The Apothecary Diaries is a perfect example of a slow-burn anime that fully commits to its pacing, and it’s truly all the better for it. Where many romance-driven series rush emotional arcs or rely on familiar tropes and tension, The Apothecary Diaries takes its time. The central relationship unfolds slowly with an abundance of tension, meaningful pauses, and one-sided longing gazes. Nothing between Maomao and Jinshi feels forced.