Yu Menglong has successfully withdrawn from the scene. (Illustration by People News)
[People News] As of November 18, it has been 70 days since Yu Menglong's passing, yet the calls for truth from netizens both inside and outside the wall have not ceased. The fact that this incident has maintained its intensity for 70 days, with a large number of ordinary citizens persistently challenging the Chinese Communist authorities, is unprecedented. Why have the public been able to sustain their voices for Yu Menglong for so long? As mainland writer Luban aptly stated, "This is not just about the death of one person. It concerns the issues of truth and falsehood, freedom and oppression, justice and evil, and whether black and white are reversed. In any country, nothing is more significant than these matters."
Yu Menglong's mentor, the renowned Taiwanese agent Sun Derong, has recently raised health alarms. On November 16, he posted on Facebook, "I have bad news! I experienced palpitations twice last night and felt dizzy, which deeply unsettled me." Sun Derong described the palpitations as feeling like "my entire heart was suddenly gripped by someone," and the subsequent dizzy spell made him immediately aware that the situation was serious.
Sun Derong even mentioned the contents of his will, stating that approximately 300 million yuan in inheritance would be distributed among 30 friends and relatives, but none of them bear the surname Sun. He emphasised, "As long as they make me happy, I will give it to them," indicating that the assets will go to those who have truly treated him well. Many netizens expressed their hopes for Mr Sun Derong's safety and health!
Last month, Sun Derong held a special 'Anling Shouhun Ritual' for Yu Menglong, personally leading the ceremony to summon the soul of his beloved disciple. His ongoing support for Yu Menglong has reportedly led to death threats from forces in mainland China.
Taiwanese netizens have shown impressive solidarity. In addition to their continuous calls for global signatures, Yu Menglong's 'shadow' has recently appeared in various locations across Taiwan. In Taipei's Ximen District, Shilin Night Market, Tainan Dream Mall, and Keelung Temple, large screens have been illuminated, showcasing images of Yu Menglong. Netizens have expressed, 'Let’s wait for dawn together.' Why are Taiwanese people so invested in Yu Menglong? One netizen responded, 'Because he is first a person, and then a Chinese.' This comment garnered thousands of likes.
Cherry Yangzi, an entertainment figure from Taiwan, partners with Uncle Yideng from Hong Kong. Recently, they exposed the dark side of the Chinese entertainment industry in their self-media program. Cherry Yangzi stated that she has worked in China's film and television industry for over a decade.
In light of the Yu Menglong incident, Cherry Yangzi and Uncle Yideng provided an insider's perspective on the 'chaos' within the Chinese entertainment industry.
Cherry Yangzi argues that the hidden hand behind the Yu Menglong case is not capital, as no financial entity, not even Jack Ma, could unilaterally resolve such a case within 24 hours. Such actions, where one hand covers the sky, can only be orchestrated by the powerful elite.
It is important not to idolise the influential figures or capital within the entertainment industry. Following the incident, even Yu Menglong's mother and friends have seemingly vanished. Does this seem reasonable to you? Even those within the industry have chosen to remain silent. Among my numerous friends who are directors, agents, producers, and internet celebrities, not a single one has spoken out. Just a few years ago, this would not have been the case; at the very least, someone would have shared a report saying 'Rest in Peace.' What kind of power has instilled such fear in everyone? Can it really be controlled by just a prominent director and a film critic? Up to now, on my own WeChat, only one major producer has made a post, without naming anyone, simply sharing a photo of a hazy sky, accompanied by the caption: 'The killer skill that brought fame in youth may just be the death talisman of many years of failure.'
Cherry Yangzi provided an example: there was a director working on a film where the male lead was quite popular, while the female lead was relatively new. Every night at a set time, military vehicles would arrive to pick up the female lead. However, it is quite challenging to finish filming on time every day. On one occasion, the director requested an additional hour from the military personnel, but they were firm; not even a minute more would be permitted. Ultimately, it was the female lead who had to call her boyfriend to plead on her behalf, and only then was she allowed to leave.
Cherry Yangzi and Uncle Yideng disclosed that during the height of Chinese cinema, various capital sources flooded in, all eager to share in the profits. These 'golden fathers' have complicated the mainland entertainment industry significantly. Additionally, the Chinese Communist Party's oversight of the entertainment sector is quite stringent. Over the past decade, the government has inserted advisors into film and television companies under the pretence of regulation, but in reality, these individuals are not part of the entertainment industry.
They expressed that these consultants not only criticise but also create disorder, either by pursuing money or manipulating individuals. They believe that Chinese society reveres authority and is superstitious about it, which complicates the already intricate entertainment industry even further.
"The core issue is the unchecked expansion of power. It not only intrudes but also seeks to disrupt this environment at will. So, if you casually ask an average Chinese citizen whether the research sector is chaotic, whether the financial sector is chaotic, or whether the real estate sector is chaotic, it's not just the entertainment industry that faces these issues. Therefore, the problem isn't merely about chaos; it's that the entire society is superstitious about authority, allowing that power to expand infinitely. This is why you witness a series of shocking incidents, as there are no repercussions. This is quite alarming. Honestly, in the past, when I heard many things, I would think, 'No way, that's too exaggerated.' But eventually, you become desensitised. If this system persists, and if it doesn't change even for a day, how many more ugly incidents could occur?"
Reflecting on the insights shared by Yingtao Yangzi and Uncle Yideng regarding the inner workings of the Chinese entertainment industry, what malevolent forces has Yu Menglong (Yu Menglong) encountered in his artistic career?
Yu Menglong, who made his debut in 2013, gained recognition through the dramas 'The Prince's Promotion' and 'Eternal Love.' This was meant to be a pivotal moment in his career, but he suddenly vanished from the public eye at the peak of his fame, leaving many puzzled. According to various insiders, he was 'frozen' by his company, Tianyu, for nearly three years, and it wasn't until 2023 that he returned to the screen with the new drama 'A Umbrella in the Mist.' The most commonly cited reason for his being 'frozen' is that he had previously turned down an inappropriate request from a female investor, who then retaliated by cutting off all his performance opportunities.
A post shared by netizens noted: 'Refusing one drinking invitation resulted in three years without filming.' Members of Yu Menglong's team later recounted that at a wrap party in Hengdian in 2019, a female investor offered him a room card, but he pretended to be drunk and declined it. Consequently, the next day, the male lead role originally intended for him was withdrawn, and the promotional poster was changed overnight.
During those three years, Yu Menglong struggled to make a living by doing photo shoots and hosting wedding events. He also took the opportunity to study contract law and copyright, switching his agent to a friend with a legal background.
Netizens remarked: 'This isn't just being frozen; it's like being buried alive.' 'The company allocated all the resources to another artist from the same batch, even pre-purchasing trending searches for their birthday.'
Additionally, some fans have resurfaced old accounts, claiming that his former agency, Tianyu Media, treated him unfairly by not providing him with quality projects that matched his popularity. The promotion he received was also significantly less than that of other artists during the same period, which caused him to gradually fall behind in the intense competition. In a climate of shrinking capital, it is increasingly difficult for 'disobedient' actors to find a way forward.
Following this, Yu Menglong began to inquire about the list of investors before accepting any roles, and he included a clause in his contracts stating 'no mandatory business accompaniment.' He remarked, 'I don't want to confront anyone directly; I just want to finish my performance standing.'
Who is the female investor responsible for Yu Menglong being sidelined? Is she connected to the Yu Menglong case? Netizens have identified this female investor as actress Tian Hairong (田海蓉). Tian Hairong inherited her husband Xu Ming's 13 billion assets, establishing herself as a major player in the entertainment industry.
So, who are the influential figures involved in the Yu Menglong case?
The People's Daily once conducted an exclusive interview with Mr Ouyang, a close friend of Yu Menglong during his life. Mr Ouyang disclosed that in May of last year, he had a video chat with Yu Menglong, who expressed that the entertainment industry was quite taxing, with numerous challenges to navigate. However, he was reluctant to flatter certain individuals, which sometimes led him to contemplate withdrawing from the industry.
Yu Menglong also shared with Ouyang that the person who determined his film roles had a 'red second generation' background. On one occasion, his 'leader' mentioned wanting to bring him into Zhongnanhai, but Yu Menglong had a last-minute conflict and declined, so his leader went alone.
In the case concerning Yu Menglong, a person suspected of having a 'red second generation' background, Ji Guangguang, believed to be the grandson of former Chinese Premier Li Peng. Ji Guangguang has admitted that Yu Menglong fell from his residence. Following Yu Menglong's fall, two Rolex watches found in his pocket were also linked to Ji Guangguang.
Additionally, Xin Qi and Cai Yijia are involved, rumoured to be the illegitimate sons of Politburo Standing Committee member Cai Qi. Among the suspects, Xin Qi and Cai Yijia have not yet made any public appearances or statements, remaining hidden, which raises further suspicions. Xin Qi is also rumoured to be a distant relative of Xi Jinping. However, even if Xin Qi lacks these connections, his mother, Tian Haiyan, controls several security companies in Hubei, and his aunt, Tian Hairong, is a wealthy capital mogul with a substantial inheritance.
Furthermore, Xi Jinping's brother, Xi Yuanping, is also rumoured to be implicated in the case. Insiders have identified Xi Yuanping as a major figure controlling the Beijing elite. The severe lockdown measures imposed by the Communist Party are reportedly due to Xi Yuanping's initial involvement in the Yu Menglong case, prompting Xi Jinping to issue a gag order.
The circumstances surrounding Yu Menglong's life closely reflect the chaotic state of the mainland entertainment industry as described by Yingtao Yangzi and Uncle Yideng. Capital coercion and the control of the elite are the two main culprits behind Yu Menglong's tragic fate, along with those in the entertainment industry who serve as lackeys for capital and the powerful.
However, even if the true perpetrator in the Yu Menglong case is apprehended this time, as Yingtao Yangzi and Uncle Yideng have pointed out, if the Communist Party's system persists, will Yu Menglong be the last of our compatriots to die under mysterious circumstances?
(People News first published)
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