In Memory of Zhang Rui of Chunyu Doctor: 'Live to Freedom' — Brothers Carry On the Mission

To me, Zhang Rui of Chunyu Yisheng was an enlightener; his speeches were always filled with logical tension, pointing out possible moves in what seemed at the time an impossible chess game. For the industry, Zhang Rui’s thinking and business explorations have provided entrepreneurs and practitioners embracing change with more opportunities for practice and reflection.

Unlike many healthcare entrepreneurs, this diminutive figure—a Renmin University graduate who resigned from his post as deputy editor-in-chief at NetEase to launch his own venture—is undoubtedly one of the most influential individuals in the industry. His strength stems from his ideals, diligence, critical thinking, and practical experience, as well as from his profound empathy for the suffering prevalent in the world.

“Once, while on a self-driving trip to the western regions, I saw local residents suffering from various sequelae because they could not receive timely medical care. These conditions would have been minor issues in major cities. Why can’t we do something to help them—those who lack access to the medical resources available in large cities—obtain timely healthcare services?” Zhang Rui said to me with tears in his eyes one afternoon last year.

Every time I chatted with Zhang Rui in the 768 Art Zone, he would speak of Chunyu’s dream and aspiration to “live to freedom.” “Our aspirations have allowed us to forge many positive connections along the way,” Zhang Rui believed that he and his brothers were engaged in a virtuous endeavor.MeaningBirth, they have the breadth of mind and magnanimity to face the market and the public. Chunyu does not hold back; we will share our insights on the industry. “To Datao, I can grant you access to all of Chunyu’s backend data.”

In September 2014, after analyzing numerous healthcare startup projects, we decided to examine Chunyu Yisheng (Spring Rain Doctor), a representative internet healthcare venture, through the lens of data interpretation. At that time, Chunyu essentially displayed all its platform operational data on its app, reflecting confidence in its own business model. More importantly, Chunyu offered a possibility—a new future model for healthcare that could reconstruct the doctor-patient relationship.

For many people, it had become a ritual to list all the reasons why Chunyu’s model was impossible. But in Zhang Rui’s eyes, these criticisms were insignificant. “As an entrepreneur, I have a clear vision of Chunyu’s direction. Our world is undergoing astonishing fragmentation, and there is much work to be done to integrate medical resources with spatial coordination. We have no one to learn from; we can only work tirelessly, day and night.”

A friend I’ve known for six or seven years has been working at Chunyu Yisheng (Chunyu Doctor) throughout this period, rising from an ordinary employee to a mid-level manager. He said that during Chunyu’s commercialization explorations last year, he felt quite lost, as there were no established models to draw upon, and they tried many new approaches. “Many companies have tried to recruit me, but I’m also puzzled as to why I haven’t left. Perhaps it’s because I appreciate Chunyu’s culture and vision.”

On one occasion, I had a lengthy conversation with Zhang Rui under the trees outside Qianxun Café. I spoke about the frustrations, uncertainties, and pressures inherent in entrepreneurship. Zhang Rui, whose own temples had once turned white due to stress, advised me to seek out a life mentor. “I am deeply grateful that Chunyu has always been fortunate enough to receive support from influential benefactors. Whether from hospitals, insurance companies, or government agencies, many such individuals have extended their help to Chunyu,” said Zhang Rui, who was then exploring the integration of internet healthcare with insurance. He mentioned that a senior veteran in the insurance industry had provided him with invaluable wisdom and guidance. In his view, this represented a different perspective and outlook, stemming from a distinct standpoint on the industry.

As a devout believer in disruptive innovation, Zhang Rui holds Clayton Christensen in high esteem. “I sincerely hope to invite him to China someday to lecture on disruptive innovation.” In his numerous public speeches, Zhang Rui has consistently cited Christensen’s logical framework, and terms such as “light consultation” and “decentralization” have become standard industry terminology.

At the end of 2015, when VCBeat released its Internet Healthcare Power List, Zhang Rui, as a guest speaker, stated his hope to initiate an A-share listing in 2016. “There are two reasons for this. First, to repay debts. During the entrepreneurial journey, I have received help from countless individuals. All investors in Chunyu Yisheng have already achieved hundreds-fold returns on their investments, which serves as an excellent way for me to settle my debts.”

When Chunyu Yisheng announced its “Open Connectivity, Win-Win Cooperation” strategy this year, Zhang Rui opened up the industry insights and momentum accumulated by Chunyu over the past few years to the broader sector, aiming to build a brand-new ecosystem. He believes this is also one way to give back to those who have recognized and supported Chunyu.

When I began preparing to launch VCBeat in late 2013, I read numerous interviews with Zhang Rui, the founder of Chunyu Doctors. It was only later that I discovered our office was located in the same park as Chunyu Doctors, which led to many subsequent candid conversations under the trees. The last time I met Zhang Rui was on an afternoon in his second-floor office at Chunyu. I filled his whiteboard with my visions for new media and the healthcare industry, while he shared Chunyu’s explorations into commercialization and showed me their business collaboration plans with several major institutions.

Outside the window, the golden sunset filters through the tall poplar trees; by the window stands an organ, and a guitar lies next to the whiteboard.

In the spring of 2018, amidst the pervasive fragrance of blossoms, Zhang Rui’s Tesla was covered in fallen locust flowers. He posted on his WeChat Moments: “Burying time amidst the heavy traffic, enveloped in sweet scent.” This entrepreneur, whose eyes narrowed into slits when he smiled; this man, full of intensity yet brimming with kindness; this person who called me “Brother Datao”—when autumn arrived, he would no longer have to contend with the challenges on his entrepreneurial journey or pursue his dreams.

In middle age, the one thing we are most reluctant to face yet cannot avoid is death, whether it concerns aging relatives or friends. All conditioned phenomena undergo the cycle of formation, existence, decay, and emptiness; everyone who comes into this world will eventually leave it. Nevertheless, we should always leave behind some memories for the world we once inhabited. As the founder of Chunyu Doctor, Zhang Rui’s dedicated efforts toward Chunyu Doctor and his vision undoubtedly represent one of the greatest business practices in the healthcare industry in which we operate. Moreover, Zhang Rui’s colleagues and comrades will continue to move forward.

Lighting a stick of incense before the Buddha, may Brother Rui return to the Pure Land in the West, and may there be no disease or pain in this world.