Relationships at remote subbranch provide audience with a dividend of interest, Xu Fan reports.

Thriving in the banking world isn't just about numbers — it's about noticing the details.

That's how Lin Qiang, portrayed by actor Bai Yu in the popular TV series Bank on Me, showcases this skill on his first day as the newly appointed deputy head of a modest-sized subbranch of a major bank.

In a short amount of time, Lin identifies an elderly visitor dressed casually as his target customer. By observing the differences in the way he wears his shoes, Lin accurately deduces — sort of like Sherlock Holmes — that the man is a frequent golfer and is accustomed to his feet adopting a specific angle of play. Engaging the customer in conversation about his hobby, Lin quickly gains his favor and successfully sells a wealth management product worth 700,000 yuan ($98,305) within five minutes.

This scene is one of the most talked-about plotlines of the TV series on major social media and review platforms like Douban. Comprising a total of 26 episodes, it has been airing on CCTV-8, the television drama channel of China Central Television, since Aug 18.

Under the helm of Shen Yan, Magnolia Award best director winner at the 23rd Shanghai TV Festival, the drama is written by veteran playwright Zhang Ting, an award-winning scriptwriter known for acclaimed dramas such as Wild Bloom and The Long River.