Na has grown up in the shadow of her younger brother, Bao-bao, her parents' cherished son. When they were younger, Na's parents went to work in the city, bringing Bao-bao along and devoting all their savings to his education, while Na was left behind in the countryside. But when Bao-bao dies suddenly, Na realizes how little she knew him. Did he really end his life because of a low score on China's all-important college entrance exam? Her parents can't bear to talk about him, so Na investigates on her own. She learns that Bao-bao had many secrets—and that his death may not be what it seems. She also learns that her parents have serious money problems, and as their only remaining child, she's expected to quit school and go to work to help support them. As more secrets come to light, Na must decide not only what she owes to her brother's memory, but what she owes to herself.