In early 1999, in a small town in China, a young woman named Shen Tao is courted by her two childhood friends, Zhang and Liang. Zhang, an ambitious entrepreneur, and Liang, a humble coal miner, both vie for her love. Faced with a difficult choice, Tao's decision sets off a chain of events that impact their lives for decades. She chooses to marry Zhang, propelling herself into a life of wealth and prosperity, while Liang remains heartbroken and continues his modest lifestyle. These choices reverberate through to the lives of their children, dictating their future paths.

Years later, as the new millennium unfolds and China's economy evolves, the past decisions dramatically shape the destinies of all involved. Tao grapples with the consequences of her choices and reflects on lost opportunities and the impact on her present life. Meanwhile, Zhang's success brings unforeseen challenges, and Liang attempts to move forward despite lingering heartache. Personal aspirations collide with familial expectations as generational shifts bring about new complexities. Through these intertwined lives, the narrative explores themes of love, fortune, and the passage of time amid China's rapid transformation.