高考来了，但张雪峰要“退”了

Core Viewpoint - The news highlights the decline of the business model surrounding college entrance examination (Gaokao) consulting services, particularly focusing on the controversies surrounding Zhang Xuefeng, a prominent figure in this industry, and the changing attitudes of parents towards such services [3][6][34]. Group 1: Zhang Xuefeng's Controversy - Recently, a parent reported errors in a "2025 Gaokao prediction paper" purchased from Zhang Xuefeng's team, leading to a refusal of refund due to company policy [3][4]. - Zhang Xuefeng has announced a two-month hiatus from live streaming, citing the need to step back from a business that has become increasingly contentious [4][5]. - The backlash against Zhang Xuefeng reflects a broader sentiment that the market for Gaokao consulting is cooling, with many parents expressing dissatisfaction with the value of such services [6][9]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The Gaokao consulting market has seen significant financial success in recent years, with estimates suggesting a paid market size of 10.2 billion yuan in 2024, projected to grow to 10.9 billion yuan in 2025 [15][16]. - However, there is a noticeable shift in consumer behavior, with parents becoming more rational and less willing to spend on high-cost consulting services, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of clients willing to pay for such services [28][29]. - The number of high school graduates is also declining, with a reported decrease of 70,000 students in 2025 compared to 2024, which may further impact the consulting industry [32]. Group 3: Industry Reflection - The Gaokao consulting business is fundamentally an "information gap business," but this gap is narrowing due to increased transparency and competition in the market [7][35]. - The shift in parental attitudes towards a more relaxed approach to education and college admissions indicates a potential long-term decline in the demand for traditional consulting services [30][34]. - The industry is facing a reckoning as the previous model of creating anxiety and leveraging information asymmetry is becoming less effective [33][34].