In his previous life, Zhao Changgeng became a live-in son-in-law, working tirelessly to support his wife, Song Chunxia, and her children. After suffering a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, he was driven out of the house on a snowy night by Song Chunxia and her longtime lover, Qian Guangjin. His stepchildren all refused to help him, and he eventually froze to death in the snow. Filled with resentment and regret in his final moments, he unexpectedly returns to the payday of 1988. Reborn, Zhao Changgeng abandons his former cowardly ways. He takes back his wages right in front of everyone and kicks Song Chunxia's family out of his public housing apartment. Having recognized the direction of the times, he sells a permanent position at the grain and oil station for a high price to Qian Guangjin, who has long coveted the job, securing his first start-up capital.