The ‘3 Body Problem’ Killer Faces Death: Shocking Twist in a Sci-Fi Saga!

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  • The Murder Plot Straight Out of a Bad Episode of ‘Law and Order’
  • A Rogue Employee Pays the Price for His Crime

The process of transforming the novel “Three-Body Problem” has been particularly challenging, given its escalating toll. A renowned work in China, Liu Cixin’s 2008 book series titled “Remembrance of Earth’s Past” gained global acclaim due to a successful adaptation. However, the timing was bittersweet. As the first book in the series, “Three-Body Problem,” premiered worldwide on Netflix in 2024, we also discovered the fate of the individual who ended the life of the project’s creator, before he could enjoy the fruits of his labor of love.

In 2020, Xu Yao encountered a potential demotion within Yoozoo Games, China, linked to the “Three-Body Problem” project. The company, owned by tycoon Lin Qi, had acquired the movie rights for the popular “Three-Body Problem,” aiming to develop it into a major global film franchise. This venture was successful but not without causing friction. When his complaints were not addressed, Xu allegedly concocted chemicals from the internet, as reported by BBC. Lin and four other employees, including Xu’s replacement, were drawn into this disgruntled individual’s retaliation plan.

‘3 Body Problem’: Unfilmable International Bestseller?

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The “Three-Body Problem,” a highly acclaimed novel in China, didn’t create a significant wave elsewhere until 2015, as its first English editions were published then, as reported by Wired. It boasted several appealing factors. Its author received the Hugo Award for the best science fiction story, attracting numerous endorsements from celebrities. Despite recognizing its considerable potential, Mr. Lin was cautious, mindful of how many popular sci-fi and fantasy book series had flopped disastrously upon adaptation.

One of the individuals whom Yoozoo recruited to make the streaming series a reality was lawyer Xu Yao, who served as the chief risk officer. His role was to develop the books into a vast multimedia universe. Before long, influential American media tycoons were showing interest in the young Chinese company, with Jeff Bezos among them, seeking a potential Game of Thrones-style franchise. However, Amazon surprisingly dropped out, despite rumors suggesting a three-season deal worth $1 billion was close to being finalized in 2018. This close call prompted Lin to reconsider his company’s direction and management structure, much to the annoyance of his former associate, Xu.

The Murder Plot Straight Out of a Bad Episode of ‘Law and Order’

As the project progressed slowly but surely, I meticulously assembled the puzzle pieces, presenting it exclusively to those I believed capable of grasping the intricate blend of science, history, and fantasy. Simultaneously, I undertook a significant reorganization within the company, challenging Xu’s leadership position without terminating him.

In 2020, I managed to secure a crucial meeting with David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo, the creators of Game of Thrones and True Blood respectively. Meanwhile, my discontented colleague seethed, finding it hard to acknowledge my role in the project’s development. Finally, in Fall 2020, the Netflix series was officially announced. In a press release from Netflix, I expressed my long-awaited relief.

In partnership with the Yoozoo Group, the Three-Body Universe aims to join forces with creators and artists worldwide who share a passion for The Three-Body Problem. […] We’re excited to begin this journey with Netflix, a renowned creative force and global entertainment provider, whose exceptional films and TV shows have long inspired us.

Xu squandered his opportunity for recognition and felt deeply hurt by it. As a result, he began to acquire chemicals from the dark web. Once he was confident that his poison was potent, he set his plan into motion, discreetly adding the concoction to his boss’ drinks, claiming the unusual taste was due to probiotics. Unfortunately, other individuals who were not directly related to him also ingested the toxins and became ill. This strange series of hospitalizations piqued the interest of the police, leading them to suspect that Lin’s favorite tea could be the cause.

A Rogue Employee Pays the Price for His Crime

In mid-December 2020, Lin Qi was hospitalized but passed away 10 days later. Suspicion fell upon Xu, who was found guilty of a shocking murder in a Shanghai courtroom last April. He is now under the sentence of death, pending an appeal or evidence that might clear him. However, as Prof. Michelle Miao points out, the Chinese court system often disregards high-quality representation, and the impact on life-or-death decisions is minimal to nonexistent. Appeals in murder trials seldom succeed.

The case is making its way to the highest court, the Supreme People’s Court, for a mandatory reexamination after his unsuccessful appeal. It was understood that Xu, an experienced attorney, carried out his actions fully aware of the high likelihood of his own demise if his scheme ever came to light. Xu Yao’s poisonous plot was a desperate move driven by office politics and personal vendettas. Despite this, Lin’s impact continues to be felt. At present, Season 1 of “3-Body Problem” can be streamed on Netflix.

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2025-02-22 20:03