Cheng's public image was multifaceted. On one hand, she was seen as a symbol of youthful beauty and vitality, capitalizing on the Lolita imagery that was popular in fashion and media at the time. This image, inspired by Nabokov's protagonist, connotes a certain kind of innocence and charm, often associated with young girls. However, Cheng's career also demonstrated a keen business acumen and a desire for self-reinvention, as she navigated various roles in television, film, and modeling.