Yu Ling

Biodata

Background

Rescue and friendship

Yu Ling and her quiet, long-haired friend Liao Yaya were rescued from robbers by Xue Chen and his companions after being placed in serious danger. Unlike the quiet Liao, Yu Ling immediately took the initiative to exchange contact information with their rescuers and later teased Liao Yaya about Wu Liang's interest in her. 41

She later encountered Xue Chen again while traveling with Liao Yaya and Xiang Lanxin. Calling him “Brother Xue Chen,” Yu Ling readily trusted him because of the rescue, despite having only met him a few times. 69 64

Conflict with Xiang Lanxin

Xiang Lanxin attempted to misdirect Yu Ling about a meeting location and stayed at a hotel later revealed to have criminal connections. Yu Ling initially struggled to remember whether Xiang had changed the agreed location, but Xue Chen noticed Xiang's panic and the suspicious men watching them nearby. 70

When Xiang Lanxin implied that Xue Chen's rescue might have been staged, Yu Ling immediately turned on her, arguing that Xiang herself was the person who deserved suspicion. 64 After connecting Xiang's actions to the night she and Liao Yaya were attacked, Yu Ling slapped Xiang and ended their friendship, warning that she would tell her father what had happened. 65

Birthday banquet and succession

Before her twentieth birthday, Yu Ling personally invited Xue Chen to her banquet and asked him to invite their friends. She also admitted to having a favorable impression of Zhou Guosheng, though she remained realistic about the differences between their families. 162

At the banquet, Yu Liancheng publicly announced that Yu Ling would gradually assume responsibility for Yu Corporation after graduating. Yu Shan challenged the decision, but Yu Liancheng made clear that the corporation was his personal property and that Yu Ling was his chosen heir. 168 169

Yu Ling maintained her composure after the confrontation and formally addressed the guests as the evening's host. She later chose Zhou Guosheng as her opening dance partner. 170

Appearance

Yu Ling is a sweet-looking young woman usually recognized by her short hair, lively eyes, and expressive face. She is approximately 1.6 meters tall and is notably sensitive about whether she will grow taller. 69 85

• Usually wears short hair; she styled it into an elegant bun with a crystal hairpin for her birthday banquet. 69 165
• Has bright, crescent-shaped eyes and a cheerful smile. 64
• Wore a white gown during the later part of her birthday celebration, presenting herself with an elegant, noble bearing. 170

Personality

Yu Ling is lively, outgoing, and openly affectionate toward the people she trusts. She enjoys teasing Liao Yaya, speaks her mind, and can be impulsive when angered. 41 167 Her initial trust in Xiang Lanxin shows a degree of naivety, but she becomes far more independent once she recognizes the danger Xiang poses. 64 65

She is fiercely protective of Xue Chen, whom she regards in a paternal, rather than romantic, way. This protectiveness fuels her open hostility toward Fu Hengzhou and Chen Chongwen, both of whom she believes may harm or corrupt Xue Chen. 66 74 103

Yu Ling also has firm principles regarding character. She rejects Zhang Chengjin's dance invitation because he impregnated a girl while studying abroad and refused responsibility. 168

Relationships

• Liao Yaya — Her closest friend and fellow survivor of the attempted robbery. Yu Ling supports Liao's relationship with Wu Liang, though her teasing regularly embarrasses Liao. 41 167
• Xue Chen — Her rescuer and trusted older-brother/father figure. She calls him “Brother Xue Chen” and “Papa Xue,” while repeatedly trying to protect him from people she distrusts. 64 66 74
• Yu Liancheng — Her father and the chairman of Yu Corporation. He publicly names her as his intended successor, though Yu Ling dislikes being drawn into his business conversations. 168 166
• Liu Xiao — The woman Yu Ling knows as her mother. Yu Ling seeks her approval for the birthday party, while later revelations indicate that the family history surrounding “Liu Xiao” is far more complicated than Yu Ling realizes. 160 186
• Fu Hengzhou — Xue Chen's business partner and Yu Ling's rival for Xue Chen's attention. Yu Ling distrusts his possessive behavior toward Xue Chen and openly insults him. 66 74 102
• Xiang Lanxin — Former friend whose manipulations placed Yu Ling and Liao Yaya at risk. Yu Ling cuts ties with her after confronting her lies. 64 65
• Zhou Guosheng — Yu Ling has a favorable impression of him and asks Xue Chen to help invite him to her birthday. She later selects him as her opening dance partner. 162 170
• Chen Chongwen — Someone Yu Ling distrusts because she considers his refined manner a disguise for a calculating nature. 103

Notable Quotes

“If anyone deserves suspicion, shouldn't it be you?”
— confronting Xiang Lanxin 64

“I've always treated Brother Xue Chen as... Dad?”
— explaining her feelings toward Xue Chen 74

Trivia

• Yu Ling ordered five baskets of soup dumplings while deliberately trying to make Fu Hengzhou pay for an expensive meal. 74
• She fears her father enough that Chen Chongwen only needs to threaten to speak with “Uncle Yu” to silence her. 103
• Her twentieth birthday banquet also serves as her public introduction as Yu Corporation's future successor. 168