After trying to tidy up the courtyard, Grandma insists that Xiaoma turn over her share of the profits.

At the same time the older woman becomes increasingly interested in Xiaoma's personal (and romantic) life.

The film's story is based in part on director Ma Liwen's own experiences upon moving from Jiangxi to Beijing in the 1990s.

Like the protagonist, Ma also moved into an old siheyuan style apartment owned by an elderly woman.

[2]The two main leads, Gong Zhe as the young woman and Jin Yaqin as Grandma, were both first-time film actresses.

Gong, a photography student, was cast in the lead role after literally being "discovered" by the director outside the cafeteria at the China Central University of Fine Arts.