A student intern, Dmitry Lopukhov, comes to the cable factory and quickly gains a reputation as a trustworthy guy. Soon he is appointed to the position of engineer to replace Shtokman, who has been accused of fraud. At the same time, Lopukhov befriends his former classmate, the son of the fired Stockman, and decides to achieve a "beautiful life" at any cost-one that is no worse than Stockman's. The news of his wife's pregnancy goes against his plans. He advises his wife to get rid of the child, but the offended Nina files for divorce. Lopukhov becomes entangled in his ties with Stockman, and under his influence, commits a crime.He is exposed. Nina, after graduating from the institute, returns to the factory and becomes a good specialist.