The Early Spring

Shang Zhitao moves to Beijing with the aim of establishing her career. Even though she has little experience, she manages to get a job at a well-known advertising agency. Her supervisor, Luan Nian, is talented, direct, and demanding. On her first day he tells her to quit, but Zhitao stays on and learns from each challenge. When they are caught in a landslide during a dangerous mountain shoot, they end up stranded, which causes a change in the way they see each other. What began as conflicts between them slowly turns into mutual attraction and Luan Nian starts to care for her.
Their relationship stays discreet because Luan Nian is Zhitao’s supervisor. As they deal with difficult clients and the pressures of the workplace, Zhitao becomes more confident and shows off her capabilities, whereas Luan Nian grows more open to her. When their relationship develops further, differing priorities cause them to part ways. Zhitao decides to go after her future and leaves Beijing. In the years that follow, both of them experience personal growth: Zhitao returns with her own business and has gained more self-assurance, while Luan Nian becomes more calm and less controlling.
The reunion brings back old emotions, even though Zhitao is still cautious. Luan Nian realizes that it is necessary to take action rather than just make statements if trust is to be rebuilt, and so she patiently works on winning back her confidence. At the same time, Zhitao faces difficulties that endanger her business and decides to deal directly with the pressures in the workplace. Luan Nian gives her support without going beyond appropriate boundaries. They eventually have an open talk about their past mistakes, which enables their relationship to develop based on a deeper understanding. Finally, Luan Nian asks Zhitao to marry her in front of their families and she agrees, thus bringing their story to a satisfying end.