Hello Vet! How are you?

The news that Gray one had designated Norang as his successor spread quickly throughout Evergreen Park.

Norang, who had come to Woof Woof Animal Clinic just a few days before, returned the very next day.

『Boss, strange rumors are circulating. Please address them properly.』
『What rumors, meow? That you’re to become the successor, meow?』
『Yes, that’s exactly the rumor. It came from someone who met you, so everyone believes it. Please come to the park and tell them it’s not true.』
『It is true, meow.』
『… What?』

Norang shouted in shock.

『I should start preparing to gradually hand over my position to you, meow.』
『No, you can’t. It’s unimaginable. How could I possibly… Boss, you’re just temporarily moved by sentiment because you’re not well. Please reconsider once you regain your health.』

Norang’s insistent and clear cries were audible even to Lee Joon.

‘It sounds like a conversation between a leader and his soldiers. That guy seems like a bodyguard assisting the chief.’

Lee Joon was familiar with the respect Gray one commanded among the Evergreen cats, but he was still secretly taken aback by the extent of it.

Norang meowed, insisting that it made no sense for him to take over Gray one’s position.

『You’ve been doing well so far, meow. Just keep doing it that way, meow.』
『No, it’s only because I followed your orders, boss.』
『That’s alright, then, meow.』
『No, how could I dare to take your place, chief? If it’s because you’re unwell, don’t worry. I will carry you everywhere.』
『I’ll carry him too.』
『I can carry the Boss as well.』

The cats that accompanied them all chimed in, declaring their willingness to assist Gray one.

Hearing these affirmations from his comrades, Gray one felt proud.

‘Such good friends, meow.’

He wanted to treat these wonderful companions well so they could thrive.

Looking at his cherished friends, Gray one recalled something Ddangkong had said to Kkamnyang the previous day.

‘Hyung Ddangkong said I would be much more helpful to my companions by his side.’

This applied to the Evergreen cats as well.

‘And someday, I must hand over the leader’s position, meow.’

It would be best to pass it on when Norang is at his peak.

That time is now.

‘Norang is already leading the Evergreen area well in my stead, meow.’

That means, now is the perfect moment.

『It doesn’t mean I’m stepping down immediately, meow.』

In the past, a new leader emerged as soon as a successor was appointed.

Thus, Norang and the other Evergreen cats assumed as much.

They thought Gray one would be stepping down soon.

However, when Gray one said otherwise, the cats, who had been wearing gloomy expressions, brightened up.

『Is that really true?』

Meowing with excitement, the cats, who had moments ago seemed tearful, began to purr happily.

『Yes, meow. Until Norang is fully ready, I will continue to give orders as I do now, meow.』
『You’re saying you’ll wait until I’m as great as you, boss?』
『Yes, meow!』
『I understand. I’ll try my best.』

How could one emulate the greatest leader ever, the ‘Silver Rain’?

It meant that Gray one would continue to be their leader.

With his mind at ease, Norang responded confidently.

Seeing the confident Norang, Gray one grinned contentedly.

The Bluebirdss Park cats who visited Kkamnyang felt the same as the Evergreen Park cats.

They were excited to see their leader again.

The fact that he could now see, coupled with the anticipation that he might soon return to Bluebirds Park, their home, delighted them.

However, the mention of retirement elicited a significant reaction as well.

『Is this a punishment for failing to find you, boss?』
『Nonsense.』

Kkamnyang interrupted firmly.

『We vow to work even harder. Please rescind your decision.』
『I still care for you and will continue to do so in the future. You are and always have been my family.』

Kkamnyang had never used the word “family” before.

However, seeing Lee Joon and Sora, who treated him so well, as well as Gray one, made him contemplate the meaning of family.

Hearing Kkamnyang’s words, the Bluebirds cats’ eyes widened.

『B…boss!』
『My being here is the way to look after you.』

Recalling what Ddangkong had said the previous day, Kkamnyang echoed similar sentiments Gray one had voiced to his companions.

Though retiring, he promised to support them from behind.

『If that’s what you wish, boss.』
『Alright. Tell Milo to come tomorrow.』

“Understood.”

Lee Joon listened quietly to the conversations of both groups of cats.

‘Those guys. Their concern for their subordinates is extraordinary.’

Understanding why Gray one and Kkamnyang were acting this way, Lee Joon crossed his arms and fell into deep thought.

“It would be nice to do something for those guys.”

While he mentioned throwing a party, that would merely mean more food and a gathering than usual.

He wanted to offer something more substantively beneficial to these admirable cats.

“It would be nice if they had a comfortable place to rest.”

While the weather was good now, the rainy season would soon follow.

Lee Joon’s thoughts extended to hoping for a place to shelter during the rainy season.

Someday, if he made a lot of money, he would want to build an ecological park.

A utopia, or rather a paradise for animals, where they could always relax and eat to their heart’s content; “Animal Topia”.

As this idea warmed his heart, a gentle smile spread across Lee Joon’s face.

‘Well, that’s not something I can do immediately. Let’s focus on what can be done now.’

Lee Joon called for Gray one and Kkamnyang.

『Did you call, meow?』
『Did you call?』

“How many companions do you have?』
『There are 35 cats in Evergreen Park, meow. And we have 25 in the alleys.』
『Bluebirds has 25 cats. There are also 20 nearby.』

“That should be fine.”

The Gray one and Kkamnyang looked at Lee Joon, puzzled by his intentions.

“Tell them to come in batches of ten starting tomorrow. But make sure they don’t eat anything before they come.”

『What? Why?』
『Is it like last time when you stuck a needle in our front paws, meow?』

Kkamnyang, curious about why they should come on an empty stomach, asked, but Gray one instantly understood.

“Yes, I want to do a health check-up before the feast.”

『What’s that?』

“I want to check if anyone’s in pain, like those who have eye issues or leg problems among your friends.”

The thought of having his eye problem examined in advance moved Kkamnyang.

『Th-Thank you.』
『I’m grateful too, meow.』

“Okay. Then Gray one, please explain in detail to Kkamnyang and inform those guys standing idly over there.”

***

The following evening, 22 cats filled the waiting room of Woof Woof Animal Clinic after the examinations were complete.

There were ten from Evergreen, ten from Bluebirds, along with Gray one and Kkamnyang.

The cats sat in rows, chatting quietly.

『So we’re just supposed to stick out our front paws like this.』
『Yep, that’s it. Then our vet draws blood. It stings a bit, but it’s bearable.』
『You lie like this on the flat surface, it doesn’t hurt at all. If you just follow the vet’s instructions, it’s over quickly. Oh, and you have to keep your eyes closed.』

Some cats shared how to do blood work, while others explained how to undergo X-rays.

Most of the instructors were from Evergreen, having undergone tests before, while the attentive listeners were Bluebirds cats.

A significant sense of camaraderie was blossoming between the two groups of cats.

Each cat knew it was thanks to the experience of eating delicious food in one place without fighting.

Because as long as there is plenty of food, there is no reason to fight.

As the cats waited in the Woof Woof Animal Clinic’s waiting room, Lee Joon was beaming in the ultrasound room.

“Now, take a deep breath… Good. Well done. Now exhale, yes, yes. Stop there.”

Gleeful as he viewed the ultrasound monitor, Lee Joon couldn’t contain his delight.

‘The fact that this is possible is unbelievable.’

Usually, it was impossible to instruct animals during radiographic or ultrasound exams to inhale deeply, exhale, inflate, and hold their stomachs, and so forth.

As a result, exams often progressed slowly, or desirable images couldn’t be captured.

Now, capturing the desired images with ease felt incredible.

As he stored rare, textbook-worthy images, he completed the exams.

Volunteering for overtime, Jang Sora, who stayed behind, prepared food for the cats.

“Thank you, manager.”

“You’re welcome. I’m the one who should be grateful for the opportunity to see more than twenty cats at once.”

Smiling warmly, Sora spoke to the cats.

“Kittens, let me know if you want more food.”

At that moment, Kkamnyang, who had buried his head in a bowl, suddenly lifted it and turned towards the window.

As the rest of the cats turned their heads towards the window like Kkamnyang, Lee Joon’s phone rang.

Seeing the phone, Lee Joon smirked and swiped the screen upward.

“Yes, director.”

-Passing by, I noticed the lights were on, so I called. Still at the clinic?

“Oh, have you arrived?”

As Lee Joon moved towards the exit, a car parked outside with Nam Gung-hyun standing there.

Stepping outside, Lee Joon explained the situation.

“So, you were conducting health check-ups for the park cats? How did that thought occur to you?”

“It just came to me while observing the cats visiting Gray one and Kkamnyang…”

“Impressive. Then, are the cats inside having meals right now?”

“Oh, yes.”

“May I take a look? Or will they flee if I enter?”

Curious yet concerned that his entrance might cause the cats to flee, Nam Gung-hyun inquired cautiously.

“They’ll be fine.”

Lee Joon re-entered and informed the cats that Nam Gung-hyun would be coming in.

Fully trusting Lee Joon, the cats acknowledged and went about unbothered.

Inside the animal clinic, Nam Gung-hyun was beaming.

“Even at the Our Meadow Shelter, it felt good. Seeing them enjoying their meals here brings me joy.”

Watching the happily munching cats, Nam Gung-hyun asked Lee Joon.

“Is there anything I can do to help? Seeing Director Lee working so hard makes me want to contribute somehow.”

“There is, but it might not be easy.”

“Please, do tell. Together we might come up with a solution.”

“A shelter in their park would be ideal. The rainy season will soon be upon us, and a place to escape the rain would be beneficial.”

“Oh, that’s a great idea.”

“But it might be difficult right now. Unless an ecological park is established…”

“Hmm, an ecological park?”

“Yes, they seem to be gradually emerging for environmental preservation and animal protection. They’re educational for kids too. Yet, it’d be a long way for the parks they stay in to become one…”

Lee Joon shook his head thoughtfully as he continued speaking.

“At least I want to find a way to make their sleeping spots more comfortable. Can’t we discuss this amicably with the park management?”

This was precisely the assistance Lee Joon hoped to receive from Nam Gung-hyun.

“I’ll look into it.”

“Thank you. I’ll cover the costs, so a sturdy house would be great.”

Hearing this, Nam Gung-hyun smiled and replied warmly.

“I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”

A few days later, good news came from Nam Gung-hyun.

-We received a positive response from Evergreen Park. Since they needed remodeling for their outdated facilities, we will replace benches and exercise equipment, allowing us to add the cat shelter.

“Really?”

-The park management was surprisingly receptive, stating that it would make the park tidier.

“Thank you so much. So, what do you think the installation costs will be?”

-Haha, director, you just need to tell our team how you’d like the cat houses to be built. Our company will handle the rest.

The renovations for Bluebirds Park happened swiftly as well.

Lee Joon shared the news with the cats.

“So, I think it would be best to hold the feast after the shelters are built. What do you all think?”

“That’s good, meow!”

“I think so too. And thank you.”

Expressing gratitude came more naturally to Kkamnyang than before. Feeling so overjoyed, he rubbed his body affectionately against Lee Joon’s leg, an unusual gesture for him.

And a month later, the park’s remodeling was finally completed.

“Wow, this looks amazing. There are even lots of hiding spots.”

“We received great advice from you, director. You mentioned cats love these kinds of spaces, didn’t you?”

“Although I did say so… Thank you so much.”

“Haha, no problem. We’re grateful to take a step forward in environmental and animal protection.”

That evening, Lee Joon and the cats gathered at Evergreen Park.

Gwak Soo-ho, whom Lee Joon invited to record the retirement commemoration video, was also present.

Naturally, the Evergreen cats were there, as well as the Bluebirds cats.

When Gray one came to the center, the cats welcomed him warmly.

However, they made no noise.

Instead, they stood on two legs, raised their paws in a celebratory cheer, and danced with wiggles.

“What a sight.”

Recording, Gwak Soo-ho couldn’t close his mouth in amazement.

He’d filmed countless animals but had never been this surprised before.

So was Sora.

“So adorable…”

Wondering if she even deserved to witness such cuteness, Sora thought accepting the job at Woof Woof Animal Clinic was immensely rewarding.

『I, Silver Rain, declare Norang as my successor, meow.』

Nightingales cheered.

『From now on, Norang’s words are my words. Understand?』
『Yes.』

At that moment, Kkamnyang and Milo appeared to congratulate him.

『Congratulations.』
『Thank you, meow!』

The cats mingled, congratulating one another.

Then, they raised their voices in unison to thank Lee Joon.

『Thank you, Vet-nim.』
『Thank you, doctor.』

However quiet, their voices echoed, their paws raised high in grateful celebration dances.

The same scene unfolded the next day at Bluebirds Park.

The only difference was that, at Bluebirds Park, Kkamnyang’s retirement ceremony was the centerpiece.

The retiring moment culminated with a dance dedicated to thanking Lee Joon.

“Vet-nim, hurrah!”

“Vet-nim, hurrah!”

Over a hundred cats danced gleefully, their faces radiant with smiles.