When Confronted with Teary Eyes, One Gets Flustered... "The Apothecary Diaries": Jinshi Being Sweetly Seduced, the Unexpected Punchline to a Heart-Pounding Scene

In the season finale of "The Apothecary Diaries," viewers witnessed what appeared to be Maomao (voiced by Aoi Yuki) finally softening toward Jinshi (voiced by Takeo Otsuka). The heart-pounding situation in the final episode concluded with a hilarious twist that had viewers commenting, "So that's where it was going!" and "Of course!"

"The Apothecary Diaries" is an anime adaptation of Hyuganatsu's light novel series of the same name. The series has been adapted into manga across two monthly magazines and has surpassed 40 million copies in circulation. The TV anime aired continuously for two cours starting in October 2023, gaining popularity for its mystery elements featuring Maomao working as a food taster in the imperial court, as well as the comical interactions between Maomao and Jinshi. The second season began airing in January 2025.

Jinshi is the eunuch who recruited Maomao as a poison taster, and possesses beauty that captivates regardless of gender. Maomao shows little interest in anything beyond poisons and medicines, responding dryly to Jinshi. Unlike other women who fawn over him, Maomao's indifference seems refreshing to Jinshi, who often teases her for his own amusement.

In Episode 24, the first season finale, Maomao dances to send off a courtesan who is being bought out, but reopens a wound on her foot. Upon learning this, the concerned Jinshi carries her princess-style to take her back to the inner palace. Despite Maomao's concerns about being seen, Jinshi insists, "It's too dark for anyone to see anyway," and refuses to put her down.

Just as the mood turns somewhat intimate, Maomao suddenly says, "There's something I've been meaning to tell you," with tearful eyes fixed on Jinshi. She continues, "It's something important I absolutely must say," and reaches toward his face before finally saying, "Please give me the bezoar."

It turns out Jinshi had promised to give Maomao a bezoar—a rare and expensive traditional Chinese medicine—as compensation for an investigation. While Jinshi seemed flustered by the situation, Maomao's mind was apparently filled only with thoughts of medicine. When she continued to sweetly plead for it, Jinshi responded by headbutting her.