Reborn as a Cat Episode 22: Their Thoughts

Lu Chengze navigates a dark parking garage, his thoughts heavy. He wonders aloud about the 'Divine Official' still near Miao Miao, questioning if she knows who he truly is. He then considers Miao Miao's own memory, specifically if she remembers their shared past. The close-up on his face shows a hardening resolve, a man wrestling with a dangerous mystery.

The night is rainy and urgent as Miao Miao rushes inside her building, followed by Hong Dan, the black cat in pursuit. Inside her apartment, she finds Bai Yueguang, a white-haired woman, already settled. Bai Yueguang greets her with a mischievous smile, announcing she came to 'join the fun' after hearing about Miao Miao's cohabitation with Lu Chengze. The sudden presence of both cat spirits in human form sets a chaotic tone.

Hong Dan tries to object to Bai Yueguang's presence, leading to a cartoonish, violent shaking. Miao Miao looks on in distress as Bai Yueguang throws a whimpering Hong Dan aside. Later, Bai Yueguang sits with a despondent Miao Miao, offering strong, if blunt, encouragement to 'break the seal' with Lu Chengze. She pushes Miao Miao onto the bed, playfully suggesting they share it, only for the pink cat spirit to appear in human form, adding to the general bedroom chaos.

The pink cat and Hong Dan fight playfully on the bed while Miao Miao finds Lu Chengze's jacket. She explains to Bai Yueguang that she got it during an elevator mishap, expressing sadness that he might not remember her. Bai Yueguang reassures her playfully, then seizes the opportunity. She takes a phone from the jacket and mischievously texts Lu Chengze, pretending to be Miao Miao.

Lu Chengze, at home, receives a text from Miao Miao (actually Bai Yueguang). He asks how she got his number, to which she replies 'Supervisor Xia'. After some discussion between Miao Miao and Bai Yueguang, Lu Chengze texts back, seemingly dismissive. When Miao Miao offers to return his washed jacket, he tells her to give it to his assistant instead. This rejection leads to a chibi scene where an exasperated Bai Yueguang throws Hong Dan out a window.

Miao Miao, clearly nervous, ascends to Lu Chengze's office floor. She approaches his Assistant, a woman in glasses, and asks to see him. When asked if she has an appointment, Miao Miao admits she does not. She tries to explain she is returning Lu Chengze's clothes, but the Assistant takes the bag, stating Lu Chengze told her to do so. Miao Miao, flustered, claims it is lunchtime and rushes off, leaving the Assistant confused.

As her coworkers leave for the day, Miao Miao remains at her desk, tired and alone, watching the city lights. Later, Lu Chengze emerges from the elevator, sharp and composed. He finds Miao Miao still standing by the building exit. He addresses her by name, questioning her presence. She fumbles, stating she wanted to return his clothes in person. He accepts the bag, thanks her, and then tells her to go home. Miao Miao watches him leave, her face betraying a mixture of disappointment and continued resolve.

A street scene at night shows Lu Chengze riding in his car, visibly distracted. His Assistant notices his pensive mood. Without explanation, Lu Chengze commands the car to stop. He then exits the vehicle, staring off into the distance at a particular building. His Assistant wonders if he has said something wrong, clearly puzzled by Lu Chengze's behavior.

The apartment stirs to life; Hong Dan stretches, the pink cat watches him, and Changze, the black-haired male cat spirit, heads to the kitchen. The pink cat asks where he is going, and Changze simply states, 'To pick her up.' Bai Yueguang confronts Changze, demanding to know why he cares so much about Miao Miao. She presses him, pointing out his sacrifices and loss of power for Miao Miao's safety, accusing him directly of having feelings for her.

Cornered, Changze makes a flippant declaration, 'Because I love Hong Dan.' This shocks Bai Yueguang, but he quickly backtracks, pretending it was a joke about the black cat. Bai Yueguang is furious and slaps him. Changze responds with real anger, telling her she is 'stupid' for not understanding his true feelings. She then walks away, leaving him alone in the apartment.

Lu Chengze drives Miao Miao home through the night city. He questions her about the 'long-haired man' who previously picked her up, asking if he is her boyfriend. Miao Miao nervously denies it, calling him just a 'normal friend.' When pressed about his occupation, Miao Miao fumbles for a reply, thinking of Changze's cat form, then settles on 'tour guide'. Lu Chengze's questions carry a clear undercurrent of jealousy and suspicion.

Lu Chengze sternly tells Miao Miao to stay away from the long-haired man, offering no reason except 'trust me.' Miao Miao looks surprised, then pensive. As she looks out the window, she mumbles 'Changze.' This utterance visibly startles Lu Chengze. He loses control of the car, which swerves wildly. A flash of white light engulfs the screen, cutting to black.