Song Yunhui, a talented technician, overcomes discrimination to build a promising career but becomes consumed by ambition. In contrast, his brother-in-law Lei Dongbao, a tough village leader, gains respect during economic reform but is held back by his lack of education. Meanwhile, Yang Xun seizes opportunities during the changing times to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.

1978到1988年间改革开放的大背景下，以宋运辉、雷东宝、杨巡为代表的先行者们在变革浪潮中不断探索和突围的浮沉故事。