Lin Shengyan

Biodata

Background / History

Lin Shengyan is the Lin family’s second son, younger than Lin Yuhuan and older than Lin Xiawan and Lin Tingyue. He grew up believing Tingyue was his biological sister for twenty years. After Xiawan returned to the family, he initially found their sibling relationship distant because of their years apart and her reserved disposition 4 5 74.

He attended A University, where Ying An was his classmate. The two entered the entertainment industry after graduation and became known as its “twin stars.” Early in their careers, fellow debutant An Xingyuan tried to suppress them through rumors and other attacks 19 64.

Despite his wealthy background, Shengyan worked on his line delivery and acting rather than relying solely on his family. He also endured a wilderness survival program before becoming famous; his willingness to accept difficult conditions earned him fans 64 126.

Acting Career

Appearance

• Facial features: Handsome, with softer features than Lin Yuhuan and a stronger resemblance to Bai Yaxin. His approachable-looking face helps him lead conversations in unexpected directions 27.
• Physique: Has developed biceps and visible abdominal muscles. After Tingyue questioned whether he had abs, he posted a nine-photo grid to prove it 28 114.
• Styling: Appears in formal attire for professional events. His introductory scene features temporary multicolored hair dye and makeup ruined by heavy rain; both wash away after he showers 4 13.

Personality

Shengyan is playful, theatrical, and sharp-tongued. He trades insults with Tingyue, performs exaggerated displays of distress, and readily needles people he dislikes. His parents initially worried that his lack of a verbal filter would cause trouble in the entertainment industry, although Feng Mu believes he has learned his limits 61 81 118.

His devotion to Cheng Jinshuang is his most persistent vulnerability. He has broken commitments for her, insists on the importance of his support, and repeatedly struggles to move on. Even after declaring her a “closed chapter,” he is visibly hurt to learn that she is dating someone 5 77.

Beneath his complaints, he is an affectionate and protective brother. He holds Tingyue’s dress train despite grumbling, defends her place in the family, and becomes delighted when she appreciates him. He is also sensitive to her opinion: after retaliating against the Tu brothers, he briefly worries that she might dislike his methods 42 62 132.

Shengyan develops a strong appetite for gossip. The prospect of witnessing a scandal can persuade him to attend an event he originally refused, and he sometimes follows Tingyue specifically to hear what she uncovers 38 64 130.

Abilities & Skills

Hearing Lin Tingyue’s Thoughts

Shengyan can hear Tingyue’s inner monologue. Although he initially disbelieved Bai Yaxin’s report in the family group chat, experiencing it himself convinces him 4 5.

• Hidden information: Her thoughts reveal romantic motives, concealed relationships, and threats to his family 5 19 131.
• Cannot openly expose it: An invisible force stops him when he tries to say something that would reveal his access to her thoughts 5.
• Cannot block it with music: Earphones at maximum volume fail to drown her out; her voice remains audible alongside the music 8.

Acting and Verbal Persuasion

His acting career is supported by deliberate practice in performance and line delivery. Outside filming, he uses changes in expression, an apparently casual manner, and convincing explanations to manipulate conversations 27 64.

• Improvised cover stories: Helps Lin Rusong deflect Cheng Kuang’s request for money by inventing a concern about phone malware 27.
• Social needling: Feigns difficulty recognizing An Xingyuan before questioning his disappearance from public attention 64.
• Public rebuttals: Confronts guests insulting Tingyue and challenges Gao Ren’s side during a livestreamed dispute involving Xiawan 42 143.

Planning and Retaliation

Shengyan can be calculating when his family is targeted, despite his usual unserious demeanor 131 132.

• Tu brothers’ exposure: Devises the plan that leaves Tu Yang and Tu Hai caught together before reporters 132.
• Publicity pressure: Assures Tingyue that the brothers will remain in the trending searches after the scandal 132.

Practical Skills

• Outdoor experience: Participated in a wilderness survival show and later builds a campfire with Ying An during a mountain outing 29 126.
• Cooking: Offers to cook for Tingyue and cites his survival-show experience when she questions his ability 126.
• Red-carpet experience: Knows how to hold a dress train properly from attending numerous red carpets 42.

Relationships

• Lin Tingyue — Younger sister raised alongside him. Their relationship is full of bickering, but he gives her money and gifts, checks on her injury, and fiercely rejects claims that she no longer belongs in the family 4 42 64 128.
• Lin Xiawan — Biological younger sister. Their initial distance gradually eases; he stays close during the camping trip and blocks Yang Hui when the group leaves him behind 28 29 74.
• Lin Yuhuan — Elder brother. Yuhuan intervenes in his career arrangements and warns against repeatedly paying his contract-termination penalties. Shengyan also appeals to him for support during sibling disputes 4 5 81.
• Bai Yaxin — Mother. Her authority quickly brings him into line despite his celebrity status. He treasures the protective talisman she sends him, even while initially questioning her sudden interest in such objects 4 20 100.
• Lin Rusong — Father. Shengyan jokingly calls him “Old Lin,” while Rusong challenges his romantic excuses and threatens to withhold access to Lin Group money 4 48 77.
• Cheng Jinshuang — Unrequited love interest. His repeated pursuit worries both his family and manager. His claims to have moved on remain unconvincing, and mentioning her continues to touch a sore spot 5 62 77 114.
• Ying An — University friend and fellow actor. They exchange teasing remarks, and Shengyan recognizes Ying An’s jealousy over Tingyue. After Tingyue announces their relationship, Shengyan promises to protect her 19 74 106 145.
• Wen Fei — Manager. Criticizes his repeated returns to Cheng Jinshuang and remains involved in his professional schedule 62 77.
• Zhu Cheng — Assistant, also called Little Zhu. Offers gift advice and repeats Wen Fei’s criticism back to him, prompting Shengyan’s joking warning to “treasure this job” 62.
• An Xingyuan — Former industry rival who spread rumors about Shengyan and Ying An. Shengyan becomes less troubled by those old attacks but still welcomes the opportunity to mock him 64.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Return Home and Cheng Jinshuang’s Competition

Shengyan returns from City C in heavy rain to attend Cheng Jinshuang’s interpreting competition. Tingyue’s thoughts expose his real reason for coming home, and his parents insist that he take both sisters with him 4 5.

At the university, his fans repeatedly delay him. Tingyue’s commentary identifies him as the devoted but unrequited suitor among Jinshuang’s romantic prospects. After winning, Jinshuang refuses the men’s lunch invitations, leaving him dejected 5 6.

Defending His Sisters

During Tingyue’s graduation-photo outing, Shengyan steps between her and Qu Wen when Qu Wen mocks her family standing. Later, at Ying Ning’s coming-of-age banquet, he confronts guests calling Tingyue a gold digger and makes clear that the Lin family chooses to cherish her 19 42.

He similarly protects Xiawan during the camping trip, remaining near his sisters and blocking Yang Hui before the group relocates 28 29.

Ying An and Tingyue’s Romance

Shengyan repeatedly finds himself drawn into Ying An’s growing attachment to Tingyue. He brings Ying An home, notices his jealousy, and teases him for becoming love-addled. As the pair grow closer, he jokes that Ying An may overtake the family in Tingyue’s affections 74 106 136.

When Tingyue confirms that they are officially together, Shengyan promises to protect her 145.

Retaliation Against the Tu Brothers

After learning that Lin Yuhuan is in trouble at a banquet, Shengyan helps turn the situation against Tu Yang and Tu Hai. His plan exposes the brothers to reporters, earning Tingyue’s enthusiastic praise and a promised week without calling him love-brained 131 132.

Later Family Confrontations

Shengyan publicly supports Xiawan during the livestreamed dispute with Gao Ren’s side. At the Zhou family banquet, he joins Ying An and Lin Yuhuan in shielding Tingyue when Zhou Feng turns his anger toward her 143 148.

Equipment / Items

• Protective talisman: Sent by Bai Yaxin with warm clothing, food, and medicine during filming. Shengyan immediately tucks it against his chest after learning its purpose 99 100.
• Sleep-aid aromatherapy: A gift from Tingyue that he later mentions while teasing Ying An 106.

Notable Quotes

“Our family wants to keep her at home, pamper her, and let her be a princess. What about it? Is that not allowed? Is she eating your food?” 42

“Your second brother wasn’t famous from the start.” 126

“May wealth come rolling in, President Lin.” 128