A young engineer named Zotov has been appointed head of the 406th picket line at the construction of a railway line in the taiga. The construction workers huddled in a smoky, dark dugout did not welcome the new foreman very cordially: not everyone can do hard work and household disorder. But the day came when the builders occupied the house they had built themselves, and Zotov had a double holiday — the bride arrived. And again it's weekdays, and again the cold barracks is full — a new batch of builders has arrived.
Summer of 1960. A detachment of exploration geologists is working in the steppe region, and among them is Alyoshka, a guy who, before entering the geological exploration institute, decided to walk with geologists. Unskillful and messy in everyday life, he becomes the object of their jokes and practical jokes, which are not always harmless. However, his persistent character, his timid and pure love for the switchwoman Zinka, who lives with her grandfather on a crossing lost in the steppe, makes the guys from the squad take a different look at this inconspicuous guy and at his relationship with each other.