The story of a poor silk farming family in Zhejiang and their hardships.

A hostess in Shanghai invites her secondary schoolmates to a reunion. They each reminisce about their lives, with some having difficulties in marriage or career. Some led destructive lives, while others contributed to the country.

A young woman finds employment in a department store, only to attract the unwanted advances of the manager and his son.

An orphaned brother and sister depend on each other for survival. But the young man's hot temper gets him sent to prison. When he is released, with the help and support of his little sister, he tries desperately to go straight, but every attempt is thwarted by an unfeeling and uncaring society.