The story provides an insight in to the life of four miners. From a remote village in the northeast of China, Old Cao, Little Cao, Yu and Zhang make a living by mining granite. Life is dull and hard, work from dawn to dusk. Their daily work seems simple but full of danger. After a short vacation for the Spring Festival, they return to work only to discover the land has been purchased by real estate developers who will turn the mine into a holiday resort. On the verge of losing their jobs, an agreement is made extending their work contract for another year. With a good wish for a better life, they pray to the God of the Mountain, for good fortune and a smooth life. Over half a year has passed and their income is even less than it was the previous year. Meanwhile, Old Yu′s wife, who has recently arrived, and now is cooking for them, is suffering from the tumor of uterus. They have to pay a lot for the operation. The future is bleak and uncertain.