On his 50th birthday, national technical expert Chen Weiguo left home in indignation after a basin of crayfish was dumped by his daughter-in-law and he was treated coldly by his son. Relying on his craftsmanship, he revived the near-bankruptcy Tiangong Machinery Factory, rising from a repairman to chief engineer, and exposed his son and daughter-in-law's snobbery at an investment promotion conference. His mother-in-law Li Fang sought revenge for her daughter by spreading rumors, suppressing him, stealing blueprints, and snatching patents; meanwhile, Chen Weiguo reunited with his old German friend Hans, gained technical equity, and conquered five-axis machine tools. His son Chen Xiaojun learned his trade in the factory after divorce, while his daughter-in-law Yang Xiumei awakened amidst unemployment, Xiaobao's illness, and her mother's manipulation, ultimately testifying in court. Winning the patent lawsuit, Chen Weiguo was honored as a model worker, and the family reconciled, heading towards reunion.