Hello Vet! How are you?

The students’ reactions were truly enthusiastic.

However, Lee Joon focused his attention on observing Whitey, ignoring how the students reacted.

After confirming that the infusion was flowing well, Lee Joon asked Whitey.

“How is it? Bearable?”

『… It feels like something cold is quickly seeping into my leg. It’s uncomfortable, but I can manage.』

Listening to Whitey’s response, Lee Joon thought for a moment.

Had he ever received such detailed feedback from animals before?

‘No, this is the first time.’

Lee Joon realized that Whitey’s detailed feedback could be beneficial.

Until now, the intensity of animal physiotherapy had been adjusted based on the opinions of companies and visible effects.

But if he could relay Whitey’s feedback to Nam Gung Hyun’s Medical Center’s physiotherapy room, an animal-friendly physiotherapy room could emerge.

Suppressing his rising anticipation, Lee Joon began to instruct the students again on how to locate the veins.

“Alright, remember to hold the foreleg like this to locate the vein more easily. Why don’t you all give it a try?”

Under Lee Joon’s guidance, the students paired up and began practicing.

Lee Joon moved around, offering guidance to the students.

“Try turning the foreleg just a bit there.”

“Like this?”

“Yes, see? Doesn’t the vein appear more clearly now?”

“Oh, it does!”

“Vet-nim, me too!”

Being continuously called Vet-nim felt odd to Lee Joon, a kind of pleasant strangeness.

However, he couldn’t show any emotion while instructing.

Lee Joon patiently explained things to the struggling students.

“Uh… Is that… blood? Did it go in?”

A student exclaimed with delight upon seeing blood welling up in the catheter.

There was anticipation in the student’s voice.

“Yes. You did it well.”

“Yay!”

Thanks to Lee Joon’s teaching, the students gradually mastered the IV line setup.

“Oh? Really, just like Vet-nim said, it works.”

“Exactly. They said inserting an IV was the hardest at the start of practice, but it’s quite easy.”

The atmosphere shifted dramatically from when Lee Joon first observed the students fumbling around.

The students were filled with confidence, the dogs were happier with less discomfort, and everything transformed smoothly, thanks to Lee Joon.

“Oh, how could this happen! In all my life, I’ve never seen practice end so quickly.”

Um Jinhan exclaimed emotionally.

“Make sure to give those pups something tasty. They stayed calm, so it ended swiftly.”

“Understood. I’ll surely prepare boiled chicken breast for them.”

“Yes, feed them well.”

“Even without this, these days they eat better. They’ve been taken for a walk at least once a day, and they even have cushions.”

“That’s sweet. Oh, by the way, has the faculty meeting ended? Is it not over yet?”

“The professor just messaged a bit ago, said they’re in the faculty room and seniors can come by when they’re free.”

“Is it over?”

“Yes, in fact, they probably watched the juniors while they were here.”

“Really? You should have told me.”

“That could disrupt the flow, right? The students were very enthusiastic.”

“Well then, I guess we could greet them now.”

“Shall we?”

“Let’s do it.”

“Just a moment….”

After seeking Lee Joon’s permission, Um Jinhan ambled over to stand in front of the students, exuding an unknown air of pride.

“Attention everyone!”

All eyes in the practice room turned to Um Jinhan.

“Ahem, did you all witness the majesty of Vet-nim!”

As Um Jinhan boasted confidently, the students naturally responded.

“Yes!”

“Good. You should consider today an honor. Now, let’s all give a round of applause to our Vet-nim!”

Clap, clap, clap!

A loud applause filled the practice room.

“Wow! Thank you, Vet-nim!”

“Thank you.”

“Vet-nim, hooray!”

The students’ cheers for Lee Joon echoed throughout the entire second floor.

As the applause subsided, Um Jinhan continued.

“Vet-nim is quite busy, so she’ll be leaving soon. But even when Vet-nim departs, keep his teachings in your heart forever!”

“Yes!”

It resembled a scene from a cult, but Lee Joon simply grinned.

‘If I get the chance, I should come back and teach more often.’

“Shall we?”

“Sure.”

When Lee Joon exited the practice room, two people followed him.

“It’s been a while, and it feels so heartwarming. Feels like I’ve returned home.”

“Really? I was just thinking the same thing.”

Upon hearing Lee Joon and Choi Woo Jin’s words, Um Jinhan frowned.

“Oh, just hearing you seniors talk is dreadful.”

“You’re the same here, aren’t you? Honestly, this place is the most comfortable, isn’t it?”

“Phew, that’s what makes it dreadful.”

Despite Um Jinhan’s sighs, Lee Joon was in a good mood.

Visiting the familiar school brought back memories of his diligent studying and treating.

By the time his thoughts concluded, the three of them arrived in front of the faculty room.

Lee Joon knocked on the door.

Knock, knock.

“Professor, we’re here.”

Before Lee Joon even finished speaking, the door burst open.

“Come on in.”

Professor Song greeted them with a bright smile.

“Professor, have you been well?”

“You seem the same as ever, Professor.”

“Haha, still the same, indeed. A year has passed, so I’ve aged. My body isn’t what it used to be.”

When Lee Joon mentioned that Professor Song was the same, he referred to his quick nature.

And his constant warm welcome.

He was non-authoritarian, making people feel comfortable, and always openly expressed his joy upon seeing someone.

Even now, instead of simply saying ‘come in’ from his office chair, he got up to open the door himself.

Such warmth from the professor likely made Lee Joon consider the school his home.

Words unspoken, Lee Joon merely aligned with the professor’s comments.

“Oh no, you look quite vigorous. Jinhan mentioned you still go to work early in the morning.”

“Haha, that’s a given. So, how’s everything with Lee Joon these days? Having just opened up, isn’t it hectic?”

“It seems like I’m slowly getting a handle on things.”

“Transitioning from working with many to operating alone comes with its challenges, but it’s a relief to hear you’re managing. Oh, your lecture earlier was impressive.”

“I fear I might have stepped in unnecessarily and caused trouble.”

“What are you talking about? If anything, the students were fortunate to have learned from you. Thank you.”

“No, it’s nothing.”

“No, learning from someone competent at first is the most crucial, to avoid unnecessary struggles.”

The three of them chuckled at Professor Song’s use of the word ‘struggles’.

“Also, I was genuinely surprised to see a dog extending its foreleg without restraint. How is that even possible?”

When Professor Song asked, Lee Joon simply smiled, prompting Professor Song to nod in understanding and continue.

“Well, from the moment you entered the graduate school, you were a standout, so accomplishing that much is to be expected.”

“It was all thanks to your guidance, Professor.”

Professor Song beamed at Lee Joon’s remark.

“Haha, flattery or not, it feels good.”

“I’m being sincere.”

“Since you went out into society, your eloquence have really improved.”

“With improved skills as well.”

At Lee Joon’s retort, Professor Song laughed heartily.

“Wahaha, indeed, your skills have always been recognized.”

“All thanks to you, Professor.”

Lee Joon’s words were accompanied by a persistently elevated smile.

Compliments, no matter how many times received, always felt great.

“But are you handling the kinds of treatments you wanted? Like early heart disease detection?”

Professor Song knew the reason behind Lee Joon opening the Woof Woof Animal Clinic.

And he also knew how Lee Joon intended to develop it.

“Yes.”

Lee Joon’s enthusiastic response brought a gentle smile to the professor’s face.

“Hearing your satisfaction brings me joy. Moreover, the animals visiting your clinic are fortunate. They can prevent major illnesses early.”

“I plan to ensure that’s the case.”

Thinking of the animals visiting Woof Woof Animal Clinic, Lee Joon smiled.

“It’s a little unfortunate though. A skilled veterinarian like you should be showcasing your abilities at an established place.”

“I feel the same way.”

The three of them chuckled with knowing expressions.

“Yes. That kind of confidence is key. And you have the skills to back it up.”

It was only then that Lee Joon realized his previous statement could be misconstrued.

“I didn’t mean it like that. What I meant was, it’s unfortunate because I can’t perform surgeries that require hospitalization. After the surgery, I can’t just leave the animal alone and go home…”

“I know. No need to explain. Still, having limits on surgeries can be frustrating, right?”

“Yes.”

Lee Joon nodded slowly.

“Referring cases to a large hospital isn’t too bad if it’s possible, but having to let go of a case due to equipment limitations when time is of the essence would be sad.”

“That’s why you should earn money quickly and establish a bigger place. That way, you can create the kind of animal hospital you envision.”

“Haha, is that really up to me?”

“Well, yet you’ll do it quickly.”

“Just hearing that from you, Professor, is inspiring.”

“Indeed, surround yourself with reliable veterinarians. To expand, you need people who align with your mindset. Understand?”

“Yes, I know. You need at least seven unwavering allies, right?”

“Exactly, having people who won’t betray and will always stay with you is essential for running a stable hospital.”

Hearing the mention of allies brought Nam Gung-hyun and then Han Na-Hyuk to Lee Joon’s mind.

“Oh, Professor.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“A decent center might be established soon.”

“A center?”

“Nam Gung Construction plans to establish an animal medical center.”

“Really?”

Lee Joon briefly explained about Nam Gung-hyun to Professor Song.

“Will Han Na-Hyuk be heading there?”

“Yes. He’s been involved in planning since before any construction started, so shouldn’t it be promising?”

“Hmm, we’ll have to see, but it certainly sounds like a beneficial initiative. Facilities that advanced would be welcomed no matter the intention.”

“Exactly. A great animal hospital could set a benchmark for future large animal hospitals.”

As they conversed, Lee Joon felt a passionate gaze. Turning his head, he found it was Um Jinhan.

“Um Jinhan, why are you looking at me like that? Do you want to work there too?”

“No way, I must protect the school. Who will our professor rely on if I’m not here?”

At Um Jinhan’s claim, they all chuckled softly.

“Not for me, but it’d be great if our juniors could get employed there.”

“That sounds good. Professor, if you have any capable students, please let me know.”

“I will. But, knowing more about this center would make it easier for me to introduce someone suitable.”

“I was requested by CEO Nam Gung to recommend a professor who could oversee the center’s establishment.”

“Oversee?”

“Yes. I’ll arrange a meeting. Would that be alright?”

“Sure.”

At that moment, while checking his phone, Um Jinhan stood up hesitantly.

“It’s about time to feed the animals. I’ll be heading out.”

“Alright. Check on the condition of those who received IVs as well.”

“Yes, yes.”

“Once everything’s settled, message us so we can eat together.”

Lee Joon and Choi Woo Jin intended to have dinner not only with Professor Song but with the entire surgery department.

“Understood.”

After Um Jinhan departed, Professor Song called out to Lee Joon.

“Lee Joon, do you have some time?”

“Time?”

“If you’re available, let’s arrange a special lecture.”

“A special lecture?”

“Yes, something like ‘Emergencies and First Aid in Local Clinics’ would be great. Or something you believe the juniors should really know.”

“Who would attend?”

“We’d aim it at undergraduates.”

“Alright. Let me know once the time is set.”

“Thanks. Let’s discuss the time. I was thinking of a three-hour session for the lecture, how about that?”

Having handled undergraduate practice lectures in graduate school, three hours wasn’t particularly long for Lee Joon.

“That’s alright.”

Though uncertain when it would happen, Lee Joon nodded, considering it an opportunity to truly teach the undergraduates once again.

—