In modern China’s fast-paced tech industry, we meet Gao Zhilei, a 45-year-old programmer whose life takes an unexpected turn. Working at a prominent tech company, Gao faces the cruel irony of being laid off by the very HR optimization system he helped develop. The system, designed to maximize efficiency, marks him as expendable due to his age, despite his years of dedicated service and expertise.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Gao. His father recently suffered a stroke, requiring expensive medical care, and his family struggles with a hefty mortgage. Initially, he hides his unemployment from his wife, Xiao Ni, and their daughter, Jiajia, continuing his morning routine of leaving home in work attire while desperately searching for new opportunities. His attempts to find another programming job prove futile as he faces consistent age discrimination, with hiring managers openly questioning his ability to keep up with younger workers.

The facade crumbles when his father discovers the truth during his hospital stay. The mounting medical bills, combined with their existing financial obligations, force Gao to consider alternatives he’d never imagined. When he sees a young delivery rider making decent money, he reluctantly enters the food delivery business, a dramatic shift from his white-collar past.

His entry into the delivery world is far from smooth. The physical demands shock his system – long hours on an electric scooter, navigating complex urban landscapes, and racing against tight delivery deadlines. The app-based delivery system shows no mercy, with every minute counted and every customer rating affecting his income. His first attempts result in late deliveries, customer complaints, and minimal earnings, highlighting the stark contrast between his previous life and current reality.

The story deeply explores the delivery rider community through characters like Big Black, an incredibly efficient rider who becomes Gao’s mentor. Big Black, we learn, isn’t just working for himself – he’s helping pay off medical bills for a fellow rider who suffered a devastating accident. Then there’s Stingie, known for his frugal ways, saving every penny for his daughter’s leukemia treatment. These characters reveal the human stories behind the anonymous riders who zip through city streets.

Under Big Black’s guidance, Gao starts to adapt. He learns the intricate network of shortcuts, the best times to pick up orders, and how to handle difficult customers. His programming background proves unexpectedly useful as he develops a route optimization app, combining his tech skills with his new street knowledge. This innovation gradually helps him and other riders improve their efficiency.

The story takes a critical turn when Gao’s family faces the threat of losing their home. Behind on mortgage payments, he makes a desperate promise to the bank manager – he’ll earn enough as a champion delivery rider to catch up on payments. This sets up an intense race against time, with Gao pushing himself to physical limits to reach the top rider position.

Meanwhile, his wife Xiao Ni discovers his situation and reopens her drum teaching business to help with finances. Their daughter Jiajia, though young, shows remarkable understanding of their changed circumstances. His father, initially disappointed by Gao’s delivery job, gradually recognizes his son’s determination and resilience. The family’s collective effort to adapt and support each other becomes a central theme.

The film builds to a climactic night as Gao competes for the champion rider position. The competition is fierce, particularly with Yang Dashan, a young rider saving money for marriage. During the final hours, Gao faces treacherous conditions – rain, darkness, and a dangerous accident. Despite his injuries, he perseveres, navigating a complex high-rise delivery in the final minutes before midnight. His successful delivery, completed seconds before the deadline, earns him the championship.

At the awards ceremony, Gao delivers a powerful speech that resonates beyond his personal victory. He speaks about the dignity of hard work, the struggles of delivery riders, and how everyone deserves respect regardless of their occupation. His words touch on universal themes of human dignity and the often-invisible workforce that keeps modern cities running. The speech affects not just his fellow riders but highlights the humanity behind the impersonal delivery service industry.

The resolution shows Gao’s family adapting to their new reality. They move to a smaller apartment, finding unexpected joy in the cozier living space and stronger family bonds. His father’s health improves with the more attentive care they can now provide. Interestingly, Gao’s diabetes, which required regular insulin shots, stabilizes due to his active lifestyle as a rider. This physical transformation symbolizes his successful adaptation to his new life.

The film’s conclusion offers hope without unrealistic triumph. Gao’s route optimization app catches the attention of the delivery company’s computation center, suggesting potential career advancement that combines his old skills with his new experience. However, the focus remains on the daily lives of delivery riders – their challenges, camaraderie, and moments of human connection.

Through Gao’s journey, the film explores several profound themes. It examines the impact of ageism in the tech industry and the broader issues of technological displacement of workers. The story challenges societal prejudices about status and work, showing how dignity can be found in unexpected places. It also highlights the growing gig economy’s role in providing both opportunity and exploitation.

The family dynamics portrayed are particularly nuanced. We see how economic hardship can either tear families apart or bring them closer together. Gao’s relationship with his wife deepens through their shared struggles, while his daughter gains early lessons about resilience and adaptation. His father’s journey from shame to acceptance reflects broader societal attitudes toward changing work patterns.

The film also provides insight into modern urban China, where traditional values clash with rapid technological change. Through Gao’s experience, we see how the convenience of food delivery apps for customers often comes at a human cost for the riders. The story raises questions about progress, dignity, and the true meaning of success in contemporary society.

The delivery rider community portrayed in the film reveals a complex social ecosystem. Veterans like Big Black maintain unofficial mentorship systems, helping newcomers navigate both physical routes and emotional challenges. The riders’ shared experiences create bonds that transcend age and background, forming a support network in their demanding work environment.

By the end, Gao’s transformation is complete but not in the way one might expect. Rather than returning to his former status, he finds new purpose and dignity in his changed circumstances. His story suggests that success isn’t always about maintaining social position but about maintaining one’s humanity and family bonds through life’s upheavals.

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