In 1985, in Maizhuang Village in eastern Henan, Lin Xiangdong fails the college entrance examination by just two points. His family has fallen into debt, owing 128 yuan to pay for his education. If they cannot repay it within five days, their only yellow ox will be taken away by the creditor. Meanwhile, a devastating locust plague is sweeping through the village. While everyone rushes to spray pesticides and exterminate the pests, Lin Xiangdong does the opposite: carrying a bamboo basket, he offers to buy live locusts for three cents per jin. The whole village mocks the failed student, thinking he has gone crazy chasing money. But he turns the destructive pests into crispy, delicious treats and brings them to restaurants in the county town.