The sudden death of actor Yu Menglong (Alan Yu) on September 11 at the age of 37 sent shockwaves through the Chinese entertainment industry. His promising career was tragically cut short, leaving behind painful questions and widespread public speculation.
Despite rapid confirmation from the police ruling out foul play, public doubt lingers. Reports that the window screen at his residence was severely damaged—an item difficult to dismantle—fueled theories that this was no mere accident. Many believe the tragedy was connected to invisible pressures and dark forces within the industry that the young artist may have been struggling to bear.
A Career Stalled by Invisible Hands
Yu Menglong was once a name bursting with potential. He first rose to prominence as the “Crown Princess” in the viral hit Go Princess Go and achieved further recognition as the elegant Bai Zhen in Eternal Love (Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms). His handsome looks, scholarly demeanor, and steady acting skills positioned him as a rising star. However, his artistic path abruptly stalled. Multiple sources suggest that he was suppressed by powerful, shadowy forces, and with his management company unable to intervene, his career remained frozen for three agonizing years.
The tragedy is compounded by a persistent, heartbreaking rumor involving top actress Yang Mi (Mini Yang).
The Yang Mi Connection: A Crucial Deal That Failed
It is widely rumored that during Yu Menglong’s period of extreme difficulty, Yang Mi, known for her strong loyalty to her artists, attempted to recruit him into her management company, Jaywalk Studio (Jiaxing).
However, Yu Menglong’s then-management company staunchly refused to release him, ultimately causing the deal to fall apart. Fans and commentators today are left with the haunting “what if”: Had the transfer succeeded, perhaps he would have been saved from this tragic fate.
Yang Mi is renowned not just as an A-list star, but as a fiercely protective “boss.” She famously participated in a high-stakes gambling agreement (vow) with her management firm: failure meant she bore all consequences, but success granted her conditional rights, which she used to better her artists’ conditions.
In a bold move in 2023, Yang Mi departed from Jaywalk’s board and acting roster to establish her own independent firm. As an executive, she signed several new actors and, notably, rewrote contract rules for her stars, courageously eliminating negative requirements like forced alcohol toasting at events. With her own empire, Yang Mi invests in film projects, establishes multi-channel sales companies, and participates in private equity funds.
The Pioneer of Integrity: Fighting the Negative Backstage Culture
According to Sohu, Yang Mi’s current position is the result of 18 years of relentless effort, enduring numerous challenges. Having achieved her goals, she now insists on major production teams signing “Yang Mi Clauses,” eliminating many negative aspects of backstage culture.
Through her actions, Yang Mi has consciously positioned herself as a pioneer for the rights of female actors and artists in general. The media consistently recognizes her as a trailblazer—a newcomer who was once trapped by industry’s unwritten rules, yet fought to establish her own rules for integrity.
It is this bravery and integrity that makes the tragedy of Yu Menglong so painful. Had he truly been under Yang Mi’s mentorship, many believe he might have avoided the years of suppression, isolation, and pressure that plague the industry.
Upon hearing the devastating news, Yang Mi posted a brief but powerful farewell on social media: “Fourth Brother, may you find peace in another world.” Her message was not just a simple goodbye to a colleague, but an expression of profound, unbearable regret.
Fans overwhelmingly echo the sentiment: “If his company had just let go that day, allowing Yu Menglong to join Jaywalk, this heartbreaking end would never have happened.” Their sorrow for the actor is matched by their deep admiration for Yang Mi—an artist of immense talent and courage, who dares to fight for the collective rights of her peers.