Wang, a gentle and earnest aquarium worker, faces one of life's hardest challenges as he grapples with the terminal cancer diagnosis given to him by his doctor. He's acutely aware that his adult son, Dafu, who has autism, will be left without anyone to care for him after he passes away. Driven by love and desperation, Wang devotes his limited remaining time to teaching Dafu essential life skills. They follow daily routines at the aquarium, such as setting up exhibits and doing household chores together. Wang's hope is that these repetitions will help Dafu learn to live independently, even though the boy's condition makes it difficult.

Wang also reaches out to their neighbors and acquaintances to ensure that Dafu will have a supportive community. He understands the importance of community inclusion and strives to integrate his son into a society that may not fully understand autism. Wang’s love and dedication highlight the profound struggles and deep bonds between a parent and their child. As time runs out, Wang faces the twin challenges of dealing with his own deteriorating health and fighting against time to prepare Dafu for a life without him.