My favorite queer-coded character is definitely Hua Cheng from Heaven Official’s Blessing. From the beginning, no one could truly understand what he wanted. He was far too enigmatic. Even the people in his own Ghost City had never seen his face, and his true thoughts were beyond the grasp of those self-righteous heavenly officials. Not even Feng Xin and Mu Qing, who were considered the closest to Xie Lian and had once served under him during his days as the Crown Prince of Xian Le, could see Hua Cheng for who he really was. Both of them suspected he had hidden motives, believing he intended to hurt, manipulate, or control Xie Lian. But they were wrong. They misunderstood him completely. In truth, all Hua Cheng ever wanted was to love Xie Lian as a person. He is not just subtextually queer; he is emotionally and romantically attached to his gege, his god, his Xie Lian. His love is deeply possessive, driven by a fierce need to protect the one thing he holds dearest. At the same time, centuries of loneliness and a constant fear of rejection have made him vulnerable in ways he rarely shows. Because of his own insecurities, he is afraid of losing Xie Lian. So he starts slowslowly, keeping a respectful distance. His teasing is lighthearted, never crossing boundaries. He offers loyalty that goes far beyond what anyone else has ever given Xie Lian. He shows affection through actions rather than words, expressing his love through watchful presence, silent support, and tireless protection. Only for Xie Lian does Hua Cheng pour all his energy into caring so completely. He wants Xie Lian to feel safe, joyful, desired, and cherished. No one else receives that kind of devotion from him.