Chapter 58: Adoption

Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Adoption

"Lucky? That’s a simple and easy-to-remember name."

Loren repeated the name softly and nodded.

"I think it’s pretty good too," Irene replied confidently, as if the name were a decision she had reached after much deliberation.

Before the two could chat much longer, Lucky was brought out.

Fortunately, aside from severe malnutrition and slight dehydration, it had no other illnesses and its bones were healthy.

"That’s really good news."

Loren checked the examination report and said to Irene, "Since you’ve decided to adopt it, there are some adoption materials you need to fill out here. Additionally, the relevant vaccinations and deworming need to be arranged immediately."

As he spoke, he took a form and a pen from the nurse and naturally handed them to Irene.

He leaned in slightly, pointing to the columns on the form that needed to be filled out.

"I’ve marked the mandatory fields. It’s mainly your contact information, address, and some basic pet-keeping commitments. As for the vaccines," he looked up at Irene, seeking her opinion,

"if you have time today, I can give Lucky its first combination shot and rabies vaccine now, so it can get basic protection as soon as possible."

Irene took the form and said readily, "Of course I have time. Thank you for the trouble, Doctor Loren. I came here today specifically for it."

She then lowered her head and began to fill it out seriously.

She wasn’t a big star who needed to be in disguise all the time, so she didn’t leave any false information.

She put down the Malibu Estate as her address.

After all, she was either at school or filming movies now, so there was a high probability that Lucky would eventually be left in her parents’ care.

Only when filling in her occupation did she pause for a moment, eventually writing ’student.’

That wasn’t a lie, after all.

Once Loren saw that Irene had finished filling it out, his eyes quickly scanned it for any omissions or clerical errors.

After confirming everything was correct, he took the form back.

He turned to Irene and prompted in a gentle tone, "Alright, Irene. Please remember to bring Lucky back in a week for the second dose of the vaccine. It’s very important for building its complete immune system."

Irene quickly calculated in her head.

Her primary task after returning was to finish the script.

There shouldn’t be anything major in a week, so she nodded in agreement.

"No problem, Doctor Loren."

Considering Irene was still very young and this was likely her first time caring for such a tiny life, he wasn’t quite at ease and gave a few extra instructions.

"Irene, caring for a puppy requires extra care. If you have any questions about feeding or Lucky’s condition later, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, or anything else that worries you, you can contact the clinic at any time."

As he spoke, he took a simply designed business card from the pocket of his white coat, printed with the clinic’s landline and his private number.

"In addition," he led Irene to the pet supplies area displayed in a corner of the clinic,

"I suggest you purchase some essentials that can be used immediately. For example, starter kibble suitable for puppies, a comfortable bed, some chew toys, and..."

He picked up a small can of pet-specific goat milk powder, "this can temporarily assist with feeding to help it recover its strength better."

Irene listened intently and took out a sketchbook to take notes.

Following Loren’s suggestions, she carefully selected all the recommended items and soon finished purchasing a large bag of supplies.

While checking out, she looked at little Lucky, who had fallen into a deep sleep in her arms due to exhaustion.

Thinking of the surprised expressions her parents might have when they saw this little fellow at home, a warm and expectant smile couldn’t help but appear on her face.

Finally, it was Doctor Loren who helped her call a spacious jeep, which was just enough to fit her bicycle and all of Lucky’s survival supplies.

Holding the sleeping puppy, Irene thanked Doctor Loren once more and set off on the road back to Malibu.

By the time she returned home, the night was deep.

Under the warm light of the living room, her mother, Eleanor, was sitting on the sofa reading.

Hearing the movement at the door, she looked up, and her gaze first fell upon the furry, restlessly squirming little thing in Irene’s arms.

"Oh, my god..."

Eleanor put down her book and stood up in surprise, walking over.

Her eyes were filled with curiosity.

"Irene, this is...?"

Irene looked at her mother, held Lucky forward, and said happily, "Mom, meet Lucky. I happened to come across him today."

Eleanor’s gaze instantly became incredibly soft, with a trace of imperceptible complex emotion.

She carefully reached out and gently stroked Lucky’s sparse but soft fur.

The little fellow seemed to sense the kindness and let out a faint whimper.

Eleanor remembered, of course.

When Irene was very young, following her father Francis on the set of The Godfather Part III, she had also brought back a stray dog with eyes shining just like today.

Although she hadn’t spoken, anyone could see she wanted to keep it.

But at that time, the old lady of the house, Francis’s mother, was still alive, and she was severely allergic to dog and cat hair.

Despite feeling for her daughter, they ultimately had no choice but to regretfully send the puppy away.

Eleanor still remembered that although little Irene was sad, she had nodded in an unusually sensible and silent manner without throwing a tantrum, just watching silently as the puppy was taken away.

Afterwards, Eleanor had once sighed privately to Francis, "Our Irene is sometimes so sensible it breaks my heart."

They had always hoped for a chance to make up for their daughter’s regret from those years.

At this moment, looking at the weak but vital puppy in her daughter’s arms and seeing that same cautious expectation in Irene’s eyes as when she was a child, Eleanor’s heart was instantly filled.

She took Lucky and cradled it gently in her arms, as if embracing her daughter’s compensated childhood.

"Welcome home, Lucky."

Eleanor’s voice was a bit choked up, but filled with unquestionable warmth and acceptance.

She looked up at Irene, her eyes shining with relief and gratification.

"He will surely become the luckiest member of our family. Your father will be very happy to see him too."

Irene didn’t quite understand why her mother had suddenly become a bit sentimental.

Had her mother raised a puppy when she was young only for it to go missing?

Clearly, she had long forgotten that little episode from her childhood.

"Mom, let’s put Lucky’s bed in my room, okay?"

Irene said enthusiastically, wishing she could go upstairs immediately to prepare the room for it.

"My darling, I’m afraid that won’t do. Lucky is still too small and might need milk in the middle of the night. He’ll disturb you. Besides, your script isn’t finished yet. Right now, your primary task is to complete your script work."

Eleanor stroked her younger daughter’s hair.

"You’re tired after being out all day, too. Go take a shower. Leave Lucky to me. I’ll make sure everything is arranged properly for him."

Irene thought of her unfinished script and looked at Lucky in her hands.

Only by working hard to earn money could she buy more dog food.

She had no choice but to reluctantly hand him over to her mother.