Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing public relations conflict involving Xibei, a prominent Chinese restaurant chain, and its marketing consultant, Huayi Huayi, highlighting the complexities of brand management and public perception in the restaurant industry [1][43]. Group 1: Conflict Overview - Huayi Huayi's founder, Hua Shan, publicly defended Xibei, claiming it is the "ceiling of the Chinese restaurant industry" and suggesting it has been unfairly targeted online [1][3]. - This statement sparked a response from entrepreneur Luo Yonghao, who demanded an apology from Hua Shan and threatened to release recordings if not addressed [4][20]. - The conflict is not new, as Luo previously criticized Xibei for high-priced pre-made dishes, leading to a heated exchange with Hua Shan [6][9]. Group 2: Marketing and Financial Performance - Xibei has invested over 600 million yuan in consulting fees to Huayi Huayi over the past decade, which has contributed to its growth from 1.6 billion yuan in revenue in 2013 to 6.2 billion yuan in 2019 [23][26]. - Despite past successes, Huayi Huayi faces criticism for its marketing strategies and design choices, which have been labeled as aesthetically poor and legally questionable [28][33]. - The associated company, Duku Culture, has seen a decline in revenue since its IPO, with figures dropping from 519 million yuan in 2021 to 168 million yuan in the first half of 2025 [37][39]. Group 3: Public Perception and Controversies - The article highlights the mixed public reactions to Hua Shan's statements, with some supporting him while others criticize his approach as detrimental to Xibei [15][20]. - Huayi Huayi's marketing philosophy, which combines traditional culture with branding, has garnered both acclaim and backlash, reflecting the dual nature of its impact on clients [24][43]. - The ongoing controversies surrounding Huayi Huayi's practices raise questions about the role of marketing firms in managing brand crises and public relations [43][44].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Xibei and Luo Yonghao, highlighting a surprising turn of events where Hua Yu Hua, previously supportive of Xibei, has apologized to Luo Yonghao, raising questions about the credibility of Hua Yu Hua's marketing strategies and their impact on the industry [2][4][6]. Group 1: Company Background and Business Model - Hua Yu Hua was founded in 2002 by brothers Hua Shan and Hua Nan, who transitioned from various unsuccessful ventures to the advertising industry, eventually creating a unique business model that combines strategic consulting with advertising creativity [7][8]. - The company is known for its "super symbol" methodology, which emphasizes simple, memorable slogans to reduce communication costs for brands, successfully creating iconic marketing campaigns for clients like Xibei, Haidilao, and others [9][11]. - Unlike traditional advertising firms, Hua Yu Hua does not engage in competitive bidding for projects and charges high service fees, earning the reputation of being the "most expensive marketing company" [12][14]. Group 2: Performance and Controversies - Hua Yu Hua's strategic consulting has significantly benefited clients, with Xibei's revenue increasing from 1.6 billion yuan to 6.2 billion yuan between 2013 and 2019, and the number of stores expanding to nearly 500 [16]. - Despite its successes, Hua Yu Hua has faced criticism for its aesthetic choices, with some designs labeled as "too crude" and "brainwashing," leading to public backlash [17][21]. - The company has also been involved in legal issues, including a significant fine for advertising violations, which raises concerns about its operational integrity [23]. Group 3: Financial Performance of Related Companies - The article notes that the performance of Reader Culture, another company controlled by the Hua brothers, has been declining since its IPO in 2021, with revenues dropping from 519 million yuan in its first year to an estimated 168 million yuan in the first half of 2025 [25][26]. - The decline in Reader Culture's performance coincides with significant stock sell-offs by executives, raising questions about the company's future and the Hua brothers' management capabilities [28]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The recent apology from Hua Yu Hua to Xibei reflects a need for the consulting firm to reassess its role in managing corporate crises and public relations [29]. - The ability of Hua Yu Hua to maintain market trust through its "super symbol" approach remains uncertain and will require time and genuine effort to prove its effectiveness [29].