The Steps was a contemporary Chinese story about an ordinary person who achieved a reversal in his life through continuous efforts to climb the steps. The story took place in China in the 1980s. The protagonist was a young man named Chen Sheng. He was born in an ordinary family. His father died early and his mother raised him alone. Chen Sheng's performance in school was average. After graduation, he could not find a job and could only work in a factory. However, he discovered his talent in his work and began to study hard to improve his ability. In the factory, Chen Sheng met an old worker who told Chen Sheng that if he wanted to stand out in society, he had to constantly learn and improve his skills. Chen Sheng began to self-study computer science, English, and other knowledge. He also participated in some technical training and gradually embarked on a technical position. Chen Sheng encountered some difficulties in his work, but he did not give up. Instead, he continued to overcome the difficulties and improve his ability. His outstanding performance in his work was recognized and appreciated by the leaders, and he gradually stepped onto the leadership position. After becoming a leader, Chen Sheng realized that a leader could not be competent just by relying on ability and experience. He also needed a higher vision and structure. He began to study politics and economics, understand social development trends and national policies, and constantly improve his political and economic literacy. Through continuous efforts, Chen Sheng achieved a reversal in his life and became a successful entrepreneur and politician. The novel took Chen Sheng's story as the main line and described the process of him climbing the ladder to show the changes in society and the infinite possibilities of life since China's reform and opening up.