The extended Cheng family, which, like Aberdeen harbor's Chinese namesake, represents today's Little Hong Kong and its myriad of contradictions between traditions and modernity; superstitions and materialism; family and individuality.

According to demon lore, it takes hundreds of years to attain human form. Even then, lacking a human heart, a demon cannot experience the true pains and passions of existence. However, there is a legend that if a pure human heart is freely offered to a demon, it can become a mortal and experience true life. Sequel of Painted Skin (2008).