In this paper, now published open access in Journal of East Asian Linguistics, Chen Xie approaches a long-standing challenge in Mandarin syntax (the Mandarin bǎ-construction) from a new angle, by providing a detailed comparison with a partially similar construction in Wenzhounese (the de-construction) based on new data. The Wenzhounese de-construction turns out to be of interest in its own right, as well as shedding new light on the Mandarin bǎ-construction. Congratulations, Chen!