Insuring a second chance
Scriptwriter Fei, who spent over two months conducting interviews and research, gathered a lot of firsthand information. Through this process, Fei has discovered that a successful insurance seller is much like a passionate activist — someone who embodies the spirit of service in every action.
One memorable scene in the drama captures this perfectly: the protagonist, dressed in a high-end suit, doesn't hesitate to put on rubber gloves and help a vendor weigh fish while persuading him to buy insurance. In another instance, she spends an entire week shadowing an elderly woman at the request of her anxious daughter, who fears her mother is being scammed by a young man — not for romance, but for her wealth.
"At the same time, I also want to make the characters as authentic and relatable as possible," says Fei.
As a Shanghai native, Fei notes that some fellow creators hold stereotypical views of Shanghai women — portraying them either as housewives unfamiliar with the workplace or as elite professionals in expensive suits and high heels, working in glitzy high-rise office buildings.
"As a mother, wife, and daughter myself, I juggle life and work daily. Sometimes, I'd be on a script discussion call while cooking soup in the kitchen. On days when I'm writing, I still help my child with homework at night. Through Hu's character, I hope the audience sees a Shanghai woman doing her best to balance everything — like an octopus (handling multiple tasks at once)," Fei explains.
Actress Sun shares that through her role as Hu, she has gained profound insight into the poignant struggles facing modern women. During the 120 days of filming while portraying Hu — the resilient woman battling life's hardships — Sun says she has learned from her character's unwavering strength. Describing Hu as "wild grass surviving in the cracks", Sun explains how the protagonist's journey taught her to confront life's difficulties and uncertainties with courage.
Li Jingsheng, vice-president of the China Federation of Radio and Television Associations, says that the drama not only helps spread awareness about the insurance industry but also thoughtfully explores pressing social issues like parenting and elderly care.
