The Laughable Tale of the 'Listening to the Bed' (听床师): Wishful Thinking vs. Reality in Xi Jinping's China

TL;DR;

The article discusses the phenomenon of 'listening to the bed' (听床师), referring to individuals who, after Xi Jinping's rise to power, clung to the belief that he would lead China towards democracy, despite evidence to the contrary. They defended him by finding supposed clues in his background and actions, even in the face of increasing suppression and persecution. The author argues that their wishful thinking and flawed judgment, ignoring facts and logic, ultimately made them a laughingstock when Xi Jinping consolidated power and their hopes were dashed.