A World Without Thieves

A naive village boy carrying five years of savings boards a train bound inland from Tibet to return home and marry. He loudly proclaims his earnings in a crowded street, attracting attention from potential thieves. The opening moments set up the risk that his money could be stolen on the journey.

Wang Bo and Wang Li, lovers and skilled thieves, observe Sha Gen's money and scheme to take it. Wang Bo sees this as a final job to end their career, while Wang Li, pregnant with their child, is moved by Sha Gen's innocence and chooses to protect him. The tension between the would-be criminals and the innocent money becomes a central theme on board.

A small gang led by Uncle Li boards the train and is introduced to the unfolding theft plan. He instructs his followers to stay off any job on the train, creating a rule that will be tested as events unfold. The on-board atmosphere tightens as Sha Gen's money becomes the focal point.

Some members disobey Uncle Li's directive and attempt a robbery. They are quickly exposed to Wang Bo, who intercedes and robs the would-be robbers instead. This exchange reveals Wang Bo's skill to Uncle Li and raises the stakes for Sha Gen's money.

Impressed by the display of talent, Uncle Li considers recruiting Wang Bo into his gang. The idea of adding a capable thief to his roster excites the gang leader and raises the stakes for Sha Gen's money on board.

Wang Bo declines Uncle Li's recruitment, choosing to protect Sha Gen's money and keep the confrontation with the gang at arm's length. The two sides drift toward a direct clash, while Sha Gen remains unaware of the danger around him.

A plainclothes detective quietly observes the escalating standoff aboard the train, waiting for an opening to intervene. His presence suggests law enforcement is closing in on the thieves as the money becomes ever more valuable. The tension on board grows toward a breaking point.

As authorities close in, Uncle Li makes a last bid to seize Sha Gen's money. Wang Bo intercedes and fights to defend the boy, then retrieves the cash and returns it. He is seriously injured in the struggle.

The injuries from the confrontation prove fatal for Wang Bo. His death marks a tragic turn in the pursuit of Sha Gen's wealth and the consequences of the thieves' choices.

The train pulls into a station and Uncle Li's gang is apprehended by authorities. The criminals are detained as the investigation closes in and the threat to Sha Gen's money dissolves.

The detective lets Wang Li go on compassionate grounds due to her pregnancy. She is free to return to Tibet with a sense of relief and the memory of the events on board. The outcome underscores the human cost of the pursuit.

Sometime later, Wang Li returns to Tibet and prays to the heavens in penance for the losses and choices she and the others endured. The closing moment hints at resilience and a quiet homecoming.