Look ahead, don't look back.
The 12-episode series follows Wang Xiang, an ex-train driver who had worked his whole life at the steel plant in a fictional small town in North China, as he attempts to solve the mystery behind a brutal murder during the autumn of 1998. For more than 20 years, the murder has haunted him and other people who worked at the steel plant as they struggled to come to terms with the loss they’ve experienced.
Gong Biao bought a taxi without telling his wife, but Wang Xiang discovered that the car had been soaked in water. At the same time, the police found them to deal with a car accident. Going back to 1998, there was a homicide case at the Hualin Steel Plant.
Wang Xiang was vomiting continuously in the hospital, and his wife inquired about the cause but did not get any clues. Gong Biao was flirting with Huang Liru at the nurse's station. Shen Mo did not return to the dormitory and was working part-time at a nightclub.
Wang Xiang asked Huang Liru to plead for Gong Biao, but Huang Liru did not let her brother-in-law interfere. Madesheng was very angry when he failed to win the dance competition. Xu Jie found something terrifying in the swill.
Wang Yang's low mood caused great concern for Wang Xiang. The police found another dumping site. Madesheng, Wang Xiang, and Gong Biao had a meal together and decided to investigate the unlicensed car together.
Wang Xiang found a problem while checking the goods before departure. Wang Yang went to work at the Victoria Ballroom, shared food with Shen Mo, and thanked her. Shen Mo met someone waiting for her at the dormitory door.
Wang Xiang asked Wang Bei to go to Beijing for the exam alone. Wang Yang bought an imported sweater for Wang Xiang. Wang Yang confessed her love to Shen Mo.
Gong Biao met an acquaintance at the lottery shop. Wang Xiang insisted that Fu Weijun killed Wang Yang. Ma Desheng said that evidence was needed to prove a murder, and left after arguing with Wang Xiang. Gong Biao found something unusual at home.
Wang Xiang searched for Wang Yang with the help of Qu Bo, while Wang Yang was also looking for Shen Mo. Lu Wenzhong made a pass at Shen Mo but was rejected. Shen Mo encountered a drunken Yin Hong in the bus.
Wang Xiang comforted Li Qiaoyun, who was denied retirement. Madesheng and the other two traced to Shen Dongliang's house, but no one answered the door. Wang Xiang made a new discovery.
Lu Wenzhong received a mysterious phone call. A worker at the Hualin Steel Factory was frightened while on duty. Yin Hong confronted Shen Mo.
Wang Xiang returned to the video hall. Madesheng visited Shen Dongliang at his home. A body was found again by the river.
Ma Desheng suffered from senile dementia, but still managed to sort out the train of thought of the case. Da Niang had a familiar visitor at the hospital. Wang Xiang finally obtained the truth he wanted.
