Shot in stylish black-and-white, this three-act fable, set in wartime Chongqing, focuses on the indifferent rich, the head clerk on a farm, and some young intruders. Based on a 1943 short story, the film was directed by noted screenwriter Mei Feng.

Shuhua Farm in Chongqing is highly productive yet fails to turn a profit. To bring in extra income, director Ding rents a room to a self-professed artist named Qin. The shareholders decide to hire an incorruptible new director, who is opposed by the faux-artist Qin. Under Qin's urging, workers shower director You's wife with small bribes, whereupon Qin exposes the new director for embezzlement. This course of events fits the aims of Ding, who finally returns to his position as farm director. As before, the farm operates at a loss under a facade of not having any problems.