Hello Vet! How are you?

“The dream, or rather, the aspiration of our Director Lee, is to establish an animal medical center akin to a local one.”

Han Na-Hyuk said from the side.

“I must admit, I don’t quite understand what you’re saying, possibly due to my limited knowledge.”

“Right? When I first heard of Director Lee’s goal, my expression was just like yours, CEO.”

Han Na-Hyuk directed his gaze to Lee Joon.

“Director Lee, please share with the CEO what you told me.”

“As I mentioned to you last time, my goal for medical service is to prevent diseases in pets before they occur and to detect them early if they do appear.”

“Indeed, you did.”

Nam Gung-Hyun nodded, as if recalling the discussion.

“By the time pet owners bring their pets, the illness has often significantly progressed. Except for minor cases like vomiting and diarrhea.”

“It’s unfortunate in those times.”

“Exactly.”

Both Lee Joon and Han Na-Hyuk found such situations truly regrettable.

“Identifying that early on is crucial, and I regard that as a physical examination.”

“Is the physical examination what I’m thinking of? Weighing, taking the temperature… um, maybe measuring blood pressure too, that sort of health check-up?”

Nam Gung-Hyun replied, recalling past visits to animal clinics.

“Yes, exactly. However, I’m referring not just to formal health check-ups but also to assessments done through visual inspection.”

“By visual inspection?”

“Yes. Checking eyes, ensuring the nose is moist, and listening with a stethoscope when animals visit. Observing skeletal systems, those are things you can do without formal health check-ups.”

“I see. Apart from using a stethoscope, you could just observe by sight… Oh, that’s why he called it a physical examination.”

Nam Gung-Hyun understood why Lee Joon distinguished between health check-ups and physical examinations.

Lee Joon divided them to indicate whether or not the cost was covered by the pet owner.

“Why not just include it in the health check-up?”

“Few pets undergo health check-ups even once a year.”

“Oh! That’s why…”

Lee Joon smiled faintly at Nam Gung-Hyun’s realization, and instead, Han Na-Hyuk spoke up.

“Consider it an extension of a physical examination when Director Lee lets the dogs roam freely.”

“Really?”

“What do you think they’ll do when placed on the floor? Walk, sniff around, take care of physiological needs, all of which helps in checking their health status.”

With Han Na-Hyuk’s words, Nam Gung-hyun’s gaze turned towards Gray one.”

Then Lee Joon looked too.

When six eyes turned towards Gray one, the cat suddenly stood back as if instinctively retreating.

Her wild instincts were kicking in.

『Why are you staring, meow!』

“We’re saying you look cool.”

『I… I’m always cool, meow!』

Gray one stuttered as if flustered.

Seeing Gray one that way, Lee Joon spoke.

“For instance, watching Gray one walk around allows us to confirm his leg strength. Plus, we can see that his balance is normal.”

“Judging by how his backward walk remains straight, his brain seems fine.”

Han Na-Hyuk observed Gray one’s walk and commented.

“It’s really surprising how fast Gray one is recovering. His fur looks shinier, and above all, he looks lively.”

“Ah, you check every detail like that.”

Nam Gung-Hyun nodded at Han Na-Hyuk’s remarks.

“We veterinarians observe these things to gauge the animals’ health. We can gather quite a lot of information just by watching.”

“That makes sense. I assumed Director Lee let the animals roam because he liked them.”

“If you don’t like animals, you can’t do this job.”

“That’s absolutely fundamental.”

Lee Joon and Han Na-Hyuk answered in unison, smiling.

“Even people not initially interested in animals grow fond of them after spending years with them.”

“That seems true. My secretary used to be scared, but now has a dog, can you believe that?”

“Exactly, that happens. And going back to the previous discussion, knowing the animals’ conditions, who frequent the clinic, can help in catching illnesses quickly.”

“Oh, indeed.”

Nam Gung-Hyun nodded at Lee Joon’s words.

“Now, I understand why Director Lee emphasizes local animal clinics so much. What you’re doing can’t be done at big animal hospitals. Hardly anyone frequents big hospitals consistently, after all.”

“Exactly. Plus, big hospitals are too busy for these observations.”

“Then, what’s the meaning of the earlier mention of a medical center?”

“Well, there’s a limitation to diagnostics and treatment in small-scale clinics like this one due to the lack of equipment. If you want to surpass these limits, you have to grow in size, but doing so makes it difficult to observe animals up close like we currently do.”

“I understand what you mean.”

“One day, I want to create a comprehensive animal medical center that can offer the services I envision.”

Nam Gung-Hyun expressed his admiration.

‘Director Lee is more impressive than I initially thought.’

Han Na-Hyuk, with a pleased smile, added.

“Isn’t he remarkable, CEO?”

“He really is. Most people prioritize personal gain.”

“I do think about my future, too. I told you, I’m not altruistic.”

Lee Joon responded, but the two didn’t mind him.

To them, Lee Joon was a veterinarian fully committed to enhancing animals’ quality of life.

“Ah, CEO, we should discuss the animal hospital planned for Our Meadow Shelter. Show Director Lee the blueprint too.”

“Oh, I forgot. Listening to Director Lee’s vision, I nearly forgot why I came here.”

Nam Gung-Hyun made a call somewhere.

Soon after, the secretary waiting in the car came in.

“Please show the model.”

“Yes, sir.”

The secretary pulled out a tablet from the briefcase, displaying the model plan to Lee Joon first.

“Wow, that’s impressive.”

“It is, right? The site’s enormous. There’s supposed to be a swimming pool for large dogs’ rehabilitation. Remember the rehabilitation pool at KUVTH-BK in Thailand?”

“The pool gifted by the king of Thailand?”

“Yes, if built as planned, it’ll be similar in size.”

“That’s amazing.”

“Right? There’s also a separate pool for hydrotherapy for small dogs.”

“Really?”

“Yes, isn’t it incredible? Specialists truly make a difference, don’t they? These visuals look almost real.”

Nam Gung-Hyun blinked at the two’s conversation.

Seeing him, Lee Joon added more details.

“There’s a university in Bangkok called Kasetsart. Their veterinary college runs four animal hospitals, and we’re referring to the Bangkok campus hospital.”

“The university runs four animal hospitals? It must be enormous then.”

“The Bangkok campus is quite large. I was jaw-droppingly amazed on my first visit.”

“I was shocked by their waiting room. It was as big as a waiting room at a human hospital here.”

“Oh! Just hearing about it sounds impressive.”

“It’s indeed impressive. They use two large buildings, each with nine floors.”

At that moment, Nam Gung-hyun looked at his secretary.

“Tell Manager Kang to go there.”

“Yes, sir.”

At Nam Gung-Hyun’s direction, Lee Joon and Han Na-Hyuk exchanged glances.

‘He’s different. He’s sending someone right away.’

‘Truly.’

While the two communicated silently, Nam Gung-hyun asked.

“Are there other animal hospitals worthy of being benchmarked like the one in Bangkok?”

“There are a few, but this plan looks in no way inferior.”

Lee Joon pointed at the tablet while responding.

“Really?”

“Yes, and placing an endoscopy center next to the emergency medical center on the first floor is a good idea.”

“Director Han mentioned that emergencies involving foreign objects stuck in throats are quite frequent, and they’re time-sensitive situations.”

“There can be critical moments.”

Lee Joon felt a strong gaze and turned to find Gray one watching him closely.

Gray one had a hopeful expression.

‘Hmm? What does she want?’

It couldn’t be hunger.

The two arrived at Woof Woof Animal Clinic around 8 PM.

Gray one had already eaten dinner at 7 PM.

In that case…

Gray one alternated her gaze between Lee Joon and the waiting chair.

‘Oh, this kitty wants to sit on something soft.’

Gray one, accustomed to the texture of soft cushions and blankets.

“Gray one, would you like to sit here?”

『I want to, meow!』

“Alright, let’s sit here.”

Lee Joon gently picked up Gray one and placed her on the chair.

『This cushion feels nice, meow!』

Gray one smiled contentedly.

“Wow, seeing a cat smile so broadly is really nice.”

“Indeed, she looks genuinely happy.”

Nam Gung-Hyun and Han Na-Hyuk chuckled at Gray one’s expression.

“Her joy is evident just by looking at her.”

『It’s good, meow!』

Gray one hugged Lee Joon’s side, letting out a contented purr while closing her eyes.

Lee Joon petted Gray one’s small head.

The warm touch at his fingertips brightened Lee Joon’s mood.

That warmth spread to Han Na-Hyuk and Nam Gung-Hyun as well.

The three enjoyed a relaxed and leisurely moment together.

After watching Gray one fall asleep, Nam Gung-hyun lifted his head.

“We’ll continue discussing the animal medical center in due course. Now, shall we move on to Our Meadow Shelter?”

“Yes. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting you to bring it up so soon.”

Lee Joon admitted frankly.

“It’s best to take initiative when the topic comes up. Otherwise, it will just keep on getting postponed.”

“True, but, as I was saying, even if it’s delayed by one or two years, no one would likely complain.”

“Haha, that’s unacceptable. How could you regard me if I acted like that, Director Lee?”

Did such things even need saying? Lee Joon merely smiled.

“I don’t wish to lose an outstanding talent like you, Director Lee, for trivial reasons.”

Nam Gung-Hyun shrugged and continued.

“It’s where our Lucky’s friends are, and while I can’t bring them all here, it’s something I’d like to do.”

“Seems like Lucky brought luck indeed.”

“Haha, that makes sense. Ever since Lucky came, my chronic insomnia has completely vanished, and my appetite returned.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Director Lee. Hahaha.”

“I’m at a loss for words hearing you say that. Since your will to support us is so strong, I’ll share this happy news with the members. They’ll be very happy to hear it.”

“They truly will be. They’re in the middle of fundraising to tidy up the surgery room at Our Meadow Shelter.”

“Haha, really? Then, I’ll wait for your contact.”

***

The next morning, Lee Joon was bustling around from dawn.

『It smells so good, meow!』

Gray one, half-awake with sleep-clouded eyes, wandered into the kitchen.

“It’s a special meal day today. I’m boiling chicken.”

She couldn’t comprehend the term ‘special meal’, but she certainly knew ‘chicken’.

Gray one licked her lips with a cute pink tongue as she ventured into the kitchen.

She then brushed her head against Lee Joon’s calf.

『I want to eat soon, meow!』

“Alright, just wait a little. I’ll give it to you once it cools.”

Lee Joon carefully shredded the boiled chicken breast while waiting for it to cool.

Not long after, Lee Joon placed the chicken in Gray one’s dish.

Gray one eagerly awaiting her meal, was surprised.

The amount of chicken in the dish now was less than half of what she consumed previously.

Yet, Grey one couldn’t resist the delicious aroma tickling her nose. So she started eating.

She hadn’t even scooped a few bites, and soon, nothing was left in her dish.

『Is that all I get, meow?』

Lee Joon smiled at the surprised Gray one.

“Is that all you want to eat?”

『No, meow. I want more!』

Ae-oh-ho-hong!

Gray one raised her voice.

“Let’s go eat with friends.”

『Friends?』

“Yes. Your companions. We’ll go to the park. Food tastes better with friends, don’t you think?”

Lee Joon’s words made Gray one’s eyes widen.

“You said you wanted to eat with friends!”

『Yes, I did say that, meow!』

Gray one’s round eyes became moist with tears.

—