On their first encounter, late bloomer Zhuang takes the blame for the theft of a starting gun by schoolmate and distance runner Meng. Just before Zhuang can get to know her better, Meng suddenly gives him the cold shoulder. In his confusion, Zhuang decides to join Meng’s track team despite risking his studies. With academic pressure added to the puzzles of adolescence, Zhuang bides his time for his coming-of-age declaration.