After the rural household responsibility system was introduced in China in the 1980s, surplus rural laborers began heading out to find work. Ruan Xiaochao wanted to put his farming skills to use and stay in the countryside, but rural transportation was inconvenient, and it was difficult to sell the agricultural products he harvested for cash. In the end, he had no choice but to go out and find work too.
Ruan Sanfeng contracted the village tea plantation and fell in love with Duan Qiuju, a tea-picking girl. But Duan Qiuju had previously been dating Guo Taiping. After the two men competed for her, Guo Taiping decided it was pointless and gave up on the relationship of his own accord, leaving to join the army. Ruan Sanfeng and Duan Qiuju then naturally became husband and wife.
After losing love, Chen Qiuju, a pretty woman, was heartbroken and carelessly married a lazy pretty boy. Disillusioned, she became a free spirit, fooling around with men wherever she went.
The countryside grew richer, but also lonelier. Left-behind elderly people and children became another major issue deserving attention.
