Hello Vet! How are you?

As Gong So-yeon entered the office, she greeted her employees with a bright smile.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, manager.”

“Did you sleep well?”

Not long ago, the employees could not have imagined exchanging cheerful morning greetings with Manager Gong.

Yet, here they were, greeting her with the same expression.

“Manager, the video received such a great reaction.”

“Wow, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. I watched it several times even though I saw it live at the site.”

“Me too. I barely went to sleep after 3 AM yesterday. If today was the weekend, I would have stayed up all night watching.”

“It’s really cute, isn’t it?”

“Is it just cute? It’s altruistic, warm, and shows what a true leader is. It’s really moving.”

When one of the employees pinpointed the emotional moments, another joined in.

“Oh, I received this today.”

The employee opened their phone to show a short video of Gray one and Kkamnyang yielding tasty treats to each other.

“Seeing this, I called my friend, and we’re meeting this weekend.”

The employee’s eyes were filled with nostalgia.

“Oh, deputy. Haven’t you seen that friend in a while?”

“Actually, no. We met last week for drinks.”

“What? Then why do you look like that?”

“Because when we were having chicken and beer, I ate both drumsticks. I felt a bit bad, so this time, I plan to give my friend both drumsticks.”

“Really? Hahaha.”

“Watching Gray one and Kkamnyang yield even a fingernail-sized piece to each other, I felt I should reflect.”

“I received this…”

On the employee’s phone, Gray one was hugging a seal.

“I cried watching this video, and cried again this morning.”

Gwak Soo-ho posted four videos about Gangneung, and the latest one was particularly popular.

“Oh, truly, that video is legendary. Such genuine friendship transcending species and the spirit of philanthropy. It made me respect Director Lee.”

“Me too. I knew he is a veterinarian good at communicating with animals, but I didn’t know he was such an incredible person.”

“There’s already attention on Director Lee from abroad.”

“Wow, then we’re really lucky. Soon, none of us will be able to match Gray one, Kkamnyang, and Director Lee’s fame.”

“Probably so, at least we were ahead of time.”

“Manager Gong, seriously, you made a brilliant call with this commercial film. You managed to pull it off in just a few days.”

“The company should do something for Manager Gong.”

“Exactly. It’s thanks to Manager Gong’s push that we’re enjoying such luxury.”

“It’s not me, it’s Team Leader Park who deserves the praise. If Team Leader Park hadn’t met Director Lee Joon… I don’t want to think about it. Anyway, this commercial film’s success owes to Team Leader Park.”

As Gong So-yeon contemplated personally thanking Team Leader Park, her desk phone rang.

“This is Gong So-yeon speaking.”

– Is this Manager Ms. Gong?

“Sha… Sharon?”

Caught off guard by the sudden English, Manager Gong looked at the clock.

‘It’s not even 9 AM here, so what time is it there? Since there’s a 13-hour time difference with Topica, it must be 8 PM over there.’

It was already past quitting time.

For a direct call from the head office’s PR manager after-hours, not even an email, something must have happened.

Manager Gong steeled herself before speaking.

“He, hello, Sharon, long time no…”

– It’s so cute. Where did you find cuties?

“Wha?”

She had been tense greeting her, but Sharon fired off words rapidly before Gong could finish her sentence.

– It’s so, so cute. How can cats be like that? Everyone here is making a fuss that it’s CGI, but can you believe it? Our old folks are usually so tightfisted; what made them spend so much? Anyway, truly amazing, perfect…

After showering compliments about the video, Sharon let out a long sigh and spoke.

– Can I meet the cuties?

“Of course, I mean, I’m not sure. I’ll ask their guardian, Director Lee Joon, and let you know.”

– Oh my gosh, is Director Lee Joon the one who treated the seals and turtles?

“Yes.”

– Then could you please check if we could meet him too? I’d really appreciate it.

“Alright.”

– Thank you. And could you send us the cuties’ commercial film?

“Commercial film?”

Although the video was released on MyTube, the broadcast commercial film hadn’t been aired yet.

– Yes. We plan to broadcast the cuties’ commercial film throughout the American continent. The meeting tomorrow morning will decide, but it’s almost confirmed.

“Ah… I need to ask about that too?”

– What?

“That’s not in the contract. If you want to broadcast the commercial film in America, we need to renegotiate the contract.”

– Then hurry up and make a deal.

“Yes, understood. What guarantee are you thinking of?”

– Half a million dollars.

“Half a million dollars? How much is that?”

Manager Gong’s eyes widened like saucers as she processed Sharon’s offer.

“Six hundred fifty million won?”

What they agreed to with Lee Joon was 30 million won.

Even that was the industry’s highest offer and very significant for a non-celebrity.

Recently, Director Lee appeared on ‘Animal Cheers’, which contributed to the generous offer.

But Sharon mentioned over six hundred million.

– If they shoot another one, I’m considering up to double that. But for one year, our company will have an exclusive contract for pet food.

***

As soon as Manager Gong finished her call with Sharon, she rushed to Woof Woof Animal Clinic.

Since Lee Joon was busy with consultations, she met him two hours later.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting when you’re so busy.”

“No, it was a very fruitful time. And the coffee was excellent.”

Manager Gong pointed at the coffee cup as she smiled.

‘He seems to be exceptionally good at making others comfortable, like on-site. No wonder he’s in promotions.’

If the office staff knew the evaluation Lee Joon had given to Manager Gong, they would immediately rush over and shout that he is definitely not that kind of person.

However, Lee Joon, unaware of this, regarded Manager Gong as a friendly person who loves animals.

On the other hand, Manager Gong was extremely satisfied with the situation.

Normally, she would schedule in advance and wouldn’t have to wait.

Even if she had to wait, she’d go to a nearby coffee shop with her laptop out, working.

But she spent time at Woof Woof Animal Clinic observing Gray one and Kkamnyang, not realizing how time passed.

‘Whew, it was such an amazing healing time.’

Gray one and Kkamnyang welcomed Manager Gong as well.

『Brought so many yummy things.』
『This is delicious too.』

The treats, as well as the cat gum, were delicious.

Gray one and Kkamnyang liked the treats Manager Gong brought and curled up on her lap, purring themselves to sleep.

After spending a delightful time, Manager Gong took out the contract as she relayed Sharon’s words to Lee Joon.

“So much?”

“Yes. It seems the head office thought it was global. They were shocked when they found out it was only local.”

Manager Gong continued, smiling at Lee Joon.

“Director, you made a brilliant contract. Honestly, I didn’t expect much at the time. We nearly missed out on such a golden opportunity.”

When negotiating with Gong So-yeon, Lee Joon had insisted on a specific clause.

The local clause that Manager Gong mentioned was precisely the condition Lee Joon had proposed.

If they broadcast the commercial film abroad, they needed a new contract.

‘I should thank Representative Nam Gung-hyun for this.’

This was due to his advice.

When Lee Joon received the contract via email from Gong So-yeon, he immediately sought Nam Gung-hyun’s counsel.

Nam Gung-hyun connected him with the company’s legal team and advised Lee Joon.

‘When he said to include a separate contract for overseas broadcasting, I laughed it off as an excessive thought.’

However, Nam Gung-hyun mentioned the head office might be interested in commercial film starring Gray one and Kkamnyang.

He even mentioned that Namgung Constructions received many overseas contract requests thanks to the park cats.

‘Why are there so many good things happening these days?’

He heard from the sea friends he met in Gangneung that the pearls were quite valuable.

Though they weren’t all sold yet, Lee Joon didn’t know the exact amount.

However, saying it’s worth expecting wasn’t an understatement, coming from Nam Gung-hyun.

“Well, this isn’t a decision I can make instantly.”

“You truly…”

At his words, Manager Gong clasped her hands and continued with sparkling eyes.

“Honestly, if it were me, I would immediately take up such a generous contract. But you’re prioritizing their health.”

The chemistry with the cats on set, the subtitles…

Those alone showed how precious Gray one and Kkamnyang were to Lee Joon.

“You’re thinking of doing a health check before possibly shooting another commercial film, right?”

“Well, that’s one reason. They seemed quite tired after the shoot. The most important thing is their wishes. If they don’t want to, then I’ll not make them do it again.”

“Director Lee wouldn’t force these cats to do anything against their will.”

Lee Joon nodded in agreement at her comment.

“Then, hoping for positive results, I’ll take my leave today.”

As Manager Gong left, Go Gijin, who had been eavesdropping with his hands clasped, suddenly embraced Gray one and Kkamnyang.

“Our cats are going to be global stars now, huh?”

『Can’t breathe, meow!』
『Let go, strong doctor, what’s this?』

The cats struggled against the hug.

But Gijin tightened his grip, rubbing his cheek against their fur.

“Hahaha, you little ones are true charms of blessings! Charms of blessing!”

“They really are. Ever since they came, only good things have happened.”

“Yeah, ‘Cats are Adorable’ also calls them blessings.”

Sora joined in with a laugh.

“Do you mean the ‘Cats are Adorable’ forum? The one where the tofu guardian praised the director?”

“Yes, that’s the one. They’re extremely popular among the members there. That site even created a separate board called ‘Charms of Blessing’ for our cats.”

Sora showed Lee Joon and Gijin just how popular Gray one and Kkamnyang were there.

“Wow, they’re really famous!”

Gijin uttered in surprise.

The scene shown on the screen depicted Gray one and Kkamnyang scaling up a cliff.

Seeing it, Gray one, nestled in Gijin’s arms, widened his eyes.

『There were lots of delicious things on that tree.』
『True. They were hanging just like fruits.』
『Yes, I want to climb again.』
『Crossing the water was fun too.』
『It was such delightful play.』

Gray one and Kkamnyang chatted excitedly.

“Weren’t you tired?”

『It was fun.』
『I want to play more.』
『Exactly, I want to play even longer this time.』

Even after the shoot, they fell sound asleep in the car before they even started moving.

Back home, they dozed off for two entire days, making Lee Joon worry that they had overexerted themselves.

Thus, he intended to consider the new contract cautiously, yet seeing them so eager and sparkly-eyed…

***

That night, back home, Lee Joon played videos in front of the cats.

They were absorbed as if being drawn into the television.

According to the video, they playfully swung their paws and hopped with joy.

Watching them, Lee Joon asked.

“You guys enjoyed it so much?”

『Yes.』

“So, would you like to play again?”

『Really?』
『Really!!?』

Dashing to the doorway, Gray one and Kkamnyang quickly nestled into travel bags.

『Let’s go.』
『Let’s go, Vet-hyung!』

Inside the carrier, they danced on their feet, urging him.

Seeing this, Lee Joon decided to play along.

“If you play again, there’s an offer to give you even more treats…”

『What, really, meow?』

Gray one turned his big eyes towards Lee Joon, then shifted to look at the small room.

In that small room were treats and food given by the company, all for Gray one and Kkamnyang.

They had already stocked Woof Woof Animal Clinic full, bringing the remainder home due to space constraints.

『There’s still plenty. So many, meow.』

Upon Gray one’s comment, Lee Joon agreed.

‘Glad I decided to send some to Our Meadow Shelter.’

Since they promised a truckload of food, Lee Joon instructed them to send it directly to Our Meadow.

“Well, if you play once more, your companions can eat well for a lifetime.”

『Let’s do it. Let’s go.』
『Let’s go, if it means feeding our companions!』

As the cats rushed about, Lee Joon continued.

“But what if there’s too much even for your companions?”

『We can just eat more.』

“No, what I meant is, hmm, Gray one, can you eat all this alone? What about you, Kkamnyang?”

『I can’t eat that much.』
『Me neither.』

“Then what will you do with the leftovers?”

『Give them to the companions.』
『I will, too.』

“And if there’s still more?”

『I’ll give it to friends like Jamong, Ddangkong, and Aji. There’s Mong-i, Kkakong, and ah, Sugar as well.』

Gray one listed all the names he knew.

Kkamnyang was the same.

『I’ll share with Lucky too. Lucky is so small and thin.』

“More leftovers?”

『I’ll give some to the turtle friend. They gave us delicious things. The friend with a sore throat used to be hungry but said later they weren’t anymore.』

“This friend?”

Lee Joon asked, showing a video of the seal.

『Yes. I’ll give it to those friends.』
『I’ll also give it to Lucky’s friends. Those who only get one treat a day.』

Recalling Lucky’s wistful gaze as he talked about his friends at Our Meadow, Kkamnyang spoke up.

『Yes, I want to give it to those friends.』

“Got it. So the park companions, sea friends, and Lucky’s friends, right?”

『Yes.』
『Correct.』

“Understood. Let’s do that.”

As Lee Joon lay down on the blanket spread in the living room, he stored the support list from the cats in his mind.

And he thought to himself.

‘Truly, they are blessings.’

Smuggle smuggle,

The cats snuggled beside the reclining Lee Joon.

Gray one burrowed into his right armpit, and Kkamnyang curled up on his left shoulder.

『Hehe, nice.』
『I’m a lucky cat, after all.』

The cats thought of themselves as truly blessed to have met Lee Joon, as they lay down.

Snore, puff~.

Purr purr, purrrrr.

Before long, all three were soundly asleep.