Zhi-jian.
I also wanted to get married!
But it's always too late. No one wants me.
You're just like the airport, waiting for the pilots to return.
-How did this happen? -I don't know, sir.
They said a family is moving
into the captain's house the day after tomorrow.
Look at Wei-cheng now. How can he fly an airplane?
BASED ON PAI HSIEN-YUNG'S WORK A GREAT LITERARY FIGURE OF TAIWAN
I was a sergeant in an engineering company
-in Kaohsiung. -These are the meeting minutes.
Chief, I need to take my medication.
My health is getting worse.
Qian-yi takes care of the household now.
It must be tough for her.
Chief, since you're busy, I shall not disturb you.
Qian-yi and I will find a time to visit you again.
Chief.
I heard that the Air Force School is hiring retired pilots as instructors.
Could you please help the lieutenant colonel get the job?
The position was for your classmate
who used to be the 9th Wing's lieutenant colonel.
He stepped down too.
-Wei-cheng. -Yes, sir.
I need to have a word with Zhi-jian. Could you give us a minute?
Okay.
Don't worry.
As for the job, I'll think of other ways.
-Thank you, sir. -Okay.
Your classmate just went through an operation.
He cannot fly anymore.
He's gone.
Please help me deliver this to his house.
You're on good terms with the 9th Wing.
You should pay him a last visit and send him off.
He was fine two days ago at the meeting.
Why...
A few days ago, the 9th Wing's lieutenant colonel and the vice-captain
flew into Shanghai for a scouting mission.
The moment they flew in, they were shot down.
There was no time for them to react.
The higher-ups wanted to send more men to investigate what was going on.
I thought Wei-cheng would still be capable to fight in battles
so I told the higher-ups to send both of you.
I had no idea. Who would have thought it?
He's not even capable of guard duty.
Why didn't you say clearly on the phone?
Call the 5th Wing's lieutenant colonel in.
The recon plan says that it's the 11th Wing's mission.
Why? Are there too many empty beds available at Air Force Hospital?
Are there many empty beds in the freezer?
The 11th Wing is unable to make it. Change it to the 5th Wing.
That is the 11th Wing's mission.
I would like to ask you for a favor.
Please help him get a job.
Enough with the chit chat. It's time for dinner.
Uncle Jiang has returned to the 11th Wing.
Chief said that his achievements weren't enough to cancel out his mistakes.
He also abandoned his wing in the mainland.
So, they decided to place his name
in the commercial airline company first.
And they would transfer him to the 11th Wing as a maintenance sergeant.
so that his identity wouldn't be checked.
Uncle Jiang was happy with the arrangement.
He said he could receive the servicing reward.
That night,
Uncle Jiang looked normal and serious.
After dinner,
I finally realized that Jinmen kaoliang wine
was slightly spicier than Nanjing Osmanthus wine.
It was just like the days in Taiwan.
It won't have any use in the future.
Done.
When Uncle Jiang returned to the 11th Wing,
Lady Qin completed the occupant registration.
-Thank you. -Thank you.
Just like what Lady Qin always said,
things got better as days passed.
You can come over whenever you're free. Goodbye.
However, ever since we met her again,
I never heard her say that anymore.
Perhaps it was because when we were in Taiwan,
the base for the Three People's Principles
was only used for training,
and the war was over.
Mo-ting.
I can bring you to the airport in the future.
I am back in the Air Force again.
Lieutenant Colonel.
Gong and I can eat in the hangar in the future.
They serve healthier food for the pilots.
You have to be fit in order to repair the planes.
Stop what you're doing.
Attention.
Status Three.
Hey.
-Are you okay? -Greetings, Chief.
What is Status Three? I've already forgotten about it.
Wei-cheng used to trick you in the past.
It's your turn now.
That's good.
You tricked him, so I tricked you.
When Wei-cheng threw the food plates last time,
no one in the wing dared to eat.
Now when he dropped the plate,
no one cares.
Next time, don't let him eat in the pilot dining room.
In a little while, assemble the squadron leaders.
Yes, sir.
Sir, Oriole and Sparrow gave up on the scouting mission.
Request for more support.
Sparrow! Your six o'clock...
Code 1000.
Behind you!
The Oriole has fallen. They are too fast...
That's 9th Wing lieutenant's last words
to the vice-captain when they entered Shanghai.
The 9th Wing lieutenant said on the radio,
that behind them,
-there seems to be... -A swept wing aircraft.
A jet plane.
Zhi-jian.
This is the last chance.
I can find the 5th Wing.
I don't want to listen to your last words on the radio.
The 11th Wing will take it.
That's good.
Drill code name is Dingyuan Drill.
I want you guys to find out
if MiG15's are based in Shanghai.
Two planes will fly in first. The rest should be prepared to support.
Zhi-jian, you're the leader. Who are the wingmen?
Brilliant!
The Air Force is not afraid to pay bereavement.
They're only afraid that pilots won't allow their wives to receive it!
After the mission is completed,
Lieutenant Colonel will be promoted to Colonel.
Leader of the wingmen will be sent to the States for training as merit.
Zhi-jian, pick your men.
Warm up completed.
Don't push the accelerator. Stop the engine. Stop!
Gong.
Are you trying to kill us?
No, sir.
I will improve next time.
Next time?
Next time, the 5th Wing will listen to my recording.
Sir.
I failed to secure the oil line.
You're putting the blame on your own men?
-Do it again. -All right.
Everyone, get into position.
Lieutenant Colonel.
Take a break. Let them practice.
Sir, please give me a chance.
I'll definitely keep up with the pace.
There's no need. You've done enough.
-Help him out. -Yes, sir.
Be careful. Make sure it's stable.
-Lieutenant Colonel. -Lieutenant Colonel.
I'll eat in the hangar next time.
Also, please stop calling me Lieutenant Colonel.
Lieutenant Colonel, let me go to Shanghai with you.
Don't look for the 2nd Squadron Leader.
I'm not just fooling around here.
I need someone who obeys the rules and follow orders.
When did we become the Army?
Our former lieutenant colonel said the same thing.
So did our former 1st Squadron Leader, Zhen Guo.
Even the former lieutenant colonel would follow orders.
But is there a meaning to his life?
As a lieutenant colonel,
he watched his teammates die one by one.
Who are we to question the meaning of his life?
The old hero
allowed the rest of the team to go into battle.
Is that meaningless to you?
The new teacher is late.
This class used to be Ms. Ying Wang's class.
There are more girls than guys. They're mischievous.
Go ahead and teach them.
By the way, Lady Zhou said
that Ms. Qin is a top scholar from Huanan Normal University.
Welcome.
Tomorrow, you just need to bring your certificate to register.
You'll get your pay next month.
Sir.
I didn't graduate.
So, I don't have a certificate.
I believe Wei-xun remembered it wrong.
Then...
Then you should familiarize yourself with the teaching materials first.
You can teach a few days later.
I shouldn't go home during working hours.
Maybe I should read up on the materials in the teacher's office.
The seats at the office are all taken.
You joined us on such a short notice.
Monitor, it's study hall today. The teacher is leaving.
Thank you and goodbye.
Lady Zhou said that you used to teach in Nanjing.
The school was too far away from the airport
and I was unable to hear the landings, so I quit.
It seems like Wei-xun forgot to tell you all about it.
Does your husband work at the airport now?
He used to be the lieutenant colonel in the Air Force.
These days, it's normal to tell lies to survive.
I promised to let you teach Ms. Wang's class.
Don't worry.
I thought you always accompany Lieutenant Colonel for evening patrol?
-It's changed. It was his decision. -What?
Shouldn't you follow the schedule? Does he call all the shots?
Lady Zhou, I'm about to take off with the 3rd and 4th Squadron now.
The evening patrol needs the whole...
Lady Zhou, I knew something was wrong when I saw it.
I only have a son. He's engaged. He's not married yet.
If there's an ongoing mission,
ask Lieutenant Colonel to pick other pilots instead.
Yes, I don't want a big house nor do I wish to go to the States.
I just want to be safe and get married into the New Society Club.
You are worried about your squadron leader.
I'm also worried about my husband.
Your son is not dependable anyway.
I'll only feel at ease if Zhao-jun is with him.
But switching gears is not that easy. The lieutenant colonel is very stubborn.
I'll try to talk to their former lieutenant colonel. Don't panic.
Lady Zhou wants you to go with the lieutenant colonel.
He scolded me just now.
He said he wants to be like you. He wants others to go to the battlefield.
What do you think? You're the former lieutenant colonel.
Should I join
this mission?
Sir, I'm not the lieutenant colonel.
The 2nd Squadron Leader's mom asked Lady Zhou to make some changes.
I'm just giving the message.
Maintenance Sergeant.
The oil pressure gauge is damaged.
How did you feel watching your teammates die one by one?
Lieutenant Colonel was your only friend.
Tell me, how was it?
People who are away from the battlefield can see a clearer picture.
Maintenance Sergeant.
Sir, the oil pressure gauge is damaged.
I need to get a new one from Sergeant Gong and install it.
It's not damaged. It's just old.
You just need to adjust it. I'll give you an answer.
Zhen Guo!
Zhen Guo, are you okay? Please reply!
Zhen, are you okay?
Zhen, get out of there!
Get out of there!
The 11th Wing is gone!
When things become old,
you need to replace them.
Zhi-jian
is the only one left in the 11th Wing.
He belongs to my old wing.
Zhao-jun.
Go with him.
Watch out for him.
Please.
Lieutenant Colonel.
I'll complete the mission.
Zhang.
-Sir. -I'll switch with you.
I'll be Lieutenant Colonel's wingman.
Next time, I'll leave it to these juniors.
I'm same as you. I'm wearing the pilot's jacket as well.
I have the right to go on this mission.
Zhang, you're getting married soon.
Don't make your fiancée worried.
I'll be back in one piece.
You are the wingman. You're able to come back safely.
Then what about the leader?
The lieutenant colonel has said it before.
If anything goes wrong, I'll return and you guys can take over.
The wingman must follow the leader and cover him.
-If you fly back, what about the leader? -He is my leader.
I'll do what he says.
-What if someone screws up the mission? -If you're afraid, then don't go.
As a senior, I am commanding you
to quit this mission.
Reporting.
I can't do that.
1st Squadron, 3rd Squadron. Report at the runway.
Take off in one minute's time.
You guys should know how to take care of yourselves.
Sir.
I still need to fly in the afternoon.
Drain the fuel out and fill with a fresh supply.
Yes, sir.
-Try starting the engine again. -Yes, sir.
Report. I can't start the engine. The air cylinder is burned out.
As a squadron leader, don't you even know how to inspect?
Of all times, why choose now to give me trouble?
Sir.
The temperature gauge is already at its limit,
but the air pressure appears to be normal.
That means there's something wrong with the oil pressure.
It didn't go through the engine.
Why did you use a defective oil pressure gauge?
What?
Sir.
The 2nd squadron leader kept rushing me,
so I just took one from the shelves to replace it.
Sir.
Let me use your airplane.
An airplane is like a wife.
You lend me your wife and I'll lend you my plane.
You have an important mission, yet you want to fly other airplanes.
Do you want to get into trouble?
Sergeant Gong failed to supervise and guide.
-Officer in charge! -Yes, sir!
-Lock up Sergeant Gong in the guardhouse. -Yes, sir!
Lieutenant Colonel, let me be your wingman.
I've asked the former lieutenant colonel. He said you've chosen the wrong wingman.
You failed to watch over your airplane.
You got the nerve to blame others?
I won't address you as Lieutenant Colonel.
Sir.
Please don't participate in the operation of the wing.
Don't touch the airplanes any longer, sir.
If you want,
you can work in an office
and do paperwork.
I'm begging you, sir.
If we're unable to escape, the wingman will distract the enemies.
-The leader flies back... -The leader distracts the enemies!
The wingman has to notify the squadron to cover the leader!
Again!
Sir, I can't memorize it.
Why can't I distract them while you fly back to notify the squadron?
I'm changing the wingman.
The mechanics are against me, you are also against me.
Great. You should be locked up with Gong.
Then you will be transferred out of the 11th Wing.
When?
Now.
Are you still trying to look cool now?
Are you?
It has been days.
I have to keep repeating myself all the time!
You're not tired. I am!
Sir, you have a family.
And I'm not married.
If anything happens to me, that's no loss to anyone.
But if anything happens to you, who's going to take care of your wife?
Who dares to? She's hot-tempered.
She's just being honest.
After a while, she'll be fine.
I have a wife and a daughter.
If anything happens, someone would still be there to offer prayers.
Someone will remember me.
How about you?
If anything happens to you, who is going to offer a prayer for you?
Even the newspaper wouldn't cover it.
After ten years, who's going to remember you as a pilot?
Captain led the pilots out,
but he abandoned them and returned.
That's what the captain did.
I can't do it.
He didn't want you to go through the same thing.
That oil pressure gauge was actually mine,
but it went to the 2nd squadron leader's airplane.
The former lieutenant colonel did it on purpose.
He wants me to go with you. To watch over you.
He said you're the last man in the old 11th Wing.
Lieutenant Colonel.
If it's really a jet fighter, it'd be pointless for you to distract it.
It'll get me, then go after you. Their speed is capable of that.
Let's turn around and surrender.
That will panic them. They will have no idea what to do.
By the time they make a decision,
the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Squadrons will have arrived.
They will be dead by then.
If we can come back safely this time,
you should get married and start a family.
Stop wandering around without a goal.
I don't want Lady Zhou to introduce a girl to me.
The girls Lady Zhou introduces are not pretty.
They all have a temper.
Yes.
Hello, Chief.
Are there any issues with the practice?
We're changing the wingman. 1st Squadron Leader, Zhao-jun.
Can the mission be executed?
No problem.
Dingyuan Drill begins tomorrow at 0500 hours.
Yes, sir.
Tomorrow, the Women Association will have a meeting.
They want to give free housing and register the household.
Let's write your name for the household.
You've been through a lot all these years.
You deserve a house.
It's all in here.
Remember to bring them back after the meeting.
They are useful for important matters.
Thank you
for giving me a home
and a daughter.
Can I come in?
This is my examination result for this month.
You still need to improve on math.
Your mom is not in a good mood.
It's better that you keep this.
There's a bankbook too.
I've looked at it. It should be enough for your university fees.
I still want to do postgraduate studies.
Let's talk about it then. I'll be back anyway.
Here.
Take care of it.
I'm leaving.
Father.
It's almost morning.
You don't have to send me off.
I'm going to the airport.
You don't need to send me off.
Father, please be safe.
Do you need anything?
If you need any help, give me a call.
If anything happens, I'll come over to your place.
Clear the runway. 417, 513, stand by for take off.
Lieutenant Colonel.
Please come back safely!
Sergeant Gong, I've no one to send me off.
Once you're back, you can get as many wives as you want.
They don't want me. I just want you.
We should grab a drink when I get back! We'll get drunk!
I'll tell you what that jet aircraft looks like.
Sergeant Gong, did you hear me? Sergeant Gong!
The runway is clear. 417, 513 move out.
Salute!
End of salute.
Retract the landing gear.
Enter the cruising altitude.
Maintain team formation.
Take note of the movement of the leader's plane.
Lieutenant Colonel wants you in his office.
But he is not around.
Only on-duty officers and Sergeant Gong can enter the room.
Lieutenant Colonel wants you to tidy up his office.
Right.
TO WEI-CHENG JIANG FOREVER LIEUTENANT COLONEL
This fellow...
Zhi-jian.
You must come back safely.
You must get promoted to colonel and sit back at a desk.
If a new lieutenant colonel punishes me,
I'll tell him...
That Colonel Shao at the headquarters is my former vice-captain.
Finally, someone from the 11th Wing is going to become a colonel.
Sir.
I saw you teaching just now.
You seem
to be unfamiliar with phonetic symbols.
I used to learn Roche phonetic symbols.
That's a very long time ago.
It has changed to International Phonetic Alphabet ages ago.
I see.
Things have changed quickly.
Taiwan Normal University already has the first batch of graduates.
An English major student has been sent to our school.
They are properly trained teachers.
You...
You can only teach for one more semester.
However, there's a qualification examination for teachers.
You should give it a try.
If you pass, you'll be a teacher.
No one would care about your past qualifications.
Okay?
-Ms. Wang. -Sir.
Take over Ms. Qin's English class.
Sure.
Maybe I can go in as a student and learn the phonetic symbols.
I could also help keep order in class.
Lady Zhou just called.
She wants you to come back and play mahjong with the ladies.
You should go.
You can't help with anything here anyway.
Three Pings.
I won. Same colors.
Take it back.
If I didn't ask Zhao-jun to replace your husband,
you would be crying at home now.
How dare you win using my tile!
Qian-yi, did the principal give you a hard time?
He thought I was a university graduate.
You finished your three years of education.
Although you don't have the certificate, I think of you as a graduate.
Teachers shouldn't lie.
Those pilots have lied to us all this while.
Can't we just lie to make ourselves feel better?
Fa Cai.
Have you checked Gong's telephone?
Hey.
Play mahjong. Don't bother.
Just like those days in Nanjing, when they're not around, we play mahjong.
Whose turn is it now?
When hardships are hard to bear
One may choose to escape to other land
When the children got separated Their parents were depressed
Even when they have no more teeth
They still can't forget the hatred
Day and night
They just think of returning To their homeland
What is that?
-What's on that paper? -Everyone is fighting for their homeland
-It's from my father. -Even if the enemy is being tyrannical...
After I changed my family name to Shao,
I started to forget about my real dad.
All I remember is that his name was Xu-hui Jin.
Now, when a parents meeting is held,
when I need to get my report card signed,
or when I want to skip school or take a day off,
I think of my stepdad, Zhi-jian.
The vice-captain of the 11th Wing
has unknowingly slipped my mind
and drawn further away from me.
Prepare the extinguisher and pump cart!
I can see Gong.
I'm finally heading home!
-Get the stretcher! Hurry! -All right!
The airport is on fire!
Zhao-jun!
-Zhao-jun! -Sir!
It's dangerous!
Zhao-jun!
Mr. Gong, it's dangerous!
Mr. Gong.
Zhen Guo!
Hurry and get out!
Get out of there!
Zhen Guo!
Lieutenant Colonel, come back!
No.
Don't leave me alone here!
Zhen.
Zhao-jun, cut the fuel line. Hurry and get out!
I haven't seen a jet aircraft before.
You said you'll tell me how a jet aircraft looks like.
-Get out, Zhao-jun! -The fire is getting bigger!
Mr. Gong, it's dangerous!
You should get down!
-It's dangerous, don't go over! -Zhao-jun!
Lieutenant Colonel!
-Zhen. -Lieutenant Colonel!
Your captain is here.
Don't be afraid.
Lieutenant Colonel!
Come on, hurry up!
Zhao-jun, get up!
Get up!
Zhen!
Hurry.
Back off! The plane is going to explode!
-Go! -Zhen.
Dongbei is cold. I know that. Don't be afraid, I'm here for you.
Zhen.
Zhen...
Zhen.
Zhen, I'm your captain. Wake up!
Sir.
I am Zhao-jun.
All right.
Where's Zhi-jian?
Where's your lieutenant colonel?
Answer me, where's your lieutenant colonel?
Wei-cheng.
Is Zhi-jian back?
Zhao-jun is back.
We'll have an air defense exercise.
Cover your ears and open your mouth to balance the pressure.
In the 24th year of The Republic of China, 2nd Lieutenant probation officer
was forced to land. He accidentally injured farmers and cattle.
It was reported as a minor mistake.
He was fined as a punishment and prohibited to take leave for 30 days.
Hey.
Isn't your father from the Air Force? I thought they were strong.
Why do we still have enemy airplanes? They always have air defense exercises.
Sometimes, they're so lame.
In the 26th year of The Republic of China,
The 1st Lieutenant shot down an enemy airplane.
In the same year, the squadron leader died in the mission.
The post was replaced.
In the 29th year of The Republic of China,
in the midst of war, he was promoted to battle instructor.
In the 33rd year of The Republic of China, the vice-captain died in the mission.
Concurrently, the vice-captain...
Is my father back?
He will be back.
Pack up your things and follow me.
Go home and wait with your mom.
Come.
I don't want to return to the village.
I need to attend the lesson.
I haven't received any news. You're not supposed to cry.
You cannot leave your mom alone at home.
I don't want to return to the village.
-Come. -I don't want to return to the village.
I don't want to wait for the hearse.
Hello, I'm looking for my husband the 2nd Squadron Leader? May I know...
Hello?
They hung up on me.
Look for Qian-yi.
Go look for Qian-yi!
Hello, please don't hang up.
I'm not looking for anyone.
I'm just checking if the line is working in case anything happens
and I need the connection so I could prevent any delay.
Everything is normal here. Please do not disturb the squadron.
I'm hanging up.
You should go home first. Stop calling.
They will inform you if anything happens.
Give it to me.
Mo-ting, go to your room.
Come.
Let's go.
Wei-cheng had to face this before.
In the end, he was rescued by a guerilla detachment.
He made me put on the makeup for seven days.
On the seventh day, he came back.
I wanted to exorcise him.
Go to Taipei.
Look for Zhao-jun in the Air Force Hospital. Only his words can be trusted.
Enough. Stop crying. It‘s unlucky.
Okay?
They're too fast. They're on our tail.
Where's lieutenant colonel? Have you found him? They...
You and your lieutenant colonel are not important.
I just want to ask you. Was it a jet aircraft?
Yes.
You guys tried to evade at low altitude. How are they at low altitude?
What caliber were their guns?
I am their lieutenant colonel's wife.
-Where's my husband? Tell me. -Chief.
Please move me to another room.
I don't want to meet Lady Zhou. I'm too ashamed to meet her.
Leave it to me.
-Let her in. -Yes, sir.
Zhi...
Where's Zhi-jian?
Zhao-jun wishes to speak to you before transferring out.
Zhao-jun...
Where on earth is your lieutenant colonel?
Where is he?
Zhao-jun.
I don't blame you.
No matter what happened,
I want to thank you
for accompanying Zhi-jian.
What are you hiding from me?
Can you just tell me what happened?
When Lieutenant Colonel and I entered Shanghai,
their jet aircraft flew up in the air.
We turned around immediately, but they were too fast.
In less than a minute, they were right behind us.
I was shot.
Lieutenant Colonel turned around to fight them.
I came back to tell the squadron to cover the captain.
Then the radio...
I couldn't hear Lieutenant Colonel's voice anymore.
No one from the Air Force was shot down.
Air Force lieutenant, Zhao-jun Gu, returns with glory.
The hero marries his lover. We'll shatter any opposition propaganda.
Are you his mistress?
All married men have girlfriends.
Everyone fools around to fulfill their needs.
Hurry!
Subtitle translation by Esther Neo