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.
When the Cultural Revolution comes to an end and reform sweeps over China, two drivers of the Fifth Iron and Steel Factory set up a pancake stall in the free market in front of the factory, annoying the secretary of the Party Committee.