Lin Yilin

Biodata

Background & History

Lin Yilin grew up feeling out of step with conventional peer socializing. Straightforward by nature, she disliked pretending to agree with conversations she did not understand; as a result, she had few girls she could truly get along with in high school. Though known as lively and cheerful, she tends to conceal her hurt and melancholy rather than show them openly 15.

During the Student Union recruitment drive, Wang Yun mistreated her while other members avoided intervening. Lin Yilin was left distressed by their indifference, but refused to simply accept the situation. Backed by Jiang Linyuan, she demanded that Wang Yun apologize publicly and accepted the apology once it was given 11 12.

She later became part of the External Relations Department, where she took her duties seriously and opposed avoiding work by becoming an athlete during the sports meet 70. Her experiences with Jiang Linyuan gradually developed from teasing friendship into an emotionally complicated romance, as she struggled with jealousy toward Yu Songsong and Su Muzhi while learning to state what she wanted openly 52 100 203.

Appearance

Lin Yilin is described as a fair-skinned young woman with fine, soft hair, a clean and youthful appearance, and expressive eyes. She often wears her hair in a high ponytail 55 258.

• Wore an off-white hoodie and light makeup for her first movie outing with Jiang Linyuan 55.
• Has small hands, which Jiang Linyuan holds during their walks together 56.
• Dressed as a red-clad female martial artist with a prop sword during the Tang City Film Base trip 273.
• Participated in Xingnan’s anniversary run in a yellow event vest with her ponytail tied up 258.

Personality

Lin Yilin is candid, principled, and more stubborn than she initially appears. She openly challenges unfair treatment, whether confronting Wang Yun over his conduct or criticizing Jiang Linyuan when she thinks he is avoiding responsibility 12 70. Her honesty can make her socially awkward, but it also makes her dependable.

Despite her forthright manner, she is easily embarrassed by affection and often reacts to Jiang Linyuan’s teasing with flushed cheeks, denials, or mock anger. She initially keeps her growing feelings guarded, but becomes increasingly assertive: inviting him to a movie, asking him to accompany her, and eventually confronting the ambiguity of his relationships herself 52 53 218.

Her view of love is unusually accepting. She believes a partner’s past relationships are part of their life experience; if those experiences were painful, she wants to help heal the person she loves rather than hold their history against them 203.

• Conscientious — Treats Student Union work and her campus running requirements seriously, regarding desertion as shameful 70 258.
• Protective — Defends Shen Wanyu and Su Muzhi when Jiang Linyuan makes inappropriate comments, and later speaks up for Zhang Juntang when she is being teased 28 274.
• Romantic and imaginative — Enjoys cartoons and enthusiastically role-plays as a martial heroine during the Tang City outing 203 273.
• Compassionate — Reaches an understanding with Su Muzhi after learning of her heart condition and invites Yu Songsong to visit her home despite their past rivalry 222 288.

Relationships

• Jiang Linyuan — Her senior, close friend, and eventual romantic partner. He first supports her during the recruitment incident; their teasing friendship develops into mutual confessions, a first kiss during the anniversary run, and an open relationship acknowledged by her family 11 12 258 273 290.
• Zhang Juntang — Her roommate and friend. Lin Yilin comforts her after the recruitment incident, often includes her in group outings, and later faces strain in their friendship after learning of Zhang Juntang’s past connection to Su Muzhi 12 48 270.
• Su Muzhi — Jiang Linyuan’s Senior Sister and Lin Yilin’s romantic rival. Their relationship begins with tension and jealousy, but Lin Yilin later speaks with her candidly about her heart condition and feelings for Jiang Linyuan 210 217 222.
• Yu Songsong — Initially a romantic rival for Jiang Linyuan’s attention. Lin Yilin is jealous of Yu Songsong but later extends friendship and invites her to visit her family’s home 52 284 288.
• Shen Wanyu — Her department head and adviser. Lin Yilin respects Shen Wanyu’s work ethic and later seeks her guidance when troubled by Zhang Juntang’s past 70 270.
• Lin Zhu — Her older sister, a writer who learns of Lin Yilin’s feelings for Jiang Linyuan and decides to help her pursue him 213.
• Amei — Her mischievous younger sister, who deliberately leaves Lin Yilin alone with Jiang Linyuan and enables their honest conversation 203.

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Student Union Recruitment — Becomes a target of Wang Yun’s abuse of authority, refuses to be silenced, and insists on his public apology after Jiang Linyuan intervenes 11 12.
• Early Feelings for Jiang Linyuan — Grows attached to Jiang Linyuan through repeated banter and shared Student Union activities. Her jealousy of Yu Songsong prompts her to take the initiative, including inviting him to a horror movie 31 52 53 55.
• Growing Emotional Honesty — Challenges Jiang Linyuan’s casual attitude toward romance and articulates her own belief that love includes accepting and healing a partner’s past 100 203.
• Winter-Break Love Triangle — Confesses to Jiang Linyuan, is hurt by the uncertainty surrounding Su Muzhi, then resolves to stop avoiding the situation and fight for clarity in their relationship 210 217 218 220.
• Mutual Confession and First Kiss — During Xingnan’s anniversary run, she admits her insecurities about Jiang Linyuan’s past and receives his direct confession and their first kiss 258.
• Tang City and Summer Relationship — Publicly returns Jiang Linyuan’s feelings during a horseback ride, grows more secure while navigating his other relationships, and brings him home to meet her parents. Jiang Linyuan states that he intends to marry her after graduation 273 284 290.
• July Sea — Shares a playful beach day with Jiang Linyuan, teaching him beachcombing and expressing hope that everyone’s wishes will come true 291.

Notable Quotes

“I won't abandon the person I like. As long as he takes a step forward, I don't care even if he has many ex-girlfriends or is even divorced.” 203

“If his past relationships weren't happy? Then I'll just have to work hard to heal his wounds and make him happy.” 203