Wen Nian herself was curious about Bai Zheng. During this stage in the country's history, depression didn't receive as much attention as it would later on. Smiling Depression, in particular, held a special significance. Bai Zheng's suicide had prompted some awareness of this specific form of depression, and as a result, more people had gained some understanding of it.
Following Bai Zheng's demise, numerous speculations and theories surrounding the cause of his death began circulating on the internet.
One prevailing theory suggested that Bai Zheng's exceptional talent placed an overwhelming amount of pressure on him. Coupled with the high expectations from others, this pressure ultimately led to a loss of inspiration for him.
There were also claims that Bai Zheng's family background was complex, with his parents being divorced. It was suggested that his lack of parental care contributed to his ability to adeptly put on a façade of pleasing others.
