Given how she treats him compared to the other men in her life, and how she cares for him when he is unwell, it is hard to say she dislikes him. Even if she does not view their relationship as romantic, she clearly cares about him to some extent and is somewhat aware of his feelings. Of course, the creators deliberately withhold her inner thoughts when she interacts with Jinshi. This ambiguity is intentional, and it makes the show more interesting.

At the same time, Maomao’s upbringing makes it difficult for her to form such connections with others. Even if she harbors romantic feelings for Jinshi, she refuses to give in to them, knowing that entering a relationship with a member of the royal family spells nothing but trouble. She saw it first-hand in the royal court, and in Loulan’s homeland. This is an attitude she has displayed from the very beginning. It’s her self-preservation instinct at play.