In April 1975, Lu Lanlan, a delicate-looking educated youth, is sent to a rural village in China. Orphaned at age ten and raised by her uncle and aunt, she had willingly given up a factory job to her cousin to fulfill her family's obligation to send a youth to the countryside. Upon arrival, she faces immediate hostility from Gu Yu, a short-haired female educated youth who shares a dormitory with her. Gu Yu despises Lu Lanlan, believing her pale complexion and fragility are a calculated act to attract male attention. Despite this, Lu Lanlan remains indifferent and focused on her own survival. She encounters Xu Jianguo, the village chief's son, who is instantly infatuated with her beauty and attempts to court her by offering help with her luggage. Lu Lanlan rejects his advances firmly, causing him embarrassment in front of the villagers.
The tension escalates when Gu Yu spreads rumors that Lu Lanlan is dating Xu Jianguo after seeing them at the village clinic together. Lu Lanlan’s hands are injured from her first day of farm work, and she seeks medical treatment, but Xu Jianguo’s persistent concern is misinterpreted as romantic involvement. Gu Yu’s accusations damage Lu Lanlan’s reputation, leading to a confrontation where Lu Lanlan warns Gu Yu about the importance of a woman’s reputation in such a close-knit community. Gu Yu, however, remains biased and hostile, convinced that Lu Lanlan is manipulative.
A turning point occurs when Fu Chunian, Lu Lanlan’s former classmate, arrives at the same village. Recognizing the mutual trouble they face with unwanted attention from villagers, Fu Chunian proposes a fake dating arrangement. He needs a girlfriend to deter female suitors, while Lu Lanlan needs protection from rumors and harassment. They draft a written agreement where Fu Chunian covers all her expenses and promises to help her transfer back to the city within two years. Lu Lanlan agrees, sewing the contract into her luggage for safekeeping.
As they publicly act as a couple, the dynamic in the village shifts. Xu Jianguo is heartbroken but persists, while the male educated youths who previously pursued Lu Lanlan lose interest due to Fu Chunian’s presence and family connections. Fu Chunian proves to be a capable and generous partner, cooking meals for Lu Lanlan and defending her against gossip. He also confronts Gu Yu when she continues to spread malicious rumors, warning her to stop bullying his girlfriend. Despite the initial hostility, Gu Yu begins to show signs of regret, though she remains guarded.
Meanwhile, village politics complicate matters. Xu Jianguo’s father, the village chief, is in a power struggle with Xu Xiangdong, a returned veteran and candidate for the next village chief. The village chief’s family views Lu Lanlan’s gift-giving to Auntie Xu, Xiangdong’s mother, as a potential scandal to exploit. However, Lu Lanlan handles the situation with grace, explaining her actions as simple gratitude, which diffuses the immediate threat. The narrative highlights Lu Lanlan’s resilience and intelligence as she navigates the harsh realities of rural life, balancing work, social intrigue, and her growing, albeit complicated, relationship with Fu Chunian. The story sets the stage for further challenges as Lu Lanlan adapts to her new environment while maintaining her independence and dignity.
