Jinshi's "Chin Tilt" Comes So Naturally—Even an Uncharacteristically Worried Maomao Doesn't Resist at All in The Apothecary Diaries

One of the main highlights of the anime The Apothecary Diaries is the comical yet heart-fluttering interactions between Jinshi (CV: Takeo Ōtsuka), who is always meddling with Maomao (CV: Aoi Yūki), and the cool way Maomao handles him. In episode 39, the Episode depicted Jinshi, an extraordinarily handsome man, performing a classic “chin tilt.”

Due to a careless mistake by Xiaolan (CV: Misaki Kuno), who works in the rear palace, the ice meant to be presented to one of the high-ranking consorts was broken. For the sake of her friend Xiaolan, Maomao decided to make a substitute for the ice dessert that the consort had requested.

Maomao had a bad feeling about the situation, but she couldn't afford to be picky. She consulted Jinshi, asking, “Would you lend me the kitchen and some ingredients?” Jinshi replied, “Then, let’s add a condition,” and stepped closer to her. He gently lifted Maomao’s chin with his finger as she stood there looking tense, brought his face closer to hers, and said, “Listen to people until they finish talking.”

Maomao did not appear fazed at all, but many viewers found Jinshi’s “chin tilt” moment thrilling. Online, comments such as “Thank you very much,” “Too close—grinning,” “That chin tilt is dangerous,” and “He’s just too much of a flirt…” could be seen.