Recently, during a lecture at Renmin University of China, Zhang Xiaolong, the CEO of a coaching company for civil service exams called “Fenbi,” unexpectedly lost control of his emotions. He criticized the students present for simply “waiting to eat and die” by aiming to become civil servants, implying that they lacked any other capabilities, before storming out of the event. Zhang Xiaolong issued an apology letter the following day, although many overseas netizens believed that he spoke the truth.
Fenbi Technology Co., Ltd. primarily focuses on providing training for civil service exams, recruitment exams for governmental units, teacher recruitment exams, and more. Zhang Xiaolong, the founder and CEO of Fenbi Technology, was invited to hold a lecture at the Philosophy College of Renmin University of China on a topic related to career planning and civil service exam coaching. However, he deviated from the planned theme to share his insights on “AI trading stocks.”
Zhang Xiaolong explained his reluctance to discuss civil service exams as he believes that it is increasingly difficult to secure employment within the system, that those seeking coaching for civil service exams are likely to fail, and that his own company is facing downsizing in the era of AI. He suggested that stock trading, particularly in American stocks, offers greater potential for employment, claiming to have earned 53 million RMB through AI stock trading.
Displeased with the lackluster response from the audience, Zhang Xiaolong proceeded to use profanity to scold the students in attendance for several minutes, stating that their difficulties in finding jobs were justified and that they lacked abilities beyond pursuing a civil service position, before abruptly leaving the event.
Amidst the backdrop of a stagnant Chinese economy and high unemployment rates, the number of individuals pursuing civil service exams has been on the rise in recent years. For many young people, the pursuit of stability and a “secure job” has become a top priority, making Zhang Xiaolong’s remarks a harsh reality check.
After the incident caused a stir on social media platforms, the Party Secretary of the Philosophy College at Renmin University left a message on Xiaohongshu, promising to provide an explanation to the students. Internal sources within Renmin University revealed that the institution is currently addressing the event.
In response to the controversy, Zhang Xiaolong publicly released an apology letter, acknowledging his inappropriate behavior and remarks that disrupted the event and damaged the communication atmosphere. He extended a sincere apology to all the teachers and students present.
Public records show that Zhang Xiaolong graduated from the Philosophy Department of Sun Yat-sen University with an undergraduate degree. He dropped out of his doctoral program in 2006 and ventured into the civil service exam coaching industry as a lecturer. In 2015, he founded Beijing Fenbi Blue Sky Technology Co., Ltd., which went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2023. Following Zhang Xiaolong’s comments, the company’s stock price dropped by 10% the previous day, currently trading at HK$0.61.
Overseas discussions on various platforms have largely sided with Zhang Xiaolong, praising him for speaking the truth despite the controversial context:
“He simply spoke the truth, yet hearing it from a CEO in the civil service exam industry adds a dark humor to it.”
“The key point is that he made a fortune by sending others to aim for a dead-end job, which is truly darkly humorous.”
“Although his words were harsh, from what I’ve seen in the past decade, over 90% of those pursuing civil service exams are heading towards a dead-end.”
“In the authoritarian country, one cannot speak the truth in public. As soon as someone points out the naked truth about a certain group, an apology is demanded.”
“By quickly issuing an apology, it indicates that he only scratched the surface with his truthful remarks.”
“Is he wrong in what he said? Isn’t it essentially a dead-end job waiting situation? The real hardworking individuals are either temporary workers or those receiving equal pay for equal work. These aren’t formal employees. Besides, his apology letter is quite artistic, as it solely focuses on the disruption of the atmosphere without acknowledging any issues with his remarks.”
In recent years, a trend of “lying flat” has emerged in the official circles of the Chinese Communist Party. Recently, employees at the Tax Bureau in Haikou City, Hainan Province, were caught playing mobile games during work hours, for which they received official criticism. Netizens have expressed that this behavior is prevalent nationwide, as previous reports by official media outlets have highlighted instances of officials gambling, drug use, gaming, online shopping, watching adult content, and even committing adultery during working hours.