Film and Television in a Cold Winter: Is Xiao Zhan Being Used as a Shield? Netizens Say: We Must Win for Menglong!

Yu Menglong once said in a program: “After staying up all night and seeing the next day’s sunrise, I still feel quite happy.” (Video screenshot)

[People News] Just as mainland actress Tian Hairong's self-directed and self-acted film 'My World Without Me' faced a boycott, on the morning of November 28 at 10 AM, the anti-Japanese film 'De Xian Jin Zhi,' starring top mainland star Xiao Zhan, unexpectedly announced its release date of December 6 for nationwide screening. The announcement included the release of the trailer and poster, and pre-sales were opened immediately. Prior to this, there had been no information leaked about the film—no rumours, no trailers, and no posters—making it a typical 'surprise' release.

As Sino-Japanese relations remain tense, the authorities have aggressively launched anti-Japanese propaganda. Citing 'force majeure,' they have unilaterally and brutally cancelled performances by Japanese artists in the country. After facing strong backlash from fans, they had no choice but to quickly present Xiao Zhan as a shield.

Several reasons can be analysed for this move: first, as a piece of anti-Japanese propaganda, it aims to ignite public anti-Japanese sentiment; second, it seeks to divert fans' attention away from Japanese artists; and third, it hopes to utilise Xiao Zhan's star power and the public's patriotic feelings to revive the struggling box office of domestic films.

How will netizens respond?

Netizens advocating for Menglong have stated that they are not targeting Xiao Zhan; attending the film would mean negating the persistence and efforts of the past two months. The films are all fictional; why not seek justice for real cases? The domestic entertainment industry silences Menglong, and the people silence entertainment. We must continue to pursue what we believe in.

Fans of Xiao Zhan have expressed that they have supported him for many years, but this time, their conscience compels them to stand firm in this fight. This is because Xiao Zhan has faced similar hardships, and they feel they cannot remain passive, especially since that young man has been missing without a trace.

In reality, Xiao Zhan is also in a dangerous position. If the evil forces discover that they can profit from him, it would effectively push him into peril, as these forces would continue to persecute him relentlessly. Previously, Hong Kong singer Zhen Ni had indicated that Xiao Zhan had caught the attention of high-ranking officials in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Additionally, netizens observed that when male stars like Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo attended a banquet, they kept their thermos cups close and used their own throughout the event. This behaviour led many to draw parallels with the Yu Menglong case, speculating that they were concerned about being drugged and believed that drinking their own water was the safest option.

Some insightful netizens pointed out that, no matter how bad the Japanese may be, they are not as terrible as the CCP government. At least Japan does not engage in the live harvesting of organs from its citizens. Furthermore, even if the Japanese government is flawed, the people still have the opportunity to hold it accountable, while the Chinese populace can only call out in vain. Moreover, since the CCP took power, the number of citizens harmed has far exceeded the casualties of the eight-year war of resistance. Choosing not to watch 'De Xian Jin Zhi' is not a boycott of Xiao Zhan, but a stand against this predatory entertainment industry and the corrupt government.

To be frank, we all recognize that the anti-Japanese dramas produced in mainland China, regardless of how they aim to boost morale, are largely fictional. Much of their content distorts history, deceives the public, and serves to glorify the Communist Party. What does fairness mean? What does justice entail? True patriotism is not merely about watching patriotic films; it is about having the courage to stand up against injustices when they occur in our country. A good government is one that treats its citizens with the same care as a parent would their child.

Is the current downturn in the mainland Chinese film and television industry truly the fault of the audience? How do industry insiders perceive Yu Menglong?

Earlier this year, it was reported online that in April, those within the industry or connected to it were aware that Yu Menglong was facing trouble. A gossip blogger had mentioned early on that the male star standing next to Dilireba at the Spring Festival Gala would encounter issues.

When someone asked how he could help Yu Menglong, he suggested that everything would be fine once he gained popularity, encouraging everyone to pay more attention to 'A Umbrella in the Rain.' However, since he had a limited fan base, this issue did not gain much traction. By September, Yu Menglong indeed faced difficulties. There was a gap of several months between the initial revelation and the events in September, yet no one stepped forward to assist him during that time.

Insiders later disclosed that in July, there were further reports indicating that Yu Menglong was in trouble. Moreover, it was noted that during this period, circulating videos and photos showed that Yu Menglong's cheeks had become so sunken that his neck bones were clearly visible. There were also signs on his face and neck that suggested he had been subjected to abuse and violence.

The Haikou Meilan Fufei Cultural Media Studio, known as 'Liu Yifei Media,' previously mentioned during a live broadcast that prior to Yu Menglong's incident, he had indicated that a celebrity with over 20 million followers was bound to face trouble. At that time, he did not elaborate much, only making that brief comment, but he did not anticipate such a major event, nor did he guess it would involve him.

Some netizens remarked, 'They were planning to harm someone back in July.' 'Everyone in the industry is aware.' I asked a minor celebrity in the entertainment industry, and he confirmed that everyone knows. No one is aware of how many times he has been bullied and mistreated; the news spreads throughout the industry from one person to another, yet no one has come forward.'

A netizen provided a very accurate summary of the reasons behind the current downturn in the film and television industry in mainland China. She stated: 'It is your selfishness, indifference, and moral decline, your lack of respect for life, and treating netizens as fools that have led to this winter in the film and television industry. The glory and wealth do not include me, the winter of the film and television industry revolves around me, the sky-high salaries do not benefit me, the cinemas have no one for me, my life is exposed, and I am sued, the film box office thinks of me, and organ transplants still involve me.'

On August 13, Yu Menglong made his final public appearance while recording 'Masters Biography: The Song Dynasty Poet - Liu Yong' in Jiangsu. After completing the recording, he flew back to Beijing from Shanghai on the same day. When he arrived at Beijing airport, numerous fans were there to welcome him. However, he appeared very thin and haggard. Despite the fans' warm reception, he continued to wave at them as he got into the car. Netizens, upon revisiting that last moment, were struck by the realisation that Yu Menglong's eyes were filled with tears. Did he already know that this was a final farewell? Unfortunately, the fans did not grasp the depth of his gaze at that time. Yet, why did none of the insiders in the entertainment industry offer their help?

In the 80 days that followed, many netizens were heartbroken over Yu Menglong's plight, experiencing sleepless nights and dedicating themselves to advocating for him tirelessly. For many, life came to a standstill after September 11, and their energy was rapidly waning. One netizen, sitting on a bench in a park in London, England, in memory of Yu Menglong, wrote a letter to all of his supporters, sharing some comforting suggestions.

This netizen stated: 'We need to emerge from this profound sadness. Little Fish's body may be gone, but his spirit will remain with us for a long time. Yu Menglong was a person of strong will and faith. He climbed out of hell, and he does not want anyone else to fall back in.'

She stated, "Menglong is still actively fulfilling his mission. He will communicate to us how to proceed through various channels. In fact, Menglong is now more powerful than he was as a person; we simply can no longer see his physical form. Those who have committed wrongdoings will inevitably face consequences due to karma. As long as we do not give up or loosen our grip, we can patiently await the arrival of these consequences." 

The netizen concluded, "This is a long battle of awakening; let’s view this situation as a form of spiritual practice. We should not deplete ourselves all at once; some people believe we are merely a fleeting moment, but we must not yield to their expectations. If the little fish can endure until death, what is stopping us? Each of us may feel quite weak individually, but collectively, we are not weak at all." 

It has been nearly 90 days since Yu Menglong passed away. Despite the ongoing suppression by the Chinese Communist Party, many might assume that interest domestically is declining. However, according to the Baidu Celebrity Influence Ranking, on December 2nd and 3rd, Yu Menglong's popularity has been increasing and has remained on the charts for an extended period. In mainland China, the Baidu Index serves as a powerful tool that reflects public interest in specific topics, individuals, or events by analysing user search behaviour on Baidu.

It is easy to imagine how challenging it is for Yu Menglong's fans, who are mostly casual observers, to keep the momentum of the Yu Menglong incident alive under the oppressive atmosphere of red terror, risking everything, and even witnessing its rise. To extend the lifeline that should not be interrupted for Yu Menglong, netizens have written essays, composed poems, sung songs, made phone calls, sent messages via carrier pigeons, and called for a case to be filed and for the truth to be revealed, unwilling to let go, thus allowing the entire world to recognise Yu Menglong. Many individuals who have never met him, after learning about his life, have empathised and become a beacon of hope, discovering our shared humanity, and have resolutely joined the ranks of those advocating for him. Kindness is an unshakeable force that empowers us to make the choices that a person should make in a world dominated by evil. The clouds may temporarily obscure the moon, but they can never steal its light. On the path to vindicating Yu Menglong, although it is a long and arduous journey, and despite the challenges, netizens declare, 'We will always be here, for Yu Menglong, for ourselves, for future generations; this battle must be won!' 

Yu Menglong's passing has awakened many, transforming them into individuals they never thought they could become. 'The world is rife with injustice, drawing thunder with blood.' People are not inherently brave; they simply refuse to let kindness fall. Just like the poem 'No Clothes' from the Book of Songs, 'How can one say there are no clothes? I share a robe with you,' at the very least, this time, we have all been present; we are all comrades fighting for justice. 

(People News first published) 
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