A Heartwarming Journey Through Time in Don't Disturb My Study (2021)
Don't Disturb My Study (2021) is a Chinese youth drama that blends time-travel, high school nostalgia, and personal growth into a refreshing and heartfelt story. Adapted from the novel Bie Xiang Da Rao Wo Xue Xi by Yue Liu Guang, this 24-episode series, directed by Chen Fei Hong, aired on Mango TV and Hunan TV from March 10 to March 30, 2021. With a stellar cast led by Li Landi as Nan Xiangwan and Lai Kuanlin as Lin Xiaoran, the drama offers a unique take on the pressures of academic life, the value of friendship, and the power of second chances. Here’s why this underrated gem deserves your attention.
A Fresh Spin on the Time-Travel Trope
On the surface, she’s confident and successful, but beneath this facade, she battles anxiety rooted in academic discrimination and past traumas from her high school years. Through innovative psychotherapy, Nan is transported back to 2011, reliving her senior year in high school. She wakes up in the middle of an exam, initially believing her classmates are cosplaying, only to realize she’s been given a chance to rewrite her past.
Unlike typical school dramas that lean heavily on romance, Don’t Disturb My Study focuses on personal growth and camaraderie. Nan, initially fixated on academic success to secure a spot at Guanghua University, faces challenges like disruptive classmates, strained family ties, and painful memories. Her journey is less about changing her future and more about rediscovering what she lost in her youth—friendship, self-worth, and a balanced perspective on life.
Compelling Characters and Chemistry
Li Landi shines as Nan Xiangwan, portraying a headstrong yet relatable protagonist. Her mature outlook as a 28-year-old in a teenager’s body allows her to tackle high school dilemmas with wisdom, earning her classmates’ respect. She helps resolve conflicts, from reinstating a student accused of cheating to saving the school’s auditorium, all while maintaining her focus on studies. Her growth from a study-obsessed loner to a supportive friend is both inspiring and heartwarming.
Lai Kuanlin’s Lin Xiaoran, a passionate sports student with dreams of becoming a pilot, is the perfect foil to Nan. Their relationship starts with playful antagonism—Lin leads a “disturbance group” to tease Nan—but evolves into a supportive partnership. Their chemistry is understated yet electric, capturing the innocent, fluttery essence of first love without relying on excessive skinship or clichéd love triangles. Fans praise their natural dynamic, with one viewer noting, “They absolutely sell the ‘innocent first love’ feeling.”
The supporting cast, including Wang Run Ze and Chen Shujun, adds depth, with each character having their own struggles and growth arcs. While some reviews mention the side characters’ stories feeling underdeveloped, their presence contributes to the drama’s warm, community-driven vibe.
Themes That Resonate
Don’t Disturb My Study tackles universal themes like the pressure of academic expectations, the weight of parental disapproval, and the search for self-worth. The drama highlights the intense burden of China’s college entrance exams, offering a glimpse into the realities of student life. Yet, it also challenges the notion that test scores define success. Nan learns that everyone has unique strengths, and “winning” isn’t everything—a message that resonates deeply with viewers.
The show’s emphasis on healthy relationships sets it apart. There are no toxic love rivals or over-the-top villains, just realistic characters navigating their flaws and dreams. The camaraderie in Class 7, guided by the quirky and supportive Teacher Wang, fosters a sense of unity that’s both comforting and uplifting. As one reviewer put it, “This is one of the best high school dramas I’ve watched, showing the struggles students face with exams and the support they have for each other.”
A Few Flaws, But Still a Gem
While the drama is widely praised, some viewers felt the ending was rushed, with a time jump that left side characters’ arcs unresolved. The plot twist, though satisfying, could have benefited from more exploration of the “in-between” years. Additionally, those expecting a romance-heavy story might find the focus on friendship and studies less engaging. However, the special episode offers extra romantic moments for fans of Nan and Lin’s relationship.
The OST, featuring a catchy opening theme sung by Lai Kuanlin, is another highlight, perfectly complementing the drama’s lighthearted yet emotional tone. Viewers have compared its quality to the beloved OST of Go Go Squid.
Why You Should Watch
Don’t Disturb My Study is a refreshing departure from clichéd youth dramas. Its focus on personal growth, supportive friendships, and realistic portrayals of high school life makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The chemistry between Li Landi and Lai Kuanlin, combined with a meaningful message about valuing more than just academic success, elevates this drama to a hidden gem. As one Reddit user raved, “It’s the kind that pushes you to keep watching… It will help heal your heart.”
If you’re looking for a drama that’s heartwarming, motivational, and free of unnecessary drama, Don’t Disturb My Study is available on platforms like Viki and YouTube with English subtitles. Give it a try—you might find yourself wishing for a second chance at your own high school days!