In the early 1990s, Xiaolei, who lives in a small village in western China, longs for a summer holiday without homework after he graduated from primary school. However, it is filled with boring routine, and Xiaolei feels the anxiety around him. When his father has left, Xiaolei realises that his life is completely changed.

A family lunch in China. The grandfather asks his grandson, who is about to leave to study in Russia, to show him his film and pour him some more brandy. The melancholy feeling of farewell hangs in the air.