In 1980, Chen Shusheng, a university graduate, returns to the countryside and faces ridicule from the entire village as he raises earthworms using cow dung and foam boxes. Sticking to scientific farming methods, he successfully sells his first batch of earthworms three months later, earning enough money to turn his life around. When the villagers learn of his success, they begin raising earthworms together to grow wealthy. On a typhoon night, the entire village spontaneously rushes to help him protect his earthworm boxes. Later, Chen Shusheng establishes an earthworm-farming cooperative, teaches the techniques free of charge, and leads his fellow villagers toward shared prosperity. Through his sweat and wisdom, Chen Shusheng proves that starting a business back in one's hometown holds great promise, knowledge can make the land yield gold, and hard work can earn the respect of an entire village.