A Xiang, a country girl working at Dafeng cotton mill, purchases a red dress, in fashion on the streets of Shanghai. One day, she lends it to Xing'er, a model worker, and causes a drastic shift in her personality.
Yang Bailao, a tenant farmer, lives with his daughter Xi'er. The despotic landlord, Huang Shiren, attempts to forcibly take Xi'er for himself. On the eve of the Chinese Spring Festival, Huang forces Yang to sell his daughter as repayment of the debt Yang owes him.
