At the heart of a small mining town, reflecting the economic and social upheavals of contemporary China, the destiny of Guangsheng, torn between the respect he owes to his own and his own desires.

Set against the background of unregulated coal mining in northern China, the protagonist Guansheng must deal with an unquiet conscience when his mentor, Zhongmin, dies in a mine explosion. Zhongmin's ghost returns with a request which motivates Guansheng out of his lethargy but which will try him to the depths of his soul.