Disclaimer: The views and opinions found in this article are for entertainment purposes only, readers are encouraged to do their research.
After last week’s deep dive into the enigma that is Madison Zhao, I’ve been flooded with tips, theories, and screenshots from eagle-eyed readers. It’s safe to say this rabbit hole keeps getting deeper—and much more intriguing. If you thought the first layer was wild, just wait.
Today, we’ll dissect one tip-off that really caught my attention. It involves a photo, a gong, and a potential connection to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). Buckle up, because this is one ride filled with twists, turns, and maybe a touch of Photoshop wizardry.
A Gong, a Gong Stick, and a Mystery
One of the tips led me to an intense investigation of Madison Zhao by @downanddirtyinvestigations on Substack. It referenced a piece titled “Seven Debuts in Hong Kong This Week” from Sohu and also Bilibili. The article featured a photograph of a woman wearing a crisp white top with black buttons and matching black bottoms, holding a Chinese gong stick wrapped in red cloth. Beside her stood a man in a dark-colored suit with a red boutonnière, also holding a gong stick, as they posed next to HKEX’s golden gong—a symbolic gesture for newly listed companies in Hong Kong.
Here’s where it gets juicy: Madison Zhao was spotted in a separate photo wearing an identical outfit, holding the same gong stick, and standing beside the same man. Curious? So was I. Naturally, I fired up Photoshop, overlaid the images, and the resemblance is uncanny.
Coincidence? Maybe. Intentional? You tell me.
Madison’s Silence: The Plot Thickens
Despite her high-profile claims of being the CEO of a “public company,” Madison has been suspiciously tight-lipped about its identity. Whenever commenters ask her directly, she sidesteps the question with responses that sound more like excuses than explanations. Here’s her usual defense:
- Privacy concerns – She claims revealing the company would invite “unwanted attention.”
- Board approvals – Madison says any disclosure must go through the board first.
- Stock market impact – Apparently, naming the company could shake its stock price.
- Positive engagements – She might disclose it—but only if she gets enough “positive engagement” online.
- Unnecessary for success – According to Madison, knowing her company’s name isn’t essential for her students’ achievements.
Does that sit well with you? Because, frankly, it doesn’t with me.
What’s Really Going On?
Let’s pause for a moment and think about this rationally. Madison Zhao paints herself as a successful entrepreneur, running an empire built on “proven” strategies. Yet, the cornerstone of her credibility—her “public company”—remains a well-guarded secret.
Here’s what I think:
- If the company exists: Why hide it? CEOs of public companies often proudly display their achievements. Keeping it hidden just raises suspicions.
- If the company doesn’t exist: This could explain the smoke-and-mirrors approach. By keeping it vague, she avoids scrutiny while maintaining an air of authority.
- Why all the secrecy? Even if privacy and stock prices are valid concerns, shouldn’t her students—who invest time and money into her courses—deserve transparency?
Madison’s “Reasons” vs. Reality
Let’s break down Madison’s reasons and see how they stack up:
- “Maintaining Privacy”
Privacy is a valid concern, but it’s an odd excuse for someone who thrives on public attention. If you’re the face of a company, privacy isn’t exactly a luxury you get to keep. - “Avoiding Unwanted Attention”
Attention is a double-edged sword, especially when you’re running online courses that depend on visibility. Isn’t this contradictory? - “Board Approvals”
Sure, board approvals are standard for major decisions, but naming the company? That’s basic public knowledge for any listed entity. - “Affecting the Stock Price”
Stock prices can fluctuate for many reasons, but withholding the company name is more likely to cause doubt than stability. - “Positive Engagement”
This sounds more like a ploy to boost her social media metrics than a legitimate reason.
What’s the Real Goal Here?
If Madison’s courses are as lucrative as she claims, why not let the numbers speak for themselves? Instead, there’s this narrative of secrecy and mystique that feels more like a marketing gimmick than genuine strategy.
My theory? Madison Zhao may be aiming to cultivate a sense of exclusivity. By dangling the “public company” carrot, she keeps people curious and engaged. However, this tactic could backfire. Transparency builds trust, and the lack of it only fuels skepticism.
The Real Madison CEO’s Public Company
Everything points to a screaming “SCAM!!!”. It’s too soon to call it outright, but let’s weigh the evidence. The secrecy, combined with vague excuses, certainly raises red flags. If Madison’s lessons are built on a foundation of credibility tied to her CEO status, not revealing the company undermines her brand.
Could the entire thing be smoke and mirrors? Maybe. Or perhaps there’s a legitimate explanation waiting to surface. Either way, Madison Zhao has some explaining to do.
At this point, Madison Zhao’s “public company” is more of a mystery than a badge of honor. If she truly wants to inspire trust and confidence, she needs to address the elephant in the room. Otherwise, her claims risk being dismissed as empty marketing fluff.
What’s your take on Madison’s secretive approach? Is it part of a clever branding strategy, or is there something more suspicious at play?
To Madison, I say this: if you’re the CEO you claim to be, own it. Stop hiding behind excuses and show the world what you’re really about.
For everyone else? Stay curious, stay skeptical, and keep those tips coming.
I’ll be writing shorter articles about this saga. I think it’s easier for me—and for you to read and digest… or maybe I’m just lazy…