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Here is an introduction to the execution of Xu Yao, based on recent media reports.

📋 Execution Overview

On May 21, 2026, Xu Yao (许垚), the former CEO of Three-Body Universe (Shanghai) Cultural Development Co., Ltd., was executed for the poisoning death of Yoozoo Games founder Lin Qi and the poisoning of four other colleagues in 2020 .

The execution marks the conclusion of a high-profile case that sent shockwaves through China's gaming and entertainment industries .

🔍 Background of the Case

The crime occurred in December 2020:

  • The Poisoning: Xu Yao poisoned Lin Qi by lacing his food with multiple toxins, including tetrodotoxin (河豚毒素) and α-amanitin (α-鹅膏毒肽), resulting in Lin's death from multiple organ failure .
  • Additional Victims: Four other colleagues were also poisoned with mercury, including Zhao Jilong (赵骥龙), a vice president at Three-Body Universe, and Zhao Yuyao (赵宇尧), whom Lin had chosen to replace Xu Yao .
  • Motive: The crime stemmed from a management dispute. Lin Qi had demoted Xu Yao, cut his salary, and planned to replace him as CEO of the unit managing the Three-Body Problem franchise .
  • Arrest: Xu Yao was arrested by police on December 18, 2020, shortly after Lin was hospitalized .

⚖️ Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

The case underwent a lengthy judicial process:

  • First Instance (March 2024): The Shanghai First Intermediate People's Court sentenced Xu Yao to death for intentional homicide and six years in prison for the crime of spreading poisonous substances, with a combined sentence of death .
  • Appeal (June 2025): The Shanghai Higher People's Court rejected Xu Yao's appeal and upheld the original verdict. The court described his crimes as "premeditated, with despicable motives, extremely cruel methods, and particularly severe consequences" . It also noted that Xu Yao showed no remorse .
  • Final Review: The death sentence was submitted to the Supreme People's Court for mandatory review and was recently approved .

🗣️ Aftermath and Reactions

On the day of the execution, one of the surviving victims posted on social media: "Justice, though delayed, has finally arrived" .

Three-Body Universe also released a statement saying: "The case concerning our founder, Mr. Lin Qi, has now been concluded. Justice has ultimately been served" .