Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Hello, Vet Doctor!
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“What do you mean, a proposal?”
Haenguni wasn’t consulting or asking a favor about his issue—he was making a proposal.
A look of puzzlement crossed Lee Jun’s face.
“I’m thinking of opening an animal hospital. Would you consider being the director there?”
Namgung Hyun, CEO of Namgung Construction.
That’s what it said on the business card Lee Jun had received.
And now, out of the blue, he was talking about starting an animal hospital.
To someone who already knew Lee Jun was the director of Meongmeong Animal Hospital.
Lee Jun narrowed his eyes at Namgung Hyun.
Sensing the sudden shift in Lee Jun’s demeanor, Namgung Hyun hurriedly continued.
“Ah, I didn’t explain properly. Actually, it’s a business idea I’ve been mulling over for a while.”
“A business?”
“As I raised Banji, we visited animal hospitals quite often. Since he was getting on in years, we tried all sorts: the local neighborhood clinic, larger hospitals, even the university-affiliated veterinary hospital.”
Namgung Hyun didn’t answer Lee Jun’s question directly but launched into what seemed unrelated.
Still, figuring it must tie back, Lee Jun nodded.
“I see.”
“Yeah. Banji hated being hospitalized—probably because I visited so much. But I couldn’t avoid it either.”
“That must have been tough.”
“It was. I wanted to stay with him the whole time, but circumstances made it impossible. He wasn’t the only patient, and the doctors had to treat others too…”
“Yeah, that’s how it goes.”
“But I found out some overseas hospitals have facilities where guardians can stay overnight with their pets.”
“You mean guardian-accompanied hospitalization rooms.”
“Ah, exactly.”
“We have a few like that in Korea now too.”
“I’ve been to one. It got me thinking—I want to make something even bigger and more comfortable. And expand the rehab facilities too.”
“That would be great. Ideally, with separate zones for small, medium, and large dogs.”
Lee Jun chimed in.
“Wait, Director. Did you just read my mind? How do you know exactly what I’m thinking?”
Namgung Hyun’s words drew a smile from Lee Jun.
Because Lee Jun wanted a hospital like that too.
He elaborated a bit more on his dream hospital.
“And help animals who can’t afford treatment?”
“Perfect! That’s exactly it.”
Namgung Hyun excitedly continued.
“But to open one, you need a veterinarian. So I’m thinking of setting it up as an investment. A place open 24/7 for emergency surgeries and specialized care.”
“You’d have to make it pretty big.”
“That’s the plan.”
“I’ll help however I can. But Manager Jang would be way more useful than me. She runs a pretty large-scale hospital.”
“Ah, no, that’s not…”
Realizing his intent had been misunderstood, Namgung Hyun started to correct himself but shut his mouth.
He spotted the staff boarding the bus after wrapping up.
‘I was too hasty.’
This wasn’t something to discuss in front of everyone. Better to meet privately and make a proper request.
“I’ll stop by in the next few days.”
“Sure. You need to disinfect the surgery site anyway, so bring Haenguni by tomorrow or the day after when you have time.”
Lee Jun turned his gaze to Haenguni, hugged tightly by Namgung Hyun.
“Take care, Haenguni.”
[……Okay.]
Haenguni’s eyes trembled faintly as he replied.
He liked Namgung Hyun, but wasn’t fully convinced yet.
‘Even after hearing he won’t be abandoned, he can’t be sure without experiencing it himself.’
There was nothing Lee Jun could do about that.
The only solution was building trust between Namgung Hyun and Haenguni.
And that would happen soon enough.
The only words Lee Jun could offer Haenguni were these.
“It’ll be okay.”
***
Less than a full day after returning from Namyangju, Lee Jun met them again.
Namgung Hyun, clutching Haenguni tightly, looked thrilled.
“I came to see you, Director, and pick up some food for Haenguni.”
“Perfect timing. I was just packing samples for him.”
“Haha, really?”
Sniff sniff sniff. Haenguni whipped his head around, nostrils flaring.
‘Wow, those sparkling eyes. Is this the same pup who was trembling with his neck hunched yesterday?’
Lee Jun’s lips curved into a soft smile at Haenguni’s confident demeanor.
“Eaten yet, Haenguni?”
How’s home? Like it? Treating you well, your new owner?
The question encompassed all that.
[Yes. Hehe.]
Haenguni barked happily, drawing a pleased grin from Namgung Hyun as he stroked him.
His touch brimmed with affection.
“Haenguni must love seeing you, Doctor.”
“Animals who like the hospital are a great sign.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Namgung Hyun nodded, recalling how Banji had hated hospital visits.
“I’ll disinfect the surgery site now.”
“No leg exam?”
“Surgery alone is stressful enough yesterday. He needs to adjust to the new environment too, so better to check later.”
“Ah, makes sense. Let me know when you think it’s okay.”
“Sure. Wait here a sec.”
Namgung Hyun watched Lee Jun lead Haenguni into the treatment room, a glint in his eye.
‘The more I see, the more I want him.’
Someone who truly understands animals’ feelings.
That’s exactly who Namgung Hyun wanted.
He shifted his gaze from the treatment room to the framed photos on the wall.
The animals in both frames were smiling.
‘If only I’d met Director Lee Jun sooner. Banji wouldn’t have feared the hospital.’
But he wasn’t just regretting.
“All I need to do is make a hospital where animals come and smile like these guys.”
Namgung Hyun smiled at the pictures, envisioning a bright future.
Moments later, the treatment room door opened, and tiny, adorable Haenguni trotted out.
Tail curled high, he bounced over and looked up at Namgung Hyun.
“Looks like Haenguni fully sees you as his owner now?”
Lee Jun said as he emerged.
“Really?”
“Yep. You’ve completely won his heart in just one day.”
“That’s good, right?”
“Of course. Some don’t open up even after three months.”
“Haha, guess I got Haenguni.”
“You and Haenguni both did. Finding such a great match isn’t easy. Anyway, shall we pick out his food?”
Lee Jun set down several small bowls Jang So-ra had handed him.
Each held highly palatable kibble.
“Haenguni, find one you like.”
Sniff sniff. Haenguni roamed, sniffing the bowls.
He even nibbled some.
Namgung Hyun chuckled watching.
“I was so worried about stepping on him. He’s nothing like big Banji—had to be extra careful.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
“Hope so. It’s amazing, though. I wondered what difference such a little guy would make, but the house feels totally different already. Warm, even.”
“Glad to hear.”
“I think so too. Speaking of, mind picking up from yesterday’s talk? You free?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Like I said, it’ll be a sizable hospital. Guardian rooms, space for large dogs to rehab properly.”
“Sounds great.”
“Full diagnostics at night, immediate emergency surgeries—that kind of place.”
“You want a medical center.”
“Exactly.”
“With you as guardian, it’d be an amazing hospital.”
“And I want you as director.”
“Pardon?”
Lee Jun’s eyes widened.
“The first time I visited Meongmeong, your genuine attitude toward me stood out. I could feel how much you care for animals—it won me over.”
“Thanks for the kind words.”
Meeting Lee Jun at Our Yard Shelter yesterday sealed it, Namgung Hyun continued with a smile.
“I knew you’re the one to lead the hospital I envision.”
“So that was your proposal.”
“Yes. Please, I’m counting on you. I’ll make it worth your while.”
“Appreciate it. Feels good to be thought so highly of. But I don’t think it’s for me.”
As Lee Jun politely declined, Namgung Hyun added,
“I know you might not like this, but I have to get practical.”
“What do you mean…?”
Lee Jun said that, but he could guess.
‘He’ll talk salary. Base of two million, plus extras for opening in my name. Incentives based on revenue.’
Back when he was an associate vet, offers ranged from 800k to 1.5 million.
‘Now as director, he’ll pitch higher.’
Namgung Hyun’s offer diverged a bit from expectations.
The salary was similar, if anything.
“Annual raises go without saying. And as years pass, I’ll transfer investment shares to you. 0.5% per year sound good?”
Lee Jun was stunned.
He hadn’t expected this.
“Haha, twenty years and I’d own 10% of your investment.”
“Yep. By then, it’ll be a huge sum.”
“Probably. You’re not planning just one anyway.”
“Busted?”
“I figured you’re the big-picture type.”
Lee Jun deflected lightly.
“Don’t like the offer? Seems pretty solid.”
“It is good. Honestly tempting—not the pay, but your grand vision, CEO Namgung.”
Calling it a business pitch, Lee Jun addressed him as CEO, not Haenguni’s guardian.
“Top equipment, freedom to treat. Every clinical vet’s dream.”
“Then why decline?”
Lee Jun glanced at the wall picture.
Kongdori beamed back.
“I want to catch diseases early, before animals suffer more.”
“What do you mean?”
“Prevent them worsening. Like spotting Haenguni’s leg pain from how he walks while buying food. Or finding hidden issues from a cough.”
“So small hospitals catch what big ones miss.”
“Exactly. Big places only see severe cases.”
Namgung Hyun sighed deeply.
‘Hearing his reason makes me want him more.’
He was greedy for talent.
Money matters for business, but people drive growth.
‘Gotta keep ties with this director.’
Resolved, Namgung Hyun spoke.
“My thinking was shortsighted.”
“No. I support your idea. If you need vets, let me know. I know good juniors and seniors.”
“Really? Then hit me up with director and clinician candidates.”
“How many?”
“Twenty vets to start.”
“Got it. I’ll make calls.”
“And if you ever need my help?”
“Absolutely. Anytime outside work hours.”
“Thanks. And if I can assist you, just say.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
***
That evening, Lee Jun dialed.
It rang over five times, but he didn’t hang up.
After three voice-mail prompts, it connected.
-Lee Jun, long time.
“Senior, where are you?”
-Me? In Yangju.
“Busy?”
-Nah, when am I ever?
“Wanna meet? You come or I go?”
-Why?
“Found a perfect job for you.”
-Job? Animal hospital?
“Yeah. Center director?”
-Pass. No thanks. Might last six months at most—better rest here.
A disinterested voice came through the receiver.