Forever Friends

Rumors that China might invade Taiwan increase tensions on both sides. Taiwan responds by strengthening its military posture and intensifying combat training. The looming threat sets the stage for young recruits like Luo Zhi-Jiang to enter service.

Luo Zhi-Jiang has failed the college entrance exam three times and cannot enter university. As a result, he is conscripted to serve his army term. He prepares to adjust to military life, far from his academic dreams.

As the army's DJ in his former unit, Luo accidentally plays the wrong song over the loudspeaker. For this, he is reassigned to the Special Squad, a unit full of misfits. His physical weakness makes the early training especially challenging.

Captain Li Wei-Han arrives as the newly appointed leader of the Special Squad. The unit is composed of misfits and rejects from other units. Fellow soldiers initially mistake him for a private due to his youth.

Private Li Ta-Wei reveals his past as a former triad member with a shoulder tattoo. He served two years in prison for a gang-related killing. His hot temper leads to clashes, including a fight with a taekwondo expert from another unit.

Private Zeng Zhi-Xiang is a fortune teller who can put curses on people and has two wives. He was transferred after trying to curry favor with his previous captain by giving lucky numbers, which didn't work. The captain's epileptic seizure becomes a point of suspicion, with others blaming hex or bad luck.

Zhi-Jiang's clumsiness during training leads Captain Li to scold him for inadequate training. The Special Squad is mocked and labeled the Cheerleading Squad by higher-ups and by the other squads. The reputation weighs on the unit as they train.

During a visit, the colonel asks about the soldiers' feelings toward the army. Zhi-Jiang speaks honestly but is scolded for crying about the squad and their captain's kindness. A soldier from another squad speaks up about army life, prompting the colonel to urge truthfulness and to issue a form for voluntary enlistment.

In a mock war exercise, Luo, Li, Zeng, and Wei are tasked with distributing water to their troops. They encounter rival team vehicles and refuse to surrender, signaling they will fight to the death with bayonets. The four push on, determined to win through resolve rather than surrender.

After the initial skirmish, the four go into town and visit Zhi-Xiang's home; he stays overnight with his wives. Meanwhile the others visit Ta-Wei's mother. The outing highlights the squad's unusual camaraderie and personal ties.

The next morning, on the way back to the base, they encounter the top officers from the rival team and the official judge. Since the officers are unprepared for combat, the four tie them up and bring them back to camp as hostages, securing a surprising victory for their team.

Encouraged by the team’s behavior, the captain signs them up to sing military training songs in a competition. They practice until they go hoarse, but their dedication pays off and they win the Most Improved award.