Incredible Scene: If the Director Connects with Hu Chenfeng

The livestreamer “Hu Chenfeng” was banned from two major platforms for filming a video of impoverished elderly people shopping.

[People News] Hu Chenfeng's short video career can be seen as a 'heaven-defying wonder' within the internet landscape behind the Great Wall. Each episode he releases acts as a deep-water bomb thrown into the stagnant waters of domestic discourse, breaking the surface and shattering the tranquil scenery of a prosperous era. His work ignites social pain points and sparks controversy. Rather than merely serving as a soft provocation to the authorities, his classic quotes and video snippets represent a renewed call for equality, justice, and freedom.

He openly shares his personal income, differentiates between 'Apple people' and 'Android people', expresses optimism about Western brands and the cultural values of Europe and America, and downplays domestic brands. Through his individual efforts, he challenges the institutional order and the official narrative. The Hu-style paradigm he has created has achieved unexpected success. A grassroots worker, by speaking the truth and taking practical action, has surprisingly emerged as an online opinion leader and a popular blogger, easily attaining financial freedom. What does this signify? It is undoubtedly a celebration of capital and a triumph of capitalism.

"Android people = lower class/low income, Apple people = elite." This provocative statement appears to be about "establishing a so-called chain of contempt," but in reality, it reveals the Chinese Communist Party's facade of common prosperity. "You embody typical Android logic: Android person, Android education, Android quality, Android syntax, Android attitude, attending an Android school." "The latest Android flagship phone cannot compare to the iPhone from five years ago." This is not merely "against the heavens"; it is akin to going against the dragon scales. "The iPhone has long dominated the market, and Android users avoid Apple because they cannot afford it," and "Japanese products symbolise quality." Such harsh remarks that mercilessly criticise patriotic individuals will only drive the authorities to greater frustration as long as they persist. 

The story of Hu Chenfeng (Hù Chénfēng)'s rise is a blend of "lying flat" and "involution." Under the stringent speech controls imposed by the authorities, he leveraged his personal abilities and intelligence, tapping into sensitive public topics to transition from being an "Android person" to an "Apple person." This journey represents not just the accumulation of wealth but also a successful narrative of individual struggle within a free system. 

He adeptly navigates potential pitfalls, using a live-streaming format to discuss public issues such as pensions, purchasing power, and the privatisation of education, encouraging netizens to reflect. Rather than directly confronting the authorities, he openly shares his income and financial data, thereby pressuring the establishment of a property disclosure system. He recognises social injustices, sees through the system's malevolence, seeks alternative paths in adversity, and strives for success in challenging circumstances, forging a unique path in the pursuit of freedom and dignity. In contrast to the "lying flat" generation, Hu is the "king of involution," using discourse to instigate change, creating wealth through wisdom, and asserting dignity through freedom.

The Chinese Communist Party frequently touts the notion of familial ties across the Taiwan Strait, yet the reality is that there are stark differences between the two sides. A well-known social media influencer in Taiwan, Chen Guan (陈馆长), despite residing in a free society, is willing to 'lick the Communist Party' for fame and money, mistakenly believing that patriotism is a risk-free venture. Unfortunately for him, a trip to the mainland to seek favour with the Communist Party resulted in a loss of 4 million. In contrast, Hu Chenfeng (户晨风), who lives inland, does not bow to the powerful or compromise for trivial rewards, but instead diligently safeguards civilisation and freedom.

What might occur if Guan (馆长) were to engage with Hu Chenfeng? While it may appear to be a gentle conversation, it would actually be a battle of wits and a sensational spectacle, deserving of the title 'heaven-defying scene.'

Guan would likely begin by praising the mainland's high-speed rail for its stability and advanced restroom facilities, while Hu Chenfeng might employ a classic strategy of 'attacking the east to save the west' and 'surrounding Wei to rescue Zhao': 'Guan, what is your monthly income? What car do you drive? What mobile phone do you use?' Although this may seem like casual banter, it conceals a lethal intent, directly targeting Guan's identity as an 'Apple person' or 'Android person,' cleverly exposing the economic disparities between the two sides of the strait. Guan would quickly find himself ensnared; if he claims to earn a million a month, drives a luxury car, and uses an iPhone, it would be akin to walking into a trap. Hu Chenfeng might then follow up with probing questions like, 'Which university did you graduate from? What tier? What is your educational background?' This would underscore the universal issue of educational equity, putting Guan on the spot and indirectly questioning whether his shift from pro-green to 'licking the Communist Party' is a result of a 'cognitive upgrade.'

Thinking outside the box, Hu Chenfeng might pose a provocative question that targets the curator's vulnerability: 'Are you planning to give up your Taiwanese citizenship to permanently live in the mainland?' This question is akin to a strike from the 'King of the Scrolls,' compelling the curator to take a position—if he insists he won't give it up, Hu Chenfeng could retort, 'You are a classic Android thinker, enjoying the freedoms of Taiwan while coming to the mainland to gain popularity'; if he indicates he is considering it, the curator risks being lightly criticized by netizens as 'selling out Taiwan,' or facing severe repercussions from Taiwanese authorities.

Moreover, Hu Chenfeng will keep pressing: 'What do you consider your greatest success in life?' If the curator boasts about his fitness empire or internet fame, Hu Chenfeng might follow up with, 'What do you regret saying in public the most?' This question directly challenges the curator's dramatic shift from anti-communism to pro-communism, revealing the self-interest at his core. Hu Chenfeng has many more pointed questions: 'Are you ready to pay back your pension in the mainland? Is your health insurance adequate?' This series of probing questions could leave the curator in an uncomfortable position.

Now, returning to the main topic, Hu Chenfeng is a grassroots internet pioneer who has made a remarkable comeback, transitioning from a car repairman to amassing a million followers. He exposes the diverse realities of the lower class, dismantles social illusions, confronts the stark truths of wealth inequality and human nature, and awakens countless grassroots individuals behind the Iron Curtain. Hu Chenfeng's legacy on the internet is characterised by a courageous pursuit of freedom and the wisdom of a leader committed to safeguarding civilisation.

(First published by People News)△