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By 1947, the two giants under the Sussex Group, "Phoenix Global Trading" and "Phoenix Ocean Shipping," had become indispensable gray cogs in the postwar global economic recovery and regional conflicts, weaving a busy and complex picture around the world with their amazing efficiency and ubiquitous business network.

The Phoenix Trade headquarters command center, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, resembles a giant sand table of the world situation.

On a huge wall in front of you, global commodity prices, ship positions, and "hotspots" marked with different colors are updated in real time.

Traders speak multiple languages ​​and communicate with people around the world via encrypted phone calls and telexes.

"Yes, Mr. David, the remaining Lee-Enfield rifles and Bren light machine guns are already on the 'Phoenix 7' bound for Port Said, and the consignee remains the same. Please deposit the payment into the designated account."

"Notify our agent in Argentina that the three refurbished torpedo boats have passed customer inspection and the final payment has been settled. Inquire whether they require any accompanying ammunition and training services."

"South Vietnam needs more military uniforms and rations. We will prioritize using our inventory in the Okinawa warehouse and transport them through a 'special channel'."

The "goods" catalog here has everything from individual weapons to light ships, from military uniforms to "SU" brand rations.

The counterparty in the transaction could be the Ministry of Defense of a newly independent country, a local armed group operating under various banners, or even opposing sides in the same conflict.

Phoenix Trade only cares about money and reliable channels, and doesn't care about politics.

Beyond arms, Phoenix Trading also keenly seized the business opportunities in post-war reconstruction.

"Europe is in dire need of steel and cement. The 'Victory' 'Alfa' is fully loaded with steel recovered from shipbreaking yards in India and is heading to Genoa."

"We won the bid for 15 percent of the transportation share of the materials from the U.S. Marshall Plan, and we need to coordinate the shipping schedule and ports."

"Food from the Black Sea, crude oil from the Middle East, rubber and tin from Southeast Asia... Phoenix Trading is omnipresent in all these basic commodities in circulation, taking advantage of information asymmetry and economies of scale to buy low and sell high, reaping huge profits."

……

Meanwhile, on shipping routes in the world's major oceans, the fleet of "Phoenix Ocean Shipping Company" shuttles day and night like a tireless school of fish.

The massive mixed fleet consisted of modified "Liberty" and "Victory" ships, captured Axis freighters, and even some auxiliary vessels that were disguised but still retained some military functions.

They fly flags of convenience such as Liberia and Panama, which reduces operating costs and political sensitivity.

On the Atlantic route, convoys loaded with American wheat and reconstruction supplies sailed to Europe, while on their return journeys they carried European industrial equipment, luxury goods, and even some "special immigrants" (war criminals or former Nazis carrying capital).

Ships on the Pacific route transported Japanese industrial machinery to South America, raw materials from Southeast Asia to Japan and the West, and also cruised around emerging hotspots such as the Korean Peninsula and Indochina, carrying out some transport missions that were not convenient to disclose.

The Indian Ocean and Middle East shipping routes are vital arteries for oil and also hotspots for arms sales.

Oil tankers carrying crude oil and cargo ships carrying weapons sometimes pass each other in the same sea area, each heading towards a different fate.

As for certain specific models of "Phoenix" vessels that have undergone special modifications, they possess the ability to shield radar signals and navigate at night without lights. They are specifically used to transport "special cargo" to embargoed areas or conflict-sensitive zones, and the fees are naturally extremely high.

In his top-floor office in Zurich, Suning looked at a huge world map, covered with dots representing the "Phoenix" ships and trade routes.

These points of light are like his extended nerve endings, sensing the pulse of the world and absorbing the nourishment of wealth.

The bustling activity at Phoenix is ​​a microcosm of the post-war world...

There was both open and aboveboard reconstruction and trade, as well as hidden arms dealing and exchanges of interests.

It neither creates peace nor directly instigates war; it simply operates calmly and efficiently between the ruins of war and the dawn of peace, turning chaos into opportunity and demand into profit.

This "phoenix," reborn from the ashes of war, has already spread its wings, its shadow looming over the oceans and continents, becoming a powerful non-state force that no country or power can ignore.

……

In 1947, with the partition and independence of British India a foregone conclusion, and on the eve of the birth of India and Pakistan, this ancient land was filled with hope, fear, and uncertainty.

At this pivotal moment in history, Suning's private jet landed at Delhi Airport.

His purpose in this trip was not sightseeing, but to open up a new "golden route" for his "Phoenix" empire on this land that was about to boil over.

Delhi.

Suning met with senior members of the Congress Party, who are about to take control of India's future, as well as powerful princes from the princely states.

The talks took place in a royal palace filled with sandalwood and an atmosphere of ancient luxury.

“Mr. Su, I have long admired your achievements in Europe,” said a senior Congress Party leader dressed in a white traditional robe, his tone carrying the ambition and pragmatism characteristic of the new regime. “India is about to be reborn, and we need to build everything for the country, from infrastructure to defense. We have heard that Phoenix Trade can provide… a lot of what we need, and very efficiently.”

Suning smiled calmly and said, "Your Excellency, India is a great country with unlimited potential. Phoenix is ​​willing to be a loyal friend and partner of India. We can not only provide the steel, cement, and machinery needed for reconstruction, but our fleet of ships can also ensure their timely delivery."

He then changed the subject, lowering his voice, "For some...sensitive materials, such as light weapons and communication equipment used to maintain border 'stability,' and even some basic defense industry technologies, 'Phoenix' also has reliable channels and knows how to avoid unnecessary...international attention."

His offer was extremely tempting: flexible payment options, including partial compensation in the form of mining rights or agricultural products, fast delivery times, and "thoughtful" after-sales service, including training and ongoing technical support.

These are precisely what the newly formed India urgently needs.

After several rounds of secret talks, a preliminary agreement on a large-scale procurement was reached, covering everything from railway tracks to rifles.

Suning has successfully extended the tentacles of the "Phoenix" into the core of this future South Asian giant.

……

Immediately afterwards, Suning flew to Karachi, which is about to become the capital of Pakistan.

The atmosphere here is different from that in Delhi; it's more urgent, with a sense of urgency as if it's a fight for survival.

The meeting was with key members of the future Pakistani government and military representatives.

“Mr. Su, you are well aware of our situation.” A future Pakistani general cut to the chase, his brow furrowed with deep worry. “Our border with India is not yet demarcated, and conflict could break out at any moment. We need weapons, we need equipment, we need everything that can protect our nascent nation! And we need it quickly!”

Su Ning sensed the other party's urgency, which was exactly what he wanted.

He displayed a list of equipment he could quickly provide: standard British rifles, machine guns, mortars, and even a batch of refurbished, well-maintained Sherman tanks and field guns from World War II.

“General, please rest assured.” Su Ning’s tone was calm and carried a convincing power. “‘Phoenix’ understands Pakistan’s urgent needs. Our warehouses in the Middle East can deliver the first batch of light weapons to Karachi within two weeks. Heavy equipment may take a little longer, but it will definitely be faster than any other channel. Moreover,” he added meaningfully, “we accept various payment methods, including future cotton export quotas, and even… certain ‘special’ political commitments.”

Faced with the support India has already gained from the "Phoenix" and its own severe security situation, Pakistan has very few options.

A secret, massive arms deal was quickly finalized at a seaside villa in Karachi.

Suning pledged to be a "timely help" for Pakistan's defense.

In fact, whether it was Delhi or Karachi, Suning keenly sensed the deep-seated fear that both sides harbored towards each other.

He skillfully navigated between the two.

He hinted to India that he could help “balance” regional power and limit Pakistan’s access to more advanced weapons.

In reality, the weapons he provided to both sides were of roughly the same level, but the information gap created an illusion of superiority.

He also assured Pakistan that he would provide them with equipment “enough for self-defense” and implied that he had the ability to influence international public opinion.

Suning's real goal is not to favor either party, but to become the "only" reliable supplier that is indispensable to both.

Knowing full well that a stable South Asia is not in the "Phoenix's" interest, a moderately tense South Asia that constantly needs external arms and material support is a continuous gold mine.

Before leaving South Asia, Suning also made a special trip to inspect several important ports on the west coast of India, as well as the location of the future Gwadar Port in Pakistan, to lay the groundwork for Phoenix Transportation's future layout in this sea area.

Standing on the gangway of the private jet, looking back at this subcontinent filled with incense, dust, and tension, I knew that I had successfully sown the seeds.

Future conflicts between India and Pakistan, regardless of their scale, will, to some extent, depend on the war supplies and logistical support provided by Phoenix.

He is not just doing business; he is participating in shaping the future landscape of this ancient land in a ruthless way.

This trip to South Asia once again proved that the boundaries of the "Phoenix" empire have long since transcended geographical boundaries, extending to every corner of power and interests.

……

As the flames of war reignited in the East and the situation in Indochina became increasingly tense, weapons and military supplies handled by the "Phoenix Trade" began to flow in large quantities and continuously to the Far East battlefield, as if guided by an invisible hand.

Whether it was the German-made rifles in the hands of the Northern army or the American artillery parts equipped by the Southern armed forces, the "Phoenix" mark could always be vaguely seen in their circulation routes.

This situation quickly aroused high alert from intelligence agencies in Britain, the United States and other countries. The Northern Army, equipped with powerful German-made weapons, became increasingly brave, and the Southern Army was no match for the Northern Army at all.

The most critical issue is that the Northern Army already possesses a massive fleet, consisting of warships retired and sold by European and American countries.

At emergency meetings in London and Washington, officials felt a deep unease as they looked at the map showing the flow of supplies.

"Gentlemen, we must confront a serious problem," a senior British Foreign Office official slammed his fist on the table. "This 'Soviet Group,' especially its subsidiary 'Phoenix Trading,' is supplying weapons to conflict zones in the Far East in a way that we cannot fully control. This is seriously disrupting our strategic deployment and regional balance!"

“We’ve investigated,” a CIA representative interjected. “On paper, all of Phoenix Trade’s export procedures are nearly perfect, with complete documentation, and the destinations are often ‘neutral’ countries in the Middle East or Latin America. But ultimately, these weapons always magically end up in the hands of the warring parties in the Far East. They utilize complex entrepot trade and multi-layered distribution networks!”

Soon, a joint diplomatic note and inquiry from the United Kingdom and the United States was formally delivered to the headquarters of the Su Group in Switzerland.

The statement was strongly worded, demanding that Phoenix Trade immediately cease its indirect arms shipments to conflict zones in the Far East and accept an international investigation.

Faced with pressure, the Su Group's response can be described as a model of diplomatic rhetoric.

A group spokesperson held a brief but efficient press conference:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Su Group and Phoenix Trading have always strictly abided by international law and the laws and regulations of the host country. All our trade activities are supported by complete legal documents such as export licenses and end-user certificates. Our contractual relationship with the buyer terminates upon delivery of goods and settlement of payment. As for the destination of goods after they leave our control, it is beyond our control and responsibility. We understand that some countries may have difficulties in regulating their own or third-party traders' resale activities, but this is not our responsibility."

This statement completely absolved the company of responsibility, emphasizing the "legality and compliance" of the procedures while avoiding any discussion of the substantive consequences.

This infuriated the UK and the US, yet they found it difficult to refute it directly from a legal standpoint.

Seeing that strong pressure was ineffective, the UK and the US turned to trying to "persuade" the other side.

A British lord, who was acquainted with Suning, "bumped into" Suning at a private club in Geneva and said earnestly:
“Dear Sue, we all know that with your and Phoenix’s capabilities, there’s absolutely no need to get entangled in these sensitive arms deals. While the profits from dealing with WWII remnants are considerable, the risks are increasing daily. Why not invest more of your energy in shipping, energy, or even the emerging electronics industry? Those sectors are equally lucrative, and… more respectable, without attracting unnecessary trouble.”

Su Ning swirled the amber liquid in his glass, a subtle, enigmatic smile on his face, and slowly said, “Your Excellency, thank you for your suggestion. Indeed, the Su Group has a wide range of businesses and does not rely on any particular sector. If the international community finds our handling of World War II remnants causing problems, we can simply… terminate this part of the business immediately. After all, as you said, we can make money in other industries as well.”

This statement, seemingly a concession, instantly alarmed the British and American representatives present!
They immediately realized the subtext of these words: if Phoenix Trading really stopped the flow of arms, the first to suffer would not be Suning, but the military and political bigwigs hidden in the UK and the US who had intricate interests with Phoenix and relied on this gray channel to obtain dividends and achieve certain ulterior motives!

If this chain of interests is unilaterally severed by Suning, the resulting internal upheaval and anger would be something these diplomats and intelligence officials absolutely cannot afford.

“Mr. Su, please don’t misunderstand!” the British lord quickly explained, his tone much more conciliatory. “We are by no means asking ‘Phoenix’ to cease all operations! We simply… hope that your company can strengthen its self-discipline, conduct more rigorous reviews of its trading partners, and establish with us… well, some kind of information sharing mechanism, in order to strengthen the supervision of ‘Phoenix Trading’ and ‘Phoenix Transportation’ and prevent goods from flowing into inappropriate areas.”

This is almost a pleading concession.

Suning sneered inwardly, but outwardly complied: "The Su Group has always been open to strengthening supervision and cooperation. We will seriously consider your suggestion."

However, after leaving the club, Suning did not truly take the so-called "strengthening of supervision" to heart.

He knew that the essence of Phoenix's operating model lay in its layered, untraceable network of white gloves.

Those nominal importers, entrepot trading companies, shipping agents...

There are countless tax havens scattered around the world, but very few are actually directly related to him.

Want to achieve complete regulation? It's like looking for a needle in a haystack.

This confrontation with British and American officials ended with the other side making a compromise.

Instead of curbing Phoenix's gray-market trading, it made Suning realize more clearly how solid the network of interests it had woven was.

He remained firmly in command in Switzerland, calmly coordinating global supplies and ships. The gray waterway leading to the Far East remained as busy as ever.

He didn't care about the outcome of the war; all he cared about was how to make the "phoenix's" wings shine with more golden light amidst the flames of war.

...(End of chapter)