Xiao Hua, a poor orphaned girl, has escaped from her abusive foster parents and finds herself starved and barely conscious in a village of strangers. Though the villagers feel sorry for her, only an infirm old man is willing to take her in and provide for her care. The uneducated old man works hard, so he could afford sending Xiao Hua to school. He is barely able to supply his own needs, and so must endure the constant bitterness and betrayal from his son (Baozhu) and daughter-in-law (Jasmine), both now grown and trying unsuccessfully to start a family of their own. Xiao Hua tries desperately to fill this void for them, but her innocence is rejected and hurt repeatedly by Jasmine’s selfishness.

The old man’s only wish is to provide Xiao Hua a home and a bright future; he will do anything he could to deliver his promises. While the villagers and his son don’t understand what he could possibly expect from the found orphan, the old man’s kindness melt down all the boundaries and give Boauzhu and Jasmine a profound family. This poignant story of selfless love is study in patience and humility, with a stirring conclusion when the daughter-in-law must face her own intolerance and ingratitude when the truth about her husband finally is revealed.

Adapted from a true story by Wulan Tana, Warm Spring is drawn from the real lives led by many poor Chinese, illustrating the kindness and suffering endured for the sake of love by these simple folk.