Insuring a second chance

Hit TV series set in Shanghai is a mature story about resilience and starting over at any age, Xu Fan reports.

"If she and I fall into the river at the same time, who will you save first?"

What began as a viral internet dilemma — putting a husband's loyalty to the test by forcing him to choose between saving his wife or his mother — becomes a devastating reality in a pivotal scene from the hit TV series A Better Life.

The scene centers on Hu Manli, a top-performing insurance agent whose 20-year career boasts over 390 policies, including a stunning deal worth 8 million yuan ($1.1 million). Just as Hu believes she has reached the peak of success, her life takes a dark turn.