Demobilized soldier Wang Qiang returned back to his hometown Gujiao after two years of serving in the People's Liberation Army. Gujiao is just like most of small towns in Shan Xi province, it is a city of coalmines; everyone lives in the city bound to work on coalmines. However, Wang Qiang wanted to walk a different path. He dreamed to go to study in the Military Institute. During a friend's reunion, Wang met Haliya, the girlfriend of his comrade, who dreamed to become a stewardess, but failed the entrance exam for many times. Two craving changes hearts came together, however, their love had not last long, the dusty reality crushed their dreams just like all the dreams in this small town.