Sludge suction system

Clutching the Gong family token that carried her family's bloodline, Bai Pingping walked with heavy yet firm steps toward the majestic and solemn mansion of the Gong family. Along the way, her emotions were like surging waves, filled with both unease about the unknown and longing and anticipation for her loved ones.

When she finally stood before the vermilion gate, its towering doors seemed like a barrier between the past and the future. Bai Pingping composed herself and knocked on the door knocker. The crisp sound echoed in the silent air, and after a short while, the door slowly opened, and the doorman eyed her warily. Bai Pingping took a deep breath and said, "I am Bai Pingping, requesting an audience with Senior Gong Nandou. I have important matters to discuss." Upon hearing this, the doorman turned and went inside to announce her arrival.

A moment later, Bai Pingping was led through a winding corridor into a spacious and bright hall. In the hall, an elderly man with white hair, yet still exuding a vigorous air, sat regally in the main seat, his gaze piercing, as if he could see through everything. This man was Gong Nandou. The years had etched deep and shallow wrinkles on his face, but his straight back and composed demeanor still displayed the bearing of the head of the family.

Bai Pingping walked steadily to the center of the hall, knelt down, and respectfully raised the Gong family token above her head with both hands. Her voice trembled slightly as she said, "Grandfather, your unfilial granddaughter Bai Pingping has finally found this place after many twists and turns." Tears glistened in her eyes, a genuine expression of her longing for family affection after years of wandering and loneliness.

The moment Gong Nandou saw the token, his body trembled violently, and an indescribable mix of excitement and complex emotions flashed in his eyes. He quickly stood up, took a few steps to Bai Pingping, and took the token with trembling hands. He carefully examined every detail, muttering to himself, "This is Ling'er's token. You... what exactly is going on with you?"

Bai Pingping raised her head, tears welling up uncontrollably and slowly sliding down her cheeks: "Grandfather, my mother is Gong Ling'er, she... she is no longer alive." As she said these words, her heart seemed to be struck a heavy blow, and a wave of grief surged into her heart, her voice becoming choked with sobs.

Upon hearing this, Gong Nandou was struck dumb, his body swayed, his facial muscles twitched slightly, and the light in his eyes dimmed instantly, replaced by endless grief and sorrow: "Ling'er... my Ling'er, how could this happen?" His voice was hoarse and low, filled with longing and reluctance for his daughter, as if his voice had traveled through time and space, returning to the years he spent with his daughter.

Suppressing her grief, Bai Pingping sobbed as she recounted the story of her life as she knew it: "Back then, my mother and father, Bai Yan, chose to leave their family and live in seclusion in White Bird Valley for love. There, we spent a peaceful and happy time. However, fate played a cruel trick on us, and my mother still left us. My father has stayed in the valley ever since, guarding the memories of my mother, unwilling to take a single step out. His heart has also closed itself off since my mother's departure."

Gong Nandou listened quietly, his expression shifting between grief for his daughter's early death, regret for his past decisions, and deep tenderness for his granddaughter, whom he had never met but who had endured so much hardship. After a long while, he sighed, as if to pour out all the pent-up frustration and sorrow in his heart: "Child, get up. You have suffered all these years."

Bai Pingping slowly rose, gently wiping away the tears on her face with her sleeve, and looked up at her maternal grandfather. At this moment, the two of them locked eyes, a thousand words unspoken in their silent gaze.

Gong Nandou looked at Bai Pingping, who looked exactly like Ling'er, and fell into a reverie.

Gong Nandou slowly sat back in his chair, his eyes gradually becoming unfocused, as if lost in deep memories. The hall was silent, save for his slightly heavy breathing. After a long while, he finally spoke, his voice carrying an undisguised sorrow:

“Ling’er was spoiled since she was a child. She has a stubborn personality, but a kind heart. Back then, after that boy Bai Yan appeared, Ling’er was like a different person. She devoted all her attention to him.” A trace of tenderness flashed in Gong Nandou’s eyes. It was a memory of his daughter’s happy past. But soon, this tenderness was replaced by pain.

“As her father, I naturally hope that she can find a good home and marry into a family of equal social standing, so that she can live a worry-free life. But she is determined to be with Bai Yan, completely disregarding the family’s opposition.” Gong Nandou’s fist clenched slightly, and his face showed a mixture of pain and helplessness, as if he had returned to the scene of that fierce argument years ago.

“We tried to dissuade her many times, and even resorted to family discipline, but Ling’er just wouldn’t change her mind. She only had eyes for Bai Yan, and for him, she was willing to break with her family.” At this point, Gong Nandou’s voice trembled slightly, and tears welled up in his eyes, revealing a father’s deep love for his daughter and the pain of losing her.

“That day, she left a letter and eloped with Bai Yan. I was furious and anxious at the time, and sent people everywhere to search for them, but in the vast sea of ​​people, there was no trace of them. From then on, Ling’er seemed to have disappeared from this world. I woke up countless times in the night, filled with self-blame, regretting why I couldn’t understand her more back then, and maybe I wouldn’t have driven her away.” Gong Nandou’s tears finally welled up and flowed slowly down his wrinkled cheeks, dripping onto his clothes and soaking a patch.

Bai Pingping stood to the side, listening quietly to her grandfather's story, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She was moved by the sincere love between her parents, yet heartbroken by the suffering her grandfather had endured over the years. At this moment, she understood even more clearly how much joy and sorrow, separation and helplessness were hidden behind this relationship.

With trembling hands, Gong Nandou slowly pulled a yellowed letter from his robes. The edges of the letter were slightly curled, as if bearing the weight of time and profound longing. He gently stroked the letter, his eyes filled with complex emotions—longing, regret, and love. After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice trembling slightly:

“Pingping, this is the letter your mother left behind.”

The handwriting on the letter was delicate and lively, as if every stroke contained Gong Ling'er's deep affection and resolute determination:

"Your father respectfully reports:"

Your daughter is unfilial; today, against your wishes, she has secretly left with Bai Yan. But your daughter knows that when love takes hold, the heart is drawn to it, and it is difficult to extricate herself. Bai Yan is the most important person in my life, and being with him, even with simple meals, brings me immense joy.

The daughter understands the family's expectations of her, and knows that this action will cause her father great distress, but the choice between love and family is like being pierced by a thousand arrows. The daughter dares not ask for her father's forgiveness, and only wishes that her father take care of his health and not grieve too much for her.

The road ahead may be full of thorns, but your daughter will bravely move forward and weather the storms hand in hand with Bai Yan. May everything go well for your father in the family; if you have the chance, I will definitely come back to visit him.

May you be safe and sound.

Daughter: Ling'er, respectfully yours.

Bai Pingping took the letter, tears welling in her eyes. Through the lines of writing, she seemed to see her young mother struggling painfully between love and responsibility, ultimately leaving resolutely for love. That letter, carrying her mother's deep affection, courage, and helplessness, became an emotional bond connecting the past and the present, giving her a deeper understanding of her parents' love and a clearer understanding of her family's past.

"By the way, Grandfather, there is another very important matter that I have come here on this occasion," Bai Pingping said with a serious expression.