At the 2026 Yabuli Forum Summer Annual Meeting, held September 4-6 in Chengdu, Sichuan, New Oriental Education & Technology Group Chairman Yu Minhong candidly described himself as "a relatively prominent entrepreneur-influencer," acknowledging that his continued involvement in EAST BUY's livestreaming and product promotions keeps him firmly in the public eye.

Yu emphasized that this visibility is not necessarily detrimental. By staking his personal reputation on the venture, he is compelled to exercise greater caution and ensure stringent product quality standards across all offerings.

Reflecting on EAST BUY's evolution since its inception in early 2022, Yu noted that over the past five years, widespread commentary and reports about the brand have frequently appeared across national self-media platforms and even numerous official media outlets.

He observed that much of the coverage has not centered on praising EAST BUY's achievements, but rather on dissecting the phenomena it has generated. Transitioning from education to agricultural products, then entering e-commerce, and subsequently cultivating a roster of anchors, the company has progressively encountered a series of controversies along the way.

"Throughout these five years, I have consistently been subject to various forms of public opinion and attention, which to this day have not truly subsided," Yu remarked, underscoring the enduring intensity of the scrutiny he faces.