In this week's podcast: Young Zheng shoots a movie, a bromance blossoms, and we are all tired of Cai Chenggong's lies. Also: We talk about fake schools in China.

Extra topic begins at 27:50.

In this week's podcast: Debriefings, interrogations, and debt revelations. Also: We talk about Èrguōtóu 二锅头, the working man's baijiu.

Extra topic begins at 19:13.

In this week's podcast: Fashion police, divorce, and a very chill car chase. Also: We talk about the classic Chinese novel Water Margin (水浒传 Shuǐhǔzhuàn).

Extra topic begins at 25:40.

In this week's podcast: Houzi gets called to the principal's office, Old Chen learns what a Lamborghini is, and Li Dakang gives a good stink-eye. Also: We discuss the real-life inspiration behind those uncomfortably low service windows found at the petitions office.

Extra topic begins at 24:32.

In this week's podcast: We delve into some character work histories, a plan is hatched to snare Ou Yangjing, and more weird dialogue about Qi Tongwei's relationship with his wife. Also: We discuss the Eight-Point Regulations (八项规定 bā xiàng guīdìng), a list of rules that helped kick off Xi Jinping's anti-corruption drive in 2012.

Extra topic begins at 18:17.

In this week's podcast: Lu Yike's mother sticks her dumplings where they don't belong, Old Zheng grows a backbone, and Sha Ruijin wobbles his way through a bicycle tour. Also: We discuss parents and their role in matchmaking and marriage in China.

Extra topic begins at 18:30.

In this week's podcast: a two-punch K.O., some inappropriate worktime flirting, and the birth of a new factory. Also: We talk about those red phones adorning the desks of powerful people across China.

Extra topic begins at 25:59.

In this week's episode: Li Dakang's domestic problems, too much opera at the table, and a late night commiseration sesh at the hospital. Also: We talk about the revolutionary opera Shājiābāng 沙家浜, one of the 'Model Works' (样板戏 yàngbǎn xì) made during the Cultural Revolution.

Extra topic begins at 17:54.

Note: Due to an equipment malfunction, Jessica's audio this week is appalling. We cleaned it up as best we could, but apologies if you find it distracting!

In this week's episode: Houzi and Lu Yike are finally friends, Li Dakang's wife day drinks, and Houzi finally almost but not quite makes it to that dinner with Qi Tongwei. Also: We discuss the massive popularity - and recent ban - of Korean Dramas in China.

Extra topic begins at 27:02.

In this week's episode: Old Zheng lands in the clink, Zheng Jr. takes to Weibo, and Qi Tongwei fits in a round of golf. Also: We discuss golf in China.

Extra topic begins at 24:05.