Set in a remote and bleak border post during the 1970s cold war between China and Russia, this is a study of boredom and a gradual thawing of relations between opposing guards which leads to a bizarre border incident.

The United Nations Narcotics Control Organization and the Chinese and Burmese police jointly combat a drug trafficking organization headed by the Saka Group, which is attempting to sell drugs to the world through China.

In his old age, Cao Cao assesses his former military tactics, love, and relationship with his son.