When Mr. Gao, the only teacher in a village elementary school, takes a leave to nurse his ailing mother, the mayor hires a 13-year-old girl Wei Minzhi as substitute. One day, a bright but naughty 10-year old boy does not show up for school. Wei discovers he has been forced to go to the city to find work and she takes off to get him back into the classroom.

Awards:
1999 Venice International Film Festival – Golden Lion
1999 Golden Rooster Awards – Best Director
1999 Hundred Flowers Awards – Best Film