Note to the listener: This audiobook comprises the 10 original episodes of the China Myth Podcast, recorded before the book was written. Each episode covers one of 10 Chinese cultural concepts essential for anyone seeking to improve their business fortunes in China. The Chinese Honeymoon Period was later published to take the listener deeper into each Chinese phrase.

My journey into the Chinese mainland began in 2004 when I disembarked a ferry boat in Shekou, Shenzhen, and entered a dystopian Shangri-la. These contradictory words are the best I can describe a bizarre yet wondrous new experience in China.

"A land of contradictions" was immediately visual and experiential between the ferry terminal and Nan Hai Hotel's security gate. Exiting Shekuo terminal revealed a vast array of dirty Asian sidewalks, homeless kids, street vendors, and peddlers mixed with bike riders, scooters, and taxis spewing smog that swirled with the ocean breeze to create an exotic scent. But the backdrop was stunning views of manicured forests and Hong Kong's cityscape across the bay. Passing the gated hotel security about 100 meters from the lobby entrance opened the door to an oasis with Chinese characteristics that divided two contrasting realities, ordinary Chinese life on the outside and a privileged one inside.

There is always a proverbial Chinese honeymoon period that continues endlessly in different forms as Guanxi deepens, creating cultural landmines within the Chinese arena and a confusing paradox for most foreigners to grasp.

Whether relationships continue a mutually beneficial trajectory depends on your ability to know exactly what to say and not say, when to stay silent and why, and how to be intentionally vague to avoid creating a cultural impasse.