Chen Dashan is a skilled technician at a cotton mill who earns a generous salary and has always handed over his entire paycheck to his wife to manage household expenses. By chance, he discovers that his mother has been living frugally for years, refusing to seek medical treatment even when she is ill. He is shocked to learn that his wife has been mistreating his mother-in-law and withholding her living expenses. After investigating, he discovers that his wife has been transferring his entire two years' worth of wages to her younger brother, who has been squandering the money. Armed with solid evidence, Chen Dashan takes decisive action to reclaim every last cent. Completely disillusioned, he leaves with his mother and begins a brand-new life.