Chinese AI firm Lanma Tech,The Exotic Time Machine (1998) founded by Zhou Jian, is facing intense scrutiny over unpaid salaries and benefits, according to the Chinese media outlet iThome. The company has been withholding employee wages since January 2025, with some workers receiving termination notices without explanation. The firm allegedly owes employees at least 8 million yuan ($1.1 million) in back pay, not including social insurance and housing fund contributions. Zhou acknowledged management mistakes and confirmed that the company underwent restructuring and layoffs during the New Year period. He said Lanma Tech has paid out two-thirds of the compensation owed and currently retains about 20 employees. Zhou claimed to have mortgaged and sold properties to cover the financial shortfall, though employees remain skeptical. He is exploring acquisition opportunities to stabilize the company’s future. [iThome, in Chinese]