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].

Group 1 - A parent of a high school student in Henan reported issues with a 2025 college entrance examination prediction paper purchased from Zhang Xuefeng's team, highlighting errors in the math questions and dissatisfaction with customer service regarding refunds [1] - Multiple users on social media have criticized Zhang Xuefeng's materials, claiming that the Chinese language paper contains numerous errors, and similar issues have been reported in math and geography papers, which mislead students and waste valuable study time [1] - The company selling these educational materials, Suzhou Fengyue Wanjuan Cultural Book Co., Ltd., was established in January 2023 and is fully owned by Zhang Xuefeng, who has gained significant influence through various media appearances [3][4] Group 2 - The company has made investments in one other enterprise, Suzhou Fengyue Youxue Education Technology Co., Ltd., which is currently operational [4] - Zhang Xuefeng has applied for multiple trademarks related to his brand and has registered works under the name "Fengyue Wanjuan," indicating a focus on expanding his intellectual property portfolio [4] - Following a controversial live broadcast for the 2025 college entrance examination, Zhang Xuefeng announced a two-month hiatus from live streaming, leading to speculation about his future plans [4]