Full Breakdown
Execution of Executive for Murder of Gaming Tycoon Lin Qi, a Netflix Stakeholder
5/26/2026, 9:23:19 PM
Execution of Xu Yao for the Murder of Lin Qi
Chinese authorities carried out a death sentence on 21 May 2024 against former Yoozoo Games executive Xu Yao (named Su Yao in one report) for poisoning billionaire founder Lin Qi in December 2020. Lin, 39, died nine days after ingesting mercury-laden “probiotic” pills. The case attracted global attention because Lin had secured the film and TV rights to Liu Cixin’s *Remembrance of Earth’s Past* trilogy, later adapted by Netflix as *Three-Body Problem*.
Dispute Over Three-Body Problem Rights
In 2018 Lin appointed Xu to lead “Three-Body Universe,” a subsidiary handling the franchise’s business. By 2020 Lin reassigned the role to other executives, prompting Xu’s resentment. The reshuffle coincided with Netflix’s September 2020 acquisition of adaptation rights, a deal Lin helped negotiate.
Principal Actors
Key individuals include Lin Qi, founder and CEO of Shanghai-based Yoozoo Games (net worth ? 6.8 billion yuan); Xu Yao (also reported as Su Yao), former head of the Three-Body Universe subsidiary convicted of murder; and Netflix, the streaming platform producing the *Three-Body Problem* adaptation.
Chronology
Key dates: 2018 – Lin appoints Xu; Sept 2020 – Netflix secures rights; Dec 2020 – poisoning and Lin’s death; 2024 – conviction and court’s “extremely despicable” label; 21 May 2024 – execution.
Key Figures & Statistics
Lin’s net worth was 6.8 billion yuan; the execution took place on 21 May 2024 after a 2024 conviction; the poison was a mercury-based compound disguised as probiotic tablets, which also sickened others.
Impact on Gaming and Media
Lin’s death shocked China’s gaming sector and highlighted the high financial stakes of cross-border media collaborations, given his role in securing the Netflix adaptation of the *Three-Body Problem* franchise.
Official Company Response
Yoozoo said it mourned Lin, offered condolences, praised the judicial system’s impartiality, and declared that “justice has ultimately been served,” noting closure for staff and partners.
Eyewitness Account
A victim posted: “Justice comes in the end, even if it’s late,” expressing relief after the execution.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on the executed person’s name (Xu Yao vs. Su Yao) and the company’s name (Yoozoo vs. Yuzhou). Lin’s death is called “Christmas Day” in one account but early December 2020 in others. Victim counts range from “several others” to a single social-media comment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We deeply mourn Mr. Lin and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” — Yoozoo Games, Statement
- “As colleagues who fought alongside him, all members of the company are grateful for the impartiality of the judicial process.” — Yoozoo Games, Statement
- “justice has ultimately been served” — Yoozoo Games, Statement
- “Justice comes in the end, even if it's late” — Social-media user, victim
Future Outlook
Netflix will release the second season of *Three-Body Problem* later in 2024, with a third season already green-lit.
