13-year-old Xiaochun is a shy and sensitive violin prodigy who lives with his father, a hardworking chef in a provincial Chinese city. They set out for Beijing to further the young boy's musical education, in the ultimate hope of attaining fame and great success. At first Xiaochan begins his training with a disillusioned teacher, but when he meets his teacher's sexy neighbour, Lili, his attention wanders from his studies. His father senses his son's withdrawal from their planned path, and quickly swrtches his son to the renowned, ruthless Professor Yu (played by Together's director Chen Kaige). Recognising the boy's talents, Yu pits him against another talented student for the sole place in a forthcoming international competition. Torn between his alliances with his father, Lili and Professor Yu, the young violinist feces some heartbreaking decisions.