Hello Vet! How are you?

“A proposal?”

It wasn’t a request or consultation regarding Lucky, but rather a proposal?

Lee Joon’s expression clouded with doubt.

“I’m thinking of establishing an animal hospital, and I was wondering if you could be the head of it?”

Nam Gung-hyun, the CEO of Nam Gung Construction.

That was how it was written on the business card Lee Joon received.

But to suddenly propose the opening of an animal hospital?

And to someone who already knew that Lee Joon was the director of Woof Woof Animal Clinic.

Lee Joon’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Nam Gung-hyun.

Sensing the sudden shift in Lee Joon’s demeanor, Nam Gung-hyun hurriedly continued.

“Oh, I must have explained myself poorly. There’s actually a business I’ve been contemplating for some time now.”

“A business?”

“While taking care of our dog Banji, I’ve visited quite a number of animal clinics. Banji is getting old, so we’ve been to many small neighborhood clinic, a slightly larger animal hospital, and even a veterinary school-affiliated hospital.”

Nam Gung-hyun began to share unrelated stories instead of answering Lee Joon’s question.

However, Lee Joon thought it might relate to the question and nodded.

“I see.”

“Yes, perhaps because I was too protective, Banji really disliked being hospitalized. But we couldn’t avoid it.”

“It must have been difficult.”

“It was. I wished to stay by Banji’s side at all times but circumstances made it hard. And it’s not like Banji was the only one hospitalized; the doctors had other animals to treat too….”

“Understandably so.”

“But I found out that abroad, there are places equipped for the guardian and pet to stay together.”

“You must be talking about guardian-accompanied hospital rooms.”

“Oh, yes, that’s right.”

“These days, there are a few such facilities in our country too.”

“I’ve visited one once. But I want to create a space that’s a bit broader and more comfortable, and expand the rehabilitation facilities.”

“That would be great—having separate zones for small, medium, and large dogs in a rehabilitation center.”

Lee Joon replied.

“Are you reading my mind, director? How do you know so well?”

Lee Joon smiled at Nam Gung-hyun’s words.

Because that was the type of animal hospital Lee Joon wanted too.

Lee Joon revealed a bit more of his dream animal hospital.

“And help those who find it challenging to pay for treatment?”

“Perfect! That’s exactly it.”

Excitedly, Nam Gung-hyun continued.

“But it seems you need to be a veterinarian to open an animal clinic. So I am considering establishing one in the form of an investment, a clinic where emergency surgery is possible at any time, 24/7, and where professional care is provided.”

“You’d have to make it quite big then?”

“That’s the plan.”

“I’ll help as much as I can. But the General Affairs Manager will be much more helpful than me. They are running quite a large animal hospital.”

“Oh, no, that’s not….”

Realizing his intentions were misunderstood, Nam Gung-hyun stopped himself from correcting it.

He noticed the doctors were boarding the bus now.

‘I approached this too hastily.’

Such matters shouldn’t be discussed here in front of everyone but handled separately with a courteous request.

“I will stop by in a few days.”

“Yes, please do. We need to disinfect the surgical area today anyway, so bring Lucky over tomorrow or the day after when it’s convenient for you.”

Lee Joon turned his gaze to Lucky, who was nestled in Nam Gung-hyun’s arms.

“Lucky, get some rest.”

『…』

The hesitant look in Lucky’s eyes quivered slightly.

While Lucky liked Nam Gung-hyun, it wasn’t yet fully convinced.

‘Even if Lucky heard it wasn’t going to be abandoned, it wouldn’t be sure until Lucky experienced it.’

There was only so much Lee Joon could do regarding that matter.

The only resolution was for trust to build between Nam Gung-hyun and Lucky.

And that would indeed be settled soon.

To Lucky, Lee Joon had just one thing to say.

“It’ll be okay.”

***

Less than a full day had passed since returning from Namyangju when Lee Joon met with them again.

Nam Gung-hyun, holding Lucky tightly, had a very bright expression.

“I also came to see you, director, and to buy food for our Lucky.”

“You’re just in time. I was gathering up some sample feeds for Lucky.”

“Haha, were you?”

With a snuffle, Lucky wagged its head and quivered its tiny nose.

‘Wow, those wide-eyed sparkling eyes. Is this really the same pup that was trembling with its head hunched just yesterday?’

Seeing Lucky full of confidence, Lee Joon’s lips relaxed into a gentle smile.

“Lucky, have you eaten? How’s the house—do you like it? Is your new owner treating you well?”

These questions were wrapped up in one.

『Yes. Hehehe.』

As Lucky barked happily, a satisfied Nam Gung-hyun lovingly petted him.

His touch was filled with affection.

“It seems our Lucky is thrilled to meet the doctor.”

“A fondness for the animal clinic is quite a good thing indeed.”

“That’s a relief.”

Recalling how much Banji loathed visiting the animal hospital, Nam Gung-hyun nodded.

“I’ll go disinfect the surgical area from yesterday.”

“Aren’t you going to check the leg as well?”

“Just the surgery alone was probably quite stressful. Lucky also needs to adapt to the new environment, so it might be best to schedule such exams at a later time.”

“Ah, I see. Then please inform me when you deem it appropriate.”

“Sure. Please wait a moment.”

There was a curious glint in Nam Gung-hyun’s eyes as he watched Lee Joon take Lucky into the treatment room.

‘The more I see, the more impressed I become.’

A person who can understand the hearts of animals.

Nam Gung-hyun had always sought such a person.

Drawing his gaze away from the treatment room, Nam Gung-hyun looked at the photo frame hanging on the wall.

All the animals shown in the two frames were smiling pleasantly.

‘It would have been better had I known Director Lee Joon earlier. If so, Banji wouldn’t have feared the animal hospital as much.’

Yet, he wasn’t consumed by regrets alone.

“In the future, we’ll create an animal hospital that makes animals smile like these ones.”

Smiling at the bright future he envisioned while looking at the pictures, Nam Gung-hyun began formulating plans.

Shortly after, the treatment room door opened, and a small, cute puppy, Lucky, emerged.

Lucky’s tail curled up, bounced up and down as he looked up at Nam Gung-hyun.

“Lucky seems to acknowledge you as it’s rightful owner now.”

Lee Joon remarked as he stepped out of the treatment room.

“Does it now?”

“Indeed. You’ve completely won over Lucky’s heart in just one day.”

“That’s a good thing, right?”

“Of course. There are some pets that don’t open up even after three months of adoption.”

“Haha, I must be the ‘Lucky’ one then.”

“Both you and Lucky are fortunate. Such a good match isn’t easily found. Now, shall we choose Lucky’s food?”

Lee Joon placed several small bowls handed by Jang Sora on the floor.

Each bowl contained highly palatable kibble.

“Lucky, let’s see if there’s a kibble you like.”

With a sniff, Lucky wandered around, sniffing at the kibble.

Sometimes It’d even pop a piece in its mouth to chew.

Watching this, Nam Gung-hyun laughed.

“I was quite worried about stepping on Lucky. It’s so different from my large Banji that I find myself being overly cautious.”

“I’m sure you’ll adjust eventually.”

“Indeed. But it’s fascinating. I wondered how bringing such a small creature into the house could make a difference, yet the atmosphere at home completely shifted within a day. The house felt warm.”

“That’s wonderful.”

“I think so too. By the way, I wanted to continue the discussion from yesterday. Do you have a moment, director?”

“Yes, I do.”

“As I mentioned yesterday, I am planning to establish an animal hospital of a considerable size. A hospital equipped with guardian-accompanied hospital rooms and ample space for large dogs to rehabilitate.”

“Such a facility would be great.”

“I wish to have a hospital where all tests are possible at night and emergency surgeries can begin immediately.”

“You want to establish a medical center.”

“That’s right.”

“I believe you, as Lucky’s owner, will manage to create an excellent animal hospital.”

“I would like you to lead that hospital as the director.”

“Pardon?”

Lee Joon’s eyes widened.

“When I first visited Woof Woof Animal Clinic, I was astonished by your sincere attitude, director. Your genuine care for animals was apparent, and I developed a fondness for you.”

“Thank you for seeing me in such a positive light.”

Nam Gung-hyun continued with a smile.

“After meeting you at Our Meadow Shelter yesterday, I became convinced. Director, you are precisely the person to lead the kind of animal hospital I have in mind.”

“So the proposal you mentioned yesterday was this.”

“Yes. I truly hope you’ll consider it. I assure you’ll be well accommodated.”

“Thank you for the offer. I am flattered you hold me in such high regard. However, I don’t think it’s quite the right fit for me.”

When Lee Joon politely declined, Nam Gung-hyun added.

“I realize this isn’t what you like hearing, but I might have to resort to something a bit worldly.”

“What do you mean…?”

Although he asked, Lee Joon had an inkling of what was coming.

‘He’ll talk about salary, suggesting a basic of 2,000, plus a signing bonus for opening under my name, and incentives based on sales.’

During his practice years, Lee Joon had received scout offers from multiple animal clinics, ranging between 800 to 1,500.

‘Since I’m now a director, he would likely suggest a bit higher than back then.’

However, Nam Gung-hyun’s offer diverged slightly from what Lee Joon anticipated.

The only similarity was in terms of salary.

“The annual salary will naturally be adjusted upward. Moreover, with each year you work, I will allocate some shares of the investment funds to you. Would 0.5% per year of service be agreeable?”

Lee Joon was astonished.

Frankly, he hadn’t expected such an offer.

“Haha, in 20 years, I would own 10% of what you invested.”

“Yes, and by then, the investment itself would be quite substantial.”

“I suppose it would. You don’t plan to stop at just one establishment anyway.”

“Oh dear, you’ve seen through me?”

“It’s apparent you’re a man with grand plans, at the very least.”

Lee Joon lightly countered Nam Gung-hyun’s proposal.

“Don’t you like the offer? I believe it’s a quite good one.”

“It is a good proposal. Honestly, I am tempted—by the larger vision you’re planning, not the salary.”

Upon the mention of a business proposal, Lee Joon addressed Nam Gung-hyun as CEO Nam Gung instead of Lucky’s guardian.

“A facility with state-of-the-art equipment to freely conduct examinations is a dream for every clinical veterinarian.”

“Then why do you decline, director?”

When asked by Nam Gung-hyun, Lee Joon looked at the picture hanging on the wall.

Kongdori was smiling brightly.

“I want to identify illnesses when the animals are in less pain.”

“What does that mean?”

“I want to prevent their conditions from worsening. For example, Lucky comes to buy food, and I notice something might be wrong just by watching Lucky walk. Or I might detect an underlying condition by observing a cough.”

“But that’s not easily done in a large hospital environment, is it?”

“Precisely. Large hospitals only see them when they’re seriously ill.”

Nam Gung-hyun let out a long sigh.

‘Knowing the reason only makes me want him more.’

Nam Gung-hyun had a knack for appreciating human value beyond financial gain.

For any business endeavor, while money is crucial, a core group of individuals is essential.

Having such individuals is key to expansion and prosperity.

‘I need to keep Dr. Lee Joon within my circle.’

Having made up his mind, Nam Gung-hyun spoke.

“I was short-sighted.”

“No, I also support your vision. If you ever need a veterinarian, feel free to contact me. I have quite a few capable juniors and seniors.”

“Do you? Then I’ll count on you for that. For selecting candidates for the director position and other clinical roles.”

“How many are you planning for?”

“I’m thinking of about twenty doctors to start.”

“Understood, I’ll reach out.”

“And can I rely on you if I need any assistance?”

“Of course. Anytime outside my working hours, you’re welcome.”

“Thank you. And if you ever need aid on my end, don’t hesitate to mention it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

***

That evening, Lee Joon made a phone call.

Though the phone rang more than five times, Lee Joon showed no sign of hanging up.

After three times of being redirected to voicemail, the call was finally answered.

– Lee Joon, it’s been a while.

“Hyung, where are you right now?”

– Me? I’m out in Yangju.

“Are you busy?”

– No, when have I ever been busy?

“Shall we meet? Do you want to come, or should I head over?”

– Why?

“I found a position that’s absolutely perfect for you.”

– A position? At an animal hospital?

“Yes. How about becoming a director?”

– No thanks, I don’t need any. Even if I start, it will be half a year at most. I’ll just rest here.

The voice on the other side of the phone spoke in a nonchalant tone.

—

TC: Hi! I will be using ‘it’ as a pronoun for animals with no confirmed gender. Please feel free to comment if you noticed something that may indicate their gender. Ciao! Happy Reading!