Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Gray Names His Successor
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The news that Gray had named Yellow as his successor spread like wildfire through Evergreen Park.
Just a few days earlier, Yellow had visited Meongmeong Animal Hospital, and the very next day, he showed up again.
[Leader. There's a weird rumor going around. Please set things straight.]
[What rumor are you talking about, nya? The one where you're my successor, nya?]
[Yes, that rumor exactly. It came straight from the mouth of a cat who saw you, so everyone's buying it. Please come to the park and tell everyone it's not true.]
[It's true, nya.]
[...What?]
Yellow let out a piercing yowl.
[It's about time I started preparing to hand over my position to you, nya.]
[N-No, that can't happen. It's impossible. How could I ever... Leader. You're just feeling under the weather right now and getting sentimental. This is too big a decision—please recover your health first and think it over again.]
Yellow's earnest, high-pitched meows carried all the way to Lee Jun's ears.
'It feels like I'm overhearing a conversation between a general and his soldiers. That guy's acting like the leader's personal bodyguard.'
Lee Jun knew Gray was respected by the Evergreen cats, but he hadn't realized it was to this extent. He was quietly impressed.
Yellow meowed desperately that it was nonsense, insisting he could never take Gray's place.
[You've been doing a great job so far, nya. Just keep doing what you're doing, nya.]
[No. I've only been following your orders, Leader.]
[Exactly. That's all it takes, nya.]
[No. How could I possibly take your place? Leader, if it's because your legs are bothering you, don't worry. I'll carry you around.]
[I'll carry you, Leader.]
[I can carry you too.]
The cats who had come with him chimed in, all vowing to serve Gray.
Their words filled Gray with pride.
'What great comrades they are, nya.'
He wanted to take good care of these comrades. He wanted them to live even better lives.
Gazing at his precious, adorable companions, Gray recalled what Ttangkongi had said to Shadow the day before.
'He said being by Big Brother's side would help my comrades even more, nya.'
The same went for the Evergreen family.
'And someday, I have to hand over the leader position, nya.'
In that case, it was best to pass it on when Yellow was at his peak. Which was now.
[Yellow's already leading the Evergreen territory in my place just fine, nya.]
Yes, the timing was perfect.
[I'm not saying I'm stepping down right this second, nya.]
In the past, naming a successor meant a new leader was born immediately.
So Yellow and the other Evergreen cats had assumed the same.
They thought Gray would retire from leadership soon.
But when Gray said otherwise, the cats' gloomy faces lit up.
[Really?]
Nyaong-nyaong—they meowed excitedly, as if their earlier whimpers had never happened.
[Yes, nya. Until Yellow fully settles into the role, I'll keep giving orders like always, nya.]
[You're saying you'll wait until I become as great as you, Leader?]
[That's right, nya!]
[Understood. I'll do my best.]
Who could ever measure up to the greatest leader in history, Gray?
It meant Gray would remain leader for the foreseeable future.
Relieved, Yellow replied confidently.
Gray smiled warmly at the resolute Yellow.
The Bluebird cats who had come to see Shadow were just as thrilled.
They were overjoyed to see their leader again, now that his eyesight was returning. They figured once he regained his strength, he'd soon return to their home in Bluebird Park.
But retirement?
They reacted just as strongly.
[Are you punishing us for not finding you sooner?]
[Don't be ridiculous.]
Shadow snapped.
[We'll work even harder. Please take back your order.]
[I still love you all, and I always will. You're my family—before, now, and forever.]
Shadow had never once used the word "family" until now.
But watching how kindly Lee Jun, Jang So-ra, and Gray treated him had made him think about what family really meant.
The Bluebird cats' eyes widened at Shadow's words.
[L-Leader!]
[Me staying here is the best thing for you all.]
Like Gray, Shadow recalled Ttangkongi's words from the day before and echoed something similar to his comrades.
He was retiring, but he'd support and cheer them on from behind the scenes.
[I-If that's what makes you comfortable, Leader, then we'll accept it.]
[Good. Tell Milo to come see me tomorrow.]
[Got it.]
Lee Jun quietly listened to both groups of cats.
'These guys really care about their subordinates.'
Guessing why Gray and Shadow were doing this, Lee Jun crossed his arms and pondered.
'I wish I could do something more for them.'
He had promised a feast, but that was just extra food and hanging out.
Lee Jun wanted to give these exemplary cats something more tangible.
'Somewhere comfortable for them to rest, too.'
The weather was nice now, but soon it'd get hot, then the rainy season.
His thoughts extended to providing shelter from the monsoon rains.
When he made a lot of money later, he'd definitely build an ecological park like that.
A utopia—no, a paradise for animals—where they could rest anytime and eat their fill. An "Animaltopia."
The thought brought a gentle smile to Lee Jun's face.
'Well, that's not something I can do right now just by wishing. Better focus on what I can do.'
Lee Jun called over Gray and Shadow.
[You called, nya?]
[Did you need me?]
"How many comrades do you have?"
[There are 35 cats in Evergreen Park, nya. And 25 more in the alleys and such, nya.]
[Bluebird has 25. And 20 around the area.]
"That's a manageable number."
Unsure what he meant, Gray and Shadow looked at Lee Jun.
"Send them over 10 at a time starting tomorrow. But have them come fasting—no food from morning."
[What? Why?]
[You gonna stick a needle in their front legs like last time, nya?]
Shadow asked why they had to fast, but Gray caught on immediately.
"Yeah. Health checkups before the feast."
[What's that?]
"To see if any have eye problems like you, or leg issues. Basically, check if any of your friends are hurting."
The promise of early eye care moved Shadow, regardless of the rest.
[Th-Thank you.]
[Thanks, nya.]
"Okay. Gray, explain it in detail to Shadow, and let those dazed guys over there know too."
***
The next evening, after clinic hours, twenty-two cats took over the waiting room at Meongmeong Animal Hospital.
Ten from Evergreen, ten from Bluebird, plus Gray and Shadow.
The cats huddled in small groups, chatting softly.
[So you just stick out your front paw, and that's it.]
[Yeah, then Woof Teacher draws some blood. It stings, but you can tough it out.]
[Lie flat on the smooth floor like this—no pain at all. Just do what Woof Teacher says, and it's over quick. Oh, keep your eyes closed.]
Some shared blood draw tips, others explained X-rays.
The explainers were mostly Evergreen cats who'd been through it; the listeners, the Bluebird crew.
A strong bond was already forming between the two territories.
Everyone present knew it stemmed from that one feast where they'd eaten plenty without fighting.
Plenty of food meant no scraps to quarrel over.
While the cats waited in the lobby, Lee Jun was grinning ear to ear in the ultrasound room.
"Okay, take a big breath in... Good, perfect. Now exhale... Yes, yes. Hold it there."
Watching the ultrasound monitor, Lee Jun cheered inwardly.
'I can't believe this is working. Unreal.'
Normally, he couldn't instruct animals to breathe deeply, exhale, puff their bellies, or hold still, so scans dragged or missed key images.
But getting perfect shots this easily?
Lee Jun saved rare footage straight out of textbooks as he examined them.
Once checkups wrapped, Jang So-ra—who'd volunteered for overtime—fed the cats.
"Thanks, Manager Jang."
"Oh, please. Getting to see over twenty cats at once? I'm the grateful one."
Beaming, Jang So-ra told the cats,
"Kids, speak up if you want more."
That's when Shadow, face buried in his bowl, snapped his head up and glanced at the window.
The other cats followed suit, peering out.
Lee Jun's phone rang.
He smiled at the screen and swiped to answer.
"Yes, CEO."
*-I was passing by and saw the lights on, so I called. Still at the clinic?*
"Oh, you've arrived?"
Lee Jun stepped out to the entrance. A car was parked, with Namgung Hyun standing in front.
Outside, Lee Jun explained.
"Ho, health checkups for the park cats? How'd you come up with that?"
"Just... Seeing all the cats visiting Gray and Shadow."
"Impressive. So the cats are eating inside now?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Can I take a peek? No, they'd scatter if I went in, right?"
Curious but wary, Namgung Hyun asked cautiously.
"Should be fine."
Lee Jun went in first and told the cats Namgung Hyun was coming. Fully trusting Lee Jun, they meowed assent and ignored it.
Namgung Hyun entered the clinic, pleased.
"We thought the same at Our Yard Shelter, but seeing them eat so heartily... Feels great."
Watching the cats munch happily, he asked Lee Jun,
"Anything I can help with? Seeing you work so hard makes me want to do something for them."
"There is, but it won't be easy."
"Tell me anyway. We might figure it out together."
"A shelter in their parks would be ideal. Rainy season's coming; they'd have somewhere dry."
"Ah, great idea."
"But tough right now. Unless it becomes an eco-park."
"Hm, eco-park?"
"Yeah. They're popping up for conservation and animal protection. Good for kids' education too. But for their parks..."
Lee Jun shook his head.
"For now, just better bedding spots. Any way to make it happen smoothly with the parks?"
That was exactly what Lee Jun wanted Namgung Hyun's help with.
"I'll look into it."
"Thanks. I'll cover costs—something sturdy."
Namgung Hyun smiled.
"I'll get back to you ASAP."
A few days later, good news from Namgung Hyun.
*-Evergreen Park said yes. Their facilities are worn; we're remodeling benches and equipment in exchange for adding cat shelters.*
"Really?"
*-They loved it. Park'll look sharp.*
"Thanks. Installation costs?"
*-Haha, just tell our team how to build the cat houses. We'll handle construction.*
Remodeling extended smoothly to Bluebird Park.
Lee Jun shared the news with the cats.
"So, maybe hold the feast after the shelters are done. What do you think?"
[Th-That's great, nya!]
[I like it. And thanks.]
Saying thanks once was tough, but now it flowed naturally from Shadow.
Overjoyed, Shadow—who normally kept his distance—rubbed against Lee Jun's leg.
A month later, the park remodels were complete.
"Wow, looks amazing. Lots of hiding spots."
"Thanks to your advice, Director. You said cats love these spaces."
"I suggested it, but... Thank you so much."
"Haha, no. We're grateful to contribute to environmental and animal protection."
That evening, Lee Jun and the cats gathered at Evergreen Park.
Kwak Su-ho was there too, at Lee Jun's request, to film a retirement tribute video.
Naturally, all Evergreen and Bluebird cats showed up.
As Gray took center stage, the cats cheered.
Silently, though.
They just stood on hind legs, waving "hurrahs" and wiggling their butts in delight.
"What a sight."
Filming, Kwak Su-ho's jaw dropped.
He'd captured countless animals, but nothing shocked him like this.
Jang So-ra felt the same.
"You... too cute."
Was she worthy of witnessing such an adorable, epic scene?
She was glad she'd joined Meongmeong Animal Hospital.
[I, Gray, hereby declare Yellow my successor, nya.]
Nyaoooo!
The cats roared in approval.
[From now on, Yellow's word is my word, nya. Got it, nya!]
[Yes!]
Then Shadow and Milo appeared to congratulate him.
[Congratulations.]
[Thanks, nya!]
The cats mingled, celebrating together.
They turned to Lee Jun, greeting him loudly.
[Woof Teacher, thank you!]
[Teacher, thank you!]
Their voices were soft, but they waved paws wildly, stomping in joyful dance.
The next day, Bluebird Park saw the same.
The only difference: Shadow's retirement ceremony.
It ended with a dance of gratitude for Lee Jun.
[Teacher, hurray!]
[Woof Teacher, hurray!]
Over a hundred cats danced with beaming faces.