Principal Lin

Biodata

Background / History

Lin Ming grew up in the countryside. When he gained admission to college but could not afford tuition, his neighbors contributed five or ten yuan apiece to help send him. He later employed people from his hometown at Yunqi No. 1 High School; their conscientious work and his gratitude toward them earned him a reputation for loyalty and kindness 15 33.

He first met Old Daoist Master Chen more than twenty years before Chen Shi'an's enrollment, when Lin was around Shi'an's age. Master Chen did considerable things for him, though the exact favors are not disclosed. Over the years, Lin lent the temple thirty-eight thousand and provided a school place along with two years of tuition and miscellaneous fees. He regarded the money as a gift, but Master Chen insisted on recording it as a loan 7.

Lin's wife died early. His work frequently kept him busy, and their daughter, Lin Meng Qiu, became independent from a young age 15.

Appearance

Lin is a thin, ordinary-looking middle-aged man who appears young for his position 7.

• Wears glasses 7.
• Has some gray hair at his temples 7.
• Is not particularly sturdy, but speaks in a clear, ringing voice 7.
• Returns Chen Shi'an's clasped-hands greeting with notably proper form 7.

Personality

Lin places great importance on gratitude. He refuses to demand repayment from Chen Shi'an, explaining that Master Chen's help far outweighed the money he lent. Rather than press the young Daoist for payment, he offers to lend him more. His initial care for Shi'an honors an old friend's request, but Shi'an's courtesy and determination to repay kindness soon win his genuine affection 7 8.

His generosity extends beyond that friendship. He permits Li Wanyin to delay her rent and keeps his apartment inexpensive to help young people starting out. He deliberately avoids upgrading it merely to collect higher rent, reasoning that making it too attractive could draw tenants who do not need the assistance 12 16.

Lin is usually strict about students' appearance, yet offers to let Shi'an retain his Taoist robe and topknot. Teacher Liang notices the inconsistency; Shi'an himself chooses to follow the normal rules. Lin is also considerate of students during assemblies, keeping his speeches brief because he knows standing through them is tiring 12 26.

As a father, he worries about Meng Qiu's few friendships and lack of interests beyond studying. He listens thoughtfully when Shi'an suggests that her own comfort and preferences matter more than comparisons with other people 15.

Abilities & Skills

School Administration

• Personally arranges Shi'an's admission and guides his enrollment paperwork 6 12.
• Coordinates with the gate guard, homeroom teacher, and his daughter to help Shi'an settle into school 6 8 11.
• Recognizes that diplomas and formal qualifications remain necessary even for someone he considers capable 7.

Persuasion

• Uses rare tea and enthusiastic praise to persuade Liang Huiyang to accept Shi'an into Class Five and provide extra lessons 11.
• Maintains confidence in Shi'an despite his missing academic foundations; accepts Liang's promise to do his best without guaranteeing success 9 11.

Tea Appreciation

• Recognizes the exceptional value of Profound Peak Snow Bud grown at Pure Dust Temple, rather than treating it as ordinary market-bought tea 8.
• Attributes its unusual quality to the people cultivating it, hinting at his familiarity with Master Chen and Shi'an's capabilities 11.

Cooking

• Learned to cook while growing up in the countryside and offers to prepare a meal for Shi'an, though he makes no claim that his cooking is especially good 15.

Property & Items

• Apartment 901 — His old apartment near the school, rented cheaply to Li Wanyin and later shared with Shi'an. It has three bedrooms and two living rooms, sits on the ninth floor of a building without an elevator, and has dated furnishings and appliances. Internet service is included in the rent 12 15 16 20.
• Staff meal card — Receives a fixed monthly allowance and grants access to the teachers' cafeteria. Lin gives it to Shi'an because he rarely uses it himself 12.
• Tea collection — Keeps assorted tea canisters, compressed tea cakes, and tea utensils in his office 8.
• Profound Peak Snow Bud — Receives a canister from Shi'an, made from tea grown and picked at Pure Dust Temple 8.

Relationships

• Old Daoist Master Chen — Longstanding friend and benefactor. Lin regrets that, despite rushing back from a business trip, he did not arrive in time to see him off before his death 7.
• Chen Shi'an — Student and the disciple of his old friend. Invites Shi'an to call him “Uncle Lin” and increasingly treats him like family 8 12.
• Lin Meng Qiu — Daughter and Class Five's monitor. Arranges for Shi'an to become her deskmate so she can help him academically, despite knowing she dislikes sharing a desk 11 14.
• Liang Huiyang — Teacher and colleague entrusted with Shi'an's education through graduation and the college entrance examination 9 11.
• Li Wanyin — Tenant whom he helps with affordable housing, flexible rent payment, and finding a roommate 12 16.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Notable Quotes

“Shi'an is a genuine Daoist, but education makes no distinctions. Once he enters our school, he's our student.” 9

“Compared with everything your master did for me, this little bit of money is nothing.” 7