A popular opera in China loses its funding, forcing its performers to take up a series of embarrassing new jobs in order to make ends meet. Still, the troupe never gives up hope that they will perform again. Seeing this as an opportunity for personal gain, a con man approaches the performers and promises them the funding they need to re-form the ensemble. But, when the con artist's scheme is revealed, the troupe is left distraught, with only themselves and their art to rely on.