The instant the system issued the task, Sophie's world seemed to halt with an audible "click". Her thoughts were as jumbled as a ball of knotted yarn, and images of glamorous celebrities strutting on the red carpet flashed through her mind like a sped - up movie. Despite wracking her brain, she couldn't recall a single instance of a star strolling the red carpet with a pet in tow. This task was nothing short of a preposterous fantasy!She wrinkled her small, feline brow, her ears twitching restlessly as she hesitated for an eternity. Inside, a fierce battle raged. Finally, with a hint of trepidation, she mewed to the system, "Y'know, do you... do you like me?" Her voice was tinged with self - doubt, as if she were posing a question that could seal her fate."Ah?" The system's reply was laced with utter confusion, as if it had been clonked on the head and left reeling. "What d'ya mean by that?""Just don't sweat the meaning. Just tell me, do you like me or not?" Sophie's tone was laced with an urgent insistence that brooked no refusal. She was desperate to glean some warmth and support from the system.The system fell silent for a spell, as if carefully choosing its words, before drawling slowly, "… Eh, you're alright, I guess. Why you askin' all of a sudden?"The moment Sophie heard this, she was consumed by a furious rage. "If you think I'm alright, then why'd you saddle me with such a devilishly tough task?!" she hissed angrily. The more she ruminated, the angrier she got, and her tiny, sharp - clawed paws scratched agitatedly at the ground, as if to expel her mounting dissatisfaction.The system emitted a helpless sigh and rolled its eyes inwardly. "The task ain't my doing. I'm just the messenger," it explained, its tone that of a hapless, helpless soul."Then who the heck is behind it?" Sophie pressed on, her eyes ablaze with a determination that wouldn't be sated until she got an answer."My boss." The system's response was curt and to the point."Who exactly is your boss?" Sophie refused to let it go.The system was mute for a long while before finally squeezing out, "… That's confidential. Can't tell you." This cold - hearted retort shattered Sophie's last glimmer of hope, and her mood plummeted into the depths of despair."Don't you know Leon would never carry me on the red carpet!" Sophie wailed, a mix of anger and helplessness in her voice, filled to the brim with despair."Maybe he will?" The system attempted to console, but even its own words lacked conviction.Sophie was acutely aware that the likelihood of that "maybe" was pitifully slim, perhaps a mere one percent, certainly not ninety - nine. But when she contemplated the alluring ten points and the fact that just ten such tasks would transform her back into a human, she gritted her teeth and resolved to take a chance. "Fine, I'll take on this task!" Her eyes were as resolute as if she were embarking on a sacred quest."So, how you gonna get Leon to carry you on the red carpet?" The system lobbed a crucial question her way.Sophie's brain whirred at top speed. Her eyes sparkled, and she chirped excitedly, "I'll stealthily slink around, my sensitive nose twitching as I search for Leon's important accessories, like the bow - tie or cufflinks he always dons on the red carpet. Once I've located them, I'll gingerly carry them in my mouth, the texture of the fabric or metal against my teeth a strange sensation. When he can't find 'em and gets all worked up, I'll make my grand entrance. Maybe he'll carry me on the red carpet just to retrieve them." But upon reflection, she deemed it not too reliable and promptly started conjuring a new scheme. "Or, how 'bout this? I'll curl up in a ball and hide in the backseat of Leon's car before he's set to leave for the red carpet. When he slides in and spots me, since he's in a rush, he might just have to scoop me up and carry me along.""Whatever floats your boat," the system retorted dismissively, its tone clearly conveying, "Do whatever you darn well please.""Hey, hey, it can't be just whatever I want. You gotta toss me an idea!" Sophie implored anxiously."Got no ideas. I'm gonna catch some Z's. You just wrap up the task pronto," the system declared. After that, it vanished without a trace, ignoring Sophie's frantic calls.Sophie emitted a helpless sigh and turned her attention to breakfast. After all, no matter how pressing the task, she had to fill her growling belly first. As she nibbled on her food, her mind was abuzz with thoughts of how to complete this arduous task.While Sophie was quietly munching her meal, Leon was immersed in a heated work discussion.After breakfast, Leon made to go out. The instant Sophie spied him leaving, she immediately unleashed her cuteness arsenal. She meowed incessantly, her soft, dulcet meows rising and falling like a soothing lullaby. With her tail twitching nervously, she trotted over with quick, light - footed steps characteristic of cats and dug her retractable claws into Leon's pant leg, gazing up at him with her large, almond - shaped eyes brimming with supplication, as if to plead, "You can't leave me behind!"Leon gazed at her forlorn face and simply couldn't say no. He relented and scooped her up. Thinking that Jayden, the assistant, was on hand today and could keep a watchful eye on her, the three of them and the cat headed out together.The sunshine in May was especially brilliant, and the Golden Ox Award Ceremony was eagerly anticipated. This day was a veritable carnival for fans and idols, a testament to a year's worth of toil and dedication. On the stage of the Golden Ox Awards, everyone could harvest the glory that was rightfully theirs, the fruit of their sweat and labor, a moment when dreams materialized into reality.Leon cradled Sophie in his arms and made his way towards the private studio. The dress Leon was to don that night still required finalization. Although it had been pre - arranged, he still needed to try it on. If it didn't fit to a T, there was still time for minor adjustments. Leon had always maintained a trim figure, and his weight had remained fairly stable, so even if alterations were needed, they would be minimal.After trying on the clothes, Leon and the others proceeded to the appointed location to confer with Director Gu about the latest script. Leon hadn't yet laid eyes on Director Gu's script. He had only heard Director Gu briefly mention it on the phone, that it was a highly novel concept. As for the specific details, they had to wait until they met to discuss in depth.Director Gu was Leon's first mentor in his acting career and had shown him great kindness, so Leon held him in the highest esteem. Moreover, Director Gu's filming prowess was top - notch, and his works boasted an excellent reputation. Leon trusted him implicitly.The gentle sunlight filtered down on their backs, creating a warm and cozy tableau. Sophie, nestled in Leon's arms at this moment, was gradually overcome by drowsiness. She let out two long, languid yawns, exposing her tiny, needle - sharp teeth and rosy tongue. Then her little head bobbed up and down, and she stretched her lithe body languidly, arching her back in that characteristic cat - like manner, looking utterly adorable. Seeing this, Leon handed her to Jayden."Keep a close eye on her. Don't let anyone else hold her," Leon cautioned worriedly. After a brief pause, he peered down at the sleepy little cat and added, "And don't let anyone else snap pictures of her either." In his heart, Sophie was like a precious gem, and he couldn't bear the thought of anything befalling her.Jayden quickly responded, "Got it. Won't happen." He understood just how much Leon cherished this little cat and would undoubtedly take excellent care of her.Leon nodded slightly. "Okay, wait for me in the lounge." Then he and Benny stepped into Director Gu's office.The assistant inquired what the two would like to drink and then withdrew. Shortly thereafter, the assistant returned with coffee and quietly closed the door.Director Gu's office was steeped in a strong scholarly ambiance. There was a whole row of bookshelves filled to the brim with an array of books, and on the other side, there were two desks. The moment Director Gu caught sight of Leon, a kind smile immediately spread across his face, and he greeted familiarly, "You're here." That smile was suffused with the affection of an elder for a younger generation, making people feel incredibly warm.Leon also smiled and nodded, and his eyes and brows softened in a rare display of warmth. "I'm here." In front of Director Gu, Leon seemed to have reverted to his fledgling days when he first entered the acting realm.Director Gu gestured towards a chair on one side. "Have a seat."Leon and Benny took their seats in turn. They were quite familiar with this place, so they conversed without too many inhibitions.Leon surveyed the room and then turned to Director Gu and queried, "Is there someone else yet to arrive?"Director Gu nodded and replied, "The screenwriter hasn't shown up yet."Upon hearing this, Leon raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Oh, really?" He was secretly speculating about what sort of person this screenwriter might be.Director Gu initiated a chat with him about other matters. Not long after, the screenwriter made her entrance."Sorry, I'm late," the screenwriter apologized as soon as she crossed the threshold.Director Gu smiled and said, "It's okay. Leon and the others just got here not too long ago." His tone was relaxed and natural, effectively alleviating the screenwriter's embarrassment.Director Gu introduced them with a smile, "This is Miller, my daughter. And this is Leon."Leon was slightly taken aback. Now he finally understood why this woman bore a resemblance to Director Gu. He smiled and nodded to Miller. "Hello, I'm Leon." His smile was polite and amiable.Miller curved her lips and flashed a sweet smile. "I'm Miller. Pleased to meet you for the first time. Please excuse my tardiness." She was referring to her lateness, and a hint of shyness tinged her face.Leon shook his head and said softly, "It's no biggie." His voice was deep and mellow, making people feel instantly at ease.Miller smiled and seated herself on one side."Has Director Gu apprised you of the new script?" Miller looked at Leon and inquired seriously.Leon shook his head. He truly knew nothing. He was only present out of respect for Director Gu. Whether to sign the contract or not hinged primarily on the quality of the script. In this regard, Leon had his own unwavering principles and wouldn't yield easily.Miller comprehended and retrieved her script from her bag and proffered it to him. "Take a gander first. If you're interested, we can continue the conversation." After a moment's pause, she divulged her thoughts. "I spent a few years penning this script. I'm absolutely smitten with cats. When I used to peruse fairy tales, there were tales of mermaids and humans. But because I'm so fond of cats, I crafted a story about a cat and a human." Her eyes sparkled with the pride and affection for her creation.The script was titled The Last Cat. It encompassed numerous elements, such as humans' attitudes towards cats, cats' idiosyncratic living habits, and the interactions between humans and cats. The protagonist was a mutated cat that later morphed into a human, narrating a love story between a cat and a human. Of course, a complete script couldn't be solely about a simple love story. It also encapsulated Miller's benevolent wishes. She hoped that everyone could be kind to cats and all creatures in the world.She often pondered that if one day there was only the last cat left in the world, how would people treat it? And why would there be only the last cat? These questions were worthy of everyone's deep contemplation, and this was the original impetus behind Miller's creation.Her concept might not be grandiose, but it harbored her own tender sentiment. She was a die - hard animal lover. In her view, animals and humans were fundamentally the same and deserved to be respected and treated kindly. Killing people was illegal, so shouldn't animal abuse also be penalized by law and constrained by morality? At the very least, we should retain that last vestige of kindness in our hearts. After all, if you treat animals well, they will reciprocate in kind. It's just like the way people interact with one another, the most fundamental truth.Leon's hand, clutching the script, trembled ever so slightly. He felt as if the script weighed a ton. For some inexplicable reason, he suddenly felt that no matter how the script was composed, he ought to agree to take on the role. This story seemed to possess a certain allure that deeply captivated him and rendered it impossible for him to resist.Benny, who was observing from the sidelines, was also a bit intrigued. He picked up one of the scripts and began flipping through it. Initially, he thought the script was a tad dull, but the more he read, the more engrossed he became. Before he knew it, he was completely ensnared by the unfolding of the story and was eager to discover what transpired next. After poring over it for a lengthy period, he finally looked up at Miller and asked, "Has this script been in the works for a long time?"Miller nodded, and a gratified smile graced her face. "I've harbored this idea for ages. I have a cat of my own, so I'm quite au fait with cats' living habits." When she spoke of her cat, her eyes were awash with tenderness.Benny nodded in comprehension.He swiveled his gaze to Leon and asked, "What's your take?"Leon pursed his lips and was silent for a protracted spell before inquiring, "Why did you suddenly think of asking me to star in it?" His heart was brimming with doubts. He was perplexed as to why Miller had singled him out.Upon hearing this, Miller paused briefly and stared straight at Leon, her eyes clear and devoid of any guile. "I've scoured your X."The instant these words left her lips, Leon's heart skipped a beat. He vaguely surmised what was to come.Sure enough, the next second, Miller said softly, "I've seen the snapshots of the cat you've raised." Without the slightest hesitation, she continued forthrightly, "Your cat matches the description of the mutated cat in the script to a tee."Miller paused and added once more, "Of course, it's also because I witnessed the way you looked when you were cuddling the cat. I could tell that you're head over heels in love with cats." It was the tender affection in the photos of Leon cradling the cat that convinced Miller beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was the most suitable person to essay this role.