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After deciding to relocate north, Suning demonstrated remarkable efficiency.

The “SU” garment factory in Syracuse continues to operate normally, taking on some sporadic military orders to support its operations.

However, the core funds, the latest equipment blueprints, and several of the most reliable tailors and technicians have already begun to be secretly transferred north through various channels.

On the morning of our departure, before dawn, the sea was shrouded in mist.

An unassuming but modified black sedan was parked at the back door of the villa, its engine humming softly.

Malena carried only a small leather suitcase containing her few personal belongings and a few relatively conservative pieces of clothing that Suning had given her.

She glanced back one last time at the small apartment that held the weight of her brief marriage and endless loneliness, her eyes filled with a complex mix of relief and apprehension about the unknown.

Su Ning opened the car door for her, her tone calm yet reassuring: "Let's go! Everything here will be in the past."

Malena took a deep breath, bent down and sat in the car, burying herself in the shadows.

The car slowly drove out of Syracuse, avoiding the main roads and choosing some more remote highways to head north.

The wounds of war have begun to show on the Italian peninsula.

Along the way, they saw destroyed bridges, abandoned tanks, and groups of emaciated refugees.

The air always seemed to be filled with a mixture of gunpowder smoke and despair.

There are numerous checkpoints and strict inspections.

But Suning seems to have been prepared.

The travel documents he obtained through Major Ferrante's connections, along with the cigarettes, chocolates, and even small bags of coffee he would subtly offer from time to time, all became tools for smoothing things over.

The tired and greedy soldiers, after seeing the documents and "small gifts," would mostly wave them on and let them pass, not even bothering to take a closer look at Malena, who was huddled inside the vehicle with her face half-covered by a scarf.

The journey was not comfortable and was even fraught with risks.

On two occasions, they narrowly escaped Allied air raids and had to hastily take refuge in roadside farmhouses or culverts.

Food and clean drinking water also became scarce, and the compressed biscuits and bottled water stored in Suning's storage space became their most important supplies.

Malena had never experienced such hardship and displacement. She pursed her lips, her face pale, but she never uttered a single complaint.

She knew perfectly well that leaving Syracuse was the path she had chosen, or rather, the only path she could take.

Suning appeared unusually calm during the journey.

He skillfully drove the vehicle, dealt with checks, and found safe places to rest.

His calmness and thoughtfulness gave Malena a sense of security.

She would occasionally steal glances at his profile as he focused on driving; this Eastern man seemed to possess boundless secrets and power.

After several days of bumpy travel, when they finally crossed the Apennine Mountains and their view gradually opened up, the outline of a city that, although equally ravaged by war, was far larger and more impressive than Syracuse, appeared on the horizon. Even Suning breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Milan, we've arrived.

……

Milan at this time was not a peaceful and prosperous place either.

The Allied bombing left behind many ruins, and pedestrians hurried along the streets with somber expressions, with signs of scarcity of supplies everywhere.

Even so, it still retains an inherent sense of grandeur and order.

The towering church dome, the magnificent train station, and the architectural facades that, though covered in dust, still reveal their former beauty, all testify to the rich heritage of this important northern city.

Without stopping, Su Ning drove directly to a property he had previously arranged to purchase—a townhouse in a relatively quiet area of ​​the city.

Unlike the ostentatious villas in Syracuse, these are more sturdy and practical, with independent courtyards and solid basements. More importantly, they maintain a proper distance from neighbors, offering better privacy.

“We’ve arrived. From now on, this will be our home in Milan,” Suning said to the somewhat tired Malena beside him as he parked the car.

Malena got out of the car and looked around at the unfamiliar building and the surrounding cityscape, which was very different from the Sicilian style.

The air was dry, carrying the dusty smell characteristic of industrial cities, lacking the salty dampness of the sea breeze.

A strong sense of alienation welled up inside me, but it was also accompanied by a strange sense of ease, as if I had been freed from the shackles of the past.

The interior of the villa has been simply furnished and cleaned, and is fully equipped with furniture. Although not luxurious, it is comfortable enough.

Su Ning took her hand and led her to familiarize herself with each room, finally arriving at the master bedroom.

"You should rest well and take a hot bath. If you need anything, just tell the housekeeper. I hired her from Switzerland, and she's trustworthy." Suning's arrangements were meticulous and thoughtful. "I'll handle the factory and shop matters. You should get used to life in Milan for the next few days."

Malena nodded, looked out at the unfamiliar streets, and asked softly, "Is there really no one here who knows me?"

Suning smiled slightly, his tone resolute: "In Milan, you are simply Malena, the muse and partner of the 'SU' brand. Forget Syracuse, this will be your place of rebirth."

His words were like a promise, dispelling the last trace of unease in Malena's heart.

She knew that from the moment she embarked on her journey north, she had already said goodbye to the Malena Scotia of the past.

In this unfamiliar northern city, she will rely on the man beside her and begin a completely different life.

The future remains shrouded in mystery, but at least she has escaped the sinking island and embarked on a new continent with more possibilities.

Suning successfully led her away from the controversy, clearing a major obstacle for their next move.

……

After settling in Milan for several weeks, Suning's northward relocation plan has begun to get on track.

A new factory located on the outskirts of Milan has begun operation, and its scale directly surpasses that of the medium-sized garment factory in Syracuse.

With more advanced management concepts and core craftsmen brought from the south, they have been able to undertake some intricate custom orders.

After all, Suning took the risk of relocating to Milan in order to expand its business.

Meanwhile, he has acquired a well-located street-front shop in the heart of Milan, which is currently undergoing intensive renovations and is preparing to serve as a high-end showroom for the "SU" brand in the north.

However, to truly establish a foothold in Milan, a single factory and shop are far from sufficient.

Integrating into the local business network, making connections with influential figures, and acquiring information and resources are crucial steps.

A charity fundraising ball hosted by an industrial tycoon in Milan became the perfect stage.

On the night of the ball, a luxurious mansion near Via Montenapoleone was brightly lit.

Luxury cars of all kinds arrived one after another, and well-dressed male and female guests entered arm in arm, the air filled with perfume, cigars and the lingering atmosphere of luxury that persisted even after the war.

When Suning's car stopped in front of the red carpet, it didn't attract much attention. He got out of the car first, wearing a perfectly tailored black evening suit that perfectly combined his mysterious Eastern temperament with his composed demeanor.

However, when he bent down slightly and reached his hand into the car, all the glances that were casually looking in his direction froze instantly.

A slender hand wearing a long black velvet glove gently rested on his palm, and then a figure gracefully leaned out.

Malena appeared.

She did not choose the currently popular bright colors or elaborate decorations.

The dress that Suning prepared for her was an off-the-shoulder evening gown that he personally helped design, in an extremely pure, almost light-absorbing jet black.

The fabric is made of a top-quality velvet with a subtle sheen that flows like a dark starry river under the light.

The dress features extremely simple lines, clinging tightly to her renowned and stunning figure, outlining a flawless curve from her shoulders and neck to her waist and hips. The back features a bold deep V-neck design, revealing a large expanse of snow-white and delicate skin, connected only by a few slender black ribbons, exuding both nobility and a deadly sexiness.

She wore no necklace, only two teardrop-shaped black diamond stud earrings on her earlobes, which complemented her dress.

Her long, golden hair was pulled up high and styled into a slightly loose yet charming bun, with a few unruly strands falling down her slender neck.

Her makeup was exquisite, but it highlighted her already captivating eyes, which held a hint of aloofness, unease, and the reserve that Su Ning had deliberately cultivated in her as someone new to high society.

This extremely simple yet incredibly charming outfit created a striking contrast with the jewel-encrusted and overly elaborate attire of the socialites at the ball.

She was like a black swan that had strayed into a flock of peacocks—quiet and mysterious, yet with an overwhelming, almost savage beauty, she instantly captivated everyone's breath and gaze.

Whispers spread like a tide at the entrance.

"God...who is she?"

"Never seen before...who is that Easterner?"

"This is incredible...this kind of aura..."

"Her dress...what's a new design from which brand? I've never seen this design before!"

The spotlight began flashing, and countless eyes were fixed on us...

Amazed, curious, envious, scrutinizing...

Everyone's attention was focused on Malena.

She instinctively tightened her grip on Su Ning's arm, her fingertips applying slight pressure.

Su Ning sensed her nervousness, gently patted the back of her hand, and whispered, "Remember, tonight you are the queen, and they are your subjects. Smile, keep your distance, and just follow me."

His voice was steady and powerful, carrying an undeniable authority.

He led her calmly into the ballroom.

Faced with curious glances and tentative greetings, Suning responded appropriately, introducing himself in fluent Italian: "SU, a businessman from the East, working in the clothing industry in Milan."

As for Malena, he simply referred to her as "my muse, Miss Malena".

He didn't rush her to chat with too many people, but skillfully guided the conversation, steer the topic toward business and art, and occasionally mention his "good" working relationship with the military in Sicily, implying his power and connections.

Malena followed his instructions, mostly standing quietly beside him, occasionally offering a faint, polite smile, or responding to others' compliments with simple words.

Her silence and mystery only fueled people's curiosity.

As the music started, Suning naturally put his arm around Malena's waist and slid onto the dance floor.

Malena wasn't an expert in dance steps, but she had an excellent sense of rhythm and quickly caught up with the beat under Suning's guidance.

They twirled on the dance floor, their black skirts tracing elegant arcs.

She nestled in his arms, looking up at his calm and composed expression, as if he were in complete control of the situation. The unease in her heart was gradually replaced by a strange sense of dependence.

In this completely unfamiliar environment, he was her only support and guide.

Without a doubt, Malena became the most dazzling focus of the entire ball.

Her beauty, her unique attire, and the mystique surrounding her pairing with a wealthy Eastern businessman all became the hottest topics of the night.

Many men tried to invite her to dance, but Suning politely and firmly refused, saying that "Miss Malena is a little tired."

Before the ball was over, Su Ning and Malena left early, just as he had arrived, leaving behind a stunning silhouette and countless speculations.

……

On the way back, Malena leaned back in her seat and let out a long sigh of relief, as if a huge burden had been lifted off her shoulders.

"How are you feeling?" Su Ning asked.

“It’s like…like we’ve been through a war,” Malena replied softly, with a hint of weariness but also a touch of excitement. “The way those people looked at me reminded me of Syracuse, but it felt different.”

“Of course it’s different.” Su Ning’s lips curled up slightly. “In Syracuse, they were maliciously invading their neighbors’ privacy. Here, they are filled with curiosity and desire, looking up at a rare treasure. And you are one of the owners of that treasure.”

He paused, then continued, "Tonight is just the beginning. Tomorrow, Milan's high society will be talking about 'SU' and his Black Swan. When our shop opens, there will be no shortage of customers."

Malena gazed out the window at the Milan nightscape rushing by, the neon lights flashing, a stark contrast to the familiar Sicilian night sky.

She knew she had embarked on a path of no return.

This time, however, she was no longer the pitiful widow passively accepting the whims of fate, but was instead pushed onto a new stage called "Vanity Fair" by the man beside her.

What will the future hold? She doesn't know.

But at least at this moment, she felt a dangerous vitality that was different from the deathly stillness of the past.

Suning, on the other hand, successfully used Malena's beauty as its sharpest weapon, prying open a small but crucial crack in Milan's solid upper-class walls.

Italy is now a true treasure trove for Suning, and it would be a real shame if they didn't achieve something there.

"Su, thank you! You've shown me a whole new world."

"Oh? How will you thank me?"

"I'll follow you to the death!"

"Then... tonight I will enjoy your companionship through life and death."

"Yes, it's my honor."

...(End of chapter)