Wang Bala is a designer at a photo studio (essentially a photo retoucher). Outwardly aloof but inwardly passionate, he loves to silently mock and complain in his mind. He possesses an extraordinary skill: he can see patterns and associations in any textured object, conjuring up scenes and stories from them. After breaking up with Mubei, he crashes at his friend Wang Xiaoning's place to nurse his heartache. Depressed, Bala spends his days drifting through dreams, fantasizing about happy illusions with his ex-girlfriend Mubei. Spurred on by Wang Xiaoning, he resolves to contact Mubei again. Will the anxious Bala wait for Mubei's arrival, and what mysterious identity does the ever-present Wang Xiaoning hold?