The relationship between Jinshi and Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries can often make one gnash their nails in frustration. The two can neither come out with their feelings nor keep them properly contained. Two seasons in, and the main couple still haven’t made proper confessions to each other.
Of course, the biggest reason behind their secrecy and second-guessing is the difference between their social standings. Despite all of the taboos and secrets, Jinshi still tries his best to convey his affections to Maomao, and she, in return, accepts those gestures and protects them with all her heart.
Maomao confirms her feelings for Jinshi in The Apothecary Diaries
In a recent episode, Maomao and Shisui were getting ready together when Maomao needed her hair to be tied again. Shisui volunteered to help her with her hair, and Maomao brought out the hairpin Jinshi had given her to tie her hair with. Shisui quite liked the hairpin and asked Maomao if she would give it to her as a favor.
Maomao, contrary to her nature, immediately rejected the plea. She thought back to how Jinshi would react if he came to know she had given it away. He would probably pout and not be happy with the information, and she would not be able to get away with it due to his uncanny ability to find out the truth and understand feelings.
However, Maomao’s refusal to lend the hairpin also had more to do with her own feelings for Jinshi. So far, she has done a lot of things which could otherwise upset Jinshi, but that did not stop her before, so why now? She has probably begun to not only realize her feelings for Jinshi but also accept them. Thus, she cannot simply give away the hairpin that her beloved has gifted her.
The hairpin is but a small gift from Jinshi
The hairpin is one of the smallest gifts that Jinshi has ever given her. In fact, there are tons of other things that he has gifted her which has brought her far more joy. Jinshi regularly bribes her with medicinal herbs and medicine-related apparatus, which makes Maomao’s eyes gleam in unabated anticipation.
The hairpin, on the other hand, was one of the gifts that Maomao did not quite cherish as much till this point in the story. She never even wore it, and Jinshi would often be suspicious that she had actually sold it instead of keeping the hairpin for herself. But other than that, Jinshi’s biggest gift to Maomao is probably his forgiveness.
Maomao regularly breaks rules and does things that could potentially put Jinshi in trouble or jeopardize her own position. Most of the time, Jinshi is worried sick about her. If it were any other person, Maomao would have already been exiled or imprisoned, or worse. But Jinshi is patient with her and gives her the time she requires to complete her duties. In front of his never-ending mercy and patience, the hairpin is merely an insignificant gift.
The Apothecary Diaries is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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