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When the first batch of silver vacuum-packed pre-cooked meals bearing the "SU" logo arrived at the front lines, scattered throughout the trenches and camps, they initially did not attract much attention.

The soldiers were already used to compressed biscuits that were as hard as bricks, canned meat that tasted the same and often had a metallic smell, and beans and pastes that required long cooking times and were often half-cooked.

Most people were skeptical of this novel "silver bag".

However, when the first soldier dared to try, following the simple instructions, he used his bayonet to cut open the package, poured the pre-cooked steak pieces into the mess box, and soaked them in a little hot water.

Even when fuel was scarce, many people found that cold food tasted quite good.

When that rich aroma of black pepper, herbs, and real meat filled the air, it instantly awakened the taste buds of everyone around.

“Holy Mary…this, this is really beef?” A young soldier stared wide-eyed.

Looking at the tempting, clearly textured pieces of meat in the lunchbox, I incredulously forked a piece and put it in my mouth.

The next second, an expression of near-happiness appeared on his face...

The meat is tender and juicy, and the seasoning is just right. It's nothing like the dry, tough canned meat I remember!

The news spread like wildfire through the trenches. "Try it! The new 'SU' rations! God, it tastes like something out of a Roman restaurant!"

"My pasta! This meat sauce...it actually has meat in it! And the tomato flavor is just perfect!"

"Damn! You can eat it after just soaking it in hot water? That's much faster than boiling those hard beans!"

In an instant, the battlefield was filled with the enticing aromas of various foods.

The soldiers sat together, eagerly sharing and comparing the different flavors of "SU" pre-made dishes.

Pre-cooked steak and classic pasta have undoubtedly become the most popular star products.

The former satisfied the soldiers' most primal craving for meat, while the latter soothed their homesickness with familiar local flavors.

Even simple vegetable stews and concentrated soup packets are highly praised for their convenience and flavors that far surpass those of the past.

These silver bags quickly became the most popular "hard currency" among Italian soldiers on the front lines.

They not only greatly improved the food, but also boosted morale to some extent.

Being able to eat a hot, delicious, and almost home-cooked meal in the cold, muddy trenches, even if it's just cold water and a heating pack, is a great comfort and encouragement for soldiers who are suffering physically and mentally.

Some even joked, "In order to continue eating 'SU' steaks, we have to win this battle!"

Soon, the sight of "Italian soldiers enjoying a meal in the trenches" caught the attention of their allies, the German soldiers.

Initially, the Germans scoffed at this, believing that the Italians were too pleasure-seeking and lacked Prussian perseverance.

However, when they saw the large, tempting steaks in the Italian soldiers' mess boxes, smelled the enticing aroma of meat sauce, and compared it to the monotonous, bland black bread, potatoes, and sausages in their own hands, an indescribable sense of envy and jealousy began to grow in their hearts.

"Look at those Italians! Are they fighting or having a picnic?" a German corporal said sourly to his comrade while munching on a dry loaf of bread.

"I heard it's a new type of ration, called something like 'SU'... You can eat it after soaking it in hot water, and the taste is said to be similar to that in restaurants."

"Damn it! Why can't our logistics department get this stuff? We're still eating this wood-like bread!"

In some positions where relations were relatively amicable, there were even instances where German soldiers would exchange cigarettes, coffee, or other rations with Italian soldiers for "SU" pre-prepared meals.

The German soldiers who tasted it were all shocked, and then felt deep dissatisfaction with their own logistics system.

"This beef... damn it, how can it be so tender? Our canned meat is like sawdust compared to this!"

"If only we could have this kind of food..."

The complaints within the German army, through some channels, even reached the ears of some German logistics officers.

This inadvertently gave the Italian military a strange sense of "pride," which in turn led to a rise in their evaluation of the supplier "SU."

The enthusiastic response from the front lines was quickly relayed back to the logistics department in Rome.

Director Rossi beamed with joy as he looked at the frontline reports praising the "SU" rations and requesting increased supplies.

He immediately dialed Suning's number, his tone filled with excitement and certainty:
"Mr. Su! It's a success! A resounding success! The children at the front absolutely adore your food! Even the Germans are green with envy! On behalf of the Quartermaster Department, I express my sincerest gratitude to you! Orders, we need even bigger orders! Expand production immediately! Not only must we satisfy the existing troops, but we must let even more soldiers enjoy 'SU's' delicacies!"

After hanging up the phone, Su Ning smiled knowingly.

He not only successfully opened up the military food market, but also unintentionally conducted an extremely successful "word-of-mouth marketing" campaign.

His "SU" pre-made meals have become more than just a product; they have become a "secret weapon" that boosts morale and even incites jealousy among allies.

This will bring him a more secure position, a steady stream of wealth, and a reputation that is beginning to exert an invisible influence even within the Axis powers.

Those silver packaging bags in the trenches were quietly laying a more solid foundation for his business empire.

……

The factories in Milan were humming day and night, orders from Rome were pouring in like snowflakes, and praise from the front lines was intertwined with the envy of allies...

Suning's business empire expanded at an unprecedented rate against the distorted backdrop of war.

However, the constant tension and high-intensity planning took a toll on Suning's energy, leaving him feeling somewhat fatigued.

More importantly, he needed to solidify his relationship with Malena, making this beautiful "canary" feel more secure in the luxurious and safe cage he had woven for her.

So, on a weekend when order pressure eased slightly and the spring sunshine was bright, Suning made a seemingly casual, but actually well-considered, decision...

Temporarily setting aside all official duties, they took Malena to Venice, a water city that was about to be destroyed by war but still retained its last dreamlike appearance, for a short vacation.

When Suning told Malena about this decision, her beautiful eyes instantly lit up with disbelief.

Since leaving Syracuse, she has lived between her villa and factory showroom in Milan. Although she is materially well-off, her actions are always subject to invisible constraints, and the gazes around her are mostly filled with curiosity and awe.

Venice, a city that only exists in legends and picture books, was an unattainable dream for her.

“Really? Mr. Su? We’re going to Venice?” Her voice carried a rare, youthful excitement that belonged to someone her age.

“Of course.” Su Ning smiled, admiring the radiant glow that had returned to her face. “We’ve been so busy for so long, we should take a break. Venice is a great place to relax.”

There was no large entourage, only a silent and reliable driver and a personal maid.

They traveled eastward in comfortable cars, leaving behind the industrial smog of Milan.

When the car finally stopped on the outskirts of Venice, they transferred to water transport...

When Malena boarded a chartered, elegantly decorated private gondola, she felt as if she had stepped into another world.

The murky seawater could not completely conceal the city's unparalleled splendor.

Ancient palaces stand by the water, their mottled walls telling tales of bygone eras, while exquisite bridges connect a series of enchanting islands.

The gondolas glided through the narrow waterways, the gondoliers humming melodious Italian folk songs, and the oars cleaved the emerald water, creating ripples.

Sunlight shines through the water vapor, refracting into a hazy halo.

Malena nestled beside Suning, wearing a wide-brimmed lady's hat that partially obscured her face, but couldn't hide the amazement and fascination in her eyes.

She shed the black garment that symbolized constraint and donned a pale blue silk gown, prepared for her by Suning. The hem swayed gently with the gondola's movement, blending seamlessly with the surrounding water. She seemed no longer the "beautiful widow" burdened by rumors and tragedy, but had returned to her girlhood, full of curiosity and longing for the world.

Looking at her profile and the slight upturn of her lips, Su Ning felt a rare sense of peace.

He put his arm around her shoulder and whispered in her ear about the famous buildings they passed: the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Square...

His voice was deep and magnetic, carrying a sense of complete control, yet at this moment it was infused with the gentleness of the water town.

They fed pigeons in St. Mark's Square and enjoyed seafood dishes at an open-air restaurant by the water, which, while not as refined as before the war, were still full of Venetian charm.

Suning even chartered a small, secluded section of the waterway, had the boatman stop, and simply held Malena quietly, watching the sunset paint the entire city in golden red, listening to the faint sound of bells in the distance.

“It’s so beautiful here,” Malena murmured, resting her head on Suning’s shoulder. “It’s as if the war never happened.”

“Wars will eventually end.” Su Ning stroked her arm, his tone calm and certain. “And beautiful things deserve to be preserved and enjoyed.”

That night, they stayed in a room at the Grand Hotel facing the Grand Canal.

Open the window and you can see the shimmering water under the moonlight and the lanterns of the gondolas coming and going.

There was no roar of factories, no disturbance from official business, only the sound of water, the sound of wind, and the sound of each other's heartbeats.

In this dreamlike city far from Milan and Syracuse, Malena completely let her guard down.

She responded to Su Ning's tenderness, her eyes filled with dependence and infatuation.

Here, she was no longer anyone's widow, nor the center of gossip; she was simply the woman beside Su Ning, enjoying a luxurious yet genuine tranquility and romance amidst the chaos of war.

For Suning, this short vacation was not only a reward and emotional investment for Malena, but also a "recharge" for himself.

The gentle waves of Venice temporarily washed away the smell of gunpowder and scheming from him, allowing him to regroup and gather his strength.

At the same time, he was also conveying a message to Malena and to the outside world who might be watching him.

He, Su Ning, is not only adept at navigating the business and military worlds, but also knows how to enjoy life and possesses the ability and taste to control his quality of life.

A few days later, as they left the heart of Venice in their gondola and prepared to return to Milan, Malena looked back at the receding, mirage-like city skyline, her eyes filled with reluctance.

"If you like it, we can come often in the future," Su Ning promised.

Malena turned her head to look at him, her eyes shimmering with tears, more captivating than the waters of Venice.

She nodded gently and held his hand even tighter.

This trip acted like a powerful adhesive, binding her even more tightly to the mysterious and powerful Eastern man beside her.

She knew that upon returning to Milan, she would continue to play the role of "SU's muse," but deep down, something had quietly changed.

The waters of Venice not only nourish the city, but also soothe her once parched heart.

……

As the reputation of "SU" brand clothing and ready-to-eat meals within the military continues to solidify, orders are growing exponentially.

Suning is well aware that maintaining and deepening its relationship with the top military officials in Rome is no less important than managing the factory's production lines.

In wartime Italy, the exchange of power and money was often hidden behind elegant banquets and private meetings.

Therefore, a meticulously planned "expression of feelings" journey quietly unfolded in Rome.

This time, Suning didn't make a big fuss. Instead, he traveled light, accompanied by a few absolutely reliable confidants and several specially made, seemingly ordinary but actually highly capable suitcases, and secretly arrived at the Eternal City.

The first stop, naturally, was Major Carlo Ferrante, the original guide who was now highly regarded for his "meritorious recommendation."

In a private room at a high-end restaurant they frequented, known for its protection of guests' privacy, Suning and Ferrante once again enjoyed drinks together.

"My dear Su!" Ferrante exclaimed, beaming, and patted Su Ning's shoulder affectionately. "You're a star in Rome now! General Valerio and Director Rossi are full of praise for you! I've benefited a lot from it too!"

Su Ning humbly raised his glass: "All of this is inseparable from your initial trust and guidance, Major. I will always remember it."

As soon as he finished speaking, his assistant handed him a small but heavy crocodile skin briefcase.

“A small souvenir,” Su Ning said casually, as if discussing the weather. “I heard that your wife has a particular fondness for Swiss clocks, and here is a pair, which would make a perfect match. Also, there is some ‘activity funds’ inside, which I hope will be helpful for your social interactions in Rome, Major.”

Major Ferrante skillfully took it, without even opening it, merely weighing it in his hand, his smile widening even further: "Su, you're always so thoughtful! Don't worry, I'll be the first to inform you of any developments or new opportunities on the military's side!"

The next major event was a visit to General Giuseppe Valerio, a powerful figure in the Quartermaster Department.

Unlike Ferrante, this old-school soldier placed more emphasis on "taste" and "decency," and direct monetary gifts might actually cause resentment.

The gift Suning chose was a 19th-century Italian landscape painting by a painter who, while not a top-tier artist, possessed solid technique and was favored by some traditional collectors.

It was an authentic piece, quite valuable, but more importantly, it suited General Valerio's taste for refined tastes.

At the same time, Suning also "incidentally" mentioned that he had set up a small "art fund" at a Swiss bank for the general's beloved daughter who is studying art, to support her future studies.

General Valerio stroked the frame of the painting, a rare smile of satisfaction appearing on his usually serious face: "Mr. Su, you not only know how to do business, but you also know how to appreciate true value. I really like this gift."

He didn't say much, but his approval was already evident.

For Aldo Rossi, the shrewd head of the logistics coordination bureau, Suning's "sincerity" was more direct and "foresightful."

In a secluded room of a cigar club, Su Ning brought no physical items, but instead gently pushed a document in front of Director Rossi.

“Director Rossi,” Su Ning lowered his voice, “this is a preliminary agreement regarding the profit-sharing of 'SU Foods Company' for the next five years. We believe that someone as valuable as you, who has provided crucial guidance to the company's development, deserves to share in the fruits of that development. This account is located in Buenos Aires and is absolutely safe.”

A glint of light flashed in Director Rossi's eyes behind his glasses as he carefully examined the documents, which clearly listed the proportions and protection clauses.

This is no longer a "one-off deal," but a long-term, stable bond of interests.

“Mr. Su,” Director Rossi slowly put away the documents, a knowing smile appearing on his face, “you have proven that you are not only an excellent supplier, but also a far-sighted partner. I think our future cooperation will be even more…deeper and smoother. Regarding the increase in the clothing budget for the next fiscal year and the expansion of the scope of military food supply, I will do my best to push for it in the committee.”

In addition, Su Ning also prepared appropriate and well-timed "gifts" for the secretaries, adjutants, and even the "bedmates" who could influence their wives who surrounded these key figures...

From the latest Parisian perfumes and silks to precious gemstone brooches, and the chocolates and novel toys that children crave.

Every step was meticulously arranged to ensure that the name "SU" became a welcome and anticipated symbol in the corridors of power in Rome.

This series of operations may seem expensive, but Suning knows that it is far more effective than investing heavily in advertising in the market.

These "gifts" are lubricants, stepping stones, and, more importantly, the cornerstones that build the invisible moat of his business empire.

They ensured his orders flowed smoothly, his factory received priority in resource allocation, and even had someone to speak on his behalf when policies were being made.

When he left Rome, he not only took with him potential, even larger order commitments, but also woven a network of interests that penetrated deep into the heart of the Italian military.

This net will provide him with far stronger protection than any contractual clause in the storms to come.

The logic of war is cruel, but beneath this cruelty, the human pursuit of self-interest becomes one of the most lethal weapons in Suning's hands.

He knew all too well that in Rome, generous and "sensible" sincerity was often more powerful than any guns or cannons.

...(End of chapter)