Veteran loader Ma Youfu, just for taking a cup of hot water, has his paper cup knocked over publicly by supervisor Jia Renyi, tearing open nine years of accumulated conflict between labor and management. Team leader Jiang Lan demands justice for her fellow workers, causing both sides to fall out completely, and thirty-two experienced hands collectively walk out. Haichang urgently recruits new workers at low wages, seemingly operating as usual, but industrial injuries and massive cargo damage accidents occur one after another. Jiang Lan and her group settle down in the small-scale Chaosheng Cold Storage, adhering to the working principle of clear rights and responsibilities, and secure the long-term trial operation order of Wanxian Aquatic Products with solid on-site management. In contrast, Haichang misses the cooperation due to improper management and causes a disaster. A cup of hot water reflects human affection and rules, telling of the dignity and survival game of grassroots laborers.