Core Points - The article highlights the emergence of companies that engage in the business of ghostwriting academic papers and articles for a fee, creating a gray market for such services [1][20][29] Group 1: Company Operations - Companies like Wuhan Zhiyu Culture Co., Ltd. and Yangxi County Shengda Electronic Products Business are involved in recruiting individuals for academic writing, which actually entails ghostwriting services [3][18] - These companies utilize AI software to generate initial drafts of articles and papers quickly, allowing employees to produce a high volume of work in a short time [5][23] - The pricing for ghostwritten papers varies significantly, ranging from several thousand to over ten thousand yuan depending on the academic level and subject matter [14][43] Group 2: Recruitment and Business Model - The recruitment process for these companies is often straightforward, with applicants being hired without thorough background checks or inquiries about their qualifications [17][42] - The business model relies on a combination of group writing and AI tools, enabling employees to complete numerous papers across various unrelated fields [23][24] - Many of these companies operate on multiple online platforms, using misleading terms like "thesis checking" to avoid detection while promoting their ghostwriting services [11][12][31] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The ghostwriting market is thriving, with significant demand for such services across various social media and e-commerce platforms [28][29] - Companies often promise high success rates for their ghostwritten papers, offering full refunds if the papers do not pass [14][41] - The competitive landscape includes numerous players, with some companies employing hundreds of part-time writers to meet the growing demand for ghostwriting services [41][42]

Group 1 - The core issue highlighted is the information gap in education and employment, which allows individuals like Zhang Xuefeng to profit from providing insights that should ideally be public services [2][3] - The lack of transparency regarding employment data from educational institutions is a significant concern, as it leads to the emergence of private entities that fill this gap, potentially at a societal cost [2][3] - The existence of these information service providers is sustained as long as educational institutions do not disclose relevant employment data, indicating a persistent demand for such services [3] Group 2 - Zhang Xuefeng's approach may inadvertently raise admission scores for popular majors, creating a more competitive environment that could disadvantage students seeking information services [5][6] - The challenge of relying on short-term information for long-term career decisions is emphasized, as trends in job markets can shift significantly over time [7][8] - The importance of independent analysis and critical thinking in career choices is stressed, suggesting that families should encourage exploration of interests rather than solely focusing on current market trends [8][9]

Group 1 - Multiple accounts of the well-known education blogger Zhang Xuefeng have been banned from being followed on various platforms, including Weibo, Douyin, and Bilibili [1][3][5] - Weibo indicated that the user was banned for violating laws or the Weibo Community Convention [1] - Zhang Xuefeng responded to the media, stating that the ban was an account issue before abruptly ending the call [7]

Group 1 - Zhang Xuefeng's accounts on Weibo, Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and Bilibili, which collectively have over 40 million followers, were banned from being followed on September 24 [1] - Zhang Xuefeng, known for his online education and career guidance, stated that the ban was an account issue and did not provide further details [3] - Zhang Xuefeng gained popularity in 2016 with his video "Seven Minutes to Interpret 34 985 Universities" and has participated in various entertainment programs [7] Group 2 - In June 2023, Zhang Xuefeng launched a college application consulting service, where he controversially advised against choosing journalism as a major, suggesting that any other field would be better [9] - His company, Fengxue Weilai Education Technology Co., Ltd., founded in May 2021, focuses on talent training and college application planning, generating annual revenue in the tens of billions [9] - Zhang Xuefeng's live streaming income reportedly exceeds 3 million yuan per month, with brand advertising rates reaching 100,000 yuan per post [9]

Core Points - A court case in Daxing District, Beijing, ruled in favor of a student, ordering an education institution to refund 2,340 yuan due to a breach of contract regarding service agreements [1][2] - The student, Xiaoyan, signed a service agreement for adult education with a promise of minimal in-person attendance, which was not honored by the institution [1][2] Group 1 - The service agreement stipulated that the student would only need to attend 2-3 in-person classes per year, but the actual requirement was significantly higher, necessitating weekly attendance [2] - The education institution failed to fulfill its contractual obligations and did not respond adequately to the student's refund request, leading to a breach of contract ruling [2] - The court determined that the institution must refund the student a portion of the service fee, amounting to 2,340 yuan, reflecting the services already provided [2]

Group 1 - Intel is shutting down its automotive business and laying off most employees in this sector, confirming a strategic refocus on core client and data center products [1] - The number of vehicles using Intel processors is reported to be 50 million [1] - Multiple airports have banned specific models of power banks from brands Romoss and Anker due to safety concerns [1][2] Group 2 - The founder of Mixue Ice Cream, Zhang Hongchao, has a net worth of 117.9 billion, making him the new richest person in Henan [2] - The 2025 New Fortune 500 list shows that the total market value of the 500 entrepreneurs is 13.7 trillion, with an average holding value of 27.38 billion [2] Group 3 - JD.com's chairman Liu Qiangdong confirmed his attendance at the Summer Davos Forum and emphasized the company's strategic partnership with the Suzhou Super League [7] - Xiaopeng Motors is refraining from using the "zero-kilometer used car" export model despite its attractiveness due to tightening regulations in overseas markets [7] Group 4 - Nvidia's CEO Huang Renxun stated that robotics technology represents the largest growth opportunity for chip manufacturers after AI, with autonomous vehicles being a primary application [7] - The company has identified AI and robotics as significant growth areas, representing trillions of dollars in potential [7] Group 5 - Xiaomi's CEO Lei Jun addressed pricing concerns for the upcoming YU7 model, indicating it will be priced higher than the SU7 due to its advanced features [11][12] - The YU7 is expected to have a range of 835 km and will include high-end specifications comparable to competitors' premium models [11] Group 6 - 360 Group's founder Zhou Hongyi expressed confidence in AI's potential to unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the shift from large teams to smaller, more efficient ones [15] - Alibaba's VP Wu Jia announced that the Quark system has generated over 3 million volunteer reports amid high demand following the release of exam results [15][16] Group 7 - The Long Triangle region's foreign trade has surpassed 100 trillion, with a total of 101.2 trillion reported, showcasing strong resilience and vitality [38] - The region's import and export value for the first five months of the year reached 6.73 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 5.2% [38]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) application processes in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the psychological impact on students and parents [4][11][39]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for college application consulting services has grown tenfold over the past decade, with significant price increases for services offered [4][10]. - In 2022, a popular service by Zhang Xuefeng sold out in 20 minutes, indicating high demand and willingness to pay among parents [4]. - The number of companies involved in Gaokao application consulting has exceeded 1,300, with nearly 70% located in high-exam provinces like Hebei [34]. Group 2: Changes in Application Mechanisms - The Gaokao application process has evolved from a score-based system to a more complex model that includes dynamic rankings and parallel applications, increasing the difficulty for students [10][14]. - The introduction of "knowing scores" and "parallel applications" aims to reduce the risk of being rejected but has also made the application process more intricate [11][12]. - The number of available application choices has significantly increased, with some provinces allowing students to select up to 270 different major options [14][16]. Group 3: Psychological Impact and Anxiety - The pressure of making the right choice in college applications is immense, as it can significantly affect future career paths and income potential [18][39]. - The article emphasizes that many students and parents are driven by anxiety and uncertainty, leading them to seek external guidance and reassurance [32][40]. - The complexity of the application process has created a lucrative business for consultants, who provide services to help alleviate this anxiety [35][37]. Group 4: Professional and Industry Trends - The choice of major is increasingly important, as the number of university programs has expanded, but the number of prestigious institutions has remained stable [17][26]. - The article notes that industry trends often dictate the popularity and perceived value of certain majors, which can lead to mismatches between student choices and job market demands [25][29]. - The article highlights that successful career outcomes are often influenced more by industry dynamics than by the educational institutions themselves [26][30].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) application processes in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the psychological impact on students and parents [3][6][28]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for college application consulting services has grown tenfold over the past decade, with significant demand evidenced by the rapid sell-out of services priced at 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan [3][6]. - The complexity of the application process has led to a proliferation of consulting firms, with over 1,300 companies operating in this space, primarily in high-stakes provinces like Hebei [24][25]. - The average gross profit margins for consulting services are notably high, with companies like Xude Education reporting margins of 78.30% and 89.34% for different service offerings [25][27]. Group 2: Changes in Application Mechanisms - The transition from a gradient application model to a parallel application model has increased the complexity of the application process, allowing students to apply to multiple programs simultaneously [6][7]. - The introduction of new Gaokao systems has expanded the number of application options significantly, with some provinces allowing students to fill out up to 270 different program choices [10][11]. - The shift in focus from school prestige to program quality reflects the growing importance of specific fields of study, as the number of undergraduate programs has increased from 309 to 845 over the past decade [12][21]. Group 3: Psychological Impact and Consumer Behavior - The anxiety surrounding college applications is exacerbated by the lack of clear expectations and the overwhelming number of choices, leading families to seek external guidance [22][28]. - The article suggests that the desire for certainty in an uncertain environment drives families to invest in application consulting services, viewing them as a means to mitigate risk [27][28]. - The narrative emphasizes that the choice of major and institution can significantly impact long-term career trajectories, making the stakes of the application process feel particularly high [13][20].

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving landscape of college entrance examination (Gaokao) volunteer filling services in China, highlighting the increasing complexity and commercialization of this process. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for college volunteer filling services has grown tenfold over the past decade, indicating a significant increase in demand and competition [3] - Zhang Xuefeng's services, priced at 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan, sold out within 20 minutes this year, reflecting the high demand despite a price increase of 1,000 yuan from the previous year [2][3] - The number of companies involved in Gaokao volunteer filling services has reached over 1,300, with nearly 70% located in high-exam provinces like Hebei [39] Group 2: Complexity of Volunteer Filling - The transition from traditional volunteer filling methods to more complex systems, such as dynamic ranking and parallel volunteer models, has made the process increasingly intricate [10][15] - The introduction of new systems has led to a significant increase in the number of choices available to students, with some provinces allowing up to 270 different professional choices [15][16] - The complexity of the volunteer filling process has created a lucrative market for consultation services, with companies reporting high profit margins, such as 78.30% for one-on-one consulting [40] Group 3: Psychological Factors - The anxiety surrounding volunteer filling is amplified by the perception that choices made at this stage can significantly impact future career paths, leading families to seek external guidance [21][47] - The article suggests that the fear of making the wrong choice drives many families to invest in consultation services, viewing it as a way to mitigate uncertainty [42][51] - The emotional weight of these decisions is underscored by the notion that this may be the last opportunity for students to exert control over their future [47] Group 4: Industry Trends - The article notes a shift in focus from university prestige to the importance of specific majors, as the number of available majors has increased significantly while the number of top-tier universities has remained relatively stable [18] - The rapid evolution of industries and job markets often leads to a mismatch between popular majors and actual employment opportunities, complicating the decision-making process for students [28][31] - The article highlights the role of external factors, such as industry trends and economic cycles, in shaping the landscape of higher education and career prospects [53]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) volunteer filling services in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the emotional and financial stakes involved for families [2][20][39]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for volunteer filling services has expanded tenfold over the past decade, reflecting the growing importance of this process in students' lives [2]. - Zhang Xuefeng's services, priced at 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan, sold out quickly, indicating high demand and the potential for substantial revenue generation [1]. - The complexity of the volunteer filling process has led to a proliferation of over 1,300 companies in this sector, with a significant concentration in high-exam provinces like Hebei [39]. Group 2: Changes in Volunteer Filling Mechanisms - The transition from estimated scores to known scores for volunteer filling has made the process more intricate, with the introduction of parallel volunteer systems further complicating decision-making [8][14]. - The shift from gradient to parallel volunteer systems has increased the number of choices available to students, but also heightened uncertainty regarding admission outcomes [11][14]. - The introduction of dynamic ranking systems in regions like Inner Mongolia has added layers of competition and anxiety, although such systems are being phased out in favor of simpler models [6][7]. Group 3: Emotional and Financial Stakes - The pressure on students and families is immense, as the choice of college and major can significantly impact future career prospects and earnings [20][47]. - The emotional weight of these decisions often leads families to seek external guidance, creating a lucrative market for volunteer filling consultants [38][44]. - The article emphasizes that the stakes are not just about college education but about long-term career trajectories, making the decision process feel like a high-stakes investment [20][30]. Group 4: Industry Insights - Companies in the volunteer filling sector, such as Xude Education, report high profit margins, with some consulting services achieving gross margins above 78% [41]. - The article notes that the effectiveness of these services is often difficult to measure until years later, creating a unique business dynamic where immediate feedback is lacking [45]. - The industry thrives on the anxiety surrounding uncertain futures, positioning itself as a necessary support system for families navigating the complexities of the education system [50].