Hello Vet! How are you?

Lee Joon, who had decided to grant Gray one’s wish, immediately called up Gwak Soo-ho.

After a few rings, a familiar voice answered.

“Hey, Lee Joon. You’ve been doing well lately, haven’t you?”

“Not as well as you.”

“Haha, well, everyone praises our park cats.”

“Speaking of our park cats, you spoke well. Free up some time this weekend for them.”

“The weekend?”

“You don’t have anything planned anyway, do you?”

“Hey, do you know how busy I am? I’m at the point of needing a cat’s paw to help edit cat videos.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Do you think those videos edit themselves? It’s editing hell in order to produce good videos.”

As Gwak Soo-ho complained, Lee Joon chuckled and spoke leisurely.

“Well, if that’s the case, I’ll have to contact PD Park.”

“Wait. PD Park? Are you talking about Park Joo-hwan from Animal Cheers?”

“That’s right. PD Park said to contact him anytime there was an interesting ‘topic.’ This time, I’ve got something fun in mind.”

“What is it?”

“It’s not much. I was thinking of doing something with the park cats. But since you’re the original, I thought I’d call you first. Since you’re busy, though, never mind.”

“No, no. I have plenty of time. I can edit later, so what’s the plan?”

“Well, it’s…”

Lee Joon explained his plan to Gwak Soo-ho.

“A picnic? Did you just say a picnic?”

“Yes.”

For a moment, the receiver was silent, as if the call had disconnected, before an explosive yell erupted.

“Hey, you crazy fool. Are you even a vet? Taking cats on a picnic? And to the beach? Don’t you know how stressed cats who are attached to their territory get?”

Gwak Soo-ho fumed.

“That’s why I’m only taking those who want to go.”

“Goodness. I really don’t get what you’re thinking.”

“So, are you coming or not?”

“Of course, I have to go.”

“But you called it crazy?”

“That’s beside the point. How could I miss such an extraordinary scene?”

“Anyway, we’ll go on Saturday.”

“What about transportation? Lodging?”

“We can use your car and mine for the trip, and I’ll sort out the accommodation soon.”

“Oh my, did you plan this without any preparation?”

“If it doesn’t work out, maybe we can ask Gijin’s father for help? I heard he knows a lot of people in Taean.”

“Indeed. My father’s friends own many houses there. I’m sure they would let us stay for a day or so.”

With Go Gijin’s assurance, Gwak Soo-ho chimed in.

“I’ll see what I can find too.”

“Alright, let’s discuss again once it’s decided.”

After ending the call with Gwak Soo-ho, Go Gijin picked up his phone.

“I’ll contact my father. If it’s a request from you, hyung, he’ll be more than willing to help.”

“Please do.”

Go Gijin called home while Lee Joon accessed the general search system on his phone.

‘Even though we never know, let’s look for pet-friendly pensions.’

The visiting animals in such pet-friendly places were likely all dogs.

One might wonder how to bring cats to such places, but Lee Joon wasn’t concerned about that.

‘Hmm. Booking a private property would work, but if any mischievous ones arrive, it could be an issue. I’ll have to put my hope in Gijin’s father.’

If that didn’t work, they might have to go for a day trip to Incheon.

While contemplating this, Gray one, who was looking outside, commented.

『Lucky is coming!』

Shortly after, Nam Gung-hyun entered the clinic holding Lucky.

“Representative Nam Gung, welcome.”

“Long time no see, Director Lee. You’ve done a great job.”

After the broadcast, Nam Gung-hyun, who had sent Lee Joon congratulations and encouraging messages, complimented Lee Joon again.

This had made Nam Gung-hyun view Lee Joon as even more remarkable.

“Thank you.”

While Nam Gung-hyun and Lee Joon caught up, Nam Gung-hyun overheard Go Gijin on the phone with his father.

“Where are you headed?”

“Ah, not much, just thinking of taking our cats on a picnic.”

“A picnic?”

“Yes. These guys want to see the sea.”

“Ah, so you’re looking for a place to stay.”

“Yes. I think a quiet place would be best for the cats to rest.”

“Hmm. I have a villa near Gangneung. The scenery is nice and it’s quiet.”

“Gangneung?”

A villa owned by someone as wealthy as Nam Gung-hyun would undoubtedly be quiet and likely have a private beach.

Lee Joon was intrigued by Nam Gung-hyun’s offer.

But the distance was an issue.

Could cats unacquainted with car rides endure a three-hour journey?

Lee Joon asked the cats.

『It sounds fun.』
『I want to try riding in a car too.』

With the cats’ positive responses, Lee Joon accepted Nam Gung-hyun’s proposal.

“Thank you.”

***

A few days later, on Saturday evening.

Gwak Soo-ho laughed heartily as he observed the line of cats.

“What a sight, what a sight. Never thought I’d see the day where cats with numbered labels around their necks would line up.”

Gray one and Kkamnyang, each with the numbers 1 and 2 around their necks, were overseeing the cats.

One side of the label bore the numbers 1, 2, 3, while the other had Lee Joon’s phone number, Woof Woof Animal Clinic, and the cats’ names engraved.

The numbers went up to 53.

Fifty-three cats had gathered, listening to Gray one and Kkamnyang’s instructions.

『Don’t go anywhere alone!』

Nod, nod.

The 51 cats nodded in unison.

『If anyone is scared or doesn’t want to go, it’s okay to step back.』

Shake, shake.

Again, the cats shook their heads in unison.

It wasn’t as energetic as their previous bum-shaking but still maintained a level of cuteness.

Gwak Soo-ho kept exclaiming “Nice. Perfect,” as he snapped pictures of the cats, delighted.

Next to him, kim Eun-ji couldn’t stop saying “So cute” as she filmed them.

Capturing the unbelievable scene, kim Eun-ji thought to herself.

‘Wow… really. Isn’t this like the goddess of fortune looking after me? Such incredible luck! Woof Woof Animal Clinic is amazing!’

The previous day, while covering a report nearby, kim Eun-ji had stopped by Woof Woof Animal Clinic to say hi.

Using her visit as an excuse to see Gray one and Kkamnyang, she had stumbled upon Joo engraving something fervently.

Curious, she had inquired and was told about the current situation.

While discussing if they needed help feeding the cats, she secured permission from Lee Joon to accompany them and ended up at this spot.

Meanwhile, Lee Joon was inspecting the interior of the bus.

The bus floor was covered with plush mats, and the seats were equipped with cat-safe seat cushions securely fastened.

“They’re fixed firmly.”

Satisfied, Lee Joon shook the seats slightly, smiled contentedly, and alighted from the bus.

“Hyung, everything’s loaded.”

Acknowledging Go Gijin’s words that the luggage was all set, Lee Joon nodded.

“Alright? We just need to board then.”

Lee Joon addressed the cats.

“Let’s board now, everyone.”

『Board orderly!』
『Line up!』

Bounce, bounce. Following Gray one and Kkamnyang’s lead, the cats hopped onto the bus, gracefully taking their chosen spots.

The bus driver was utterly amazed.

‘What on earth am I witnessing here?’

The bus driver recognized Gray one, Kkamnyang, and the park cats.

He assumed there was a certain degree of editing involved in the videos.

However, seeing the scene unfold before him confirmed that everything was real.

The bus driver asked Lee Joon, who was the last to board.

“Uhm, director, could I take a commemorative photo?”

“Go ahead. The expert will take one for you.”

With pictures taken alongside the cats and Lee Joon, the driver started the journey in high spirits.

***

『Wow, it’s moving!』
『Interesting… The trees keep moving backward.』
『I-I’m scared!』
『It’s okay. If you lay flat like this, it’s not scary.』
『Oh! It’s so much fun!』

The cats, each experiencing their first car ride, displayed various reactions, but most wore thrilled expressions.

Some had been in a car before, but only briefly for trips to the animal clinic for neutering procedures.

Initially, moving without their own feet felt strange, but they gradually adjusted.

When the bus entered the highway and sped up, the cats cheered.

『This is exciting, exciting!』
『Run, run!』
『Heehee! This is so much fun!』

Watching the cats, Lee Joon commented.

“Is it that good?”

『Yes! Faster, faster!』
『Of course. Let’s go!』

“Didn’t you guys say you liked resting quietly in your hideout and didn’t like moving?”

『That’s nice too, but this is also nice.』
『Indeed. It has its own charm.』

Recalling the cat behavior norms he knew, Lee Joon stopped himself.

‘It doesn’t make sense that I can understand you guys, so why bother thinking about it? As long as you guys are happy, that’s enough.’

Whether he acknowledged it or not, the cats were simply ecstatic.

The thrill of the speed was excellent, but mainly, being together in the same place without worry was the best.

Amid their joy, the cats soon nestled down and dozed off until they reached their destination.

Upon arrival, Go Gijin asked Lee Joon.

“Hyung, shouldn’t we wake them?”

“Opening the car door will wake them.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Unfamiliar smells will greet them, so…”

As Lee Joon said, once the car doors opened, the cats sprang up, sniffing the air.

『Sniff sniff. This smell is curious!』
『Such a good smell.』

Experiencing the scent of the sea for the first time, the cats displayed delighted expressions.

“Everyone, disembark. It’s dark, so don’t wander off far.”

『Don’t worry.』
『You all heard that, right? Just follow the vet closely.』

Meow-hoo!

The cats responded loudly and followed the two leading cats off the bus.

They patiently took turns disembarking without any quarrel over who would go first, prompting exclamations of amazement from everyone present.

“Oh my! They’re too adorable.”

Kim Eun-ji was overwhelmed by the cuteness.

“They’re truly charming. Thanks to hyung, I’ve gotten to witness such a rare sight.”

“This needs wide recognition.”

“That’s true.”

“Oh my, look at them. Why are they so cute?”

As instructed by Lee Joon, the cats stayed close, softly closing their eyes and sniffing the air.

“They’re well-behaved.”

Lee Joon smiled contentedly at the cats.

With them being so obedient, there was nothing to worry about.

“Alright, let’s move the luggage.”

“Leave that to me. I’ll handle the luggage, so everyone, relax.”

As Go Gijin unloaded the baggage, Gray one ran over and tapped on a box.

『We want this!』
『This is the one that was tasty.』
『The one that was soft and tender, delicious it was.』
『The one with the long whiskers was cool-looking.』

“Hyung, I think they want some shrimp?”

“You’re getting good at understanding them. That’s right. They’re asking for it.”

“Hehe, how could I not understand that? Alright, alright. I’ll give it to you.”

“Dr. Go, you know, right? Boil it once to remove the saltiness, then grill it lightly.”

Soon, the cats received their allotted grilled shrimp and chicken breast.

『Delicious! Boss, what is this exactly?』
『This one with whiskers, what is it? It’s super tasty.』
『Too, too delicious.』

Wide-eyed from the shrimp, which they tasted for the first time,

『How… how can such tender white meat taste even better?』

Those who had experienced chicken breast from Lee Joon were shocked by the taste of grilled chicken breast.

They devoured it with fervor, completely engrossed in the feast.

Watching the cats, Lee Joon called out.

“There’s more, so eat slowly. Don’t get indigestion from eating too fast.”

『He’s right. Hyung will give plenty. Eat slowly.』
『Understood!』
『Sob sob, thank you, boss. I get to eat something this delicious.』
『It’s not me. Thank hyung. It’s all thanks to him.』
『Thank hyung.』

Despite their remaining food, the cats abruptly stood up, rushing towards Lee Joon, and embraced his leg.

『Thank you for the meal!』
『Thank you.』
『Cheers for the vet!』

Meow-hoo-hoo!

Meow-hoo!

The loud cries of the cats echoed briefly along the coast of Gangneung.

As night passed and dawn began to break the following morning.

The cats sat in line before the sandy area.

“Don’t go beyond the edge there. Stay close. Got it?”

At Lee Joon’s words, the cats entered the sand area.

Taking careful steps, Gray one suddenly yelled in surprise.

『M-My legs disappeared!』
『M-Mine too. My legs have gone!』

Kkamnyang echoed Gray one’s alarm.

Watching their uproar, Lee Joon burst into laughter.

“These little guys are too cute, aren’t they?”