It depicts the transformation of state-owned enterprises after China's economic reform. A Huafu subsidiary in Jingzhou faces a crisis due to changes in the market environment and problems within the enterprise.

Founded in the 1930s, Huafu Company was the among the first batch of state-owned enterprises in China. As the company is about to usher in its 80th anniversary, its subsidiary, Jingzhou Huafu, falls into a huge predicament. Huafu Chairman Lin Manjiang sends Qi Ben'an to Jingzhou to resolve the issue. After Qi Ben'an assumes his new role, he realizes that he has many hurdles to overcome.

On one hand, he has to unite the cadres and the masses that include individuals like Shi Hongxing to resolve the long-drawn conflicts between them. On the other hand, he must also win the support of the municipal party committee secretary and carefully maneuver the company's relationship with the local government. Throughout the process, Qi Ben’an never strays from his original intentions as he treads the proper path towards production and development and also accumulates a wealth of experience for the reform of state-owned enterprises.