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A story that initially inspired countless social media users in China has taken a shocking twist. Just days after a viral video showed a young woman in a pink Rolls-Royce forgiving a truck driver after a costly accident, netizens are now accusing the incident of being scripted for attention. This fast-developing drama, centered around influencer Zhu Naigen, has left people questioning the line between authenticity and staged online content.
Zhu Naigen, a young woman from Guangdong, initially garnered admiration when her luxury pink Rolls-Royce was hit by a large truck in an intersection in Guangzhou on November 4. Rather than being upset, Zhu surprised viewers by remaining calm and even recording a video of the incident, which she posted online. Her composed reaction, combined with a later video in which she opted to cover her vehicle’s damages out of pocket to prevent the truck driver’s insurance premiums from increasing, propelled her to viral fame.
In this second video, Zhu shared an agreement she reached with the truck driver in her office, forgiving his role in the accident and promising not to involve insurance. This generous act won her widespread praise, with netizens applauding her as a model of kindness and humility. Many hailed her as a “big-hearted” individual who was willing to sacrifice significant personal expenses, reportedly reaching as high as 1 million yuan (about $137,000 USD), for a complete stranger. The response to her videos was so enthusiastic that Zhu quickly amassed a million new followers on her social media accounts and became the trending topic on multiple platforms.
However, Zhu’s meteoric rise soon attracted scrutiny from skeptical viewers and online detectives who suspected that the story was too good to be true. The first cracks in the narrative appeared when social media users began investigating Zhu’s background, as well as that of the truck driver involved in the incident. They questioned whether the accident, and Zhu’s reaction, might have been carefully orchestrated to boost her online presence.
Critics of the story were quick to point out that Zhu’s lavish Rolls-Royce may not actually belong to her. Some uncovered evidence suggesting that her pink Rolls-Royce was a rental, previously used as a wedding car in the city of Shantou, and had been modified to look newer despite reportedly being over 15 years old. This raised doubts about her portrayal as a wealthy and benevolent figure.
Further investigations found that Zhu and her husband were listed as owners of several companies, but these businesses appeared to have zero capital investment and no active social security contributions for employees, casting doubt on their financial status. Some have labeled Zhu and her husband’s enterprises as mere “shell companies” that exist on paper but lack substantial business activity or legitimacy. Social media watchdog “Anti-Fraud Man,” known for exposing online scams, suggested that if Zhu were truly wealthy, she would likely own a newer luxury car instead of renting one for appearances.
Zhu and her husband were not the only ones under scrutiny. The truck driver, whom Zhu publicly forgave, was also accused of being involved in the alleged deception. Social media sleuths discovered inconsistencies in his online behavior, noting that despite his background as a truck driver, he appeared unusually well-versed in livestreaming and operated with high-quality equipment, including professional lighting and microphones. This discrepancy led some to suspect he was a part of the staged incident rather than a random participant.
Additionally, users revealed that the truck driver reportedly owned a luxurious home and drove a Mercedes Benz, which struck many as odd for someone supposedly facing financial hardships. This discovery further fueled doubts about the story’s authenticity and raised suspicions that both Zhu and the driver might have collaborated for online fame.
The backlash against Zhu and her alleged publicity stunt has gained traction across social media, with calls for her and the truck driver to address these allegations. Some netizens have argued that it would be simple for Zhu to dispel the rumors by proving her financial capacity and clarifying the source of her wealth. However, if Zhu and her husband fail to refute the accusations, the narrative may further solidify as an example of an influencer-driven hoax.
