Maomao’s overwhelming anger sparked a commotion online: “I can’t believe Maomao would make a face like that…,” “That was traumatizingly scary…,” and “There must be deep darkness there…” The directorial choice to zoom in on Maomao’s face for just an instant also drew attention, with comments like, “It was so scary I got goosebumps,” and, “The brief expression captured every emotion Maomao has towards Lakan—it was masterful.”

Currently, the anime “The Apothecary Diaries,” based on the light novel of the same name by Hyuganatsu, is being streamed in one go. The series has been adapted into manga in two monthly magazines, and the cumulative number of copies in circulation has surpassed 40 million. The TV anime began airing in October 2023 with two consecutive cours. The show’s popularity surged due to Maomao’s intriguing deduction stories as a poison-taster in the rear palace, as well as the comedic interactions between Maomao and Jinshi. The second season of the anime is scheduled to air from January 2025, and the production of a sequel was also announced in July.

(C)Hyuganatsu, Imagica Infos/"The Apothecary Diaries"Project

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