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The war is over, but the lives it tore apart are difficult to restore.

In the late autumn of 1945, in Syracuse, a small town on the island of Sicily on the other side of the Mediterranean, a shadow that had been almost erased by the war quietly returned.

He was Rinuccio Scodia, Malena's legal husband, and the husband she herself always believed in.

He was not "killed in action," but was seriously wounded and captured in a fierce battle in North Africa, and subsequently endured a long period of torment and several unsuccessful attempts to register information in an Allied prisoner-of-war camp.

When he was finally released, dragging his battered body, ravaged by malaria and post-traumatic stress disorder, he traveled for months, traversing war-torn Europe, and returned to the homeland he had longed for. He had transformed from a dashing officer into a gaunt, cloudy-eyed, and limping "living ghost."

He returned to his wife Malena, clinging to his only hope.

During his most painful prisoner-of-war period, it was Malena's beautiful face and the brief memories of their time together that sustained him.

He imagined the joy of their reunion, and how he would spend the rest of his life making up for her loneliness and waiting all these years.

However, when he finally stood in front of that familiar seaside apartment building, an ominous premonition gripped him.

The windows were tightly closed, there were no clothes drying, and a thin layer of dust covered the doorknob.

He trembled as he used his treasured key to open the door, only to be greeted by a musty, empty atmosphere.

Inside the house, everything seemed to be still there, yet everything was completely different.

The furniture was covered with white cloth, and there was no trace of life in the air.

He frantically searched, hoping to find a note left by Malena, or any clue that could indicate her whereabouts.

But nothing.

Malena seemed to vanish into thin air, taking only a few of her most private belongings with her, while all other traces of her were carefully and thoroughly erased.

Unwilling to give up, he stumbled onto the familiar street, grabbing every neighbor he encountered who still vaguely resembled him and asking questions.

“Sir Scotia? You, you’re still alive?” The old woman selling vegetables recognized him, her face showing a complex expression of shock and pity.

"Mariena! Where is my wife, Marlena?" Linuccio asked urgently, his fingers turning white from the pressure.

The old woman's eyes darted away, and she stammered, "She...she left a long time ago. Not long after...not long after the news of your 'death' came."

"Where did she go? Where did she go?!" Linucio almost roared, attracting more prying eyes.

“I don’t know… I really don’t know…” The old woman shook her head and lowered her voice. “Some people say… she ran away with a rich man, an Easterner… went north, maybe to Milan, or somewhere even further away…”

“Easterners…rich people…” These words pierced Linuccio’s heart like poison needles.

He continued to ask others, but received similar, vague answers, interspersed with evasive glances and whispers.

He could piece together a cruel truth from those evasive words and strange looks:

After his "death," his stunningly beautiful wife did not remain steadfast in her grief as he had imagined, but quickly eloped with another man.

The rumors in the town, which once wounded the lonely Malena, now lash out like a whip at the returning Rinuccio.

He was no longer a glorious Italian soldier, but a pitiful, disabled old man "betrayed" and "forgotten" by his wife.

He returned to his empty apartment, looking utterly dejected, and slumped to the floor.

The trauma of war had not broken him, but at this moment, the collapse of his beliefs completely shattered him.

The home and loved ones I fought for and endured countless hardships to return to are no longer there.

He could only drag his crippled body across mountains and rivers to return, only to find that his own grave had already been dug in his heart.

Outside the window, Syracuse still boasts a beautiful sunset and harbor, but in his eyes, the whole world has lost its color.

He huddled in the cold corner, like a gradually weathering stone statue, with only a trace of silent despair remaining in his empty eyes, a result of being thoroughly mocked by fate.

He returned, but Malena disappeared, taking with her the last reason he wanted to live.

This man, who had been destroyed once by war, faced his second, and perhaps even more complete, destruction after peace arrived.

……

The core secret to the SU Group's rapid rise after the war, its acquisition of massive amounts of military supplies and ships, and its smooth global arms trade lies not only in its business acumen and operational capabilities.

The deeper reason lies in the fact that Su Ning is well aware of the principle that "the world is bustling with activity, all for profit." He used gold and US dollars to weave a solid and silent network of interests that covers military and political figures from many countries.

This huge "business" has never been a source of profit for him alone.

In the secluded rooms of Swiss banks, or in private estates on the shores of Lake Geneva, a series of clandestine "dividend-sharing meetings" are quietly taking place.

The participants had no name cards, only code names, but the power they represented was enough to influence the regional and even global landscape.

A former senior British military officer, who claims to be "a friend of Mr. Churchill" and is now an advisor to a seemingly ordinary international trading company, sits opposite Suning in front of the fireplace.

“Mr. Su, we are very pleased that you handled the ‘redundant’ frigates in Gibraltar with such smooth procedures.” The Englishman sipped his tea leisurely.

Su Ning smiled and pushed a thin folder over, inside which were several copies of Swiss bank deposit certificates, bearing the names of the officer's children and mistress.

"This is your well-deserved 'advisory fee.' Without your Navy's 'understanding' and the Trade Commission's 'green light,' those ships would probably still be rusting in the dock right now."

The Englishman glanced at the numbers, a satisfied look on his face, and put the folder into his inner pocket.

“We look forward to further cooperation with Phoenix Trading in the Far East, especially in Malaya and Hong Kong. There are some ‘local forces’ there who are very interested in equipment for maintaining order.”

"Then I wish us continued success in our cooperation."

"Pleasant to work with."

……

Then, a member of parliament with close ties to the French colonial government raised a glass with Suning in a private room at a high-end restaurant in Paris.

"For the friendship between France and 'Phoenix Trade'!" the congressman exclaimed, beaming. "The situation in Algeria and Indochina is more complicated; some 'unofficial' armed forces need reliable sources of equipment. Your light weapons and light vessels are very welcome."

Suning nodded and handed over a slip of paper with account information and amount written on it, tucked it into the menu.

"This is a small token of our gratitude to the relevant departments in your country for facilitating this transaction. We hope that our future business in Africa will receive the same support."

The senator tacitly put away the menu and said in a low voice, "For the phosphate transportation contract with Morocco, and some 'special needs' in West Africa, I think Phoenix Trading would be the most suitable partner."

"Thank you, Mr. Congressman! It has been a pleasure working with you."

"Mr. Su, I would like to pay a visit to General Valerio. I wonder if I would have the honor?"

"Of course! I will inform the congressman immediately after the arrangements are made."

"Haha, cheers to your upcoming good news!"

"cheers."

……

In an old noble residence in Rome, General Valerio Borghese is now a prominent symbolic figure and member of parliament in the Italian Navy.

The meeting with Suning at this time was more like a family gathering, but the topics were equally practical.

“Suning, things aren’t peaceful on the Yugoslav border. Tito’s men need weapons, and so do the royalists.” General Valerio pointed east with his cigar. “The old destroyers and rifles we ‘disposed of’ have solved their immediate problem.”

Su Ning poured his father-in-law a glass of strong liquor and calmly said, "The profits have been deposited into the family trust's account in Luxembourg according to the previously agreed ratio. With this fund, your political activities and the future development of the family will be more secure."

This is not just a transfer of benefits, but a deep entanglement of family interests.

“Excellent! It seems Giovanna made the right choice in selecting you.”

"Thank you, Father-in-law, for entrusting Giovanna to me."

"How are things going with that woman from Sicily?" "Well..."

"What? You don't think we know nothing about this, do you?"

"Of course not! It's mainly because she's very well-behaved, and I don't intend to send her away."

"Alright! I'm a man too! Of course I don't care about this kind of thing, but you can't let Giovanna suffer any injustice."

"Don't worry, father-in-law! I will definitely treat Giovanna well."

……

Across the Atlantic Ocean.

A former general who had just retired from the Pentagon and immediately joined a major lobbying firm was enjoying drinks with Suning at a club in New York.

“Mr. Jackson (Suning’s pseudonym), your efficiency in handling those surplus military equipment on the Pacific islands is impressive. Some members of Congress have expressed their appreciation for your efforts in promoting ‘asset liquidation’ and reducing the burden on taxpayers.”

Suning handed over an envelope containing not cash, but a document outlining the transfer of shares in a US military-industrial company and a donation pathway for a specific congressional campaign fund.

"This is our support for the business order of the 'free world.' We hope to continue to receive help from our friends in the future when dealing with 'larger' assets, such as retired aircraft or even... more sensitive materials."

"No problem! This is a win-win situation."

Through these covert and efficient "dividends," Suning cleverly divided the enormous profits of the "SU" Group into countless portions, which flowed into the pockets of powerful figures who could provide him with protection, give him preferential treatment, and create opportunities.

They may come from different countries and have different stances, but they have reached an astonishing consensus on the issue of "interests".

They protected Suning's business, tacitly approved or even promoted policies that were favorable to him, and intervened when he encountered trouble.

Because they know that the bigger SU's business grows, the more generous their "dividends" will be.

This is a bond forged of gold, stronger than any written agreement.

Sitting in his command center in Switzerland, Su Ning looked at the locations on the world map illuminated by networks of interests, knowing that he was no longer a simple businessman.

He is a node, a hub, connecting East and West, victors and vanquished, colonizers and rebels.

By distributing the spoils of war, they bound the interests of countless people to their own, thus building a vast and invisible empire.

This empire has no flag, no army, yet its influence is ubiquitous.

……

October 1, 1946, Milan, Italy.

On this day, as the city gradually recovers from the trauma of war, it focuses its attention on the Milan Cathedral, which has survived the disaster and appears even more majestic.

A grand wedding, the talk of the town in Europe's high society and seen as a symbol of postwar Italy, is taking place here...

The marriage between Suning, an Eastern business tycoon, and Giovanna Valerio Borghese, the daughter of the Borghese family, a prominent Italian naval family.

This was not just a wedding; it was a carefully orchestrated political declaration and a display of power.

Early in the morning, the Piazza del Duomo in Milan was already cleared and under security, with a red carpet laid from the square all the way into the cathedral.

Curious citizens and journalists from around the world were kept outside the cordon, eagerly awaiting the news.

The church's Gothic spire pierces the azure autumn sky, as if proclaiming to the world a hope and ambition for reconstruction.

The wedding started promptly at 10:00 AM.

Inside the church, the dome soars high, and stained glass windows filter out a dazzling array of light.

The organ played a solemn and magnificent melody, echoing in the vast and sacred space.

Italy's new president, prime minister, cabinet members, numerous members of both houses of parliament, industrial tycoons, revived aristocratic families...

Almost all of Italy's top power elites were present.

They were not only concerned with the Borghese family's reputation, but also trying to curry favor with Suning, a newly wealthy man with vast resources and close ties with various parties.

General Valerio Borghese, dressed in a sharp dress uniform with medals adorning his chest, sat in the front row with his wife, Eleonora. His expression was complex, reflecting both the joy of marrying off his daughter and, more importantly, the anticipation for the political capital and future of the family that this marriage would bring.

Ambassadors or senior diplomats from countries such as the UK, France, and the US to Italy were prominently featured on the list, representing forces with intricate connections to Suning.

There were even some mysterious guests from the Middle East and South America, who were "important clients" of Suning's arms and shipping business.

Executives, partners, and bankers from the “SU” Group, “Phoenix Trading”, and “Phoenix Transportation” across Europe gathered at the wedding, which was also an excellent occasion for them to strengthen their relationships and expand their networks.

When Suning wore a pure black morning suit tailored by a Savile Row master in London, with a meticulously chosen white bow tie.

He stood tall and straight, his face calm, his deep black eyes sweeping over the guests, exuding a composure and control beyond his years.

He walked steadily toward the altar, his steps firm, as if he were not walking toward marriage, but toward a stage he was destined to control.

Then, the church doors slowly opened again, and Giovanna's figure appeared before everyone in the backlight.

In an instant, a suppressed gasp seemed to echo throughout the entire church.

She wore an ivory-white satin wedding dress designed by a top Parisian master and cost a fortune; the enormous train required six maids to lift it.

The veil is an antique Venetian lace inherited from the Borghese family, adorned with tiny pearls.

Her makeup was exquisite, like a goddess stepping out of a Renaissance painting, pure and noble, with a blissful smile that seemed to come from naivety. She took her father, General Valerio's, arm in arm and walked step by step toward her groom.

At this moment, emerging capital from the East and established Italian nobility, under the witness of God, completed their union in the most traditional and enduring way.

The wedding was officiated by the Archbishop of Milan.

During the solemn vows, Su Ning placed a ring on Giovanna's finger, set with a rare pink diamond, its brilliance symbolizing his "cherishing" and commitment to the relationship.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds rode in a white Rolls-Royce Phantom decorated with flowers, amidst the crowds and flashing lights, to the Borghese family villa on the shores of Lake Como, where an extremely lavish wedding banquet had already been prepared.

Champagne flowed like a fountain, delicacies from all over the world were continuously served, and a symphony orchestra played cheerful dance music.

The guests raised their glasses and chatted about business, politics, and their blessings for the newlyweds.

With Giovanna by his side, Suning navigated the world of political figures and business tycoons with ease.

He was not only showing off his bride, but also declaring to everyone:

He, Su Ning, has successfully integrated into the core power circles of Europe and will take this as a new starting point.

In an inconspicuous room of the villa, Malena stood alone by the window, looking at the reflection of the celebration on the distant lake and listening to the faint sounds of laughter and joy.

She wore a well-fitting light purple dress, still beautiful, yet like a still life painting forgotten in a corner.

She raised her glass, facing the hustle and bustle outside the window that didn't belong to her, and silently drank the wine in one gulp.

Looking at the grand wedding before her, it would be impossible for Malena not to feel envious, after all, this was what she had been looking forward to the most.

However, Malena was well aware of her own limitations, after all, some things were truly just wishful thinking on her part.

Moreover, Suning did not hide the fact that her ex-husband had returned from Malena, but Malena did not expect that after leaving Suning, she had already become accustomed to her current extravagant lifestyle.

However, this grand Milan wedding was like a meticulously choreographed and lavish drama.

This signifies that Suning has completely washed away the last trace of gloom from its cooperation with the Axis powers during the war, and now stands proudly at the pinnacle of postwar Europe as the son-in-law of a top Italian family.

Love may only be part of this marriage; more importantly, it's about consolidating interests, declaring status, and ushering in a new era.

From this day forward, the name Suning will be more deeply associated with power, wealth, and influence.

...(End of chapter)