love of parents, the help of neighbors, and the loyalty of friends form the background of life; in the face of poverty, illness, and secular prejudice, the characters always adhere to kindness and justice and do not bow to fate. In the end, the work ends with warmth and redemption, expressing true glory, which comes from inner sincerity, protection of others and love of life. It also praises the most precious friendship and dignity in ordinary life.
Concept: Life and love in urban and rural areas in the 1990s