Niu Lai

In a drifting dreamscape, a skylark witnesses the growth of a timid young calf named Niu Lai. Born fearful and wary of danger, Niu Lai has always lived under the shelter of his mother and the herd. One day, he follows the skylark and tumbles into a long, immersive dream, an ordeal that forces him to confront life and death. Deep within the dream's grasslands, Niu Lai first encounters a mysterious spirit serpent. Patiently, the serpent warns him that the world offers no true safety, and that he must learn vigilance and self‑reliance. Though Niu Lai does not fully understand, he remembers the words.

Later, Niu Lai befriends a brave and righteous leopard named Bao La, who becomes his closest companion. Bao La protects and accompanies the lonely calf during the migration of the herd, yet the cattle herd distrusts and shuns the leopard despite Bao La being the one who distracted a pack of wolves that were about to attack the herd.

The peace does not last. While the cattle were migrating, the wolf pack descends upon the grassland again, this time successfully hunting members of the herd. Bao La leaps to their defense. To shield her young son and buy him a chance to escape, Niu Lai's mother sacrifices herself.

After this loss, Niu Lai shoulders responsibility and begins resisting the humans and their machines who have long damaged the forest that is their home. Niu Lai ultimately wakes up and realizes that everything he experienced was part of a dream. But the dream leaves real growth: the courage, responsibility, and understanding he gains remain with him after waking. When the dream finally dissolves, Niu Lai understands what it means to stand firm, to protect, and to take responsibility. With newfound courage, he faces danger head‑on and ultimately reunites with the herd led by his father.