| October 1, 2023 – 9:30 AM
Helen stood in the middle of her fully stocked clinic, arms crossed, a satisfied look on her face.
Everything was set up. The exam tables were positioned perfectly, the medical cabinets were filled, and even the diagnostic machines were running smoothly. It looked like a real, fully operational clinic now.
Which meant—it was time for the next step.
Helen turned toward Lin, who was sitting on the counter, sipping her third cup of coffee. "Alright. Let's talk animals."
Lin raised an eyebrow. "What about them?"
Helen smirked. "If we're going to be running a proper veterinary clinic, we need more than just a few farm animals. Might as well start breeding while we're at it."
Lin blinked. "Wait—you want to be a breeder?"
Helen shrugged, already making notes in a notebook. "Why not? If we're going to invest in animals, we might as well make them a business."
Lin chuckled. "I knew you were serious about this place, but I didn't think you'd go full entrepreneur on me."
Helen shot her a pointed look. "Where do you think you got it from?"
Richard, who had just walked in, snorted. "She's got a point, kid."
Lin sighed, putting down her coffee. "Alright. What are you thinking?"
Helen flipped a page in her notes. "First off, dogs. Golden Retrievers—popular, friendly, easy to train. Good for farm life, good for families. A strong, reputable breed."
Lin nodded. "Fair choice. What else?"
Helen tapped her pen against the paper. "Small animals. Hamsters and rabbits, maybe guinea pigs. They breed quickly, are easy to sell, and don't take up much space."
Lin smirked. "So you're going from professional vet to small-time pet supplier?"
Helen raised an eyebrow. "I'm going from employee to business owner. You're the one who told me to think ahead."
Lin held up her hands. "Fair. Where do we start?"
Helen closed the notebook. "We go shopping. We'll need breeding pairs, proper enclosures, and food supplies. Might as well make a trip of it."
Lin sighed, pushing herself off the counter. "Alright. Let's go buy some animals."
Richard chuckled. "You two are going to turn this place into a zoo."
Helen smirked. "No, we're going to turn it into an empire."
Chapter 62 – Golden Investments
| October 1, 2023 – 5:00 PM
Lin pulled the truck into the long gravel driveway, eyeing the sprawling property ahead. The place was huge—rolling green fields, multiple fenced-in areas, and at least a dozen golden retrievers running around.
Helen sat up straighter, eyes sharp. "Looks clean. Good space for exercise. No overcrowding."
Lin smirked. "So we didn't just drive seven hours for a puppy mill. Good to know."
Helen shot her a look but didn't argue. "Let's go see what we're working with."
They stepped out of the truck just as a tall, older man in a clean flannel and work boots approached, wiping his hands on a rag.
"You must be the Zhangs." His voice was friendly but professional. "I'm Mike Lambert. Welcome to Golden Legacy Farms."
Helen shook his hand firmly. "Helen Zhang. This is my daughter, Lin."
Mike nodded at Lin. "You the one investing in breeding stock?"
Lin smirked. "I'm the one writing the check."
Mike chuckled, gesturing for them to follow. "Well, you came to the right place. Let's walk and talk."
| October 1, 2023 – 5:30 PM
Mike led them through the farm, pointing out key things as they walked.
✔ Bloodlines and Certifications – All his breeding dogs were AKC-certified, genetically tested, and cleared for hereditary conditions.
✔ Temperament – His dogs were raised around people, other animals, and trained for good behavior.
✔ Health Screening – Every dog had regular vet checkups, vaccinations, and detailed health records.
Helen nodded along, clearly impressed. "You run a tight operation."
Mike smirked. "Best way to do it. People cut corners in this business, and it shows."
Lin stuffed her hands in her pockets, eyeing a group of golden retrievers lounging in the sun. "So, let's talk numbers."
Mike grinned. "That's what I like to hear."
| October 1, 2023 – 6:00 PM
They stood in front of a spacious pen, where a gorgeous golden retriever with a rich, honey-colored coat trotted up, tail wagging.
"This here's Duke," Mike said, patting the dog's head. "Champion bloodline. Strong genetics. Proven sire."
Helen knelt down, checking Duke's coat, eyes, and teeth. "Solid structure. Good temperament."
Mike gestured to another pen, where three female retrievers were playing. "These are my best breeding females. All cleared for hips, elbows, and heart conditions."
Helen nodded, turning to Lin. "If we're serious about this, we take Duke and two females."
Lin raised an eyebrow. "That's three dogs. You do remember we have a seven-hour drive back, right?"
Helen smirked. "You wanted the best investment. This is it."
Lin sighed, already pulling out her phone. "Alright, give me the numbers."
Mike didn't hesitate. "Duke's $5,500. Females are $3,800 each."
Lin whistled low. "Expensive fluffballs."
Mike grinned. "Quality costs."
Lin thought for a moment, then nodded. "We'll take them."
Mike's smile widened. "Good choice. Let's get the paperwork sorted."
Helen beamed, ruffling Duke's fur. "Told you it'd be worth it."
Lin shook her head but smirked. "They better start paying rent."
| October 1, 2023 – 6:30 PM
With the deal for the golden retrievers finalized, Mike didn't rush them off the property. Instead, he gestured toward a separate enclosure, a little further away from the golden pens.
"Since you're serious about breeding, let me show you something else."
Helen glanced at Lin before following him. "More retrievers?"
Mike smirked. "Not exactly."
As they reached the next set of fenced runs, Lin's eyebrows shot up. Inside were several sleek, muscular Dobermans—deep black and rust-colored coats, ears cropped, eyes sharp. They moved with a kind of precision that golden retrievers never would.
Lin whistled low. "Didn't peg you as a Doberman guy."
Mike chuckled. "Most people don't. But I've been breeding them just as long as the goldens. Difference is, I don't sell them to just anyone."
Helen folded her arms, examining the dogs with interest. "Selective, huh?"
Mike nodded. "Dobermans aren't for everyone. They need structure, training, the right environment. I won't sell them as some backyard pet."
Lin was only half-listening because her attention had completely shifted.
A lanky Doberman puppy, maybe four months old, had trotted up to the fence, tilting its head at her. Big paws, floppy ears still half-standing, and a face that was… smug. Like he already knew she was interested.
Lin crouched down. "Well, aren't you full of yourself?"
The puppy wagged its little nub of a tail, staring at her with sharp, intelligent eyes.
Mike followed her gaze and smirked. "That one's Rex. He's got a strong drive, smart as hell, and already showing promise for obedience."
Lin reached through the fence, scratching behind his ears. "You keeping him?"
Mike exhaled, scratching his chin. "Planned to, but I've got three stud males already. Can't keep them all."
Lin stood, brushing off her jeans. "I'll take him."
Helen's head snapped toward her. "Lin."
Lin smirked. "What? You're getting your golden retrievers. I want a Doberman."
Mike looked amused but serious. "Like I said, I don't sell them to just anyone. You ever handled a working-line dog before?"
Lin shrugged. "Not personally, but I learn fast."
Mike studied her for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright. I'll sell him to you on one condition—you train him properly. No half-assing it."
Lin smirked. "Deal."
Helen sighed, already pinching the bridge of her nose. "We are driving home with four dogs."
Mike laughed, clapping Lin on the shoulder. "Looks like you got yourself a Doberman, then."
Lin grinned down at Rex, who was now sitting perfectly, watching her like he knew he belonged to her already.
| October 1, 2023 – 7:30 PM
Lin adjusted the truck's seatbelt, glancing down at the wriggling bundle of energy on her lap.
Rex.
The four-month-old Doberman pup had decided immediately that the passenger seat was his. But when Lin didn't let him have it? He climbed straight into her lap instead, sprawled across her like he owned the place.
Helen, in the passenger seat, gave her a look. "You realize that dog is going to be huge, right?"
Lin smirked, scratching Rex's ears. "Yeah. But right now? He's small enough to get away with it."
Helen sighed. "Don't come crying to me when he's eighty pounds and still thinks he belongs in your lap."
Lin just shrugged, shifting gears as she pulled onto the highway. "I'll cross that bridge when I get there."
In the backseat, the three golden retrievers were settled in comfortably, quiet and well-mannered.
Unlike the Doberman puppy currently gnawing on the sleeve of Lin's jacket.
Helen shook her head. "You spoil them too fast."
Lin smirked, gently prying Rex's mouth off her jacket. "It's an investment."
Helen groaned. "Stop saying that about everything."
Lin chuckled, keeping one hand on the wheel, the other resting lightly on Rex's back.
They had a long drive ahead.
But somehow, with a truck full of dogs and the road stretching out in front of her, it didn't feel long at all.