Overview
In 1983 Beijing, Shu Xiaocun bonds with homing pigeons "Marathon" and "Cinderella" through Yunzi, their owner. Enlisting as a signal soldier, he deploys the pigeons to relay orders at a remote outpost. After sacrificing himself to save a comrade, his red-star badge is sent via pigeon to Yunzi—sealing their unspoken camaraderie beyond life and duty.
| Actor | Age then | Age now | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 18 | 59 | |
 | 32 | 74 | |
 | 20 | 61 | |
 | 24 | 65 | |
 | - | - |