Hello Vet! How are you?

The next day.

Public Relations Manager Gong went to the research lab next to the main building as soon as she arrived at work, aiming to meet Team Leader Park Seung-hwan.

“Team Leader Park. You said you’ve found a model. What do you mean by that?”

The day before, team Leader Park had only mentioned over the phone that he found suitable candidate cats for the promotional model, without giving further details.

Seeing Manager Gong’s expectations, team Leader Park replied with a grin.

“It’s a cat you know, Manager Gong.”

“A cat that I know?”

Manager Gong tilted her head before suddenly nodding with realization.

“You’re not talking about Assistant Bang’s cat, bread, are you? Bread was already eliminated in the camera test.”

“Did Bread take the test?”

“Yes. At home, it eats very well, but in front of the camera, it wouldn’t even budge, let alone eat.”

“Well, it’s hard for a cat to eat in an unfamiliar studio.”

“There were a few cats that passed the first test, but they all failed in the second.”

“Was the camera test the second round?”

“Yes, it was a test where they had to eat the product in front of a camera in the studio.”

Manager Gong sighed deeply and lamented.

“Calm cats start hissing with more staff in the studio, and they run away when the lights are turned on. Finding suitable ones is harder than I thought.”

“That’s true. We really need to find those who can eat deliciously.”

The US headquarters instructed a promotional video shoot with utmost dedication to dispelling the reputation that its effectiveness was good but taste was lacking.

For that reason, creating a high-quality video was very important for the Korean branch as well.

“It’s bad enough that people are suggesting we just upload the HQ video. I’m worried they might tell us to use videos from China or Japan. I’d rather use the HQ video than stuff from other countries…”

Manager Gong shuddered and firmly stated, “That’s not going to happen.”

For that reason, Manager Gong wanted to create a video much better than HQ’s.

“So, who are they?”

Seeing how the conversation kept drifting, Manager Gong urged Team Leader Park.

“I told you, it’s a cat you know.”

Team Leader Park moved slightly and said.

“Doo-ba Doo-ba…”

Manager Gong’s eyes widened hearing Team Leader Park’s awkward moves and sounds.

“Could it be… the park cats?”

“Hee hee, not that, it’s Gray one. The leader of the park cats, the Gray one.”

Although the leader had changed to Nureong, those unaware still considered Gray one as the leader.

“Gray one? You met him? Then did you visit Woof Woof Animal Clinic? Did Director Lee allow it?”

Excited, Manager Gong bombarded Team Leader Park with questions.

“Whoa, one question at a time.”

“No, I mean, Gray one, really! Why didn’t I think of Gray one?”

Manager Gong continued to murmur to herself, struggling to calm down.

“Gray… Butt dance…, ah, why am I… Kkamnyang is… a white cotton paw…”

Finally, Manager Gong did a MyTube search on her phone and navigated to Gwak Soo-ho’s channel to find the video.

A display of remarkably adept gestures.

Soon, a scene showing the cats raising their front legs toward the sky and gleefully shaking their butts played on Manager Gong’s phone.

“Hee hee, so cute.”

A smile spread across Manager Gong’s face as they watched the video.

Usually known for delivering sharp truths to employees with a cold demeanor, Public Relations Manager Gong So-yeon, often dubbed the Ice Witch, was now fully immersed in watching the video.

“Yes, this is it!”

The researchers in the lab observed her actions with surprise.

Team Leader Park thought similarly.

‘The renowned Manager Gong smiling like this means if Gray one and Kkamnyang film the promotional video, it’ll be a hit for sure.’

Team Leader Park smiled at the thought of the fantastic performance by Gray one and Kkamnyang.

“Hehe, what to do with this butt… Oh!”

Realizing the attention was on her, Manager Gong discreetly placed her phone in her pocket and cleared her throat.

“Ahem, so you’ve secured them as models?”

“Director Lee is positive about it. It’ll likely be possible.”

“If they appear, it’ll be a huge success, won’t it?”

Manager Gong spoke with certainty.

“Of course. This video will likely become a daily staple.”

“I hope it becomes a reality. I’ve been eager to see new videos of Gray one and Kkamnyang.”

“Yes. I’ve been yearning for new content while scanning through everything from the park cats video to the Animal Cheers video…”

A few researchers chimed in with Manager Gong.

“Oh, alright, everyone. I’ll make sure to bring you new videos.”

With more eagerness to see new videos of Gray one and Kkamnyang than anyone else, Manager Gong replied confidently.

“But what if they fail the test like the other cats?”

“Team Leader Park, don’t worry. Even if brave cats like them stumble, we have a plan.”

“A plan?”

“Yes.”

Having said that, Manager Gong quickly exited the lab.

***

That day, hong So-yeon swiftly arranged the matter regarding Gray one and Kkamnyang’s modeling.

A week later, she visited Woof Woof Animal Clinic with an official contract.

They had already exchanged rough details over the phone and sent the contract via email the day before. The contract process smoothly unfolded.

“Please review it and sign.”

Manager Gong beamed as she presented the document on the table.

“I’ve already read it.”

Lee Joon responded breezily, signing the contract before standing up. Manager Gong looked slightly perplexed as she spoke.

“Director, we also need a signature here.”

“In the names of Gray one and Kkamnyang?”

“Yes.”

“That will be done by them. Just a moment.”

Puzzled by the idea of the cats signing, Manager Gong asked for clarification.

“What do you mean by ‘them signing’?”

Instead of a verbal reply, Lee Joon grabbed a container from the examination table and took a seat.

“Just watch.”

After flashing a friendly grin at Manager Gong, Lee Joon addressed the cats.

“Guys, remember what I told you yesterday?”

『He did, namely, step on here firmly with our paws, and treats will be given.』
『He also said plenty would be given so our subordinates can eat too.』

The cats responded brightly, grinning as they spoke.

Meow!

Meow~

Their meows were cute and clear.

“Oh my, their meows are so clear and pristine. I feel a sense of joy just listening to them.”

“Of course, they know they’ll get treats if they stamp their paws.”

“Director, when you put it that way, it actually seems true. Hohoho.”

Manager Gong echoed the responses others had given to Lee Joon’s comments before.

Familiar with such situations, Lee Joon responded with a cheerful smile.

“They’re thrilled thinking about sharing the many treats with their friends. So, manager, don’t forget to give them what we promised.”

“Of course, I’ll certainly do that. I brought loads of gifts in my car, specifically intended for today… wait, hold on a minute. By friends, do you mean the park cats?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Scrrrrrrrch.

The chair scraped as Manager Gong abruptly stood up.

“The, the dance… there might be a chance to see it, director, don’t you think?”

“Perhaps so.”

“Wait a second. Don’t sign it; just wait a moment.”

Saying this, Manager Gong quickly dashed out of the clinic.

Gray one and Kkamnyang watched her run out, then addressed Lee Joon, showing disinterest.

『Let’s stamp quickly.』
『Vet older brother, where do we stamp?』

Interested only in stamping their pawprints and receiving treats, they raised their front paws and questioned Lee Joon.

“Just wait a little longer.”

He might bring a better offer back.

Lee Joon thought so as he patiently awaited Manager Gong’s return outside.

『Why, why is it not being stamped? Did that person leave to eat all the delicious treats themselves?』
『No!』

Impatient, the cats darted out.

Spotting Manager Gong beyond the glass window, Gray one exclaimed.

『She’s there.』
『Please, leave some for our comrades!』

In their rush, neither cat climbed the cat tower but instead leapt onto the waiting chair, wailing.

Seeing their waving front paws and yelping drew Manager Gong’s eyes back from her phone call negotiating contract changes with the HQ team.

“You guys are really kind.”

Mistaking the cats’ desperate gestures as a plea for her to come back quickly, Manager Gong’s eyes formed thin crescents with a softened expression.

-What do you mean by that?

“It’s just a thing. So, just understand it that way.”

After nonchalantly notifying HQ of the contract change, Manager Gong ended the call.

Heading back to the clinic, she returned to her car.

“Oh dear, I need to bring these along.”

Manager Gong opened the trunk, gathered as many treat boxes as she could carry, and went inside.

Shortly after, holding the signed contract containing Lee Joon’s signature along with the two cats’ pawprints, Manager Gong greeted them with a radiant smile.

“Director Lee, Gray one, and Kkamnyang, welcome as the official ambassadors of our company. Thank you sincerely.”

“I look forward to working together.”

『Thank you for giving us so many treats.』
『Thanks! We’ll enjoy them.』

The two cats tightly snuggled against Manager Gong’s legs as they thanked her.

“Oh my! You little ones!”

Manager Gong, feeling touched, stroked the cats gently.

“They’re thanking me for the treats.”

“I’ll bring you more.”

She responded.

Now affectionately dubbed ‘nuna’, Public Relations Manager Gong So-yeon hugged the cats warmly, reveling in joy.

As it seemed she might never let go, Manager Gong eventually got up.

“Director, you mentioned this Sunday will work?”

“Yes, but can it happen that soon?”

“Of course! It’s Gray one and Kkamnyang, after all. I’ll set the date as soon as possible and let you know.”

***

As per Manager Gong’s plan, the shoot was scheduled for that Sunday, and the studio buzzed with anticipation as they awaited Lee Joon and the cats’ arrival.

“Hehe, finally, I can see Gray one in person.”

Remarked a carefree director.

A crew member inquired.

“Director, what if Gray one doesn’t eat?”

“Why worry about that? Director Lee is also coming.”

“There were many instances where animals didn’t eat even with owners nearby.”

“Tsk, Director Lee is different. They say he communicates well with animals.”

“Director, have you ever met Director Lee Joon?”

“No.”

“Yet you speak as though you know.”

“There’s no need to meet in person. You can tell from watching ‘Animal Cheers’ where he appeared.”

“That’s right. I’m really curious about the kind of person he is.”

“Let’s prepare quickly. As soon as they arrive, we must start shooting straight away. We can’t keep the cats waiting.”

“Yes, sir.”

It was at that moment.

“You are here, director.”

said Manager Gong So-yeon, leading Lee Joon into the studio.

Every eye in the room fixated on the two of them.

“Hello.”

“Greetings, Director Lee Joon.”

The manager welcomed Lee Joon with a bright smile before shifting her gaze to the cats on Lee Joon’s shoulder.

“Hello, Gray one, Kkamnyang.”

Meow-oh!

Mew-wow~.

The two cats meowed joyfully, smiling wide.

“Haha, they seem to be in a very good mood.”

“Yes, they were restless about coming to the filming location since the crack of dawn.”

“Excuse me?”

“I didn’t believe it at first, but after seeing the video Director Lee showed me, I couldn’t stop laughing.”

“A video?”

“Yes, Manager Gong mentioned this after watching it.”

As Lee Joon showed the video he filmed at dawn, everyone’s expressions softened, and they broke into smiles.

“It’s unbelievably adorable.”

“They’re speaking with their entire bodies, wanting to go.”

The video simply featured Gray one and Kkamnyang pacing back and forth in the living room.

They entered the two carriers placed by the entrance, peeked their heads out, and then dashed back to Lee Joon.

After that, they briskly marched back into the carriers, peeked out again, and repeated the cycle a few times before wailing in unison.

In a very urgent tone, they repeated the sequence before finally entering the carriers and closing the doors themselves.

“Are they upset?”

“Not at all; they’re urging us to go and procure food fast.”

“Food, you say?”

“They came here to secure supplies for their friends.”

“Oh, that’s fantastic. The formidable cat leader finally secures treats after a great deal of effort.”

The director expressed approval and looked at the crew.

“What do you think? Does it sound good?”

“I just hope they aren’t startled by the lighting.”

“I just hope they eat well.”

Having had several failed cat shoots in the past, none of the crew responded positively to the director’s ideas.

Manager Gong, who had brought Lee Joon, was no different.

“Director, please don’t push for excessive settings. Let’s just ensure the shoot goes smoothly without stressing the cats.”

However, a single person, Lee Joon, inquired of the director.

“What should the cats do?”

“For urban settings, jungle would work best… Ah, the desert! A scene of searching for food in a barren desert would be great. We can handle that with CG… but having them walk as if they were searching in the desert would be excellent…”

Energized by Lee Joon’s interest, the director suddenly offered a strained laugh.

“Haha, I’ve gone overboard, haven’t I? Let’s just shoot preferences by package color first.”

“Is this what you were talking about?”

Lee Joon clicked on a video stored in his phone.