Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 161: Reversing The Bill

Professor Nathan shook his head. "I brought six students here to observe the surgery. In essence, I'm using your facility as a field teaching site."

"By all rights, I should be paying you a venue fee, shouldn't I?"

As he spoke, he turned his gaze toward the six-person team behind him. The veterinarians, whom Professor Nathan had just demoted to "students," looked up in a daze. Under his immensely high-pressure stare, they quickly nodded like chickens pecking at grain. "Right, right! Miss Nancy, how could we possibly accept a fee from you!"

Professor Nathan beamed kindly. "Miss Nancy, send your bank details to my assistant later. We'll negotiate a fair venue fee and transfer it directly to you."

Nancy's jaw nearly hit the floor. A titan of the industry had come to her tiny zoo to perform surgery, and instead of charging her, he was going to pay her? She felt dizzy, as if she had been struck by lightning—the lucky kind!

Director Garrett, who was busy calibrating the surgical equipment, gritted his teeth. That damn Nathan beat me to it again!

Not to be outdone, Director Garrett added, "Miss Nancy, this latest batch of surgical support equipment we developed desperately needs real-world clinical testing. We were hoping to borrow your space and animal cases."

"We haven't even had the chance to thank you for providing the opportunity." I'll leave this equipment here for now; since many animals in Loren Zoo need follow-up exams, I'll trouble you to help me test its performance and provide feedback."

Commissioner Quinton from the Wildlife Rescue Station spoke with total sincerity. "Miss Nancy, as a top-tier animal communicator, our station will surely need your guidance when we encounter difficult cases in the future."

"We'll likely be bothering you quite often—how could we possibly take a fee from you?"

Nancy nodded repeatedly. "If you run into any trouble while rescuing wildlife, please contact me! I will do my absolute best to help!"

"Don't you worry," Commissioner Quinton said with a gentle smile. "We won't call to bother you frequently. And every time we ask for your help, we will pay you a consultation fee. The price is negotiable."

What was going on? One after another, they were either trying to give her money or gift her equipment. She realized that these experts had likely sensed something about her ability to understand animals... they were trying to build a good rapport in advance.

Well, relationships are built on give-and-take. Nancy stopped being shy and thanked them with a graceful smile.

Ultimately, the red panda's intussusception surgery was led by Director Garrett, with Commissioner Quinton serving as the first assistant and anesthesiologist. Professor Nathan led the team in coordinating instruments and intraoperative imaging.

Magenta, the red panda, stared with wide, round eyes at the three strangers, her little paws nervously scratching at the edge of the operating table. Nancy gently rubbed her belly while whispering in her ear:

"Don't be scared, Magenta ~ These three are very powerful doctors. Once you wake up from your nap, your tummy won't hurt anymore~"

Commissioner Quinton performed the anesthesia injection with practiced ease. The process was exceptionally smooth. The moment the needle slid in, Magenta's ears twitched; before she could even react, her gaze became hazy, and she slumped into a soft, furry ball.

Nancy couldn't help but chuckle, scratching the panda's chin. "Our Magenta is the bravest~"

At that moment, Director Garrett couldn't help but marvel, "Miss Nancy, your massage technique is so professional! See how she relaxed instantly? Could you teach me?"

Nancy's eyes lit up. "Of course!"

"I learned it from locals while doing animal rescue work abroad, then I researched and upgraded it myself."

Taking advantage of Magenta slowly drifting off, Nancy held a mini-lecture on the spot. The three titans and their teams crowded around her, looking as serious as interns, eyes fixed on her as she demonstrated the gentle, circular strokes used to soothe small animals.

Once the anesthesia was confirmed, the surgery officially began. Professor Nathan, Director Garrett, and Commissioner Quinton moved with seamless coordination. Such surgery was child's play for them.

As they operated, they didn't forget to give Autumn, the assistant, a detailed walkthrough of the key steps and precautions. Autumn felt like she was being "force-fed" knowledge by three grandmasters and didn't dare lose focus for a second! She took notes at lightning speed, occasionally asking a bold question, each of which was met with a patient and clear answer.

Autumn became more engaged and confident as the lesson went on. Professor Nathan even took a moment to praise her: "Miss Nancy, you've hired a good assistant. She's hardworking and eager to learn!"

Nancy had been looking down at her list of animals for follow-up exams, but she looked up with a smile at his words.