246

In 1998, one of people's most favorite chat topics was lalianmen (拉链门, Zippergate), namely the sex scandal of president Bill Clinton and former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

There were Zippergate news in local newspapers almost every day, even including some obscene details, for example, Clinton's desk, Clinton's cigar, etc. (Sorry, I don't want to explain them.)

The government initially did not interfere with people's curiosity. But later, the government reduced Zippergate news because people began to chat about similar scandals in China.

In fact, there were similar scandals in China from the highest rulers (such as Mao) to the lowest officials (such as the director of a factory), but no newspaper dared to report them.