In 1990, Jiang Zhongshi loses his military academy acceptance due to his father's legal troubles and works as a temporary laborer at a state-owned factory. Reuniting with Yuan Xiaoxia, who was also affected by the incident, they set aside past grievances to collaborate on the factory’s revival. Together, they explore ways to overcome challenges while others at the factory strive to rebuild their lives amidst changing times.

该剧以上世纪九十年代为时代背景，主要讲述了北方某国有企业的子弟们，在时代变迁中打破桎梏观念、创新突围，在工业理想的道路上不断蜕变，最终实现美好人生的故事。