Fenix sat atop the lofty cat tree, overlooking a dozen people below. Each held offerings designed to please him, their faces full of anticipation, hoping to gain the kitten's favor.

Fenix looked at the various cat toys and the laser pointer projections on the wall, his nose filled with the aroma of cat treats. Though he couldn't discern each treat's exact nature, he recognized the logos on the packages as those of famous pet brands—brands Fenix could never afford.

Now, these treats lay before him, dazzling and tempting. He felt as though he was in a harem selection, each offering more enticing than the last. The excitement was palpable; he could indulge in a taste of everything, play with every toy.

To pass through myriad flowers without a single leaf touching the body!

Damn!

Was this the taste of being a king... no, being a cat?!

Who could resist such temptation?!

No one!

Being a cat was unexpectedly joyful!

Fenix took a deep breath.

It's all because Lion delayed me!!

Meanwhile, Lion, who had been delaying Fenix, finished his conversation with the model employee of Lionheart in his top-floor office.

Lion's purpose for coming this time was merely to let Fenix see the work environment. He reasoned that it was better to have Fenix develop his social circle under his watchful eye rather than risk him associating with those beyond his control.

Lion Corp. had many talents, providing a suitable social range for Fenix, who wanted to be an ordinary worker. As for how Fenix, who had to maintain his awakened form while working, should make friends—that wasn't Lion's concern.

It was certainly better than letting him mingle with Ferran, the silly dog. Think about what happened during the short time Fenix spent with Ferran.

Lion believed that for Fenix's health and safety, he needed to keep him separated from Ferran.

With this thought in mind, Lion brought Fenix to the company. Once there, he didn't bother with any real work, maintaining his hands-off approach.

Previously, the bodyguard wouldn't dare criticize Lion internally. But since raising that kitten, he noticed Lion transforming from a symbol to a person—a person capable of communication.

Though still capricious, Lion had become someone approachable.

For instance, Lion now used surveillance cameras to track Fenix's location via the tracker embedded in his collar.

He saw the kitten wreaking havoc in the Innovation Department and the department's core personnel happily petting the cat.

Lion stared at the monitor silently for a moment before looking up at the bodyguard standing beside him.

The bodyguard, who had served Lion for over a decade and understood his subtle expressions, could almost read "How dare they touch my cat" from his boss's impassive face.

In Lion's mind, no one dared to touch anything marked as his—whether living or dead.

But that was back in Lionheart. Now, Lion didn't manage the company much, so the employees of Lion Corp. knew little about their true leader.

The bodyguard remained calm, guessing Lion's mindset. It was like posting a missing cat notice with the cat's picture, saying, "Have you seen my cat? He isn't lost, but he's so cute, I must show him off."

Just showing off, yet they dared to touch him?

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The bodyguard remained composed, contemplating how to save the Innovation Department personnel's heads, but found Lion's expression, though frowning, lacked anger.

The bodyguard hesitated, then asked, "Boss, need to add regulations?"

Lion frowned, watching the projection for a while, then lightly replied, "No need."

Unlike Ferran, who habitually left his scent on Fenix, ordinary people lacked such instincts and abilities.

Marking with scent was a unique trait of Awakened individuals.

In Lion's logic, ordinary people and Awakened individuals were entirely separate categories. Ordinary people, whether members of Lionheart or employees of Lion Corp., were considered prey and property within his territory.

Would a lion care about the number of herbivores in its territory?

No.

Because these herbivores were his prey and possessions.

As an Awakened individual, Fenix was different from ordinary people in Lion's eyes. Due to Fenix's uniqueness, he held a special place in Lion's heart.

So, what was wrong with Fenix playing with Lion's "herbivores" within his territory?

Nothing.

Moreover...

Lion glanced at the kitten in the projection, raising an eyebrow, "The little guy looks happy."

Of course Fenix was happy. He felt this was the happiest and freest moment of his life. All he needed to do was lie there, and someone would bring him whatever he wanted. If he wanted to play, a simple glance would prompt someone to wave a cat toy. When he was tired, he could close his eyes, and the entire office would quiet down instantly.

The personnel of this department even placed cat beds on their desks to vie for his affection.

Goodness!

What kind of heavenly life was this?!

Fenix felt every strand of fur, every cell, every pore was shouting one word: Bliss!

This place is amazing!

The people here are super friendly, there are lots of things to play with, and he could live like a king!

When idle, he could listen to debates among the experts!

Fenix loved it here!

Basking in the sun atop the cat tree, Fenix lazily swished his tail, listening to discussions about his breed.

Without knowing Fenix was an Awakened individual, people assumed his unusual appearance was due to mixed breeding.

"It doesn't seem like a rare breed," someone remarked.

Fenix perked his ears, feeling rather smug.

Hmph!

Wrong guess!

In terms of rarity, no breed could match Fenix's uniqueness!

"How could Chairman Lou raise an ordinary cat?" another countered, "The pets the rich can obtain are often beyond our knowledge."

"It might not even be a cat!"

Fenix was startled, looking up at the speaker, who continued, "Such tail length is very abnormal for a feline. Logically, it shouldn't exist."

??

Damn!

Fenix pricked his ears.

"Many possibilities. One, a hybrid that broke reproductive barriers, like a liger. Two, developmental anomaly..."

Fenix watched these seemingly omniscient experts debate his breed intensely.

After a while, realizing they were discussing topics beyond his comprehension, Fenix relaxed.

He looked at his tail, curling it with his paws, thinking he should wear a small outfit tomorrow to hide it.

Fenix glanced at the debating crowd again.

Sigh.

There's no need to argue over Fenix!

Fenix doesn't want to cause disputes!

Fenix bit his tail, watching its tip wag triumphantly.

What's so great about causing disputes?!

It's not worth boasting about!

Fenix stretched out a paw, putting on a serious face, pressing down the tail tip that betrayed his joy.

...

...

Hehe!

Just bragging!

Being a cat is great!

I don't want to be human anymore!

Fenix patted his stubborn tail, feeling life couldn't be sweeter.

He heard the discussion intensify.

Someone suggested, "Why argue? Just pluck a few hairs for testing."

The office fell silent as all eyes turned to the cat atop the cat tree.

Fenix was stunned, his cloud-nine state fading as he realized their intention.

???

You must be kidding!

You want to pluck Fenix's fur?!

How indecent!

Fenix glared at those luring him with toys and treats.

The cat didn't budge, even sneering inwardly!

You baldies!

Don't even think of touching a single hair!

Fenix sprang up, leaping off the cat tree, weaving through the technicians, causing chaos, then sauntered out of the office, tail flicking disdainfully.

How dare you think of plucking my fur!

Only Lion can touch my fur... oh wait, only Lion can touch my hair!

Even Lion combs gently, never hurting him.

These baldies wanting to pluck fur were insane!

Fenix stormed off, intending to find Lion. But as he prepared to press the top-floor button in the elevator, he remembered his close contact with many people.

The kitten paused, sniffing himself.

Whether there were others' scents, Fenix wasn't sure, but the smell of canned food, fish, and treats was strong.

Recalling his boss's sensitive nose and territorial nature, Fenix pressed '1'.

Lion was in his office, stamping documents indifferently. He had just stamped an investment plan when he saw Fenix leave the main building and hop onto the shuttle to the recreational area.

Most weekend workers traveled between the office and cafeteria, so the shuttle to the recreational area was empty except for the kitten clinging to the seat back, staring at the floating sculpture in the square.

Lion noticed Fenix's clear destination—he jumped off the shuttle and headed straight for the gym, sneaking inside like a little mouse, ensuring no one was around before heading for the shower.

Ten minutes later, Fenix peeked out of the shower room, confirming no one had arrived, then emerged with his collar in his mouth.

Carrying the pretty collar, Fenix walked out of the gym, sniffing himself.

Lion watched Fenix leave the gym, intending to return to the main building but chose to walk instead of taking the shuttle back due to the presence of others.

He realized Fenix was likely trying to avoid contact with others before returning to him, even taking a shower beforehand.

Lion stared for a while, watching Fenix hurry back to the main building under the sun, eager to return to his side.

His heart felt light, as if carried by soft and gentle breezes, bubbling with joy.

Fenix felt the hot pavement underfoot, hopping faster towards the embrace of cool tiles and air conditioning.

But his eagerness was cast aside when passing the sculpture in the square.

Upstairs, Fenix hadn't seen the sculpture's entirety. Now downstairs, he found no footholds to leap onto the floating structure.

Damn!

What a waste!

Fenix felt indignant.

The tiny white ball squatted on the green lawn, gazing longingly at the slowly floating spiral.

He wanted to bask in the sun atop the sculpture—

But he couldn't reach it!

Such a perfect cat tree, yet Fenix couldn't climb it!

Damn!

Out of sight, out of mind!

Fenix turned to leave but hesitated, turning back again.

He tried to resist but couldn't, looking up at the three-meter-high floating sculpture, lowering his body, pushing off with his hind legs, and leaping!

Lion watched the kitten bounding like a rubber ball on the grass, the creases on his forehead deepening, the bubbles of joy bursting one by one.

Wasn't he hurrying back to me?

Lion tapped his fingers impatiently on the desk.

Why is he playing instead??

Author's note:

? Fenix confused.jpg