Is This What Love at First Sight Looks Like...? Jinshi Frozen in Awe at the Transformed Maomao in "The Apothecary Diaries"

Could it be that the most handsome man in the world has fallen in love at first sight? In the fifth episode of the anime "The Apothecary Diaries," Jinshi (voiced by Takeo Otsuka) gazes at the dressed-up Maomao (voiced by Aoi Yuki) with an expression that made viewers think, "He’s captivated," and "He’s fallen for her…" causing them to smile in delight.

The anime "The Apothecary Diaries" is based on the light novel by Hyuganatsu, which has surpassed 38 million copies in circulation, including its comic adaptations. The story follows Maomao, a girl who was once a pharmacist in the red-light district. She becomes a "poison taster" in the imperial court and, alongside Jinshi, solves various mysteries in this puzzle-solving entertainment. The second season has been airing since January 2025.

Jinshi, a eunuch who oversees the inner palace, is the one who promoted Maomao to the position of lady-in-waiting for the emperor’s consort. He possesses such beauty that, were he a woman, he would be considered a "nation-toppling" beauty, captivating those around him regardless of gender. Perhaps because it’s rare for someone not to show interest in his looks, he tends to tease Maomao quite a bit.