Rotten Mango Podcast Summary: Episode #403 Title: White Lotus 3 Resort Death: Billionaire Playboy Wang Sicong's Uncle's Connection To 3 Murders
Release Date: November 18, 2024
Hosts: Stephanie Soo & Ramble
Podcast Description: Rotten Mango delves deep into true crime and spooky stories, exploring the darkest aspects of criminal psychology and uncovering lesser-known cases from around the globe.

Introduction

In episode #403 of Rotten Mango, hosts Stephanie Soo and Ramble explore a chilling real-life case intertwined with the upcoming third season of the popular dark comedy-drama series, White Lotus. This episode delves into the mysterious deaths connected to Wang Zitong's uncle, Lin Yu, uncovering a narrative filled with wealth, power, and sinister motives.

The Mysterious Deaths

The episode begins by highlighting a series of high-profile deaths at luxury resorts worldwide. Stephanie sets the stage:

[00:51] Stephanie: "Someone is going to Die. Someone is going to die at the Luxury five Star Resort. It's going to happen."

She recounts two significant incidents:

1. Hawaii Resort: A hotel manager is brutally stabbed by a wealthy guest after a bizarre confrontation involving a restroom break in the guest's suitcase.
2. Italy Resort: A wealthy woman is allegedly set up by her husband to inherit her fortune through her murder.

The anticipation builds as the hosts predict a similar tragedy at the Four Seasons Resort in Thailand, coinciding with the setting of White Lotus Season 3.

Online Revelation and the Uncle Bluebeard Post

A pivotal moment in the narrative is an online post from 2014 by a user named "Uncle Bluebeard" on a Chinese internet forum. Ramble explains:

[04:50] Ramble: "In 2014, a post starts going viral in China... titled 'The risks of being in a wealthy family.'"

The post narrates the suspicious death of Lily, the younger sister of the poster’s sister-in-law, who was found dead in the swimming pool of the Four Seasons Villa in Koh Samui, Thailand. The initial claim was accidental drowning, but inconsistencies emerged:

• Lily couldn't swim.
• She rarely drank alcohol.
• Strangulation marks were found on her neck.

These discrepancies led netizens to suspect foul play by identifying the deceased's husband, Lin Yu, a member of one of China's most affluent billionaire families.

Investigating Lin Yu: The Bluebeard of China

Stephanie and Ramble delve into Lin Yu's background, painting him as a charismatic yet notorious figure:

[06:12] Stephanie: "Wang Dui. Dui. Mr. Wang Distus."

Lin Yu, known for his outspoken nature and affiliation with Wanda Group—a colossal Chinese conglomerate—developed a reputation as a "playboy" plagued by public confrontations on social media. His connection to luxury resorts and his family's immense wealth made him a prime suspect when digital sleuths linked him to Lily's mysterious death.

The Investigation Unfolds

The investigation took a dramatic turn when authorities zeroed in on Lin Yu after analyzing subtle hints from the online post. Ramble details the sequence of events:

[08:05] Ramble: "Wang Zutong's dad, Wang Qianling, is approached for an interview where he provides innocuous advice to aspiring entrepreneurs."

Despite his public persona, authorities discovered compelling evidence tying Lin Yu to multiple murders:

• Veronica's Disappearance: Veronica, Lin Yu's second wife, was reported missing in Gothenburg, Sweden. Her body was later found in an adjacent apartment unit, revealing signs of foul play.
• Blood Evidence: Strangulation marks and mixed blood types at the crime scene suggested a third unidentified individual’s involvement.
• Suspicious Activity: Lin Yu’s unusual behavior, such as abrupt changes in travel plans and unexplained absences, raised red flags.

Trial and Acquittal

After years of evasion, Lin Yu was extradited to Sweden for trial. Stephanie provides an overview of the courtroom drama:

[63:42] Ramble: "During the trial, Lin’s defense argued that the evidence was circumstantial and that there was no direct proof of his involvement."

Despite mounting circumstantial evidence, including:

• Alibi Discrepancies: Lin Yu was seen with a tall Asian man entering his hotel room on the night of Veronica's murder, whom prosecutors believe was a hitman.
• Financial Inconsistencies: Minimal child support payments contrasted sharply with his nephew Wang Zitong's more substantial expenditures.
• Behavioral Evidence: Multiple scratches on Lin Yu’s shoulder suggested a struggle, yet he failed to convincingly account for them.

The defense successfully challenged the integrity of the trial by exposing a juror’s bias, exemplified by the juror’s public posts and affiliations with hateful imagery. This revelation led to the dismissal of the trial after 13 years, resulting in Lin Yu's acquittal and subsequent freedom.

[70:59] Ramble: "He ends up standing trial for the murder later on. But it took 13 years."

The Aftermath and Ongoing Mysteries

Despite his acquittal, suspicions linger. Netizens continue to scrutinize Lin Yu’s actions and connections:

• Serial Killer Speculations: Connections to other unsolved cases, such as the Nanjing dismemberment case, though not conclusively proven, fuel conspiracy theories.
• Financial Manipulations: Lin Yu’s ability to amass wealth and manipulate legal boundaries raises questions about corruption and the influence of his family's conglomerate.
• Family Turmoil: Lin Yu remains a fugitive of sorts, with his current status shrouded in mystery as Chinese authorities investigate his involvement in further homicides.

Marcus’s Quest for Truth

Adding depth to the narrative is Marcus, the son of Veronica, who seeks closure and understanding regarding his father’s alleged crimes. Stephanie narrates Marcus’s journey:

[75:26] Ramble: "Marcus is now in his 20s... he just wants answers."

Marcus discovers unsettling truths about his father, Lin Yu, and attempts to contact him, only to receive evasive responses. His determination to uncover the reality behind his parents’ deaths highlights the personal toll of Lin Yu's actions.

Connection to White Lotus 3

Rotten Mango ties this real-life saga to the fictional White Lotus series, suggesting that the upcoming third season may draw inspiration from these dark events. The luxurious yet ominous setting of the Four Seasons Resort in Thailand mirrors the series' penchant for exploring the hidden darkness within wealth and power.

[44:22] Ramble: "The estates at the Four Seasons Resort in Thailand make the most sense for married couples. I mean, as much sense as $7 million makes."

Conclusion

Episode #403 of Rotten Mango masterfully intertwines a gripping true crime narrative with the fictional elements of White Lotus Season 3. Hosts Stephanie Soo and Ramble shed light on the enigmatic Lin Yu, whose alleged crimes and subsequent acquittal leave a trail of unanswered questions and lingering fears. As the story unfolds, the intersection of wealth, power, and corruption paints a haunting picture of justice eluding the formidable reaches of a billionaire dynasty.

[77:58] Ramble: "And that is the story of Wang Zutong's uncle, the Bluebeard of China. There's really no answers."

Listeners are left pondering the complexities of international crime, the influence of powerful families, and the quest for truth amidst a web of deceit and mystery.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephanie Soo [00:51]: "Someone is going to Die. Someone is going to die at the Luxury five Star Resort."
• Ramble [04:50]: "In 2014, a post starts going viral in China... titled 'The risks of being in a wealthy family.'"
• Ramble [08:05]: "Wang Zutong's dad, Wang Qianling, is approached for an interview where he provides innocuous advice to aspiring entrepreneurs."
• Ramble [63:42]: "During the trial, Lin’s defense argued that the evidence was circumstantial and that there was no direct proof of his involvement."
• Ramble [70:59]: "He ends up standing trial for the murder later on. But it took 13 years."
• Ramble [75:26]: "Marcus is now in his 20s... he just wants answers."
• Ramble [77:58]: "And that is the story of Wang Zutong's uncle, the Bluebeard of China. There's really no answers."

Disclaimer: This episode involves discussions of potentially abusive relationships and unsolved murders. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Rotten Mango has collaborated with Chinese researchers and translators to ensure accuracy but encourages listeners to provide feedback on any possible inaccuracies.

Support for Rotten Mango: Proceeds from this episode support the Palestine Children's Relief Fund and help maintain the podcast's operations. For more details, visit rottenmangopodcast.com.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Rotten Mango, where we continue to unravel the darkest of true crime stories and uncover the hidden truths behind the world's most enigmatic criminals.