Set in a coastal town from which illegal immigrants often leave for the dangerous passage to America, Chinese Sixth Generation filmmaker Wang Xiaoshuai's film tells the story of a man who once braved that very trip, but was forced to return home. While in the United States, Er Di fathered a child with his employer's daughter, and was deported when her parents, who also came from the coastal town where the film is set, found out. Er Di leads a listless life, carrying on a secret affair with a worldly actress from the visiting Shanghai Opera, until he learns that his boss' family, along with his son, are returning.