In 1990s Northeast China, Yang Chunrong, a village girl fleeing an arranged marriage, is rescued by Lu Binghe, a brash young man. Each seeking something for their own benefit, they decide to marry in haste—she needs protection, while he needs a family member's status to enroll his younger brother in school. As their sham marriage turns into genuine affection, they join forces to fight bullies and unravel conspiracies. While protecting their little family together, they also paint a vivid portrait of the people and customs of old Northeast China. Amid the sweeping tide of the times, this marriage that began as a transaction ultimately blossoms into a passionate love like a thorny red rose, composing a fiery and spirited tale of love in Northeast China.