Set in a picturesque town in the Yangtze River Delta, the story follows Ximi, a mischievous young boy whose life changes when he meets Meiwen, an older girl from Suzhou, by the village river. Captivated by her from their very first encounter, Ximi's world expands when Meiwen comes to stay with his family. Welcomed with open arms and treated as one of their own, Meiwen soon discovers Ximi's hidden, extraordinary talent for art.

As the days pass, a profound and delicate bond blossoms between them, enriching both their lives. However, these subtle, beautiful feelings must inevitably face reality when Meiwen returns to her city, leaving them both with treasured, bittersweet memories of their time together. Through beautifully evocative language and vivid descriptions of the landscape, this poignant novel masterfully captures the growing pains of adolescence. As the characters stumble through both joy and heartache, the story gently guides young readers in exploring the profound depths and beauty of human nature.