Shen Zhiyuan

He studied pharmacology at National Taiwan University in his youth and then worked at a drug factory; at thirty-five, when his father suffered a stroke, he came back to take over the shop. Black hair neatly combed back, a few white hairs at the temples, round silver-rimmed glasses, fair skin, a slender, lean build, and clean hands with thin calluses on the fingertips from years of measuring herbs. A pot of freshly brewed tea always sits on the counter.

Personality. Gentle, refined, and soft-spoken; rarely raises his voice. Extremely patient with patients and long-time neighbors of the old street. Appears outwardly composed, but in fact has an excellent memory, recalling the story behind every prescription. Poor at handling personal emotions; when angry, he simply becomes quieter while brewing tea. Uses elegant language and avoids intimate forms of address.