In a Way, Fearless? How Maomao's Indifferent Attitude Towards the High-Ranking Eunuch Stood Out in the First Episode of "The Apothecary Diaries" Anime

The anime "The Apothecary Diaries" highlights the dynamic between Jinshi (voiced by Takeo Otsuka), who is always meddling, and the cool Maomao (voiced by Aoi Yuki). Upon rewatching the first episode, it becomes clear that Maomao was "indifferent" towards Jinshi from their very first meeting.

Maomao, who grew up in the red-light district and is a pharmacist, has an unusual obsession with poisons and medicine but is generally dry and cool in nature. She treats the stunningly handsome Jinshi coldly, and their interactions—Maomao's aloofness and Jinshi's persistence—are part of what makes "The Apothecary Diaries" so appealing.

The first episode of the first season depicts the meeting between these two characters. Working as a maid in the inner palace, Maomao hears a rumor that "the successive deaths of the Emperor's children are due to a curse." She identifies the true nature of the curse and writes an anonymous message to warn those involved, hoping to solve the problem while avoiding trouble.

However, through a certain method, Jinshi identifies Maomao as the author of the message. When Jinshi tells her, "That's not good. You're staying behind. Come quietly," Maomao resigns herself but brushes off Jinshi's hand from her shoulder, even making a gesture as if to brush off dust.

To express discomfort even towards someone of overwhelmingly higher status is somehow fearless—or perhaps quintessentially Maomao. In the second season of the anime, airing since January 2025, Maomao continues to treat Jinshi coolly. Yet, compared to those early days, one might say their relationship has dramatically grown closer.