Hello Vet! How are you?

“This time, it won’t be like that, senior.”

-What are you talking about?

“I met a pretty decent investor. Oh, not an investor, actually. He said he would set up an animal hospital himself. Anyway, it looks like the kind of animal medical center we’ve been dreaming of might become a reality, senior.”

There was laughter instead of a response on the other side of the phone.

It was the kind of laughter filled with scorn.

And then came silence.

Though it wasn’t a long pause, Lee Joon could understand how his senior perceived what he had just said.

-That so-called investor must have said they prioritize treating sick animals and would offer ethical treatment, right? Oh, and they probably mentioned creating a very animal-friendly medical center too, with rooms spacious enough to reduce stress.

“Something like that.”

-That’s what they all say at first but once they open up, their words change completely.

His senior’s tone was dry, devoid of any expectation.

“You might be right, but this person seems different. I’ve seen him sponsoring ‘Our Meadow Shelter’ and even volunteering there himself.”

-Really?

“Yes, he was a client of our animal clinic, and I met him at ‘Our Meadow Shelter’ yesterday.”

Lee Joon recounted the events to his senior.

-Hmm, something feels off.

“What do you mean?”

-Think about it. One day, he suddenly shows up at your animal clinic and buys treats, an astounding amount. Then he appears at ‘Our Meadow Shelter’, where you volunteer. Doesn’t it all seem too coincidental?

“Ah, senior, you’re overthinking it. I think I know what you’re implying, but I don’t think it’s that.”

-No, it’s my intuition. That CEO from Nam Gung Construction must have initially proposed scouting you.

“Wow, senior, have you reached enlightenment in Yangju? How did you know?”

There was no need for secrets or pretenses between them.

-I know you too well. Plus, it’s not just a few seniors trying to scout you.

“Hahaha, if you keep praising me, my nose will grow higher.”

-Sure, the point is that the CEO seems suspicious.

“It could be, but even if it is, what’s the harm? It would be great if the kind of animal medical center he wants to create came into being.”

-It would be great.

“Exactly. Why don’t you meet him? From what I see, he seems like a good person. If you meet him and it doesn’t feel right, you can always refuse.”

-True enough.

“So think of it as coming to check on your junior.”

-I’ve been meaning to visit your clinic anyway. By the way, is it doing well?

“Fairly well.”

-Then I’ll try to make time to visit my successful junior’s clinic. Perhaps I’ll also see this mysterious person willing to throw money on the ground.

“Make some time? As if you’re busy. Come up tomorrow.”

-What are you talking about? Don’t you know how busy I am?

“Yes, yes. Our unemployed senior is the busiest. Your free junior will be eagerly waiting for you.”

-Hmm, I’ll think about it.

“I’ll wait.”

-Don’t wait.

“There’s a restaurant near our clinic with excellent green onion pancakes. How about a drink there, senior?”

-Hmm…

“The soybean stew is also amazing. Soo-ho said it’s even better than the place in Jongno.”

-Soo-ho? Has Gwak Soo-ho returned?

“Yes.”

-He returned for your opening, huh? That kid, loyal as always. If Soo-ho endorses the place… I should make time to congratulate you on your opening.

They both laughed as they ended the call.

Looking at his now dark phone, Lee Joon chuckled.

“He’ll definitely come tomorrow…”

***

The next evening.

As Lee Joon had anticipated, his senior showed up at Woof Woof Animal Clinic.

“Wow, our Lee Joon has made it big.”

“Haha, what do you mean, made it big?”

“You have. There’s an animal clinic in your name. It feels great.”

His senior admired Woof Woof Animal Clinic as he looked around.

“Yes, this is the vibe. A place where animals can feel good coming to.”

“That’s quite a compliment.”

“Just from looking, you can tell. This artwork, Gwak Soo-ho made it, right?”

His senior pointed to the drawing done by Gwak Soo-ho.

“Yes, isn’t it nice?”

“Indeed. And this picture was done by a guardian, right?”

He pointed to a picture of Mong-i smiling brightly.

“Yes. How did you know?”

“It was done by someone who feels immensely grateful to you. You can just tell by looking. It’s lovely.”

“Yes, I like it too.”

To Lee Joon, it was an incredibly meaningful piece of art.

‘I was fortunate that Mong-i spoke up, so it got resolved quickly back then.’

Lee Joon felt his heart settle as he recalled the urgency of that time. Just then, his senior changed the subject.

“By the way, how’s ‘Our Meadow Shelter’? Are a lot of animals getting adopted?”

“Quite a few, but we also keep getting more.”

“And our cute ones?”

They referred to dogs resembling Jindo dogs, like Nureongi, collectively as ‘cute ones’ at Our Meadow Shelter.

It was a nickname created to at least cherish those that weren’t getting adopted easily.

“The cute ones are doing okay.”

It had been half a year since his senior last visited ‘Our Meadow Shelter’, indicating not many of the beloved ones were getting adopted.

“I see.”

Lee Joon and his senior both displayed similarly bitter expressions.

“We need to make enough money to create a big yard where they can freely run around.”

“That would be nice.”

Neither of them mentioned hoping the cute ones would get adopted.

They knew too well how unrealistic that expectation was.

“So, meet with CEO Nam Gung. He seems to have plans to operate a medical center for large dogs.”

“Would creating something like that help the animals at Our Meadow Shelter?”

“It depends on how you manage it. Before running it, you’ll need to gather data, right? You could shuffle them in plenty under the director’s authority. Who could object when you’re ensuring safety as the director?”

“True, we could rehabilitate quite a few animals that way.”

His senior looked at Lee Joon intently as he spoke.

“In some ways, you’re the boldest, even reckless.”

“Ah, what are you saying?”

“No, seriously. If there’s one thing you’ve never compromised on, it’s animal treatment. Even Professor Hwang admitted as much.”

“Did he?”

“What’s there to say? It’s pointless to talk about it. By the way, how is Professor Song?”

“The same as always. Oh, that’s right. When I went to greet him about the clinic opening, he asked about you. ‘What’s Han Na-Hyuk doing? If he’s still lazing around in Yangju, tell him to come work here,’ he said.”

“… You should have said I’m busy.”

“I did. I told him, ‘One is working hard while my senior is comfortably living like a rich idler.'”

“Hey, you!”

Han Na-Hyuk only briefly glared at Lee Joon before continuing.

“So, you’re introducing me to some remarkable person because you hate seeing this senior relaxing?”

“Not exactly. Anyway, are you going to meet CEO Nam Gung or not?”

“Let’s decide after we eat.”

“Shall we go to the place I mentioned over the phone?”

“Absolutely. I came just for that.”

***

Once they reached the restaurant, Lee Joon made an order.

“Senior. Let’s start with three servings, okay?”

“Alright.”

“Three servings of pork belly, a bowl of rice, one soybean stew, and one steamed egg, please.”

“What about drinks?”

The server asked about beverages.

“Cola, please. Senior, what about you?”

“Oh, cola for me too.”

“You’re having cola as well?”

“Drinking alone isn’t as enjoyable.”

Lee Joon smiled gently at his senior’s response.

Even though he said that, Lee Joon knew it was because his senior was considerate about him not drinking when he had consultations the next day.

“Thanks for that. If we’re free, maybe I’ll buy drinks on Saturday…but no, I can’t. I have to visit ‘Our Meadow Shelter’ this Sunday.”

“Didn’t you just say you went there a few days ago?”

“I did, but there’s a dog named Nureongi among the cute ones there. We performed neutering on that guy, but he’s so wary that I have to handle the aftercare.”

“Really? Is he that aggressive?”

“Even Senior Kwon couldn’t handle him.”

“Min Joon couldn’t?”

“Yes.”

“He always attracts work, doesn’t he.”

“Better than being idle.”

“That comment was aimed at me, right?”

“Not necessarily…”

Just then, the food arrived, interrupting their conversation.

Lee Joon chuckled softly as he spoke.

“Senior, the steamed egg here is also delicious. Try some.”

As he said that, he thought about Hwe-saeg.

‘That guy often came close to us for this. I haven’t seen him these past few days.’

Though you might not notice someone’s presence when they’re around every day, you do miss it when they’re gone.

Properly filling their stomachs, the two resumed their conversation.

“You mentioned he’s the CEO of Nam Gung Construction?”

“Yes. I don’t know much about anything else, but I’m sure he’ll build one sturdy structure.”

“Is he thinking about leasing a couple of floors for it, or is he planning to construct the whole building?”

“He said there’s land available, so I assume he plans to build.”

“That makes it even more intriguing. Why on earth would someone invest in an animal medical center that doesn’t generate revenue when there are plenty of profitable ventures?”

“He says it’s his dream. To create a space where animals can be treated comfortably.”

“That makes it even more intriguing.”

“Consider it a rich person’s hobby. With the excess they have, what cannot be achieved? Just imagine they’re building an extraordinary villa.”

“True, those with enormous wealth really do have unimaginable funds.”

“Since we’re on the topic, if I had an excess of money, I’d set up a 300,000-pyeong sanctuary right now. I’d release those captive bears still in small cages and make a playground where our cute ones can run freely.”

“Right. It’s not like we lack compassion, just the money.”

“Exactly. It’s always about the money. Hence, meet with him once. He seems to be a good person.”

“How can you tell after meeting a few times?”

“I’m not sure about other things, but when it comes to sincerity towards animals, I can discern. That CEO is sincere.”

That day at ‘Our Meadow Shelter’, as Lee Joon was administering treatment, nam Gung Hyun asked about the animals.

Whether he was merely dropping by for courtesy’s sake, or genuinely from the heart.

Animals never lie.

They just express what they see and feel honestly.

The animals who encountered Nam Gung Hyun all had nothing but praise.

They called him a good person.

“Really?”

“Even if establishing the medical center is to enhance the company’s image, that’s fine. He won’t be scrambling to generate profits with it, after all.”

“True enough. Fair enough, I’ll meet him.”

“Then I’ll reach out.”

Lee Joon promptly sent a text message to Nam Gung Hyun.

Shortly afterward, Lee Joon’s phone rang.

“Mr. Lucky’s guardian! I thought you might be busy, so I sent a text.”

-I was just leaving work. When could I meet with the veterinarian?

“Oh, well, he’s right here with me now.”

-Really? Then can I meet right away?

“One moment.”

Lee Joon asked his senior.

‘Senior, CEO Nam Gung is asking if he can meet us now.’

‘He has zeal. I’m fine with it.’

With his senior’s agreement, Lee Joon responded.

“He agreed.”

-I’ll be there shortly.

Indeed, as if he was truly on his way home, Nam Gung-hyun joined them in less than 20 minutes.

“I’m Nam Gung Hyun.”

“I’m Han Na-Hyuk. So, you’re planning to establish an animal medical center?”

“Yes.”

“What’s the projected scale? I need to inform you, though, the revenues from animal medical centers aren’t as substantial as they seem. High earnings also mean high expenses.”

“I am aware. You can think of it like this; our company provides sponsorship in various sectors. Consider this as part of that initiative.”

Lee Joon and Han Na-Hyuk exchanged glances in the air.

‘See?’

‘I’m still skeptical. He might just be a charismatic con artist.’

Businessmen typically move for profit.

Large profit.

So why invest in a venture that likely generates little profit?

Han Na-Hyuk remained reluctant.

If run for profit, an animal clinic would leave them overwhelmed with appointments.

Unnecessary surgeries and examinations would become routine.

Wasn’t that why he’d left the previous medical center job to avoid such practices?

He had no wish to repeat such actions.

“You might find it odd that a construction firm, not a pharmaceutical company or research institute, would pour funds into an animal medical center.”

Han Na-Hyuk skeptically nodded.

Nam Gung Hyun caught that and continued with a smile on his lips.

As his story continued, Han Na-Hyuk found himself leaning forward.

Nam Gung Hyun’s vision was compelling.

Lee Joon felt the same.

“CEO Nam Gung’s vision aligns somewhat with mine. I too wish to eventually make ‘Our Meadow Shelter’ as advanced as ‘Tierheim’ in Germany.”

Meaning ‘Animal Home’, tierheim is often cited as the world’s most advanced animal shelter.

“I suspected as much. You are remarkable people.”

“We’re not, really. Many who volunteer at ‘Our Meadow Shelter’ share the same goal, though unspoken.”

“No doubt. How could one not think that after seeing those animals?”

The three found themselves aligned in thought and began discussing their future plans.

“You seem to be more excited about this, aren’t you?”

“It’s fantastic. An animal medical center like that would be incredible, right? It’d significantly reduce the animals’ stress.”

“Indeed, that’s the kind of medical center I wish to establish. By the way, I did some research, and I heard that Dr. Han is a prominent expert in endoscopy?”

“Yes, he is. Our Dr. Han is exceptionally skilled.”

“Not at all, there are many vets better than me.”

Lee Joon waved it off dismissively, while Han Na-Hyuk smiled contentedly.

“You did your research well. Dr. Han excels not only in endoscopy but also in surgeries.”

“Haha, really? It sounds like I’d love to have you join us even more.”

The more Nam Gung Hyun heard about Lee Joon, the more he desired to have him join.

He leaned forward slightly and asked earnestly.

“Dr. Han, could you oversee our endoscopy center just one day a week?”

Not ready to give up on Lee Joon, Nam Gung-hyun asked again.

“Hmm…”

“I know this sounds materialistic, but we will compensate you generously.”

“Lee Joon, that’s a great opportunity. If you join, it’ll be wonderful.”

“Senior, are you considering accepting the CEO’s proposal?”

“I’m thinking about it. It’d be nice to work with you again…”

“Well, I’ll think about it if it’s just one day a week.”

“Are you sure?”

“Really?”

Han Na-Hyuk and Nam Gung Hyun asked simultaneously.

“We’re still talking about saving lives. But there’s a condition.”

Having offered the proposal purely from a liking to him as a personality, and discovering his talent, Nam Gung-hyun felt eager to maintain their connection.

“Go ahead. We’re open to most things.”

“I’m talking about ‘Our Meadow Shelter’. You’ve seen it, I have to haul equipment there each time. Plus, we lack adequate operating rooms.”

Lee Joon grinned broadly at Nam Gung Hyun.

“So what I’m suggesting is, please consider building an animal hospital next to Our Meadow Shelter.”

—