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The "Arts Fund," which funded General Valerio's daughter's art education, was just the first step for Suning in catering to her interests and maintaining their relationship.

He knew that for old-fashioned aristocratic officers like Valerio, who valued family reputation and their children's future, genuine concern for their descendants, untainted by direct self-interest, was often more touching and more likely to build a more stable relationship than simply offering money.

Therefore, upon learning that General Valerio's daughter, Giovanna Valerio, would be spending a short period of artistic immersion and sketching in Florence in preparation for an important art academy entrance exam, a "clever" plan took shape in Su Ning's mind.

He arranged a "business trip" to Florence, ostensibly to discuss matters related to textile raw materials and artistic taste.

Malena was left in Milan for the time being; he did not intend to involve her in such social situations that required an extreme sense of propriety.

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, seems to be filled with the atmosphere of art and history.

Thanks to precise intelligence, Suning "coincidentally" stayed at another luxury hotel near the hotel where Giovanna Valerio was staying.

On a sunny afternoon, Su Ning, accompanied by a trusted aide disguised as an assistant, appeared at Boboli Gardens, a place Giovanna often went to sketch.

He was dressed in a finely made but casually styled linen suit, holding a book about Italian architecture, and looked like a cultured Oriental scholar or art enthusiast.

He quickly spotted his target near a flower-filled terrace.

Giovanna Valerio, a girl of about seventeen or eighteen, has the typical dark hair and bright eyes of an Italian girl, with a touch of childishness and the sensitivity of an art student on her face.

She was sitting intently in front of the easel, sketching the outline of Pitti Palace in the distance, her expression serious and absorbed.

Suning did not immediately step forward to disturb them.

He maintained a polite distance, seemingly also drawn to the scenery, occasionally pausing to admire it, his gaze sometimes "inadvertently" sweeping over Giovanna's paintings.

His presence did not attract much attention from the girl, who simply regarded him as a tourist who had also come to experience art.

When Giovanna frowned slightly, looking somewhat annoyed, because she had run out of a particular blue pigment on her palette, Su Ning felt the time was right.

He stepped forward slowly and said in fluent and gentle Italian, “Excuse me for disturbing you, miss. I noticed you seem to be looking for a kind of ‘ultramarine’? Coincidentally, I have some good quality mineral pigments with me. If you don’t mind, perhaps that would be helpful?”

He took out an unopened tube of ultramarine paint of extremely high quality from a delicate little wooden box handed to him by his assistant.

This type of pigment was quite scarce during wartime, especially one of such high quality.

Giovanna looked up in surprise at the suddenly appearing, distinguished-looking Eastern man and the tube of paint she had been searching for. A mixture of delight and hesitation crossed her face: "Sir, this...this is too precious..."

“Art should not be confined by materials.” Su Ning smiled and gently placed the paint on the stone bench next to her. “Seeing a future artist complete the work in her heart is far more valuable than a tube of paint. Please don’t be shy.”

His attitude was sincere and natural, without the slightest hint of flattery or charity, just like an elder or fellow enthusiast who cherishes talent.

Giovanna was touched by his manners and gratefully accepted: "Thank you very much, sir! Are you also a painter?"

“No, I’m just an art admirer and… occasional patron.” Suning cleverly steered the conversation in, “My business is somewhat related to design and aesthetics. Seeing your dedication to art reminds me of the dreams I couldn’t pursue when I was younger.”

He began to talk to Giovanna about art, from the Medici family’s collection to the trends of contemporary painting. His insights were unique and his words were elegant, which quickly won the favor and respect of the young art student.

He did not mention her father, nor did he reveal that he knew her identity; the whole process was like a pure encounter and exchange between art lovers.

In the following days, Suning "coincidentally" encountered Giovanna several more times at the Uffizi Gallery and Piazzale Michelangelo.

They discussed the paintings together and shared their feelings about art.

With his broad knowledge and composed demeanor, Su Ning quickly became a respected and valuable friend to Giovanna, someone who could offer her valuable advice despite their age difference.

During a casual conversation, Giovanna inadvertently revealed some of the competition and concerns she might face when applying to college.

Su Ning then casually remarked, "I know a few friends in the art world who might be able to offer some small assistance with your portfolio and letters of recommendation. Of course, this depends entirely on the quality of your work itself."

This seemingly casual suggestion was undoubtedly a godsend for Giovanna, who was in the midst of fierce competition.

Her gratitude towards him deepened.

When Suning finished their trip to Florence and prepared to leave, Giovanna was even a little reluctant to part with them.

“Mr. Su, thank you very much for your guidance and help these past few days, and also for that precious tube of paint.”

"Just call me Su," Su Ning said with a gentle smile. "I wish you good luck on your exam, Giovanna. I believe that with your talent, you will definitely succeed. I hope to have the opportunity to see your new work in Milan or Rome."

Shortly after returning to Milan, a private letter from General Valerio was delivered to Suning.

The letter was warmer and more sincere than ever before. Besides the routine mention of the order, the general wrote: "...My daughter Giovanna, after returning from Florence, spoke highly of you, calling you a true gentleman and an artistic confidant. She is very grateful for your encouragement and help. I will forever remember your friendship with our Valerio family..."

Looking at the letter, a satisfied smile appeared on Su Ning's lips.

He knew that this link to the core of the military had become stronger and more flexible because of this "chance encounter" in Florence.

He not only opened the door with money and gifts, but also planted an inseparable bond with them through "sincere" care and "shared" interests.

This bond, woven from art and human sentiment, will be far more valuable than any cold, impersonal contract.

……

In the scorching deserts and dusty trenches of North Africa, the legends surrounding the exceptionally delicious "SU" rations in the silver packaging carried by Italian soldiers grew increasingly rampant. The envious discussions among the German soldiers initially did not attract much attention from Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, the "Desert Fox."

This commander, known for his brilliant tactics and tough style, was more concerned with fuel, ammunition, and troop deployment. He considered the soldiers' appetites to be trivial matters and even thought his subordinates were exaggerating.

However, when his chief of staff personally placed a "SU" pre-cooked meal, a steak and a pasta dish that had been "exchanged" from his Italian allies on his command table and insisted that he try it, Rommel, with a skeptical attitude, reluctantly took a bite with his fork.

The next second, the well-informed marshal's eyes widened in shock!

The taste impact is revolutionary.

The steak was tender and juicy, unlike any other field rations he had ever eaten. The seasoning was precise, and the meat was incredibly flavorful.

The pasta sauce was authentic, and the noodles had a perfect elasticity.

The taste is comparable to that of a fine restaurant in Berlin, yet it can be obtained simply by heating it with water and a heating pack in the desolate North Africa.
Rommel quickly swallowed the food in his mouth, then eagerly tasted the spaghetti, his expression of shock growing even more pronounced.

He put down his fork, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly slammed his hand on the table, making the cups and plates rattle!

"Useless! A bunch of useless idiots!" Rommel's voice was filled with barely suppressed rage, directed both at the German logistics department and at the shock of this stark contrast. "What are our logistics officers doing?! Look at the Italians! They can feed their soldiers this kind of food on the front lines! And our men are still gnawing on bread as hard as rocks and strangely flavored canned food! This isn't just a matter of taste; it's about the soldiers' physical fitness and morale!"

He immediately recognized its immense value.

In the extremely harsh environment of North Africa, a delicious, convenient, and nutritious military ration is just as important to maintaining the combat effectiveness of troops as a few tanks or boxes of ammunition.

"What's the background of this 'SU'?" Rommel's sharp gaze turned to the Chief of Staff.

"It's said to be a food company in Milan, which also supplies uniforms for the Italian army. The owner is an Asian, and his background seems to be quite complicated, with close ties to high-ranking Italian military officials."

"Prepare the plane immediately!" Rommel decided decisively. "I want to go to Milan myself and meet this Mr. Su!"

"Yes, Marshal!"

……

A few days later, Rommel's plane landed in Milan.

Without much fanfare, only a few military vehicles escorting him, the renowned marshal went directly to the "SU" food company's factory on the outskirts of Milan.

His sudden visit put the factory's security personnel on edge.

In the factory's simple yet modern conference room, two giants from different fields met for the first time.

Rommel was still wearing his signature short field jacket, travel-worn, with eyes as sharp as a hawk's and the ruthless aura unique to frontline commanders.

Suning, on the other hand, was dressed in a well-fitting dark suit, composed and unhurried, with calm and deep eyes that revealed the composure and shrewdness of a business tycoon.

"Marshal Rommel, I've long admired your name. Welcome to SU Food Company," Su Ning said in fluent German, extending his hand politely and respectfully.

Rommel gave him a firm handshake, his gaze sweeping over the production line flowcharts and sample displays hanging on the conference room wall. He got straight to the point: "Mr. Su, I've tasted your food in North Africa. It's impressive, far surpassing any field rations our German army currently has."

"Thank you for your recognition, Marshal. We are simply doing our best to provide better support for the soldiers on the front lines," Su Ning replied modestly, though he already knew the other party's intentions.

“A guarantee?” Rommel raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone carrying the directness of a frontline soldier. “Mr. Su, I don’t like beating around the bush. I’m here on behalf of the German Afrika Korps, hoping your company can supply this kind of military rations to my troops. The quantity needed is substantial. You can name your terms.”

This is like a windfall!
The significance of establishing direct supply relationships with the German army, especially renowned generals like Rommel, far exceeded the commercial profits themselves.

This signifies that "SU's" brand and strength have been recognized by the most demanding customers, and will also grant him a higher-level "passport" within the Axis powers.

Suning was overjoyed, but maintained a calm and professional demeanor: "It is an honor for 'SU' to serve the valiant German Afrika Korps. We are fully capable of ensuring supplies for the Italian military while also establishing an independent production line for your army. As for the specific categories, quantities, distribution logistics, and prices..."

"The selection will mainly consist of steaks and pasta that I've tried; you can recommend others," Rommel interrupted, his tone decisive. "The quantity will be calculated based on a basic monthly ration for 50,000 people. As for price, as long as the quality matches the samples you gave me, I won't treat you unfairly. But there are two conditions: First, prioritize supplying my unit! Second, absolute quality and stable delivery! The war in North Africa can't wait!"

"Please rest assured on this point!" Su Ning promised firmly. "'SU' is based on reputation and quality. We can sign strict contracts and establish dedicated communication channels to ensure that your order receives the highest priority. I will personally supervise this production line."

Rommel was very satisfied with Suning's straightforward answer.

This is exactly the kind of efficiency and assurance he needs. "Very good! Mr. Su, it seems you, like me, dislike delays. My logistics officer will coordinate with your team on the specific details. I hope the first batch of supplies can arrive in North Africa as soon as possible!"

"As you wish, Your Excellency Marshal."

After seeing Rommel off, Su Ning stood by the office window, watching the dust cloud trailing behind the departing German convoy, and finally a smile of complete control appeared on his face.

Rommel's personal visit and this unexpected huge order not only brought substantial profits, but also elevated the status of "SU" to a whole new level.

He is now not only the "bread and butter" of the Italian army, but also a supplier personally designated by the "Desert Fox".

He immediately summoned all senior executives and issued new instructions: "Immediately adjust the production plan and open a dedicated production line for the German army! Prioritize raw material procurement! We must let Field Marshal Rommel know that choosing 'SU' was one of his most correct decisions!"

The gears of war continue to turn relentlessly, and "SU," a food company originating in Milan, has quietly crossed national borders and military branches, playing an increasingly important role in this human catastrophe.

Su Ning knew that the web he had woven was getting bigger and bigger.

...(End of chapter)