Chue is one of the most intriguing figures in The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), and honestly, it’s hard not to be drawn into the mystery that surrounds him. From the moment Chue appears on screen, there’s an unmistakable tension in the air—something about his calm demeanor and quiet presence just signals that things are about to get complicated. And yet, despite being a skilled assassin working for a powerful faction within the imperial court, Chue isn’t your typical villain or even a straightforward antagonist. In fact, he’s far more nuanced than that.
What makes Chue so compelling is the contrast between his deadly profession and the subtle moral code he seems to follow. Sure, he carries out his missions with cold precision—efficient, focused, and utterly fearless—but there’s more beneath the surface. Chue operates by a set of internal principles, which becomes increasingly evident as the story unfolds. He may work in the shadows, but he doesn’t seem driven by cruelty or greed. Instead, Chue appears to value integrity, loyalty, and perhaps even justice, albeit in his own unique way.
And then there’s his relationship with Maomao, the series’ sharp-witted protagonist. Their interactions are layered with unspoken understanding and mutual respect, even though they come from vastly different worlds. Chue doesn’t open up easily—after all, secrecy is part of his nature—but through these exchanges, viewers start to see glimpses of something deeper. It’s not friendship in the traditional sense, but rather a complex dynamic built on trust, intellect, and shared purpose. Chue may never say much, but when he does, it matters.
One of the reasons Chue stands out so much is because of his personality. If you were to analyze him through psychological frameworks, Chue fits the ENTP type pretty well. He’s clever, adaptive, and always thinking several steps ahead. Chue thrives on intellectual challenges and isn’t afraid to question authority or bend the rules when necessary. He’s not rebellious for the sake of it—he just values truth and effectiveness over blind obedience. That kind of independent thinking makes Chue unpredictable, which only adds to his allure.
Looking deeper, Chue also embodies the traits of an Enneagram 1w9. On one hand, he has the principled mindset of a Type 1—driven by a strong sense of right and wrong, always striving to do what’s ethically sound. But mixed with that is the calming influence of the Type 9 wing, which gives Chue a desire for peace and balance. He doesn’t seek conflict unnecessarily, and when tensions rise, Chue often acts as a stabilizing force. This blend explains why he can be both firm in his convictions and remarkably composed under pressure. Chue isn’t just following orders; he’s navigating a morally complex world with a quiet sense of purpose.
As the plot progresses, Chue’s true loyalties begin to blur, and that’s where the real suspense kicks in. Is he truly loyal to his employers? Or does he have a larger vision—one that aligns more with justice than power? These questions keep fans guessing, and every move Chue makes feels like another piece of a much bigger puzzle. His actions ripple through the imperial court, influencing events in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. Chue might not be in the spotlight all the time, but when he shows up, you know something important is about to happen.
In the end, Chue from The Apothecary Diaries isn’t just another shadowy operative. He’s a character full of contradictions—lethal yet principled, reserved yet perceptive, obedient yet independently minded. Whether you’re analyzing him through MBTI or Enneagram lenses, one thing remains clear: Chue brings depth, intrigue, and emotional complexity to the story. And as the drama unfolds, Chue continues to captivate audiences, leaving them wondering—not just what he’ll do next, but who he really is beneath that calm exterior.
Expecting the impossible is a good way to end in a bad place.