Chapter 1

Geojedo is the second-largest island of the Republic of Korea, with an area of 383.44 square kilometers. To the north of Geojedo is the Jinhae Bay, to the south is the Korea Strait, and to the east is the East Sea. The island has a mild climate and is spring-like all year round, surrounded by 52 uninhabited islets and 10 inhabited islands. The population is around 100,000. Geojedo features attractions such as the Oedo Marine Garden, Haegeumgang, 62 large and small islets, over 10 beaches, and historical sites like the POW Camp Site Park and the Yeoju Victory Memorial Park. Among these, the Oedo Marine Garden and Haegeumgang are the most famous. The Black Pebble Beach is renowned for the pleasant sound of water sliding over the smooth, black pebbles. Under the blue sky and clear sea, it is a scene of pristine natural beauty! In the past, the only way to reach Geojedo was by boat, but since 2007, the New Geojedo Bridge has connected the island to Tongyeong City, and the Geojagyo Bridge has connected it to Busan City, greatly improving transportation. Geojedo has several excellent ports, and shipbuilding is the island's main industry. The second and third-largest shipyards in Korea, Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering and Samsung Heavy Industries, are both located on Geojedo.

Such an important and charming island naturally has a military presence of the Republic of Korea. The most arduous and solitary duty is guarding the surrounding uninhabited islets. Among the 52 uninhabited islets, 12 require a guard, with a squad of 7 soldiers stationed on each. Supplies are delivered once a week, and the squad is rotated every three months. Therefore, every soldier who is rotated off the island is often quite miserable, and it is common for soldiers to suffer from the monotonous life on the island, with the most severe cases resulting in suicide, such as jumping into the sea. When the body of a suicidal soldier was found, a suicide note was discovered on him, which read, "The island is too lonely, with nothing but rocks and seawater." He did not last the three months and could not bear it, going out to use the restroom at night and never returning. However, there is a legend among the island troops about a second-class private who, after completing his basic training, volunteered to guard an uninhabited islet. After each rotation, he would follow the supply boat back to the islet and continue to serve with the next squad. After a year, he became the squad leader of the 5th islet and remained stationed there. If it were not for his retirement, he would probably never have left the islet. The protagonist of this legend is now officially retired, and his name is Private First Class Lee Jong.

Lee Jong, a Private First Class, stands 180 cm tall, weighs 75 kg, has short hair, thick eyebrows, large eyes, a high nose, and thick lips. His large ears are quite amusing. His skin is not dark but smooth, and his facial features are soft, though not particularly handsome, he exudes a strong and spirited presence. His build is well-proportioned, not overly muscular but solid. Therefore, anyone who underestimates Lee Jong usually ends up being thrown into the sea...

"Private First Class, Lee Jong." "Here!" "As of today, you are honorably discharged and transferred to the reserve. If the nation needs you, you will be called to continue serving the Republic of Korea." "Yes, sir!"

"First Class Private, Kim Yang-wook." "Here!" "As of today, you are honorably discharged and transferred to the reserve. If the nation needs you, you will be called to continue serving the Republic of Korea." "Yes, sir!"

"First Class Private, Park Tae-young." "Here!" "As of today, you are honorably discharged and transferred to the reserve. If the nation needs you, you will be called to continue serving the Republic of Korea." "Yes, sir!"

"Private First Class, Choi Hyun-woo." "Here!" "As of today, you are honorably discharged and transferred to the reserve. If the nation needs you, you will be called to continue serving the Republic of Korea." "Yes, sir!"

"First Class Private, Kim Yi-jae." "Here!" "As of today, you are honorably discharged and transferred to the reserve. If the nation needs you, you will be called to continue serving the Republic of Korea." "Yes, sir!"

...

...

At the headquarters of the island troops, there is a grand ceremony for soldiers retiring from guarding the uninhabited islets, perhaps as a form of compensation for their arduous service...

"Brother Lee Jong, Brother Lee Jong," a small, thin figure ran up to Lee Jong.

"Ah, what's up? You're already retired, and you're still trying to stick with me?" Lee Jong joked, looking at the small figure.

Kim Yang-wook scratched his head and said to Lee Jong, "Brother Lee Jong, thank you for taking care of me these past six months. My home is in Seoul. When you go back to Seoul, please contact me. I will definitely help you if I can."

Lee Jong found it amusing to look at this junior. Kim Yang-wook was one of the soldiers Lee Jong had guarded with on the uninhabited islet. He was initially enthusiastic about coming to the island but could not handle it after a month. If not for Lee Jong's encouragement and advice, he might have been the second to commit suicide...

"I know, top student from Seoul University," Lee Jong said with a smile.

"See you, Brother Lee Jong," Kim Yang-wook said without further ado, turning and leaving. Lee Jong watched him, sighing slightly. Kim Yang-wook had a story of his own. He had always been a model student, top of his class in elementary and middle school, and at 17, he entered Seoul University's finance department with the 7th highest score in the national exam. Everyone thought he would continue to pursue higher education, a master's or a Ph.D., and either study abroad or join a large corporation to enjoy the benefits of his high education. However, in his sophomore year, Kim Yang-wook suddenly decided to serve in the military, and he chose Geojedo, far from Seoul. It had been over two years, and he wondered if things would be different when he returned to school. As he thought about it, Lee Jong suddenly smiled bitterly. He had not yet figured out his own situation, yet he was worrying about others' affairs.

It was already the seventh day since Lee Jong's retirement. On the day of his retirement, Lee Jong did not leave with his fellow veterans but stayed on Geojedo for a week, claiming he wanted to see the island. During this week, Lee Jong visited the Oedo Marine Garden, the beach, the POW Camp Site Park, and all the places on Geojedo. Before leaving, he returned to the front of the island troops' headquarters. From May 2005 to July 2007, his 26-month military service had come to an end. Lee Jong looked back at the gate of the island troops' headquarters, sighing inwardly. He had to face what he had to face. He had fled in the past, but could he escape forever? Since he had avoided it for so long, it was time to resolve it...

In Geojedo City, Lee Jong found a public phone and dialed a number he had not called in over two years. After three rings, a familiar female voice came through, "Hello?"

"Yin Yue, I'm retired. Meet me at the usual place tomorrow and bring the key to my apartment."

"Is this Lee Jong? You're back? Where are you now?" The woman, Yin Yue, asked a series of questions.

"Yin Yue, you're still as impatient. I just retired and can only return to Seoul tomorrow. You'll see me then. Bye!" Lee Jong hung up before Yin Yue could say more. He smiled bitterly, thinking that he had been too hasty in his decision, leaving many things unattended. He had only finished the most important tasks and left the rest to Yin Yue, even putting a letter in her mailbox with the tasks and the key to his apartment... She probably wouldn't be happy with him.

After hanging up, Lee Jong entered an internet cafe. Most people inside were playing games he did not recognize. He requested a computer and, feeling a bit unfamiliar, opened his homepage on Naver. He saw his blog, last updated 26 months ago, with comments from friends and some insults from others. However, Lee Jong did not care about these. He simply wrote a few words on his blog.

"I'm back!"

This day was July 3, 2007.

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