This novel is a work of fiction inspired by the construction of the West Tianshan Tunnel, a major project in Xinjiang. Once open, the tunnel will provide fast connections to Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and other destinations. It will link eleven major border crossings, including Alashankou, as well as key transportation routes into and out of Tibet. The project is vital to shortening travel distances, boosting tourism, maintaining stability in the border regions, and strengthening regional economic development.
The protagonists, Ling Fengxi, Wu Yongjie, Fang Ya, Cheng Yue, and Ayala, are among the key people involved in building the West Tianshan Tunnel. As one of the principal officials overseeing construction of the West Tianshan Tunnel on the Zhaowen Highway national project, Ling Fengxi is tasked with overcoming every obstacle to reach the goal. Wu Yongjie, representing the contractor, must contend with challenges ranging from experience and technical expertise to harsh conditions and the workers' living arrangements. He and Ling Fengxi are friends working side by side, but when problems arise, they can also turn against each other. In the end, however, they see the heart of the matter and unite in pursuit of their goal.
Fang Ya is in charge of the medical team stationed at the site, and she has a strong affection for Ling Fengxi. She even deliberately applied to lead a team to the West Tianshan Tunnel for his sake. But once she arrived, she discovered that Ling Fengxi was a complete workaholic, and that conditions there were brutal. She and her team complained bitterly and even considered giving up and going home.
But after seeing Ling Fengxi and his team risk a landslide to rescue equipment, and seeing him get injured, she finally understood his determination. In the end, she decided to overcome every hardship and stay at the site, standing with everyone through it all.
