"Linda was born in 1982 in a small town in Shandong province. Essentially neighbors from early childhood, both her parents came from families who had lived there for nearly 200 years. Her father’s family had enjoyed considerable wealth until her grandfather’s elder brother squandered all the family’s money on opium. Her grandfather joined the Red Army in 1945. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), he had returned to his home village, becoming head of the local tax office. Due to Linda’s grandfather’s ex-army status, his son, Linda’s father, was also entitled to a job in that bureau. He became an accountant there and remained in that position until he retired a few years ago."