Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 205: The Debt Collector

The faculty member in charge of the event logistics rushed over, his voice low and frantic. "Soren, Jensen, we're in serious trouble here!

"We specifically briefed the city officials that the College of Veterinary Medicine would provide an outstanding representative for the keynote. That speech is supposed to be the highlight of the college's latest recruitment video to showcase the strength of our veterinary program...

"Now that Ginnie has suddenly vanished, we have a massive hole in the schedule. How are we supposed to explain this to the leadership?"

Jensen's gaze swept across the room and landed squarely on Nancy, who was sitting quietly in the back.

He immediately strode over, his tone earnest. "Nancy, you're one of our most distinguished alumni in the veterinary field. This is an emergency—could you do us a huge favor and step in?"

Nancy looked slightly taken abrasive. "Wait, me?"

Jensen didn't miss a beat, his voice encouraging. "You've addressed global veterinary conferences before. An Opening Ceremony like this should be a walk in the park for you, right?"

He lowered his voice and added with a wink, "And if you're willing to help, the school won't just promote your speech as a gold standard for alumni excellence. We can also arrange a private faculty dormitory for you on campus—utilities included—to make it easier for you to drop by for your research."

"What do you say? Interested?"

Nancy's eyes lit up instantly.

"There are perks like that? When do I get the keys?"

She caught herself and cleared her throat. "I mean... it would be an honor to help the university." I'll give it my best shot!"

Soren immediately frowned in protest. "Absolutely not!"

"She hasn't prepared a single thing. She's dressed so casually—it's not formal at all! She doesn't even have a script. If she goes up there like this, she'll ruin the entire ceremony!" Soren waved his hands dismissively, panic rising. "The Townsville media are all right there in the front row!"

Jensen remained unfazed and patted Soren on the shoulder. "Then what's your plan? We can't just leave a dead silence on stage!"

"Besides, I have full confidence in Nancy."

He spoke with the absolute certainty of a mentor who knew exactly what his star pupil was capable of. "I'll take full responsibility for the outcome."

Then, a mischievous glint flashed in Jensen's eyes as he whispered to Soren:

"But... if Nancy's speech turns out to be spectacular, Soren, you'd better be generous. That dorm room has to be hers. No being stingy!"

Soren was left speechless. He turned to look at Nancy in the back and rubbed his temples with a groan.

"I must have owed you a life in a past incarnation... you're clearly here to collect on a debt!"

Once the first two student representatives finished their speeches, the host took to the stage with renewed enthusiasm. "Next, please join me in welcoming our final keynote speaker—"

"Distinguished alumna, Director of the Loren Zoo, and recipient of the National Youth Veterinary Excellence Award: Nancy!"

The audience immediately erupted into curious whispers. "Nancy? That name sounds familiar. Who is she?"

"Isn't she that senior who teamed up with the stray cat to catch the food delivery thief?"

"Whoa! That's her? I heard only two people have ever won the National Youth Veterinary Excellence Award, and she's one of them?!"

"Our college was hiding a heavy hitter like this? Why haven't they been promoting her?"

"Exactly! On orientation day, the screen was nothing but Ginnie this and Ginnie that. I seriously thought our department didn't have anyone else who could hold a candle to her!"

For someone like Nancy, who had navigated bilingual international forums with ease, a small Opening Ceremony was nothing. Even without a script, she didn't feel a hint of stage fright.

She walked onto the stage with effortless grace, a bright smile greeting the entire hall.

Her speech was nothing like the typical, cookie-cutter academic address.

Instead, Nancy spoke about her experiences with animal rescues abroad, detailing a thrilling escape from poachers in a remote, snow-capped mountain range.

The students who had been nodding off moments ago suddenly sat bolt upright. Every eye was wide with focus; it didn't feel like they were listening to a graduation speech, but rather following an immersive adventure drama.

The hall was pin-drop silent, save for Nancy's clear, steady voice echoing through the space, tugging at everyone's heartstrings.

The commotion of the ceremony was hard to ignore—the booming speakers, the sea of people, and the occasional drone trailing colorful banners overhead.

All this excitement naturally caught the attention of the university's smaller residents.

The "Bandit Birds" and the White Wagtail crew chirped and chattered as they flocked to see the show.

They perched in small groups on nearby branches and eaves, peering curiously at the podium.

When the Bandit Birds realized it was Nancy standing on stage, they all let out a synchronized chirp of pure shock.

"Whoa! Isn't that the human boss who can understand us?!"