Imagine filming a prank so wild it lands you with a $300,000 bill—just for a moment of drunken stupidity. That’s exactly what happened in Shanghai, and it’s got the whole internet boiling over.

This isn’t just an urban legend—two 17-year-olds in China urinated in a pot of broth at Haidilao, the country’s most popular hotpot chain. Fueled by alcohol and a thirst for internet fame, they posted their revolting act online, thinking it was just another prank. But the fallout was massive and very, very expensive. Their viral video not only sparked outrage across social media and news platforms, it also set a new standard for what NOT to post online.

Haidilao, a chain famous for its over-the-top hospitality (think free manicures and cotton candy for the kids), suddenly found its reputation on the line. The incident happened in February at a bustling Shanghai branch, but by March the company was seeking more than 23 million yuan in damages, citing massive customer compensation and emergency cleaning costs. Thankfully, there’s no evidence anyone actually ate the tainted soup—but that didn’t stop diners from freaking out. To win back trust, Haidilao offered over 4,000 guests full refunds and cash payouts worth ten times their original bills. New equipment was rushed in, with top-to-bottom disinfection carried out in a public display of damage control.

Last Friday, a Shanghai court handed down its verdict: the teens (and their parents, for failing as guardians) must cough up 2.2 million yuan—roughly $309,000—to two catering companies for operational losses, reputational harm, tableware replacement, cleaning, and legal costs. The court made it clear: any extra generosity from Haidilao towards customers was the company’s decision and not the teens’ responsibility.

In a country where food safety is taken deadly seriously, this AI generated newscast about soup-gate has become a viral lesson in digital consequences and real-world accountability. Haidilao’s global empire—over 1,000 branches and counting—was built on trust, family-friendly service, and Instagram-worthy hospitality. But this single, drunken act briefly threatened everything, showing that in the age of viral videos, even a soup pot can spell disaster for your wallet—and your reputation.

As the dust settles, this AI generated newscast about hotpot hijinks is a sobering reminder: next time you’re tempted to post a prank for clout, ask yourself—can you afford the price?