Even the Unflappable Maomao Is Thrown Off: Jinshi’s Bold “Indirect Kiss” in The Apothecary Diaries Sends Viewers Into a Frenzy

Even the usually cool-headed Maomao (CV: Aoi Yūki) was left blushing at Jinshi’s (CV: Takeo Ōtsuka) unexpected kiss! A scene in episode 12 of the anime "The Apothecary Diaries" had viewers swooning, with comments like, “That way of kissing is just unfair” and “Way to go, Jinshi-sama! Do it more!!”

In episode 12, after Maomao, who had been dismissed from the inner palace, was working once again in the pleasure district, she happened to reunite with Jinshi. Jinshi, assuming that Maomao disliked working in the inner palace, seemed relieved to hear her true feelings. Perhaps feeling at ease, he said, “Just a little is fine, right? Just one hand. Just the fingertips,” as he reached out to touch Maomao.

When Maomao relented with “Just the fingertips,” Jinshi gently touched Maomao’s lips, then kissed the fingertips that had just brushed against them. Maomao, who usually brushes off Jinshi’s advances with ease, seemed helpless against this “indirect kiss.” When Jinshi smiled at her kindly with her lipstick transferred onto him, Maomao blushed, exclaiming, “It’ll rub off on you…!”