After failing at the entrance exams for a pedagogical college, Ivan Miroshnikov found a job of a messenger at an editorial office. Meeting new people makes our hero reevaluate his actions. Many are shocked by the young man’s behaviour. Many provoke his skepticism.

The very first day on the job he meets Professor Kuznetsov and his daughter, Katya. Unlike her father, the girl likes their new acquaintance. She realizes that Miroshnikov’s easygoing ways are no more than his striving to be liked, to attract attention. The young people begin dating. Yet, Ivan’s never-ending practical jokes create problems for Katya with her father. When Ivan comes to their home to apologize, she decides to break up with him…