Core Viewpoint - Zhang Xuefeng, a controversial figure in the education consulting industry, has gained significant attention for his statements and actions, including a potential departure from live streaming and criticism of the "devaluation of degrees" narrative [2][6][9] Group 1: Zhang Xuefeng's Background and Business - Zhang Xuefeng rose to fame in 2016 with his video "Seven Minutes to Interpret 34 985 Universities," amassing nearly 8 million followers on Weibo [3] - In 2021, he founded Fengxue Weilai Education Technology Co., focusing on talent training and college admission planning, achieving annual revenues in the tens of billions [7][10] - His most popular service is high school entrance exam application consulting, with service fees ranging from 8,999 to 17,999 yuan [7] Group 2: Controversial Statements and Impact - Zhang has made provocative statements, such as advising against studying journalism, which led to significant backlash from academic institutions [3][4] - His comments have influenced college application trends, causing fluctuations in enrollment numbers and funding for related academic departments [5][10] Group 3: Industry Dynamics and Market Trends - The paid college application consulting industry is experiencing rapid growth, with the market expected to reach 1.22 billion yuan by 2027 [12] - Zhang's approach has highlighted the increasing anxiety among families regarding educational outcomes, reflecting a broader societal trend of seeking certainty in uncertain times [11][12] Group 4: Regulatory Environment and Future Outlook - The Chinese government has initiated actions to regulate high-priced consulting services, which may impact Zhang's business model [8][9] - The education sector is facing scrutiny over the quality and legitimacy of paid consulting services, with calls for improved public education resources to address information gaps [14][16]