Podcast Episode Description

Title: The Trustworthy Brothers – Episode 2: The Account of Conscience

Duration: Approximately 15 minutes

Language Level: Suitable for HSK Level 4 learners and above

Episode Summary

After losing his older brother, sister-in-law, and three young nieces in a tragic car accident, Sun Donglin returns to his hometown with 260,000 yuan — the wages his brother was supposed to pay to over 60 migrant workers before the Spring Festival.

But there is a huge problem: the accounting book was lost in the accident. There are no records. No one knows who is owed how much.

Without IOUs or any written proof, Sun Donglin makes an extraordinary decision. He calls all the workers together and says: "Today, tell me your wages according to your conscience. Whatever amount you say, I will give you."

One by one, the workers come forward and honestly report what they are owed. Some even take less than they should. When the money runs out, Sun Donglin adds his own savings — and his elderly mother gives up her retirement money to help.

By 8 PM, all 336,000 yuan have been paid. Not a single cent is missing.

But the pain is not over. Sun Donglin still has to face his parents, who do not yet know the full truth about their eldest son's death.

Why Listen to This Episode?

• A powerful, true story about trust and doing the right thing
• Simple, clear language — great for intermediate Chinese learners
• Learn useful vocabulary about conscience, debt, and family
• Understand Chinese values like "living up to your conscience"

Vocabulary You Will Hear

ChinesePinyinEnglish良心liáng xīn conscience

凭良心píng liáng xīn according to one's conscience

昧着良心mèi zhe liáng xīn against one's conscience

欠条qiàn tiáo IOU

随礼suí lǐ funeral / wedding gift

养老钱yǎng lǎo qián retirement savings

瞒mán to hide the truth

承受chéng shòu to bear; to endure

Episode 3 Preview: Farewell – The funeral and the family's final goodbye.