Chapter 544: Official Rectification! Rongding Media Collapses!
Chapter 541 of "Brother Dao Took the Entertainment Industry by Storm, Fans Beg Me Not to Kill Anymore" opens with: A few days ago, right when Xiao He was engrossed in his "handcrafted modifications," a... Find out what happens!
A few days ago, right when Xiao He was engrossed in his "handcrafted modifications," a piece of news exploded onto the scene, disseminated jointly by major news outlets—
In the video, the female host presenting this news appeared solemn and dignified, her expression serious. The blue and white text at the bottom of the screen was even more glaring than red and black. The scrolling ticker at the very bottom rapidly displayed on-site reports that couldn't be fully covered in the news footage. Those words pieced together were utterly horrifying—
"After multiple investigations and verifications by our reporters, the media company in question used 'star-making contracts' as a front to construct a complete black industry chain covering 'performance exploitation—cosmetic loan harvesting—flesh trade—obscene live streaming'…"
"The company not only took a commission rate as high as 90%, but also frequently threatened its contracted artists with phrases like 'breach of contract penalties of millions' to force them to participate in various banquet events and arrange paid sexual transactions… Another streamer revealed that the company separately built an encrypted live streaming platform, diverting female streamers to perform vulgar and pornographic acts, attracting fans to transfer money and send gifts across platforms…"
"Currently, the office locations of the company involved have been sealed off, and five key persons in charge have been subjected to criminal coercive measures… The police stated they have already obtained multiple pieces of evidence of the company's illegal and criminal activities, are focusing on investigating the company's core management personnel and upstream/downstream related individuals, and simultaneously call for more victims to proactively report the case and cooperate with the investigation and evidence collection."
"This incident exposes regulatory loopholes in certain areas of the internet celebrity industry. Multiple departments including the Cyberspace Administration and Public Security have jointly launched a special industry rectification campaign… Faced with internet recruitment information promising 'low barriers and high income,' one must be highly vigilant. Before signing any contract, be sure to verify the company's qualifications, refuse to sign unequal contracts. If encountering infringement or illegal/criminal activities, report to the police promptly…"
When this news broke, all the major short video platforms exploded.
Many people had already deduced from the mosaics which company was involved in the news. They logged onto various short video platforms, checking the accounts of the internet celebrities on these platforms one by one, only to be shocked to discover these accounts were now all indefinitely suspended, with no fixed date for reinstatement.
In other words, what the news said about some of the artists being both victims and perpetrators was true!
Many people gasped in shock.
Rongding Media was, after all, a famously prominent major company in the industry, with numerous internet celebrity artists under its wing and a massive fanbase. Some of its internet celebrities even had widespread recognition among young people, practically having one foot in the entertainment circle. So this large-scale suspension of Rongding Media's artists truly stunned many people.
Netizens also developed immense enthusiasm for discussing this matter, with their presence in discussions visible on almost every platform.
While netizens were heatedly discussing this, some netizens discovered another interesting point.
Am I the only one thinking about another thing? Young Master Huang's power is immense. He truly is a ruthless person who makes one company go bust after another. Not long ago, his company's artists finally got super popular through a variety show, and in the blink of an eye, the show is gone. He really screwed Brother Xiao over hard this time.
A few days later, reminded by He Wenming, Xiao He finally saw these netizens' concerns about his company Linghui Entertainment and "Public Enemy Number One," leaving him somewhat amused and exasperated.
"No way, these netizens really connect everything. No wonder—"
Xiao He recalled recent events, then slapped his forehead. "Oh no, no wonder Young Master Huang called me yesterday, speaking hesitantly, asking if the factory should continue production. I was busy with what I was doing at the time, so I casually replied everything proceeds as usual, then hung up…"
Now all the pieces connected, and Xiao He belatedly realized, "So, Young Master Huang called me because he was afraid I'd believe the online chatter and stop cooperating with him?"
And just as Xiao He finished speaking, the person in question stormed in dramatically.
Seeing Xiao He, he charged over, grabbing Xiao He's arm with an "ao" sound. "Brother Xiao, you can't cut me out of the game—"
His voice sounded utterly miserable.
Xiao He: ??
Wait a minute.