Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 200: A Grand Welcome

Before long, Jeff sent a reply: "This vaccine is scheduled for its official launch tomorrow at 11:00 AM. We will expedite the review process and confirm everything as quickly as possible!"

After reading the message, Nancy stretched her stiff body, gently rubbing her aching shoulders. The sunlight outside the window was perfect. As she looked at the sent email on her screen, her lips curled upward unconsciously. All her hard work had not been in vain.

Just then, her phone suddenly rang. Glancing at the caller ID, she froze for a moment. It was actually Barry.

Barry... is back in the country?

What was he calling for so suddenly? Was he being pestered by that clingy little snow leopard at the zoo again and calling for temporary help? Nancy picked up the phone with a hint of doubt, but to her surprise, a lively "Woof woof!" erupted from the receiver.

"Where are you? I missed you so much—!"

"I'm back in the country! I'm on my way back to the zoo right now!"

It was Star. Just from the sound of his voice, Nancy could practically see the big dog on the other end wagging his tail frantically with sparkling eyes.

Nancy couldn't help but laugh, responding softly, "I'm at Townsville University. I just finished my work and was getting ready to head back to the zoo." She paused, adding with a fond, teasing tone, "Has Star gone abroad for further studies? You can even make phone calls yourself now? So smart~"

Nancy's eyes twinkled as she continued to tease him, "Don't tell me... you've even learned to drive here to pick me up?"

At that moment, a familiar, slightly stiff cough came from the other end of the line. Then, a deep male voice spoke, seemingly trying his best to hide something.

"As soon as the plane touched down, he wouldn't stop making a fuss."

Barry's voice sounded somewhat helpless. "He even specifically brought the carrot chew stick you gave him to me. I couldn't get rid of him." He paused, adding stiffly, "...He was too noisy, so I had to call you."

Before Nancy could respond, Barry quickly added in a tone that brooked no argument, "Wait at the school gate. I'll be there in twenty minutes."

Twenty minutes later. Townsville University Gate.

A sleek black luxury van glided silently to Nancy's side and came to a stop. As soon as she pulled the car door open and sat in the back row, a massive, furry figure lunged at her enthusiastically.

Star, the wolfdog, buried his big head excitedly in her lap. His tail thudded against the leather seats as he whined and acted spoiled.

"I haven't been at the zoo, and I couldn't sleep well every day!"

Nancy laughed out loud, steadying herself as she rubbed his warm ears. "I know you missed me! I'd already cleaned your little den, built a new sunshade, and put out lots of flower pots."

Before she could finish, Nancy noticed the man sitting on the other side. Barry sat in the spacious back seat with his long legs crossed, staring expressionlessly out the window as if he were completely indifferent to the "reunion drama" happening beside him.

Feeling uncomfortable under Nancy's gaze, Barry turned his head and took an exquisite paper bag from beside him, shoving it directly into her hands without even looking at her.

His voice was cold. "The airport VIP lounge gave this away. I don't eat high-sugar foods, and it's a waste to throw it out."

Nancy looked down and saw the bag contained boba tea that was still warm and some small, cute desserts. She blinked in surprise, but before she could speak, she heard another light cough from beside her.

"If you won't eat it, throw it away."

Barry kept his face turned away, his jawline tight, but his earlobes were slightly flushed. Nancy's eyes immediately curved into crescent moons, and she shook the bag. "How could I do that? We can't waste food! I'll just 'throw' it into my stomach!"

She inserted the straw and took a satisfyingly large gulp, the rich, mellow aroma of milky tea instantly filling her senses. "Thank you!"

Nancy squinted her eyes happily, like a little fox getting its fur brushed, not forgetting to sneak a glance at the man beside her. Barry maintained his cold, aloof posture, but from an angle she couldn't see, the corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly upward.

Star turned around and dragged a massive luggage bag from the back of the van, pushing it excitedly in front of Nancy. "I specifically brought you lots of gifts from abroad!"

Nancy's jaw nearly dropped. "This whole bag... is all for me?"

Star barked, "Yes, yes!"

He began to pull things out one by one with his mouth, placing each one solemnly in front of her. The first to appear was a brand-new, shiny box for the latest fruit-brand smartphone.

"I saw your phone was quite old, so I just picked one out for you!"

Barry massaged his temples from the side, adding in a helpless tone, "He walked past the electronics store and pressed his paw on the display model, refusing to move. He almost smeared the screen with drool. It felt wrong not to buy one."