After leaving, Rowan went to the steel factory. Since he was getting married, he had to inform his sister and brother-in-law.
"Boss, you're back? When did you arrive?"
"Just got here today. Came to see you two."
"Come on, it's just the end of the workday. Let's go home for dinner."
"Alright."
"Jilan, guess who I brought home."
"Who? Go wash your hands, it's time to eat."
Looking up and seeing her third brother, Jilan was thrilled. "Rowan, you're back? When did you get here? How long can you stay this time?"
"A week. Where are Yen and Xin? Not home?"
"They went to play with other kids in the yard. They'll be back soon."
As she finished speaking, some kids ran in, one of them calling out, "Mama, can we eat now? We're hungry."
"Almost ready. Look who's here today."
"Yen, Xin, do you still remember who I am?" Rowan stepped forward and picked up one child in each arm.
"Uncle! I know, you're our uncle," said Yen, Jilan's oldest son.
Rowan smiled and asked, "Xin, don't you remember me?"
Jilan picked up her daughter and said, "Rowan, come sit and eat. It's been years since you came back. You expect a kid to remember you? Wait two more years, and I might not recognize you either."
Rowan didn't say anything, feeling a bit guilty. At first, he used to come back during holidays, but later he avoided home because of all the pressure to date and get married. It really had been years.
Shiyan saw Rowan's awkward expression and quickly tried to lighten the mood. "Come on, let's eat before the food gets cold."
Jilan rolled her eyes at Shiyan. It was summer—no way the food would get cold. Couldn't he come up with a better excuse?
After dinner, Shiyan cleaned up and sat next to Rowan. "So, what brings you back this time?"
"I'm getting married. In a few days, once Mother confirms the date, we'll have the wedding."
"What? Who's the bride?"
"Someone from the village. Her name is Sienna."
"Wait, I remember Sienna's only 18. How could you even think of marrying her?" Jilan looked at him like he was a monster.
Shiyan heard that and thought the same. Considering Rowan's age, it felt like he was a grown man taking advantage of a young girl. Not right.
Seeing their reactions, Rowan scratched his nose, looking a bit embarrassed. He didn't think he was that old. Why were they acting like he committed a crime?
"Yes, she's 18. That's the legal age for marriage."
Jilan rolled her eyes. "Fine. Once you set the date, let me know. Actually, I'll just head back tomorrow to check myself."
"Jilan, I came to ask you something else."
"What is it?"
"I want your help at the supply store to buy a few things. Stuff girls usually like. I'm not good at picking them. I also need to get a few wedding items."
"Alright, no problem."
By the time Rowan got home, it was after dinner. He gave the things he bought to his mother to sort.
"Mom, these are for the wedding. Some are for Sienna too. I'll bring them to her soon."
"Alright. I also need to talk to you about the bride price and wedding day."
"Okay, go ahead."
After listening, Rowan said, "I'll do whatever you say."
"Rowan, you agreed to marry her yourself, so you have to treat Sienna well. Don't ever look down on her. If it gets hard, I can help take care of things."
"Mom, what did you say? I chose to marry her myself. I know what I'm doing."
"Mom, please help clean up the firewood room tomorrow. My comrades are coming to my wedding."
"I'll ask your older brothers to prepare a proper room. We can't let them sleep in the firewood room."
"No need, Mom. It's just for a night or two. They'll leave with me after the wedding to go back to the base."
"Alright then."
The day before the wedding, Rowan's two comrades arrived. He went to the train station to pick them up.
"Rowan, why did you come? We could have found the way ourselves. No need to trouble you."
"It's no trouble. You came just at the right time. I'm getting married tomorrow."
They were all shocked when they heard this. They looked at him, wondering if he had gone crazy.
"It's true. I've decided to get married. My mom tricked me into coming back by saying something happened, but it was really because she wanted me to get married."
"Oh, that's good then."
"Hahaha, Rowan, didn't you used to say women are too delicate, need pampering and coaxing, and that you didn't want to get married? Looks like you've changed your mind." That was Felix talking.
Before, when they told him to get married, that's what he said. But now, he was really going to do it.
Rowan didn't mind. "I think she's great. I liked her the moment I saw her. I'm willing to take care of her and love her."
"Really? Then we have to meet this sister-in-law. She must be really beautiful to make you fall so hard."
"Yes, she's very pretty. You'll see when you meet her."
After eating with them at a state-owned restaurant, Rowan brought them back home.
"You're back, third son."
"Mom, these are my three good buddies. This is Felix."
"This is Steve."
"This is Brandon."
"Hello, Auntie."
"You're Rowan's comrades, right? Come in, come in."
"Thank you, Auntie."
Cuilan let them in and started preparing food.
At dinner, Rowan introduced them to Sienna. When the three of them saw her, they were stunned. She was so beautiful.
"Sienna, this is Felix, Steve, and Brandon. They're all my good friends."
Sienna politely greeted them. "Hello."
"This is Sienna, my fiancée. Soon she'll be my wife."
"Sister-in-law. Hello."
Finally, Tomas spoke up and told everyone to sit and eat.
"Let's all sit and eat. Rowan's friends have been on the train for days and must be tired. Let them eat and rest first. You can talk more tomorrow."
"Yes, yes. Everyone, sit and eat," Cuilan agreed.
After dinner, Cuilan spoke to Rowan, asking him to take Sienna back to her home early the next morning so they could come pick her up properly.
"Take her back early in the morning. She needs time to get ready. She must leave from her own home so her parents can see her off."
"Okay, I understand, Mom. I'll go rest now."
After he left, Cuilan went to Sienna's room.