Chapter 3801
Rowan’s family largely overlooked him, especially his mother. She seldom expressed concern for him, believing that with eight older brothers to watch over him, he would be fine. However, this also meant Rowan faced considerable pressure in his studies. Many of his teachers had taught his brothers before him, so if his grades slipped even slightly, they would compare him to them. Rowan was consistently under intense pressure.
Despite this, he was among the top students in his class and ranked within the top ten in the entire city. Yet, when he measured himself against his brothers, he felt inadequate. His eight older brothers had skipped grades throughout elementary, junior high, and high school, while Rowan had to advance at a standard pace once he entered junior high. Having one outstanding older brother is challenging enough; having eight exceptional ones intensified the pressure.
“Grandma asked me to make sure you’re picked up from the airport today,” Rowan said. “Since I went home yesterday for the holiday, I thought I’d come to get you myself.” He glanced at the bodyguards accompanying his eldest brother, who were busy carrying the luggage, leaving him with little to do.
“Sister-in-law, are you hungry?” Rowan inquired of Serenity. “I brought some snacks in the car for you. You can enjoy them when we get in. Grandma also asked the chef to prepare some of your favorite dishes. Oh, and Young Master Julian is here with his fiancée. Grandma’s hosting them at home.”
As they walked, Rowan chatted with Serenity, referring to Zachary as “big brother” and playfully pinching Sonny’s cheek. They strolled side by side, appearing so close that anyone unfamiliar with them might think…
They were indeed siblings. Zachary, cradling the still-sleeping Sonny, observed his wife and younger brother walking ahead with a tinge of jealousy. Sonny had slept through everything, even when Rowan pinched his cheek. Zachary figured that since Sonny was now so well-rested, he likely wouldn’t nap once they got home. With Rowan around to keep him entertained, the two of them might end up bouncing off the walls all afternoon.
Rowan, who was just beginning his vacation, deserved a few days to unwind and relax—a sentiment that the entire family shared. Education is important, but prioritizing mental and physical health is even more essential. Nowadays, far too many high school students bear the heavy burden of academic pressure, parents’ relentless expectations, and the demands of school. Some even experience severe stress and depression, with tragic instances where children feel trapped with no way out.
Zachary didn’t want Rowan to reach that breaking point. Although Rowan seemed to manage stress well, Zachary knew that if the pressure ever became overwhelming, they could always consider sending him abroad. For now, Rowan didn’t need to stress about college admissions; it was merely a matter of which university he would choose. He didn’t want to leave for abroad too early, and the family respected his wishes.
“Rowan, could you help me hold Sonny?” Zachary called out. “I’ve been carrying him the whole way, and my arms are getting sore.”
Rowan quickly stepped over and took Sonny from Zachary’s arms. “How long has Sonny been sleeping?” he asked.
“He fell asleep just after we boarded the plane and hasn’t woken up since. He sleeps like a log,” Zachary replied with a laugh, gently pinching Sonny’s cheek.
Rowan lifted Sonny so that the boy’s head rested on his shoulder. As he strolled alongside Serenity, he continued to engage her in conversation, sharing amusing tales from his school days.
“Sister-in-law,” Rowan inquired, “when is my little nephew expected to arrive? Will he be born after my college entrance exams? It would be wonderful if he could wait until then, so that when he arrives, he’ll see me, his ninth uncle, first. That way, we can bond right from the beginning!”
Zachary couldn’t resist teasing him, “My son will definitely see his dad first, not his little uncle. Don’t forget, you have many older brothers and numerous elders ahead of you!”