Da Mi's modern romance novel, 'The Houses in the Narrow Alley,' chronicles the lives of three families living in the worker's dormitory of a textile factory in Suzhou. The era's sweeping reforms profoundly impact their daily existence, particularly affecting Zhuang Tunan, the eldest son of the Zhuang family, and Zhuang Xiaoting, their second daughter. As they navigate the national work assignment system and strive to forge their own paths, both siblings confront unique and challenging circumstances. Simultaneously, Xiang Pengfei, the Zhuang family's grandson, returns alone to Suzhou for his studies, only to encounter a series of personal setbacks. This poignant tale explores the intertwined destinies of ordinary people amidst societal change, love, and the pursuit of individual dreams.