Chapter 30
Chapter 30
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: Su-neunim's Guidance
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The students' reactions were truly enthusiastic.
But no matter how the students reacted, Lee Jun focused solely on examining Whitey.
After confirming the IV fluids were flowing in properly, Lee Jun asked Whitey,
“How’s it feel? Bearable?”
[……It feels bad, like something cold is slipping right into my legs. But otherwise, it’s so-so.]
Hearing Whitey’s response, Lee Jun thought to himself.
Had he ever gotten such specific feedback from an animal before?
‘No, this is the first.’
It occurred to him that Whitey’s detailed feedback might actually be helpful.
Until now, he’d adjusted the intensity of physical therapy for animals based on the companies’ input and visible results.
But if he passed Whitey’s feedback on to the physical therapy room at the Namgung Center, it could lead to a more animal-friendly setup.
Lee Jun tamped down his rising excitement for a moment and resumed instructing the students on how to locate veins.
“Alright, everyone remember. If you hold the front leg like this, it’s easier to find the vein. Want to give it a try?”
At Lee Jun’s direction, the students paired up and began practicing.
Lee Jun walked around, guiding them.
“Try twisting the front leg a bit there.”
“Like this?”
“Yeah, how’s that? The vein’s showing up much better than before, right?”
“Oh, it is!”
“Su, Su-neunim. Me too.”
Being called Su-neunim nonstop started to feel strange to Lee Jun.
A good kind of strange, perhaps.
But he couldn’t show it while instructing.
Lee Jun went to the struggling students and explained step by step.
“Uh…… Blood? It, it went in, right?”
One student spotted blood pooling in the IV catheter and lit up.
Her voice brimmed with anticipation.
“Yeah. You got it.”
“Yes!”
Thanks to Lee Jun’s teaching, the students gradually mastered inserting IV lines one by one.
“Huh? It really works just like Su-neunim said.”
“Right? I heard catching an IV is the hardest part early in practice, but this is easy.”
The flustered students Lee Jun had first seen were nowhere in sight—the atmosphere had changed completely.
The students brimmed with confidence, the dogs suffered less, and everything was going smoothly thanks to Lee Jun.
“Ugh, what is this? To think practice ends this fast in my lifetime.”
Eom Jin-han was moved.
“Make sure to give those guys something tasty. It went easy because they stayed so calm.”
“Got it. Of course. I’ll boil up a big batch of chicken breast and serve it right away.”
“Good. Feed them well.”
“They’ve been eating even better lately anyway. For some reason, the kids have been taking the dogs on at least one walk a day and even padding their beds.”
“Good kids. Oh, by the way, when’s the professors’ meeting supposed to end? Not yet?”
“Professor just texted a bit ago. He’s in his office and said to come whenever the seniors are free.”
“Oh, it’s over?”
“Yeah, actually, the seniors checked on them while watching the kids earlier and left.”
“They did? You should’ve said something.”
“Then the momentum would’ve died. The kids are all fired up right now.”
“True. We can just greet them now.”
“Shall we head over?”
“Yeah.”
“Wait a sec…….”
Eom Jin-han excused himself to Lee Jun, then stood before the students with an inexplicable swagger.
“Attention, everyone!”
All eyes in the practice room turned to Eom Jin-han.
“Ahem, did you all witness Su-neunim’s greatness!”
Eom Jin-han declared proudly, and the students chimed in.
“Yes!”
“Good. Consider today an honor. Now, let’s all applaud our Su-neunim!”
Clap clap clap clap!
Thunderous applause filled the practice room,
“Woooah! Thank you, Su-neunim!”
“Thank you!”
“Su-neunim forever!”
Chants for Lee Jun echoed beyond the practice room, resounding throughout the entire second floor.
As the applause died down, Eom Jin-han continued.
“Su-neunim is so busy that he must head out now. But even after he leaves, keep his teachings in your hearts forever!”
“Yes!”
It was a scene reminiscent of a cult, but Lee Jun just smiled faintly.
‘I should come by and teach whenever I get the chance.’
“Then let’s go.”
“Yeah.”
As Lee Jun left the practice room, the other two followed.
“It feels so cozy coming back after so long. Like returning home.”
“Yeah? I was just thinking the same.”
Eom Jin-han scowled at Lee Jun and Choi Woo-jin’s words.
“Ugh, just hearing you seniors makes me shudder.”
“You rascal, you say that, but don’t you find it most comfortable here?”
“Whew, that’s why it’s even worse.”
Whether Eom Jin-han sighed or not, Lee Jun felt great.
Coming back to the familiar school after so long brought back vivid memories of studying hard and treating patients in the past.
By the time his thoughts wrapped up, the three had reached the professor’s office.
Lee Jun knocked on the door.
Knock knock.
“Professor, it’s us.”
Before Lee Jun could finish, the door swung open.
“Come in.”
Professor Song greeted them with a bright smile.
“Professor, how’ve you been?”
“You look the same as ever, Professor.”
“Haha, the same? A year older means I’ve aged. My body’s not what it used to be.”
When Lee Jun said he looked the same, he meant his quick temper hadn’t changed.
And that he always welcomed them warmly without fail.
Never authoritarian, always making people comfortable. And expressing his joy openly.
Even now, he could’ve just said “come in” from his desk chair, but he’d opened the door himself.
It was this warmth from the professor that made Lee Jun think of school as home.
Lee Jun, never one to voice such sentiments, simply chimed in.
“Come on, you look fit as ever. Jin-han says you still come in at dawn.”
“Haha, that’s just routine. So, how’ve you been, Lee Jun? Must be hectic since you just opened your clinic.”
“It’s starting to settle in bit by bit.”
“Going solo after working with a team must have its challenges, but glad you’re managing. Oh, your lecture earlier was impressive.”
“I feel like I butted in and caused trouble.”
“Nonsense. Those kids are the Haenguni ones to learn from you. Thank you.”
“No, no. It’s nothing.”
“No, it’s important to learn from someone skilled right away. Saves you from fumbling around.”
The three chuckled at Professor Song’s mention of “fumbling.”
“But honestly, I was shocked to see a dog extend its paw without a restrainer. How’d you manage that?”
Lee Jun just smiled at Professor Song’s question, so the professor nodded and continued.
“Well, you were flying high from day one in grad school, so of course you can.”
“All thanks to your guidance, Professor.”
Professor Song smiled gently at Lee Jun.
“Haha, even flattery feels good.”
“I mean it.”
“You’ve gotten better at sweet talk since entering society.”
“My skills have improved too.”
Professor Song burst out laughing at Lee Jun’s reply.
“Wahahaha, right, your skills are top-notch. Everyone knows it.”
“All thanks to you, Professor.”
Lee Jun’s lips had been curving upward since earlier.
Praise always felt good, no matter how much.
“Anyway, are you doing the kind of practice you wanted? Like early detection of heart disease?”
Professor Song knew why Lee Jun had opened Meongmeong Animal Hospital.
And even how he planned to grow it.
“Yes.”
Professor Song smiled at Lee Jun’s spirited reply.
“Glad you’re satisfied. By the way, the animals coming to your clinic are Haenguni. You can catch big problems early.”
“That’s the goal.”
Lee Jun smiled, thinking of the animals visiting Meongmeong Animal Hospital.
“Still, it’s a bit of a shame. A vet as skilled as you should be practicing at a proper facility.”
“I feel the same.”
At Lee Jun’s response, the three shared knowing smiles.
“That confidence is key. And you’ve got the skills to back it up.”
Only then did Lee Jun realize his words could be misinterpreted.
“I meant it’s regrettable that I can’t do surgeries needing hospitalization. I can’t leave a post-op patient alone and go home…….”
“I know. No need to explain. But the limits on surgery must be tough.”
“Yes.”
Lee Jun nodded slowly.
“If it’s something we can refer to a big hospital for surgery, fine. But when time’s critical and we lack equipment, having to stand by…… that hurts.”
“So make money fast and build big. Make the animal hospital you want.”
“Haha, if only it were that easy.”
“But you’ll do it quick.”
“Your words alone overwhelm me, Professor.”
“Exactly. So scout good vets around you and make them your people. You need folks who share your vision to go big. You get me?”
“Yes. No matter what, you need at least seven allies who won’t betray you.”
“Right. With loyal people who’ll stick through, you can run a stable hospital.”
At “my people” and “allies,” Lee Jun thought of Namgung Hyun. Then Han Na-hyuk.
“Oh, Professor.”
“Yeah?”
“A good center might open soon.”
“Center?”
“Namgung Construction is building an animal medical center.”
“Oh?”
Lee Jun briefly told Professor Song about Namgung Hyun.
“Han Na-hyuk’s going to be director there?”
“Yes. They’ve been planning it since before construction, so it should be good, right?”
“Hmm, we’ll see, but the intent sounds solid. And regardless, a place with top facilities is welcome.”
“Right. One good animal hospital sets the standard for future big ones.”
Mid-conversation, Lee Jun felt an intense gaze. He turned to see Eom Jin-han staring.
“Eom Jin-han, why’re you staring like that? You want a job there too?”
“Nah, I have to guard the school. Who’d Professor lean on without me?”
Everyone chuckled at Eom Jin-han’s words.
“Not me, but it’d be great if juniors could get jobs there.”
“That’s a good idea. Professor, if you know any good talent, please recommend them.”
“Sure. But it’d help if I knew what kind of person they’re looking for.”
“Namgung CEO already asked. To introduce a professor to oversee the animal medical center setup.”
“Oversee?”
“Yes. I’ll set up a meeting if you’re okay with it?”
“Yeah.”
Just then, Eom Jin-han, checking his phone, stood awkwardly.
“It’s time to feed the kids dinner, so I’ll head out.”
“Okay. Check on the ones with IVs too.”
“Yes, yes.”
“We’ll contact you after everything’s done. Let’s grab dinner.”
Lee Jun and Choi Woo-jin planned to eat not just with Professor Song but the whole surgery department.
“Got it.”
As Eom Jin-han slipped out, Professor Song called Lee Jun.
“Lee Jun, got time?”
“Time?”
“If you do, how about a special lecture?”
“Special lecture?”
“Yeah. Something like ‘Emergency Situations and Treatments in Local Clinics.’ Or whatever you think juniors should know.”
“Who’s the audience?”
“Undergrads.”
“Yes. Let me know when you have a slot.”
“Thanks. I’ll set a time and we’ll discuss. Thinking three hours—okay with that?”
For Lee Jun, who’d handled undergrad practice lectures in grad school, three hours wasn’t long.
“Fine by me.”
No telling when, but he nodded, thinking he’d give the undergrads a proper lesson then.