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]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise and potential decline of Zhang Xuefeng, a prominent figure in the high school entrance examination (Gaokao) consulting industry, highlighting the tension between his commercial success and the ethical implications of his high-priced services [3][12]. Group 1: Zhang Xuefeng's Rise to Fame - Zhang Xuefeng gained fame in 2016 through a viral video that transformed dull exam information into engaging content, amassing millions of followers [4]. - His controversial statements and unique perspectives on various academic fields have sparked significant public debate, leading to increased visibility and engagement [4][5]. - By leveraging his popularity, Zhang established multiple companies, including Suzhou Fengxue Weilai Education Co., which focuses on Gaokao consulting services, and has a substantial online presence with over 40 million followers across platforms [5]. Group 2: High-Priced Consulting Services - Zhang's company offers high-priced Gaokao consulting services, with packages priced at 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan, which have proven to be in high demand despite their cost [9][10]. - The success of Zhang's services has spurred a surge in the Gaokao consulting industry, with many new entrants offering various pricing models, from thousands to tens of thousands of yuan [10][11]. - The market for paid Gaokao consulting services is projected to grow, with estimates suggesting it will reach 1.02 billion yuan in 2024 and 1.22 billion yuan by 2027 [10]. Group 3: Industry Implications and Regulatory Concerns - The popularity of high-priced consulting services reflects broader societal anxieties regarding education and future opportunities for students, with many parents seeking assurance through these services [13]. - Zhang's approach has drawn criticism for potentially exacerbating educational anxiety and creating a dependency on expensive services, leading to calls for regulatory oversight [12][14]. - The Ministry of Education has initiated measures to regulate the Gaokao consulting market, emphasizing the need for transparency and ethical practices in the industry [14][15].

Core Insights - The article discusses the emotional farewell of Zhang Xuefeng, a prominent online educator, during a live stream, raising questions about whether it is a genuine expression of sentiment or a strategic move for capital gain [2][10] - Zhang Xuefeng's rise to fame began in 2016 with a viral video, transforming from a regular teacher to a social media influencer with millions of followers [4][6] - His controversial statements and high-priced services have sparked debates about the ethics of his business model, which some view as exploiting educational anxiety [8][10] Group 1: Zhang Xuefeng's Background and Rise - Zhang Xuefeng gained popularity in 2016 through a video that made complex educational information engaging, leading to a significant following [4] - His controversial remarks, such as criticizing certain academic fields, have drawn both support and backlash, contributing to his notoriety [3][4] - He has built a multi-platform media presence, with millions of followers across various social media channels, enhancing his personal brand [5][6] Group 2: Business Model and Market Impact - Zhang Xuefeng's company, Suzhou Fengxue Weilai Education, offers high-priced college application consulting services, with prices ranging from 8,999 to 17,999 yuan [7][12] - The high demand for his services has led to a surge in the college application consulting industry, with many new entrants offering similar services at various price points [9][10] - The market for college application consulting is projected to grow, with estimates suggesting a paid market size of 1.02 billion yuan in 2024, increasing to 1.22 billion yuan by 2027 [9] Group 3: Regulatory Environment and Future Outlook - The article highlights increasing scrutiny from the Ministry of Education regarding high-priced consulting services, aiming to regulate the market and protect consumers [10][11] - Despite potential regulatory challenges, Zhang Xuefeng's business model remains robust, with multiple revenue streams and the possibility of future capital gains through company expansion or potential IPO [12]