The sheer depth of Hua Cheng's desires over 800 years until his reunion with Xie Lian is an amazing aspect of his character. His actions are driven solely by his immense love and devotion, yet they show remarkable restraint. For 800 years, Hua Cheng's greatest wish was to be with Xie Lian. Despite being one of the strongest ghost kings, his power meant nothing to him without Xie Lian. His love is deep and enduring, but it's also expressed with patience. Hua Cheng never lets his desires control him or dictate his actions. Instead, he watches over Xie Lian from a distance, ensuring that he is safe and cared for without overwhelming him.One of the most beautiful traits of Hua Cheng is how he conceals his true identity in their early encounters. When he appears as San Lang, nothing prevents Hua Cheng from revealing his power, history, or even his love for Xie Lian right away. But he holds back, not wanting to pressure Xie Lian into reciprocating. He waits for Xie Lian to approach him on his own terms, prioritizing Xie Lian's comfort and autonomy over his own desires.It's especially moving to think about how long Hua Cheng has waited for this moment, suffering through 800 years of longing without rushing Xie Lian. Even when Xie Lian is in a vulnerable state, Hua Cheng never takes advantage. He respects Xie Lian's boundaries, waiting until Xie Lian is ready to embrace both Hua Cheng's feelings and his own. Hua Cheng's restraint shows his understanding that true love cannot be rushed. He's willing to wait as long as necessary.That's not to say Hua Cheng doesn't experience intense emotions. His love for Xie Lian runs so deep that he's clearly been yearning for closeness for centuries, but his restraint is rooted in deep respect. In Hua Cheng's eyes, Xie Lian deserves everything good, and Hua Cheng will never do anything that might burden him. It's almost tragic how much Hua Cheng is willing to sacrifice—his own desires—to ensure Xie Lian feels safe and cherished.When they finally come together, all that quiet yearning and patience pays off. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding. Hua Cheng's restraint allows their bond to develop naturally, creating a dynamic where his desire for Xie Lian is undeniable, but his love is so selfless that it never overshadows his respect for Xie Lian's feelings and choices.
