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As cooperation with the Italian military and even Rommel's German North African forces deepened, Suning's business empire flourished amidst the chaos of war.

However, he was keenly aware that in the ever-changing landscape of World War II, especially knowing that Italy was on the verge of defeat and surrender, a network of relationships built solely on commercial contracts and the transfer of benefits would be extremely fragile during regime change and Italy's surrender and defection.

Therefore, he needs a stronger, more unbreakable bond.

General Valerio Borghese, a leading figure in Italian naval special operations, is undoubtedly the best investment target.

After studying the general's background in depth, Su Ning became even more convinced of this idea.

Borghese was not only a highly capable and determined commander, but his 10th Craft Flotilla also achieved remarkable results and was highly respected by his German and British counterparts.

More importantly, his loyalty to fascist ideology seemed to extend beyond the regime itself.

Historically, even after Italy surrendered, he chose to continue fighting alongside the German army, and continued to stir up trouble after the war, ultimately dying a peaceful death.

This fully demonstrates the resilience, network, and potential influence of him and his family.

This is definitely a "high-quality stock" worth holding for the long term.

And what could be a more perfect and natural identity to be deeply bound to this general than becoming his son-in-law?

Once he marries Giovanna Valerio, he will no longer be just "Mr. SU, a business partner," but "the son-in-law of the Borghese family."

This identity will provide him with a powerful protective shell, allowing him to integrate more deeply into the elite classes of Italy and even Europe, both during and after the war, and gain more intangible political resources and protection.

This is more reliable than any commercial contract.

With their minds made up, Suning began to pursue Giovanna Valerio as an important strategic task.

This was different from his possessive and domineering control over Malena; it was a meticulously planned and more challenging campaign aimed at winning over a young girl in the throes of first love and her illustrious family.

He first adjusted his strategy for interacting with Giovanna.

The image of "artistic confidants" established in Florence is a good foundation, but it needs to be infused with new elements.

He no longer merely played the role of a gentle mentor, but began to demonstrate the charm and strength of a successful man.

He would often appear in Rome "at the opportune moment" to invite Giovanna to visit private art collections that were not open to the public, including some amazing treasures that he had acquired through special channels.

When Giovanna marvels at a painting, he will speak in a calm and erudite tone about the history and legend behind it, demonstrating his profound artistic cultivation.

“Mr. Su, you know so much, it’s as if you’ve witnessed that era firsthand,” Giovanna said admiringly. “I’m just standing on the shoulders of giants and have read more books.”

Su Ning smiled modestly, looking at her with gentle eyes, "But the greatest pleasure is being able to share these beauties with Miss Giovanna."

He wasn't in a hurry to express his love, but instead deepened his perfect image in her mind through continuous, high-quality companionship and communication:
Mature, composed, knowledgeable, wealthy, knowledgeable about life, and genuinely appreciative of her artistic talent.

At the same time, his "investment" in General Valerio and his wife also increased.

The gift given to the general's wife was even rarer antique jewelry, befitting her aristocratic background.

Conversations with the general would occasionally "inadvertently" shift from art to current affairs and military technology. He would offer some forward-thinking but not overly shocking insights, which impressed General Valerio, who felt that this young man not only knew how to do business but also had remarkable strategic vision.

On one occasion, after a private dinner with the Valerio family, Suning and General Valerio were enjoying aged brandy in the study.

“Su,” General Valerio said, swirling his glass, his tone more amiable than ever, “Giovana has been mentioning you often lately, saying you’ve given her a lot of artistic inspiration. Her mother and I are very grateful to you.”

"General, you're too kind." Su Ning adopted a humble attitude. "It was Miss Giovanna's talent and enthusiasm that inspired me. It is my honor to witness the growth of a future artist."

General Valerio gave him a meaningful look: "You are a very special young man. Not only are you successful in business, but you also have great potential in... other areas."

Su Ning knew that this was a positive signal from the general.

He suppressed the turmoil in his heart and remained respectful: "There is still much I need to learn from you, General."

As they spent more time together, Giovanna's feelings for Suning gradually shifted from gratitude and respect to a subtle, budding admiration.

This mature, elegant, all-powerful, and caring Eastern man fulfilled all her fantasies about love at her age.

She began to look forward to his every appearance, and her face would flush and her heart would race because of his occasional compliments.

Suning keenly recognized this change.

He knew that the time was slowly ripening.

Next, he will choose the most appropriate occasion, perhaps a concert or a family gathering, to formally confess his feelings to Giovanna and make his love public, thus completing the most crucial step in his deep integration with the Valerio Borghese family.

This pursuit, aimed at marriage, is not just about love, but also a sophisticated scheme concerning future power and survival.

He is like the most patient hunter, gradually luring his target into a carefully woven net.

……

Suning's increasingly obvious pursuit of Giovanna naturally did not escape the sharp eyes of General Valerio Borghese.

This general, known for his decisiveness and insight on the battlefield, showed an unexpectedly open-minded and profound love when it came to his youngest daughter's marriage.

One evening, in the study of the family estate in Rome, General Valerio discussed this topic with his wife, Eleonora.

The heavy oak door shut out the outside world, while the fire in the fireplace crackled softly.

“That Easterner, Sue, seems to be getting quite close to Giovanna lately.” Mrs. Eleonora’s tone carried a hint of maternal worry and scrutiny. “I heard that he invited Giovanna to visit many private exhibitions and also gave her some rather valuable painting tools and art books.”

General Valerio sat in a high-backed armchair, slowly exhaling a puff of cigar smoke, his expression calm: "I've noticed."

“What do you think? Giovanna is still so young, and that Su… his background is too complicated. An Asian, to gain a foothold in Italy in such a short time, and to have such deep ties with the military…” Mrs. Eleonora frowned, “Moreover, I vaguely heard that he seems to have a close female friend in Milan.”

She used a rather tactful way of putting it.

General Valerio nodded, his gaze deep: "I know all of that."

He paused, then continued, "It's precisely because I investigated him that I feel this young man is extraordinary. Think about it, Eleonora, an Easterner with no roots, was able to build a vast clothing and food empire in Italy during the war, and even have someone as proud as Rommel personally come to her seeking cooperation. This requires more than just luck; it requires extraordinary ability, skill, and courage."

He looked at his wife, his tone gentle yet firm: "The political marriage and the responsibility of bringing glory to our family are the responsibility of her brothers. For Giovanna, my youngest daughter, my only hope is that she can be truly happy and find a partner capable of protecting her and allowing her to pursue her artistic dreams without worry. SU has already proven he possesses wealth and status. As for his Eastern background…"

The general even gave a meaningful smile, “In today’s chaotic world, a capable ally that is not bound by traditional European powers may not be a bad thing.”

"And... what about that lady in Milan?" Mrs. Eleonora was most concerned about the purity of her daughter's feelings.

“The fact that Sue didn’t deliberately hide her existence says something,” the general calmly analyzed. “He may see her as a mistress, a beautiful appendage. This is not uncommon in high society. As long as he can give Giovanna the respect she deserves and the status of a legal wife in the future, and handle these relationships well, I don’t want to interfere too much. The important thing is Giovanna’s own feelings.”

"Then what do you mean?"

General Valerio concluded, “Observe, but don’t stop. If Giovanna truly likes him, and Sue can prove his sincerity and ability, I won’t object. A son-in-law who can make my daughter happy and bring new strength and possibilities to the family is worth considering.”

"Alright! I'll do as you say on this matter."

……

Meanwhile, in her villa in Milan, Malena also keenly noticed the changes in Suning.

His trips to Rome became more frequent, his stays longer, and when he returned, he would be carrying different, delicate, youthful perfumes. Sometimes, his gentle, patient whispers on the phone could be heard as he discussed art with a certain "Miss Giovanna." Malena sat before her dressing table, gazing at her still breathtakingly beautiful face in the mirror, yet a pre-foreseen sadness and a clear-eyed melancholy flashed in her eyes.

She stroked the diamond necklace that Suning had given her, the cool touch reaching deep into her heart.

She had long known that a powerful and mysterious man like Mr. Su could never belong to her alone forever.

From the moment she was driven to desperation in Syracuse and chose to accept his protection, becoming his caged "canary," she understood that she was giving up not only her body, but also her entire autonomy and future.

She was a beautiful collectible he acquired with his wealth and power.

And that "Miss Giovanna" is said to be the daughter of some important person, young, pure, and possessing a family background and innocent past that Malena could never attain.

That is the kind of partner who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Su in the sunlight and gain a formal status.

"This... is fine too." Malena murmured almost inaudibly to herself in the mirror.

She felt no anger, no jealousy, only a resigned calm.

At least, Mr. Su provided her with a comfortable life and safe haven, preventing her from sinking into the filthy mire of Syracuse.

Compared to women who struggled to survive in war or even sold their bodies, she was already "lucky" enough.

She simply adjusted her mindset and perspective quietly.

She knew that her future role might change from an occasional "muse" to a more refined "canary" kept in captivity.

As long as she behaves herself and doesn't fight or compete, Mr. Su will likely continue to support her.

So when Suning returned to Milan, Malena became even more docile and considerate, never mentioning anything about Rome or Giovanna, as if she hadn't noticed anything.

She remained beautiful and elegant, but the brilliance that had briefly ignited in Venice was gradually shrouded in a mist of submission deep within her eyes.

A pursuit of marriage and interests unfolds quietly in Rome; while a silent compromise about identity and the future plays out in Milan.

Suning navigated between the two sides, and everything proceeded smoothly according to his pre-set script.

General Valerio's tacit approval cleared away the biggest obstacle for him; while Malena's "understanding" spared him the worry of trouble at home.

He can focus more on how to secure Giovanna, this key piece, into his own game.

These things are not because Suning is too pragmatic; it's simply that businessmen without connections are easy prey for those big shots.

The novel "Da Ming 1566" clearly illustrates that merchants are always playthings and tools in the hands of the powerful and wealthy.

……

With the outstanding performance of the "SU" Group's clothing and pre-prepared rations on the German Afrika Korps and various fronts in Italy, its reputation was no longer limited to the European battlefield, but even reached the ears of the Japanese military in East Asia.

Within the framework of intelligence sharing among the Axis powers, the Japanese munitions department took notice of this seemingly out-of-the-box logistics supplier.

Faced with the increasingly tense situation in the Pacific War and the harsh jungle environment of Southeast Asia, the Japanese military also developed a strong interest in this kind of material that could significantly improve the quality of life and combat effectiveness of soldiers.

Soon, through some kind of communication channel between Germany and Japan, a request for price quotes and procurement intentions from the Japanese Army's logistics department were indirectly submitted to Suning's headquarters office in Milan.

The letter of intent was politely worded, but it still carried the arrogance of the "Imperial Army." It expressed a desire to purchase large quantities of "SU" standard military uniforms, especially the lightweight version adapted to tropical climates, as well as a large amount of pre-made military rations, and requested samples and technical parameters.

When the assistant carefully placed the document on Suning's large desk, Suning glanced at it casually, and an undisguised sneer immediately appeared on his face.

He tossed the documents onto the corner of the table like trash, leaned back in his chair, and stared coldly at the desk.

“Tell the Japanese,” his voice was devoid of any warmth, “that the ‘SU’ Group’s products will absolutely not be sold to the Japanese.”

The assistant was taken aback, clearly not expecting his boss's reaction to be so intense and direct.

After all, from a purely commercial perspective, this is another huge order, and it will also allow us to expand our business into Asia.

"Boss, this...shouldn't we reconsider? After all, this is an order from the Japanese military, and it's being relayed through the German military. A direct refusal might..."

"What are you afraid of?" Su Ning interrupted him, her gaze sharp as a knife. "Offending the Japanese? Or offending the German who relayed the message?"

He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the bustling factory area outside, and said in a resolute tone, with an unquestionable determination: "Listen, this is my bottom line. Not a single grain of rice or an inch of cloth from 'SU' will be allowed to fall into the hands of the Japanese army! There is no room for negotiation on this matter!"

His motivation was not purely commercial, but stemmed from the depths of his soul. As a time traveler, a descendant of the Chinese people whose bones were imprinted with the historical memories of another time and space, he harbored a deep-seated hatred and contempt for that island nation's army.

He could maneuver between Italy and Germany and profit from the war, but that by no means meant he would forget certain fundamental positions.

To avoid any subsequent troubles and potential misunderstandings, Suning decided not only to refuse but also to clearly convey its stance to all partners.

He first personally called the logistics department of Field Marshal Rommel's Afrika Korps, as well as Rossi, the head of the Italian Quartermaster Department, and General Valerio.

His tone on the phone was serious and firm:
"Your Excellency Marshal (/General/Director), I have received a procurement intention from the Japanese military, forwarded through informal channels. Hereby, I must solemnly declare to you, and to all friendly forces cooperating with our 'SU' Group: all products of the 'SU' Group, including but not limited to uniforms, rations, and any other supplies, are strictly prohibited from being supplied to the Japanese military in any form or through any channel. This is our unwavering principle and bottom line!"

The German and Italian officers on the other end of the phone were somewhat surprised.

Rommel's staff officer asked suspiciously, "Mr. Sue, could you tell me why? This seems like a considerable deal."

Suning's response was cold and direct: "There is no reason, only principles and bottom lines. If either party insists on supplying our products to Japan, then 'SU' will unilaterally terminate all cooperation with that party! I hope our existing and pleasant cooperation will not be affected by this incident."

His firm stance surprised everyone.

This doesn't resemble a profit-driven businessman at all; rather, it's more like a fanatic with extreme political views.

After receiving the call, General Valerio pondered for a moment, but his admiration for Suning only grew stronger.

In his view, a person with strong principles and a bottom line is often more trustworthy than a person who is only interested in profit.

"Su, I understand what you mean. The Italian military will respect your decision in this matter."

"Thank you for your understanding, General Valerio."

Rommel, after weighing the importance of "SU" supplies to the Afrika Korps, also acquiesced to this condition.

After all, the needs of the Japanese battlefield were far from their most pressing concern.

Suning's strong statement is like drawing a clear red line within the Axis powers.

Although the "SU" Group has thrived thanks to orders from Axis powers, its owner, Suning, has taken a tough stance and explicitly excluded Japan from the scope of cooperation.

After this news spread within a small circle, it added a layer of mystery and elusiveness to Suning.

Some speculated that it was due to personal grudges; others believed that he had deeper geopolitical considerations; but in any case, everyone clearly recognized one thing: this Eastern businessman had a taboo subject that could not be touched.

As a result, the SU Group became, to some extent, a unique entity within the Axis powers' logistics system...

It serves this purpose, yet transcends it, adhering to an inviolable boundary that belongs only to its owner, Suning.

This resolute decision, stemming from the time traveler's historical emotions, cast a small but distinct pebble in this era's World War II, bearing a clear personal imprint.

...(End of chapter)