First Call

| September 30, 2023 – 3:00 PM

Lin stood at the entrance of the newly set-up clinic, phone in hand, framing the perfect shot.

The photo captured everything—exam tables neatly lined up, shelves stocked, diagnostic machines set against the wall, the entire space looking polished and professional. With the afternoon sun casting a soft glow through the windows, it almost looked like it had always been here.

Perfect.

Lin tapped a few buttons, adding a crisp, no-nonsense caption before posting it to her business listing.

Zhang Veterinary Clinic – Now Open in Maep's. Accepting appointments starting next week. Farm & livestock care available.

She sent it out everywhere—business directories, local town forums, and even a few professional vet networks.

Less than two minutes later, her phone buzzed.

Incoming Call: Whitmore Stables

Lin raised an eyebrow, holding the screen up toward Helen. "Guess what? You're officially in business."

Helen frowned, drying her hands on a rag. "Already?"

Lin smirked. "Want me to answer?"

Helen rolled her eyes. "Obviously."

Lin swiped to accept. "Zhang Veterinary Clinic."

A frazzled-sounding woman's voice came through. "Oh, thank god! We need help—our mare's foaling, and something's wrong. Can you come out?"

Lin's eyes flicked to Helen, who was already pulling off her jacket.

Helen didn't hesitate. "Get the address."

Lin grabbed a notepad from the counter. "Where are you located?"

"Whitmore Stables—just ten miles out, past the old railway tracks. We can't get her up, and the foal isn't positioned right!"

Helen was already moving, grabbing her med bag. "Tell them we'll be there in twenty."

Lin nodded. "Stay with her. We're on our way." She hung up, turning toward Richard. "Keys. We're taking the truck."

Richard tossed them over. "Drive fast, but not stupid."

Lin grinned. "I make no promises."

Helen sighed, hopping into the passenger seat. "Lin, drive safely."

Lin threw the truck into gear, the tires kicking up dust as they sped down the driveway.

| September 30, 2023 – 3:25 PM

Lin sped down the country road, gravel kicking up behind them as the truck tore past fields and scattered farmhouses. The old railway tracks came into view just ahead—exactly where the Whitmore woman had said they'd be.

Helen was already double-checking her medical bag, murmuring to herself.

"IV fluids… forceps… foaling chains… dammit, I should've packed more sedatives."

Lin kept one hand on the wheel, the other adjusting the GPS. "You're not even open for a full hour, and we already have an emergency call. Good sign?"

Helen huffed. "It's a test."

Lin smirked. "Good. I like passing tests."

Helen shot her a look. "If this goes badly, I'm making you do the paperwork."

Lin chuckled. "Noted. But let's try keeping the horse alive first."

As they crested a hill, a large white stable came into view. A dirt driveway led straight up to a sprawling ranch, where a tall man in his 50s, sun-worn face lined with stress, was already waving them down.

Lin pulled up hard, barely putting the truck in park before Helen was out the door.

The man rushed toward them. "Dr. Zhang? I'm Daniel Whitmore. She's in the back—won't stand, foal's stuck, and we're losing her."

Helen's pace didn't falter. "Show me."

Lin followed, already scanning the property. Big operation. High-quality fencing, well-maintained facilities. These weren't amateurs.

Which meant—if they were calling in a stranger for help, it was serious.

They reached the stall, where a bay mare lay heaving on the ground, her sides slick with sweat. A younger woman—Sarah Whitmore, most likely—was kneeling beside her, stroking her neck, murmuring softly.

She looked up, eyes frantic. "She's been like this for over an hour. The foal isn't moving!"

Helen dropped to her knees, already assessing.

"Lin, get the portable ultrasound."

Lin rushed back to the truck.

Helen rolled up her sleeves. "Alright, let's get to work."

Chapter 51 – A Clinic's First Victory

| September 30, 2023 – 3:40 PM

Helen worked fast.

The mare's breathing was labored, her body slick with sweat, eyes rolling with distress. The foal was stuck—bad positioning. A death sentence if not corrected quickly.

"Lin, keep her head steady," Helen ordered as she pulled on a glove and went in.

Lin knelt by the mare's head, firm but calm, whispering reassurances as she held her down. Daniel and Sarah hovered, their faces tight with worry.

Helen's brows furrowed as she worked, her hands moving deep, precise. "Foal's twisted. Give me a moment."

Lin knew "a moment" meant Helen was about to do something difficult.

The mare let out a sharp, painful cry, her body tensing—then Helen shifted, gripping something with both hands.

A long, unbearable silence.

Then—Helen exhaled sharply.

"Got it. Push when I say."

Daniel and Sarah moved instantly, bracing against the mare as Helen adjusted again, hands working with expert efficiency.

Helen gave one last strong pull—and suddenly, there it was.

A small, slick foal slid free, collapsing into the straw, its tiny chest rising and falling in shallow, uncertain breaths.

For a second, nobody moved.

Then—the foal let out a sharp, wet cough and a tiny, gasping whinny.

Alive.

Sarah let out a half-sob, half-laugh, dropping to her knees. Daniel pressed a hand to his forehead, his entire body sagging with relief.

Helen sat back, exhaling, wiping sweat from her brow. "She'll need time, but they're both stable."

Lin patted the mare's neck, watching as she nosed weakly toward her newborn.

Daniel turned to Helen, pure gratitude in his eyes. "You saved them both."

Helen stood, brushing straw off her knees. "That's my job."

Daniel pulled out his wallet on the spot, flipping through bills with slightly trembling hands. "What do we owe you?"

Helen started to wave him off, but Lin, ever the businesswoman, stepped in smoothly. "For an emergency foaling with complications? Three hundred, plus supplies."

Daniel nodded instantly, peeling off cash and handing it over without hesitation.

Helen gave Lin a look. Lin just smirked, slipping the money into her pocket.

Sarah ran a hand over the foal's damp coat, still beaming. "I can't believe we almost lost them."

Helen watched the foal wiggle closer to its mother, a rare softness in her expression. "Well, you didn't."

Lin glanced at her mom, standing tall in her element, confident, capable.

The first call. The first patient. The first paycheck.

The clinic was officially open. And this was the beginning of their life in the country.