The slow-burn chemistry between Maomao and Jinshi in The Apothecary Diaries has become one of anime’s most endearing and enjoyable romantic developments in recent memory. With its unique setting in the imperial court and a heroine who is as sharp as she is socially indifferent, the series delivers a refreshing dynamic between two characters who are constantly pulling each other out of their emotional comfort zones. Maomao’s no-nonsense attitude and medical expertise meet their match in Jinshi, the high-ranking official who hides his sharp intelligence behind an unnervingly beautiful face, and the tension between them is everything.

Rather than traditional swooning or overt romantic gestures, the bond between Maomao and Jinshi thrives in the spaces between words: a lingering glance, a sarcastic remark, or an awkward, intimate moment. These interactions blend comedy, vulnerability, and emotional depth, making the relationship feel authentic and richly layered. While there are many amazing romantic scenes in The Apothecary Diaries, these are the best Maomao x Jinshi moments that have captured the hearts of fans and kept them rewatching just to relive the emotional butterflies all over again.

10 Jinshi Asks Maomao to Lick His Fingers

The Apothecary Diaries' Finger-Licking Incident That Broke the Internet

There is no way around it. This moment is outrageous, hilarious, and weirdly hot. When Jinshi ends up with sweet medicine on his fingers and Maomao’s practical nature clashes with his playfulness, he teasingly asks her to lick it off. It is a scene dripping with tension, precisely because Maomao’s stone-faced and freaked-out response contrasts so sharply with the absurdity of his request. She sees it as a crazy request, but Jinshi is clearly trying to get a reaction out of her.

But it is clear that Jinshi is both testing boundaries and seeking intimacy in the only way Maomao might respond to. He knows her pragmatic streak will override her embarrassment, and yet, his own reaction betrays him. Her annoyance at the request gets to him more than a blush would have. It is a moment that flips the power dynamic and sets the tone for how Jinshi navigates his feelings awkwardly, and always a little too forward.

9 Maomao Takes Off Her Makeup in Front of Jinshi

When the Mask Comes Off, the Heart Shows in The Apothecary Diaries

This is one of the rare moments where Maomao reveals vulnerability, not through emotion, but by literally taking off the mask she wears in the palace. When she removes her makeup, she is not just returning to her natural face; she is stripping away the protection that her "ugly" makeup gives her from others. What makes the moment so intimate is how Jinshi reacts. Rather than recoil or mock her appearance, he is stunned and captivated.

Jinshi’s quiet awe contrasts with his usually teasing demeanor, revealing a sincerity that hits differently. It is a raw and human moment where appearances fall away, and something more honest slips through. For a relationship built on games and subtle push-pull dynamics, this scene is a turning point. Jinshi sees Maomao as she truly is, and likes her even more for it, even giving her a hairpin to show that she is under his protection.

8 Jinshi Gets Jealous About Maomao’s Leave

Green-Eyed Jinshi Makes an Appearance in The Apothecary Diaries

Jealousy is always a dead giveaway in a slow-burn romance, and when Maomao is granted a break from her palace duties but chooses to take another man with her, Jinshi’s reaction is immediate and not subtle. He is clearly upset by the thought of her being away, and even more by the idea of her being among men outside the court. His discomfort is not just about missing her; it is about losing control over their interactions, and possibly, his chances to grow closer to her.

This is a hilarious and important emotional moment because it shows Jinshi’s growing dependence on Maomao, not just as a court aid or an interesting puzzle, but as someone whose presence grounds him. It is a rare moment where his polished demeanor cracks. And while Maomao does not initially read too deeply into it, viewers can clearly see that the stakes of their connection are rising.

7 Maomao Welcomes Jinshi Home

When Maomao Acts Like a Wife (By Accident)

In a reversal of traditional romantic tropes, Maomao welcoming Jinshi back feels like a domestic moment borrowed from a married couple. She greets him with a "welcome home Master Jinshi" without fuss, but there is something warmer and more familiar in the air. Jinshi, probably going through a daydream of being married to her and living his dream life, freaks out at the blushing welcome and starts banging his head on the wall.

For a brief moment, Maomao acts not as a palace servant or a sarcastic apothecary, but as someone genuinely glad to see Jinshi return safely.

This seemingly mundane scene carries weight because it breaks their usual tension-filled rhythm. For a brief moment, Maomao acts not as a palace servant or a sarcastic apothecary, but as someone genuinely glad to see Jinshi return safely. The comfort and routine implied here elevate their bond beyond flirtation into something resembling emotional reliance, or perhaps even affection that neither is ready to name.

6 Maomao Helps Jinshi Become the Moon Fairy

Jinshi’s Sparkliest Sacrifice Yet in The Apothecary Diaries

Disguises and court performances are often used as comedic relief in anime, but this particular scene is laced with layers of deep emotion and wonder. When Maomao helps Jinshi don the role of the Moon Fairy, complete with a full, feminine transformation, it is more than just a makeover. It is a moment of profound trust and teamwork. Jinshi allows himself to be made ridiculous and beautiful, and Maomao takes full advantage, albeit with a straight face.

What makes the moment so delightful is the reversal of roles. Maomao is in complete control, and Jinshi, ever conscious of his dignity, lets himself be molded by her hands. It shows how comfortable he has become in her presence, enough to risk his pride. Their banter, laced with tension and familiarity, turns a silly costume scene into something surprisingly tender.

5 Jinshi Tries to Confess to Maomao

Jinshi Tried to Say It… and Maomao Missed It

Few things are more frustrating, yet funny, than a failed love confession, especially when it is interrupted not by circumstance, but by sheer emotional complexity. Jinshi’s attempt to confess to Maomao is undercut by her unintentional obliviousness and the societal gap that makes their relationship so difficult to define. He tries to reach her honestly, vulnerably, but Maomao does not respond in kind, because she knows that she, as a servant, should not have that information or knowledge and because she is highly distracted by the gift he gave her.

This missed connection is heartbreaking, not because it ends in rejection, but because of how real it feels. Jinshi has spent so long hiding behind wit and charm, and this moment is a rare glimpse into his sincerity. That he is met with confusion only adds to the emotional punch and hilariousness, because it is a moment where the viewer feels the ache of two people speaking different emotional languages.

4 An Indirect Kiss Between Maomao and Jinshi

The Classic Romance Anime Trope, Apothecary-Style

Few things are as loaded in an anime romance as the classic indirect kiss, and Maomao and Jinshi’s version does not disappoint. The trope works perfectly in their dynamic because it throws Maomao off in a way few things do. She is caught in a moment of hesitation, unsure what to do next, and Jinshi, knowing exactly what he has done, is watching closely for her reaction.

It is the hesitation and confusion that sells it. Maomao is not easily embarrassed, but the situation forces her to confront an emotional feeling she has avoided. Meanwhile, Jinshi is delighting in her rare fluster, though there is genuine affection behind the smirk. The indirect kiss functions as both a tease and a litmus test for their feelings, making it an unforgettable moment.

3 Jinshi Gives Maomao Mouth-to-Mouth​​​​​​​

When Saving a Life Feels Like a Kiss in The Apothecary Diaries

This scene is a blend of urgency, intimacy, and unintended consequences. When Maomao nearly dies and Jinshi gives her mouth-to-mouth, it is done out of necessity, but that does not stop the moment from landing like a kiss. When she awakens and realizes what has happened, her reaction is a rare mix of alarm and fluster. For someone as composed as Maomao, that reaction says a lot.

It is a scene that pushes Maomao and Jinshi's relationship from coy flirtation into deeper emotional territory.

Jinshi, meanwhile, is shaken in his own way. The event forces them both to confront the fragility of life, and their feelings. It is a scene that pushes Maomao and Jinshi's relationship from coy flirtation into deeper emotional territory. That moment of forced closeness, born from a crisis, lingers well beyond the initial tension.

2 The Apothecary Diaries' Infamous Frog Scene

Maomao and Jinshi Experience Frogs, Flailing, and Flushed Faces

One of the most chaotic, and strangely sensual, moments in The Apothecary Diaries is the frog scene, where Maomao falls and lands on top of Jinshi, accidentally grabbing his "frog." This scene is a big deal for many reasons, because Maomao up until this moment had believed Jinshi to be eunuch, and she finds out, firsthand (literally), that he is certainly not one. This is also a moment of romantic tension between the two because it leads to Jinshi getting on top of Maomao and starting to do more, before being interrupted.

This moment is peak Maomao x Jinshi, because it is strange, tense, and undeniably charged. It is also symbolic of how their relationship defies typical romantic setups. It is not a candlelit dinner or a shared umbrella in the rain, it is a bizarre, frog-filled scenario that somehow becomes intimate through sheer absurdity and awkwardness. Only these two could make a scene like this pulse with chemistry.

1 Maomao Saves Jinshi’s Life​​​​​​​ in The Apothecary Diaries

When the Apothecary Becomes the Hero

There is no stronger emotional climax than a life-or-death situation, and when Maomao steps in to save Jinshi, it cements her role as more than just a palace apothecary. Her quick thinking and dedication not only prevent tragedy but make it clear how much she values him, though she would never say it outright. The moment is harrowing, and Jinshi’s shaken gratitude says more than words ever could.

Their dynamic in The Apothecary Diaries shifts after this point. Jinshi, who is so used to being in control, sees firsthand how Maomao's intelligence and care can protect him. It is a scene of emotional reciprocity, where Maomao, usually so emotionally distant, shows a flicker of fear and urgency. And Jinshi, once saved, looks at her with a mix of reverence and something deeper that is bordering on love.