Set against the backdrop of the Eight-Nation Alliance’s invasion of China, the film follows Zhao Ting, founder of Beijing’s cloth shoe brand “Neiliansheng.” Through hardship and resilience, Zhao rises from repeated setbacks to pioneer early database-style marketing in China’s footwear trade. In building Neiliansheng into a national brand, he also navigates complex emotions—expressing unrequited love for Xiaocui while ultimately winning the heart of Xiaoyun.
