Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 332: The Joint Venture

He flipped open the cover to reveal the words Goodman Corp Medical Welfare Initiative.

"This is an ongoing orthopedic rehabilitation project managed by Goodman Corp Hospital," Jorgan explained. "Every year, we allocate specific slots to provide free recovery treatment for retired military and police personnel who were injured in the line of duty."

Perry froze. Most of the coaches at his father’s training base were there because of joint wear, spinal injuries, or other physical trauma that made it impossible to stay on the front lines. This was a common reality in high-intensity units like SWAT and field reconnaissance.

His own father had been forced to retire due to an injury. He had struggled through the difficult transition from the force back into civilian life, eventually founding this base to provide a sanctuary for others with similar backgrounds.

"This project doesn't just offer standard physical therapy. It introduces the latest biotechnology for cellular repair, and we are currently recruiting volunteers," Jorgan continued, pulling Perry out of his thoughts. "If the investment partnership goes through, we will also equip this base with professional-grade rehabilitation machinery."

Perry’s grip on the folder tightened. He was speechless. The plan outlined in these documents was exactly what the coaches needed most. Years of grueling training and dangerous missions had left them with chronic pain that flared up constantly, affecting their daily lives.

Thinking back to his earlier prejudice against Barry, Perry felt his face heat up. The man wasn't the shallow socialite he had imagined.

"Barry... he actually pays attention to this kind of thing?" Perry asked, his voice thick.

Jorgan smiled. "He served as a combat medic once. He has many comrades."

Perry’s respect for the man surged. He tucked the file away safely. "Please, give Barry my thanks."

"I’ll pass that along," Jorgan said, adjusting his glasses with a nod. "And thank you for looking after Nancy today. Mr. Barry is very invested in her progress."

The training grounds fell silent. Perry looked down at the proposal in his hand and suddenly understood exactly why his father had sounded so conflicted on the phone. The offer really was too much to refuse.

…

Nancy slid the menu across the table toward Barry with a flourish. "Order whatever you want. Today is on me."

Barry took the menu, sounding casual as he asked, "How was Perry? You seemed pretty focused on the lesson."

"He’s great," Nancy said without looking up, her eyes glued to the menu. "He definitely lives up to the reputation of a SWAT instructor."

Her gaze bounced between the grilled crab and the steamed shrimp, clearly more interested in the food than the conversation.

"It would be even better if he wasn't a blind date set up by Simon."

Nancy sighed, counting off on her fingers. "I still haven't found my mother, I haven't cleared up the truth about Simon’s job transfer years ago, the new vaccine research is just starting, and I have to keep up with my training. I’m so busy I feel like I need to be three different people at once. I honestly don't have time to think about dating."

She leaned her chin on her hand, looking troubled. "I just want to grow up faster so I can actually handle things on my own."

Barry paused. A suggestion to try a different date died in his throat and sank back into his heart. He watched her long eyelashes flutter, his throat tightening slightly. "You know, you could always ask for help. Specifically, mine."

Nancy looked up, her deer-like eyes shimmering. "But you’re already helping me!"

She grinned and patted her chest. "A drop of kindness should be repaid with a fountain! Just you wait. Don't look down on me just because I'm starting small. One day, I'll be the one protecting you!"

She got more excited as she spoke. "I’ve realized that veterinary science and human medicine have so much in common! For example, the minimally invasive arthroscopy used on horses. If we refine the technique, it could be used on human knee repairs for less trauma and faster recovery. I don't know enough about human anatomy, but you’re an expert. This refined method..."

Once she started talking shop, Nancy was an explosion of inspiration. She talked a mile a minute, her ideas pouring out. Barry found himself listening so intently he almost reached for a pen to take notes. The atmosphere shifted from a dinner date to an academic seminar. By the time Barry realized it, there was no turning back.

Nancy finished her pitch in one breath, feeling like a total genius. She reached across the table and grabbed both of his hands, her eyes burning with excitement. "We should team up! We’ll integrate the best of veterinary and human medicine and take over the global medical industry together!"

Barry looked down at her hands gripping his. They were soft and fair, her fingertips tinged with a light pink and her rounded nails neatly trimmed. She was holding onto him with surprising strength.

The good news was that she had finally initiated physical contact.