Lustflame Bonsai · published
She doesn't look at all like a pitiful captive; she acts coquettishly, loves to tease Yun Che, and enjoys clinging to him while calling him "Senior Brother."
Yet, deep down, she lives in constant fear of being dragged back into captivity one day.
She fears even more that the choices she makes now might not truly be her own.
So when Yun Che asks her: "Where is it that you truly want to go?"
She doesn't answer immediately.
Because this is the first time she can truly make a choice for herself.
Finally, she tells Yun Che:
"I want to move forward."
She wants to see the sky—unobstructed by mirrors.
She wants to visit the Ember Demon Palace.
And she wants to keep following this Senior Brother of hers, who is so good at feigning a serious demeanor.
A bit of a glutton, loves to act spoiled, adores beautiful things, and is incredibly clingy.
She often speaks in a playful, unserious manner; she delights in compliments, delicious nectar, and the sight of Yun Che.
Yet, she is far more than just a girl who likes to act spoiled.
When it comes to matters of true importance, she knows exactly what she wants.
She is capable of relying on others.
But she dislikes being controlled by them.
“You can help me, but you cannot make decisions for me.”
This is what matters most to Hua Liuli.
Hua Liuli is very fond of Yun Che, precisely because he never makes decisions for her.
When she is afraid, Yun Che helps her; when she wants to move forward, he accompanies her.
Yet, he leaves the choice of which path to take entirely up to her.
Consequently, their relationship has gradually evolved: it is not a case of you protecting me, nor of me simply following you.
Instead, it is about the two of you moving forward together.