The next day, Cheng Lin drove to the Kitty People Alliance headquarters with his family member, Cheng Maimai.
To his surprise, the parking lot was packed. “No more spaces,” the security guard informed Cheng Lin through the rolled-down window. “There’s a spot 400 meters back where you can park.”
Cheng Lin noticed a few empty spots inside, likely reserved for staff.
Maimai responded first, “Okay,” then cautiously leaned in close to whisper in Cheng Lin’s ear, “He’s a kitty person.”
Cheng Lin had no choice but to reverse the car, then said with opportunism, “When are you going to work your way up to being a director here? Then we’d get an employee parking spot.”
Maimai asked, “What’s a director?”
Cheng Lin wasn’t sure how to explain, so he simply said, “It’s the leader, the one who stands in the middle in group photos.”
Maimai promised, “Alright, I’ll work hard.”
Before they got out of the car, Cheng Lin stopped the cat. “Wait, let me check your hair.”
Knowing that he was going to take an ID photo today, and aware that the photo would be used for a long time, Cheng Maimai was very particular about his appearance. Not knowing exactly how to style it, he had let Cheng Lin fix his hair before they left.
Maimai kept checking his hair in the small mirror on the passenger side sun visor and asked, “Does this look good?” After posing the question, his mind wandered back to something that had happened earlier. To prevent an awkward silence, he proceeded to respond to himself, “It’s not bad.”
Cheng Lin smoothed down a small tuft of hair that had stuck up. “You look great.”
The parking area was crowded with cars, and the office lobby was packed with kitty people, bustling with activity.
Everyone was queuing in human form, most of them with innocent expressions. The more prepared ones had grabbed a book to do some last-minute studying.
Maimai, who was starting to recognize the scent of other kitty people, felt a sense of familiarity. Curious, he asked, “What is everyone here for?”
Shi Ting explained as she led them upstairs, “They’re here to take exams.”
“What kind of exams?” Cheng Lin asked. “Cats have to take exams too?”
“A lot of them.” Shi Ting said, “The subjects vary, but they organize these standardized tests for everyone.”
As they passed by a gym, they saw a muscular cat that looked like Garfield1
running on a treadmill. Shi Ting popped her head in. “Chubby, you’ll be taking human photos for the kitten later.”
Continuing her explanation, she said, “Although getting an ID allows kitty people to live as humans, most of them grew up in very simple environments. They have a limited level of education and struggle to adjust to the fast pace of society. So, the organization has prepared some jobs to help them gain employment and lift themselves out of poverty.”
“For example, we partner with many cat cafes and shelters. These places not only take in stray cats but also provide housing for those in need, like Wang Derong.” She added, “After completing the organization’s training, kitty people can work there too.”
They reached the third floor, where there was a separate service window. Maimai handed over his forms for review and registration. A chubby man appeared and said, “Comrade, I’ll be taking your ID photo.” Maimai followed him into the room next door.
Just as Cheng Lin was about to follow, Shi Ting stopped him and asked him to sit at the counter.
Unlike her sister, who had adapted well to human life and trusted and liked humans, Shi Ting preferred not to take human form unless it was for work. Becoming human meant wearing clothes, whereas, as a cat, she could be carried around by her sister all day.
In her view, humans had complicated thoughts and lived in a complex environment. Kitty people, in contrast, were simple and kind, so she didn’t enjoy interacting with real humans.
“Mr. Cheng, let me explain. Since you’re human, there’s a process we need to follow. After all, adding Maimai to your household registry isn’t a small matter.” Shi Ting’s face was expressionless as she said, “To be honest, there have been many cases where humans regretted adding kitty people to their household registry.”
Whether seen as pets or family members and the responsibilities that came with that, humans often only realized the implications when it affected their own interests.
“The abandoned kitty people are pitiful, but current laws don’t protect them. Cats are always in a weaker position,” Shi Ting explained, “To safeguard their interests as much as possible, the organization has to make the adoption process quite complicated.”
“Maimai likes you because you took him in and cared for him. He’s loyal and sees you as his master.” She continued, “But now that Maimai has become human, he’s no longer just your pet. He’s an individual with his own will. He might start having his own ideas, want to work or study, and pursue his own path. He’s not entirely under your control anymore. This could even strain your affection for him…”
“There’s still time to reconsider. Are you sure you want to add Maimai to your household registration?” Shi Ting asked. “I hope you’ve thought this through. Whatever happens, don’t abandon him.”
Round-faced, playful, and innocent Maimai.
The Maimai who took every word Cheng Lin said to heart. Whether happy or sad, he would cry easily but also forgive just as quickly.
Maimai, the loyal cat who loved his master more than anything.
“I’m sure,” Cheng Lin said firmly. His heart raced as he added, while the cat was out of earshot, “Whether he’s a cat or a human, I like him.”
“Look at the camera. The following segment will be recorded,” the kitty person clerk behind the counter said in a formal tone. “Please confirm the commitment displayed on the screen. If you agree, look directly into the camera and recite it clearly.”
After Maimai had his photo taken and the paperwork was finalized, Shi Ting led him to the training room to continue learning how to switch between his human and cat forms.
“Wang Derong mentioned to my mom a few times that you’re eager to work and wanted the organization to find a job for you.” Before the training began, Shi Ting handed him several brochures and said, “It’s up to you. What kind of work would you like to do?”
“I want to be a director,” Maimai replied.
“It’s great to have such ambitious goals, but becoming a director might be difficult within the next twenty years. You’ll need to start as a staff member first,” Shi Ting replied. “Is there any other job you’d like to do in the meantime?”
At that, Cheng Maimai couldn’t think of anything specific.
After a moment of serious thought, Maimai said, “Can I work at a cafe or an animal shelter? I used to be a stray cat, so I’d like to help other kitty people, like Rongrong.”
“Of course. I’ll put in an application for you with the organization,” Shi Ting replied approvingly. “That’s the same kind of ambition the director had when he was young. Once you’re ready, you can take the exam for an official position here.”
Maimai accepted the brochures. From the perspective of doing public service, Shi Ting asked, “Now that you’re able to turn into a human, what do you usually do at home?”
Maimai answered earnestly, “I sleep, eat, and shower.”
“And besides those essentials?” Shi Ting pressed while jotting down notes. “How do you spend your free time?”
“I watch TV.”
“Who does the housework in your family?”
“Cheng Lin.”
“Do you help out?”
“I pour water for him,” Maimai said, feeling a deep sense of responsibility.
“…Okay, anything else?”
Maimai thought hard for a moment. “I spend a lot of time keeping him company when he’s home.”
Shi Ting made a few more notes before finally saying, “Good. Just keep living with him.”
This time, Cheng Lin had sent in a person, but when the elevator doors reopened, a cat walked out.
A small orange cat trotted lightly behind Shi Ting. The moment he saw Cheng Lin, his tail shot up, and he sped over to his side.
Cheng Lin bent down, scooping the cat into his arms and cradling him like a precious treasure.
Shi Ting remarked, “He can walk on his own.” But Cheng Lin pretended not to hear. She continued, “Maimai’s pretty much got the hang of switching between human and cat forms, but it’s not recommended for kittens to switch too often in one day…”
Cheng Lin asked nervously, “What could happen?”
“He’ll get really tired, so let him try turning back into a human at home tomorrow,” Shi Ting advised. “Also, the organization will arrange a job for Maimai soon. In the meantime, he can take some literacy classes to learn reading and writing so he won’t be at a disadvantage later.”
Before going to sleep, Maimai stood upright and proud on the bed. This was his kitten time, and it would last until tomorrow.
Sure, being human had its perks, but being a cat offered its own kind of freedom.
Now smaller in size, the bed seemed as vast as the Pamir Plateau2plateau on the border between Xinjiang and Tajikistan. The pillow was a flat highland, and the quilt was a rugged mountain ridge. Wherever he stepped, the surface would sink, forming round lakes.
Maimai loved the sensation of his bare paws sinking into soft surfaces. It always lifted his spirits, especially since everything here carried Cheng Lin’s scent.
He wasn’t just improving at shifting between his cat and human forms—soon, he’d begin formal literacy education through the Kitty People Alliance. A job was also on the horizon. The future looked promising for his cat life.
But more importantly, Maimai felt that his relationship with Cheng Lin had reached a new level, which was definitely worth celebrating.
Cheng Lin had kissed him while he was in his human form. That was an undeniable fact.
Thinking about this, Maimai couldn’t help but lift his tail. He dashed around the bed three times before rolling onto Cheng Lin’s pillow.
When Cheng Lin returned to the bedroom after washing up, he found his cat bouncing energetically on the bed.
The soft glow of the night lamp bathed the little orange cat in a warm light.
What had his life even looked like before he found this cat? Maybe he had played games, watched movies, or just worked. But now, thinking back, those times felt overwhelmingly lonely.
Cheng Lin didn’t say a word. He simply leaned against the doorframe and watched. Maimai remained oblivious, busy gnawing on the corner of the quilt, then dragging his own little blanket out from under the covers.
Now, the plateau’s terrain was even more colorful.
Just as Maimai was about to start running again, he noticed Cheng Lin watching him.
How embarrassing.
Cheng Maimai quickly averted his gaze, pretending to be occupied. He kneaded the quilt with his paws a couple of times, then stretched lazily.
Cheng Lin sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes still fixed on Maimai. “Stretching.”
Maimai stood up straight and yawned after a brief pause.
“Yawning,” Cheng Lin remarked.
Maimai closed his mouth and began licking his front paw.
Cheng Lin: “Licking your paws.”
Maimai, now on all fours, was unsure of what to do next. “Meow.”
“Staring at me.”
That wasn’t what Maimai had meant. He lowered his head and bumped his nose against Cheng Lin’s hand.
Finally, Cheng Lin smiled. He placed his palm on the cat’s fluffy head, gently guiding him to lie on his side. “Let me see if you smell nice.”
He buried his face in Maimai’s soft fur, breathing in the scent of sunshine. Maimai purred like an engine, his body rising and falling with each breath. Cheng Lin knew he wasn’t alone anymore.
Fifteen business days later, Cheng Maimai received his official resident identity card from the People’s Republic of China.
Cheng Lin’s household registration book now had a new page.
Name: Cheng Maimai. Gender: Male. Age: 18. Ethnicity: Han. Marital status: Single.
Education level: Preschool.
Cheng Lin held up the household registration book to examine it, and after a moment, waved it in front of the cat’s eyes. “Can you read this? It says here you’re illiterate.”
Maimai, who had successfully transformed back into his human form, was now sitting on a chair, hugging his knees. He frowned. “Why did they have to write that?”
“They have to document everything about you in the household registration book, of course.” Cheng Lin handed him a white mug. “Could I trouble you to pour me some water? Thanks, baby.”
Ever since Cheng Lin had joked that he’d die of thirst without the cat to fetch him water, Maimai had taken it upon himself to manage the water dispenser. This included refilling, boiling water, and reminding Cheng Lin to change it.
As a result, Cheng Lin had not only lost the right to use the patterned cup but also the right to pour his own water.
“It’s no trouble.” Maimai took the cup respectfully. While filling it, he asked, “So if I improve my education level, can they remove that note from my record?”
“Sure. Once you’ve earned a higher degree, I’ll update it at the police station.” Cheng Lin carefully took the cup, which was filled to the brim. He leaned in to sip from it.
Every time the cat poured water, he aimed for perfection, turning the cup into something resembling an infinity pool.
“I’m going to study until I get a Ph.D.,” Maimai suddenly announced.
He’d learned online that this was the highest academic degree in the world, and he figured it would be useful when he aimed for a director position in twenty years.
“Pfft.” Cheng Lin choked on his water, struggling to hold back laughter. He began to weaken, his eyes nearly closing as he came close to passing out. Then he erupted in a thunderous cough.
Maimai, thinking the water might be poisonous, frantically slapped Cheng Lin’s back and asked, “What’s wrong!”
Cheng Lin, still coughing uncontrollably, covered his face. After a moment, he managed to say weakly, “I’m fine.”
Maimai noticed the tears in Cheng Lin’s eyes and froze. “Why are you crying!”
In full crisis mode, the cat quickly grabbed two tissues to wipe away the tears. “Don’t cry.”
Feeling his pride on the line, Cheng Lin said stiffly, “I’m not crying. I just choked on the water.”
Maimai said, “How do you even manage to choke on water?”
Instead of answering, Cheng Lin asked, “Are you really going to study for a Ph.D.?”
“I’ll try my best,” Maimai said seriously after some thought, “They say it’s really hard and takes a lot of time. Why are you laughing?”
“With such a high degree, I’d feel inferior,” Cheng Lin admitted.
The cat replied, “Then why don’t we both get Ph.D.s?”
Cheng Lin declined the suggestion. As bedtime approached, he stood up to turn off the TV in the living room.
Seeing Cheng Lin leave, Maimai carefully folded the household registration book on the table and tried to sneak it into his backpack.
“What are you doing with my household registration book?” the head of the household asked from behind.
Maimai turned around, guilt written all over his face. “I wanted to take it with my ID card to show Rongrong.”
Although Wang Derong was a good kitty person, Cheng Lin wasn’t thrilled about Maimai casually taking such an important document out of the house. “Don’t lose it. The household registration book is really important.”
Maimai tensed up at this. “What’s it used for?”
“A lot of things.” Cheng Lin said offhandedly, “Like registering a marriage at the civil affairs bureau.”
“But you’re not getting married, and you won’t let me get married either.” Maimai said innocently, “So the household registration book isn’t really useful.”
The mention of marriage made Cheng Lin uncomfortable. “What are you two planning with the household registration book? Are you meeting up at the cafe or somewhere else?”
The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became. Kitty people probably had more in common with each other, leaving him at a disadvantage.
“Isn’t Wang Derong a kitty person?” Cheng Lin bad-mouthed, “Why is he still living in the cat cafe? He doesn’t seem very independent or financially stable.”
“It’s because Rongrong’s master died a long time ago,” Maimai explained, “He had nowhere else to go.”
Cheng Lin: “Sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Maimai said. “That happened when Rongrong was just a kitten.”
“It sounds like he is really old now,” Cheng Lin recalled Rongrong’s black-furred face and asked, “How old is he? Has he finished school?”
“He’s super old.” Maimai tried hard to remember Wang Derong’s claim that only the mechanical watch from the founding of the nation was older than him. Rounding up, he concluded, “He’s as old as the founding of the nation.”
Cheng Lin counted on his fingers and felt a shiver run down his spine.
As the saying goes: At seventy, one can follow one’s heart’s desires without overstepping the line.3This is a saying of Confucius. It means that at that age, people have the wisdom and freedom to follow their desires while staying within societal rules.
The tuxedo cat with a baby face was actually older than his own grandfather. No wonder he had given Maimai such a name.
“Go ahead.” Cheng Lin packed the household registration book for Maimai and said, “Give my regards to Uncle…Elder… Grandpa Rong.”
