Jin, a widowed mother living alone in a village, is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her daughter fights tooth and nail to get her the best treatment while her son encourages the family to embrace the reality of death. Circumstances send the three characters on an existential journey on the rivers of the past. Chen's sensitive debut feature is a film about homecoming and farewells, and was awarded Best Screenplay at the Shanghai International Film Festival.

When the nine stars align, the sea tomb of Shen Wanjiu emerges along with an island, attracting attention from all forces. Tianya, a chivalrous martial thief, sneaks into the granary to investigate the relief grain adulteration case, but is framed and forced into the dispute. He allies with Zheng Qianqian, head of Tianhai Ship Gang who has been searching for her missing father for years, and Shen Zhaowen, descendant of the Shen family.