This week we wrote about the tragic and sudden passing of education influencer, Zhang Xuefeng (张雪峰).

Zhang is no stranger to RTM readers...

Back in July 2025, we discussed how Zhang Xuefeng announced he was stepping back from live-streaming altogether.

He said he'd stirred up too many people. Upset too many interests. Or as the saying goes...

Taken too many people's cake (动了别人的蛋糕 dòng le bié rén de dàn gāo)

At the time it felt like a story about controversy and burnout.

Nobody knew it would turn out to be his last gaokao season.

If you missed that story from last year, it's worth reading alongside this week's newsletter.

Read RTM #231 from July 2025