The release of Netflix’s series “3 Body Problem” has captivated audiences worldwide, garnering millions of views since its late-March debut. Even in China, where Netflix is inaccessible, the show has sparked significant discussion among viewers.

However, amidst the excitement surrounding the adaptation, fans of the acclaimed three-book series, which played a pivotal role in advancing China’s burgeoning science fiction genre, have been closely following a courtroom drama in Shanghai. Just one day after the series premiered, a key figure behind the adaptation was sentenced to death for the murder of Lin Qi, a prominent gaming tycoon often referred to as China’s “billionaire millennial.” Lin’s company, Yoozoo Games, held the rights to film adaptations of the Chinese science fiction epic.

The culprit, Xu Yao, a respected lawyer, was reportedly driven by professional rivalry after Lin sidelined him following his assistance in securing the Netflix deal in 2020. In a chilling turn of events, Lin fell victim to a poisoning plot orchestrated by Xu, described by the court as “premeditated” and “extremely despicable.”

For fans of “The Three-Body Problem,” which explores themes of alien civilizations against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revolution, the parallels between the fiction and reality were unmistakable. Commentaries on social media platforms like Weibo highlighted the tragic irony of the situation, reflecting on the loss of humanity in the pursuit of power.

Initially, Lin and Xu enjoyed a cordial relationship, with Lin appointing Xu to lead a subsidiary focused on securing intellectual property rights for film adaptations of the novel. However, tensions arose when Lin decided to delegate business operations to other executives, leading Xu to plot his revenge.

Reports suggest that Xu established a company in Japan to acquire lethal substances, which he then disguised as probiotic pills and administered to Lin. Despite initially appearing stable after consuming the pills, Lin’s condition rapidly deteriorated, and he passed away ten days later, leaving behind a significant legacy in China’s gaming and technology sectors.

The tragic incident shed light on the complexities and rivalries within the entertainment industry, overshadowing the success of “3 Body Problem” as it garnered millions of views globally. While the series received praise for its production quality and involvement of esteemed creators, it also faced criticism for its portrayal of sensitive historical themes and alleged departure from the original work’s Chinese essence.

As investigations into Lin’s murder unfolded, Yoozoo Games mourned the loss of its founder and pledged to continue his legacy of kindness and integrity. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the darker realities lurking beneath the surface of the entertainment world, contrasting with the imaginative realms depicted in “The Three-Body Problem” and its adaptations.