Just as Taiwan completed the Ten Major Construction Projects and was poised for a new era of comprehensive development, an unexpected blow struck. In 1979, the United States, Taiwan’s most important ally, officially established diplomatic relations with mainland China. The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and its people responded with strong protests, but rather than succumbing to despair, they redoubled their efforts—focusing on economic growth, strengthening national defense, rallying international allies, and striving for self-reliance to build a foundation for sustainable development and peaceful survival.
As life in Taiwan gradually regained stability, Ashan’s family received joyful news—Ashan and his wife welcomed a healthy baby boy, whose loud cries filled the house with happiness. The elders were overjoyed and hosted a full-month celebration, inviting close family and friends to share in this rare and precious moment of joy.
At the banquet, Ashan reunited with Dachuan, his childhood best friend. The two had been so busy with their respective careers that they hadn’t seen each other in a long time. After the gathering, they found a quiet place to sit down and talk. Through their conversation, Ashan realized that Taiwan’s political landscape was undergoing a major shift.
For years, Taiwan had been under one-party rule, which had sparked dissatisfaction among those who felt excluded from the political process. In response, a group of like-minded individuals formed the "Dangwai" (outside-the-party) movement, advocating for political reform and greater democratic participation. Dachuan was an active member of this movement.
Ashan, who had dedicated his career to Taiwan’s physical development, struggled to understand why Dachuan chose to stand in opposition to the government rather than contribute to Taiwan’s progress in a tangible way. To this, Dachuan simply replied, "You understand engineering, but you don’t understand politics. There’s no point in arguing. Just pay attention to Taiwan’s future political direction—we’ll talk another time."
As they parted ways, Ashan grabbed Dachuan’s hand and spoke earnestly:
"I’ve endured hardship since childhood, but coming to Taiwan finally gave me a happy life. I am deeply grateful for everything I have today. Though we may not share the same beliefs, you will always be my best friend."
Hearing this, Dachuan’s eyes welled with emotion. He responded, "Ashan, rest assured—you will always be my best friend, too."
正當台灣在完成十大建設，眼看將邁入一個嶄新全面發展的時代，沒想到一直是台灣最重要的盟友美國，卻在一九七九年與大陸的中國正式建立外交關係。當時在台灣堅強的中華民國政府及人民，除了對美國提出強烈的抗議外，更是全力投入經濟發展，加強國防建設，爭取國際友人支持，更努力自力更生以建立永續發展及和平生存的基石。
在台灣的生活經此重擊而漸趨平靜之時，阿三家帶來了好消息，阿三小倆口喜獲麟兒，是個健康的寶貝，哭聲響亮，老人們都欣喜異常，高興的為寶貝辦了滿月酒，邀請至親好友來分享這個難得的喜悅。
阿三與大川這兩位自小就是好朋友，卻因各自忙於事業，都好久沒有碰面了。這次阿三與大川在酒席後，找個地方促膝長談。在與大川的聊天中，阿三才驚覺台灣的政治環境，也起了重大的變化。
由於台灣多年都是一黨獨大，相對的也引起黨外人士的不滿。他們覺得沒有公平參政的舞台，所以結合了相同理念的人士，形成一個「黨外」團體，大川也是其中的活躍份子。阿三覺得自己一直都是為了台灣做出實體的貢獻，實在不明瞭為何大川卻是因理念不同，不但沒有對建設台灣做出實質的貢獻，反而是站在與政府對立的立場。大川說阿三只懂工程、不懂政治，多談無益。要阿三多注意台灣未來政治發展的方向，改日再說。
臨別前，阿三拉住大川，認真對他說：「我自幼歷經苦難。到了台灣之後，才過到快樂的生活。對於現在擁有的一切，都充滿感恩的心情。雖然我們的理念不全相同， 但你仍是我一生最好的朋友！」大川聽了眼也紅了說「阿三請你放心，我也會一生認你這位好朋友。」
