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Thanks to its outstanding performance in supplying clothing to the Italian Army, the "SU" clothing factory and its mysterious Eastern boss, Suning, are no longer unfamiliar Eastern names within the Rome military supply department.

Major Carlo Ferrante's tireless "recommendation," coupled with tangible results and capabilities, successfully brought Suning into the sights of higher-level figures.

This time, through Major Ferrante's meticulous arrangements, Suning secured an opportunity to dine with several high-ranking figures who truly controlled the military's logistics at a secluded high-end club in Rome.

Attendees included General Giuseppe Valerio from the Quartermaster Department, a serious-looking, sharp-eyed old-school soldier.

Aldo Rossi, the head of the Logistics Coordination Bureau, a shrewd and calculating senior civilian official, and several of their key aides.

The atmosphere at the dinner party initially carried a hint of official detachment and scrutiny.

General Valerio slowly and methodically cut the veal on his plate, his gaze occasionally sweeping over Suning with the inherent caution a soldier has towards a merchant.

Director Rossi focused more on the vintage of the wine and the quality of the food, but the few questions he occasionally raised about production management and cost control were all very insightful.

Suning maintained a humble yet assertive attitude, calmly addressing various issues, from fabric procurement to production line optimization, from quality control to logistics support.

He did not exaggerate, but used specific data and real-world examples to demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of "SU".

"...Therefore, through standardized processes and strict node control, we were able to ensure that the coats urgently needed by the North African legion were delivered forty-eight hours ahead of schedule." Su Ning concluded his explanation of logistics management, his tone calm yet persuasive.

General Valerio nodded slightly, his facial features softening slightly: "The efficiency is indeed astonishing. Mr. Su, your factory has solved a lot of problems for us."

This was the first time he had given a clear affirmation tonight.

Director Rossi also put down his wine glass, a shrewd smile on his face like a businessman: "More importantly, Mr. Su always seems to be able to find stable raw material channels, which is especially rare these days."

Sensing the easing of tension and the change in the other party's attitude, Su Ning knew that the time had come to reveal his true ambitions.

He gently wiped his mouth with a napkin, leaned forward slightly, and glanced at General Valerio and Director Rossi, his tone becoming increasingly solemn:

"General, Director Rossi, I am deeply honored that 'SU' can provide warm clothing for the soldiers on the front lines. However, in my interactions with Major Ferrant and the rank and file troops, I have come to realize that the challenges faced by the soldiers go far beyond the cold."

He paused, observing that both leaders were listening attentively, before continuing calmly, "The combat effectiveness of an army depends not only on its weapons and uniforms, but also on whether its soldiers are well-fed and well-nourished. Ample and reliable nutrition is the foundation for maintaining morale and physical fitness."

He directly stated his core intention: "'SU' has accumulated some experience in efficient management and supply chain integration. We have the capability and are extremely eager to undertake a portion of the production and supply of military rations for the powerful army of the Kingdom of Italy."

These words caused a momentary stagnation in the atmosphere at the dinner table.

General Valerio put down his knife and fork, and Director Rossi also dropped his relaxed expression.

Military rations involve more core logistical support, and their complexity and importance far exceed those of clothing.

“Military rations?” General Valerio’s voice was deep and scrutinizing. “Mr. Su, your ambitions are considerable. This involves food processing, preservation, nutritional formulation, large-scale standardized production, and even more complex warehousing and transportation. This is not the same as the clothes you’re making now.”

“General, you are wise.” Su Ning readily acknowledged the differences, but then quickly changed the subject, “However, the core of management is the same—strict control over quality, the ultimate pursuit of efficiency, and strong integration of the supply chain. 'SU' is willing to invest heavily in introducing or building state-of-the-art food processing production lines, and hiring professional nutritionists and food engineers. We can start with basic compressed biscuits and canned foods, and gradually expand to more diverse individual rations.”

Director Rossi astutely grasped the key point, his fingers lightly tapping the table: "Cost? Mr. Su, the military's budget is not unlimited. Although the existing suppliers are sometimes delayed, their prices..."

Suning had anticipated this question and calmly replied, "Director Rossi, I believe that cost cannot be measured solely by unit price. 'SU' can provide a stable supply, absolute quality assurance, and rapid response capabilities to emergency needs. This avoids non-combat casualties due to untimely resupply, and its value far exceeds the slight price difference of individual items. Moreover,"

He added at the opportune moment, his gaze meaningful, "'SU' has always believed that cooperating with the military to obtain reasonable profits to maintain the company's healthy development and continuous investment is fundamental, but more importantly, it is to jointly ensure the combat effectiveness of the Italian Army. In our offer, we will certainly demonstrate the utmost sincerity and foresight."

His words demonstrated both strength and determination, while also hinting at flexibility in the distribution of benefits, leaving no room for error.

General Valerio and Director Rossi exchanged a glance.

They could sense that the Easterner in front of them was not just talking nonsense.

He has a clear plan, substantial capital, and a convincing ability to execute.

Given the increasingly complex war situation and mounting logistical pressures, an efficient, reliable, and "sensible" new supplier is undoubtedly very attractive.

“We understand Mr. Su’s idea,” General Valerio finally spoke slowly, neither agreeing nor refusing immediately. “However, the supply of military rations is of great importance and requires detailed evaluation and demonstration. Nevertheless, we have witnessed 'SU's' performance. Perhaps we can start with a pilot cooperation on some non-core, high-demand basic rations.”

This is practically equivalent to giving the green light!
Although it's just a "pilot program," once it gets started, it's almost inevitable that it will expand its market share thanks to SU's capabilities.

With a firm resolve, Su Ning displayed just the right amount of gratitude and solemnity on his face: "Thank you very much for the opportunity given to us by General and Director Rossi! 'SU' will definitely do its utmost and will never let you down!"

The dinner continued in a new and exciting atmosphere.

Suning knew that his business empire was about to officially expand from the "clothing" sector to the "food" sector, and his ties with the Italian army would become even deeper.

This is not only a huge business opportunity, but also a more solid talisman in this chaotic world.

All of this stemmed from his accurate grasp of the military leadership's pain points and his timely demonstration of his abilities and "sincerity."

……

Although General Valerio and Director Rossi relented at the dinner, as Suning had predicted, the Italian military did not immediately place large-scale orders for military rations.

The bureaucratic caution and distrust of new suppliers, especially one that previously focused on apparel, need to be broken down with more tangible and impactful results.

Suning understands this principle well. However, instead of waiting idly, he took immediate action, maximizing the high efficiency of "SU".

On a vacant lot next to a garment factory on the outskirts of Milan, a brand-new "SU Food Processing Plant," designed according to hygiene standards and assembly line concepts far exceeding those of the present day, has sprung up at an astonishing pace.

Inside the factory, the floors are tiled, the walls are white, and the ventilation system runs continuously to ensure fresh air.

Workers, dressed in uniform white overalls, hats, and masks, busied themselves on stainless steel production lines under bright lights.

This place lacks the smoky atmosphere of a traditional kitchen; it's more like a sophisticated food laboratory.

The military delegation, led by Director Rossi, included several logistics officers, quartermasters, and even a nutrition expert accompanying the troops.

Upon arriving at the factory, the sight before them immediately took them by surprise.

This clean, standardized, and modern production environment is completely different from the noisy and greasy food processing workshops they had in mind.

“Mr. Su, your factory… looks more like a hospital or laboratory,” Director Rossi said, half surprised and half impressed.

With a smile, Su Ning guided everyone to put on sterile suits, explaining as they walked: "Director Luo Xi, food safety is the lifeline of military rations. We use a fully enclosed production line, and from raw material cleaning, cutting, cooking to rapid cooling and vacuum packaging, everything is carried out in a controlled environment to minimize pollution and nutrient loss."

They visited the vegetable processing workshop, where potatoes and carrots were automatically washed, peeled, and cut into uniform pieces by machines. They also visited the meat processing area, where whole pieces of beef were sliced, seasoned, and tumbled by precision equipment before being sent to large ovens for standardized roasting. Finally, they arrived at the most important packaging and sterilization area, where cooked food was rapidly cooled, then vacuum-sealed by automated equipment, and then sterilized under high temperature and pressure, ultimately becoming flat, easy-to-carry, and easy-to-store silver packaging bags.

“This is our pre-prepared textured steak,” Suning said, handing a package to Director Rossi. “It’s made from specific cuts of beef, treated with physical tenderizing and a unique seasoning, vacuum-packed and sterilized at high temperatures. It can be stored at room temperature for more than twelve months. When eating, simply soak it in hot water for ten minutes, or you can open it and eat it cold. It can basically maintain the texture and juices of the steak.”

Next, he demonstrated the pre-made pasta sauce packets and individually packaged dried noodles, explaining, "After the noodles are cooked, simply mix them with our pre-made sauces (tomato meat sauce, creamy mushroom sauce, etc.) to quickly recreate a flavor close to that of freshly cooked noodles."

Seeing and talking are clearly not enough.

Suning had already prepared a lavish "tasting feast" in the factory's tasting area.

Instead of a fancy restaurant meal, the tasting was a complete simulation of frontline conditions: pre-cooked steak heated with a portable heating pack, and pre-cooked pasta simply boiled with field cooking utensils.

When Director Rossi and several officers put the heated steaks into their mouths with some skepticism, everyone was stunned.

The meat was surprisingly tender, not the dry and tough texture they had imagined.

The seasoning is just right, with the flavors of black pepper and herbs permeating the food, and most of the juice is locked in, making it look nothing like a food that has been stored for a long time.

The military nutrition expert, in particular, chewed the food carefully and then looked on incredulously: "This...this has a very high protein retention rate and a reasonable fat ratio. The taste is far superior to the hard biscuits and canned meat we are currently being issued!"

Next up was pasta.

The sauce is rich and flavorful, the meat chunks are clearly visible, and although the noodles have been dehydrated, they still retain good elasticity after being reheated. The overall flavor is very authentic.

"God... this is a miracle!" a lieutenant colonel in charge of frontline supplies exclaimed. "If the soldiers could eat this, their morale would be skyrocketing! Compared to those compressed biscuits that taste like sawdust and those weird-tasting meat sauces, this is heaven!"

Director Rossi didn't say anything, but his quick action of emptying his plate of food said it all.

He put down his knife and fork, took a deep breath, and looked at Su Ning, his eyes filled with shock and admiration: "Mr. Su, I must admit, you have once again exceeded our expectations. This is not just about food, it is... care for the soldiers on the front lines, a direct boost to combat effectiveness!"

All previous doubts vanished at that moment.

Taste, texture, convenience, shelf life...

Suning's solution almost perfectly addressed all the military's pain points regarding field rations.

“Then, Director Rossi,” Su Ning spoke up at the opportune moment, his tone calm yet full of confidence, “would ‘SU’ have the honor of providing such ‘care’ to the brave soldiers of Italy?”

“Of course! Without a doubt!” Director Rossi answered with unusual decisiveness this time. “We need to determine the type, quantity, and price as soon as possible! The first order will start with this type of steak and pasta, and the quantity… will be enough to meet the standard rations of an infantry division for three months! If the feedback is good, we will completely replace the existing rations!”

The other members of the delegation nodded in agreement, their faces beaming with excitement.

They seemed to already see the positive response that would come when these delicious pre-made meals were delivered to the soldiers on the front lines.

In this way, with this modern pre-made food factory and its amazing products, Suning successfully broke through the most core and stubborn barrier in the Italian military's logistics system—the supply of military food.

Orders came in like snowflakes, even more overwhelming than the initial clothing orders.

In particular, the highly realistic pre-cooked steak and the authentic Italian pasta have become "star products" that have been widely praised among the military's top brass, and their orders have been given the highest priority.

SU's business empire has officially become deeply intertwined with the Italian war machine in the two major areas of "food" and "clothing".

With its vision, technology, and execution, Suning has once again proven that in this chaotic era, it can not only create beauty but also conquer taste buds, thereby gaining greater power and wealth.

The roar of this food factory, intertwined with that of the garment factory next door, together created a battle hymn of power and capital.

Italy was destined to be the first Axis power to surrender, so the Italian military's orders were just a stepping stone for Suning, which wanted to become a supplier for all Axis and Allied countries.

...(End of chapter)