Shenhua Ling

Shenhua Ling is a character in the Shenmue series.

History
Shenhua's parents died when she was very young, and as a result she was raised by her adoptive father, the stonemason, Yushen Yuan. Shenhua has lived in Bailu village for as long as she can remember, but knows very little of the big wide world, not knowing either Japan or Canada were countries.

Shenhua has grown up with a sort of gift, allowing her to seemingly be something of an 'animal whisperer'.

One day whilst walking along a forested path, Shenhua spotted a white deer fawn falling into the river and immedietly dives in after it to save it. Ryo Hazuki, who happened to be walking along the same path witnessed this and dives in after her in order to save her. He suggests she let the deer go, but she refuses to let it drown as it's a guardian animal of her village. Fortunately they all wash up on shore safely and survive the raging river.

Ryo and Shenhua hit it off, and Ryo begins to tell her about his journey to avenge his father as Shenhua guides him back to Bailu village, and to the titular Shenmue tree. Shenhua reveals she is named after the flowers of the tree and it holds a special meaning. As thanks for saving her from drowning, Shenhua offers to let Ryo stay at her home for the night before he sets off the following day.

The two of them visit the stone pit the following morning to meet up with Yushen Yuan but discover he is missing, and in his place is a note to Shenhua and a sword. The note tells Shenhua she should go with the one who holds the Phoenix Mirror(Ryo) whilst the sword is a keepsake to remind her of him. Walking deeper into the cave, Shenhua and Ryo find Yushen has carved giant stone versions of the Dragon and Phoenix Mirrors onto the walls.

In Shenmue III, Shenhua, suspecting Lan Di and the other members of the Chi You Men might be behind the abduction of her father, joins Ryo in his investigation in the hopes of rescuing him.

Trivia

 * Despite appearing heavily in all marketing for the very first Shenmue title, Shenhua doesn't appear physically in the series until near the end of Shenmue II.
 * This doesn't stop Shenhua from appearing in Ryo's dreams, on the winning can on the lottery, on a Cassette with her name, or appearing on food item packaging such as chocolate, chips and caramel available for purchase at the Tomato Convenience Store in Shenmue.
 * Shenhua's least favourite food is carrots.
 * Shenhua is usually depicted as a very compassionate character. However Shenmue III has her show a darker side, with her being able to torture the hulking Yanlang and terrify him enough into talking when threatening to do it again. The player never see's the technique.
 * Shenhua has a special green outfit in Shenmue III usually only obtainable through DLC, although the modding community managed to obtain it early.
 * Shenhua appears in Sega Heroes as a playable hero. She is one of the few heroes that is never depicted as an enemy, and has a focus on healing abilities.
 * In Shenmue the Animation, the show cuts back and forth between Ryo's quest and what Shenhua was upto at the time, showcasing what Shenhua's life was like before Ryo arrived in it.