Insuring a second chance

Producer Zhang Lingyan, a native of Jiangsu province who has lived in Shanghai for over two decades, tells China Daily that the drama, with some of its dialogues in the Shanghai dialect and several major roles played by Shanghai actors, vividly reflects the temperament of Shanghai, one of the Chinese cities most recognized in the West.

"Shanghai is a city full of inclusiveness and vibrancy. Most locals have a deep passion for life. It's common to see elderly residents dressed in elegant outfits sipping coffee in high-end cafes — yet they'll just as happily wait an hour in line for a bowl of noodles at a tiny alleyway eatery," she says.

Recalling the project's inception, Zhang reveals that she was immediately drawn to screenwriter Fei Huijun's idea when it was first proposed in 2018.

Inspired by the hit South Korean drama Sky Castle, Fei envisioned a story about a smart woman in her 30s and an aloof young man — an unlikely duo who form a mentorprotege relationship, helping each other overcome their personal struggles. The woman is 39 while the man is 28 years old.

"After reading the 4,000-character story outline, I found it to be bold, innovative and dynamic for its time. Most stories with such age gaps focus on May-December romances, but this was different," she explains.

After over a year of preparation, the creators decided to set the story — continuing its original ideal about the redemption of two people from different generations — in the insurance industry.

The protagonist, Hu, is portrayed as a seasoned insurance agent, while Xue Xiaozhou, played by actor Dong Zijian, is a capable but stubborn newcomer. After being framed by the jealous colleague, Hu loses her insurance license and is barred from the industry. Facing financial struggles, she persuades Xue to partner with her, offering access to the client resources she had accumulated over two decades in exchange for a share of the commission if they successfully close a deal.

Zhang explains that the protagonist was inspired by one of her closest friends — a highly paid sales director overseeing eastern China for a prestigious brand. When the woman's husband nearly went bankrupt during a financial crisis, her friend, who had quit her decent job to become a full-time homemaker raising two children, was forced to reenter the workforce. However, she soon realized that her age — being in her 40s — had become a barrier in the fiercely competitive job market.

"Eventually, she started from scratch as an insurance agent, which pulled her out of life's hardships. The insurance industry appears to be highly accommodating, with minimal requirements for age or educational background," she adds.