Chapter 33: 30. Investment Ideas & Recoqition
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Sandro nodded again, his mind racing with possibilities. He had always admired his father's foresight and his ability to see opportunities where others saw only risks. It was a skill that had served Jack well in his career and one that Sandro was eager to develop in himself.
Sandro leaned back against the headboard of his bed, his mind already racing with ideas as he listened to his father talk about their next steps. While Jack was the mastermind behind the financial side of things, Sandro had his own insights especially when it came to the entertainment industry with some knowledge he remembered from his past life.
"Healthcare, huh?" Sandro mused aloud, thinking about the possibilities. "I mean, it's definitely a sector that's always going to be in demand, but it's also not my area of expertise, Dad. What I do know, though, is entertainment. And I think we might be sitting on some golden opportunities there."
Jack paused, giving his son the floor. Sandro could hear the subtle hum of approval in his father's silence, which encouraged him to continue.
"Have you heard of Marvel Studios, Dad?" Sandro asked, his voice steady but laced with excitement. "They're the ones behind 'Iron Man,' the movie that came out earlier this year. It's been a huge success, critically and commercially. And if I'm right—and I think I am—Marvel is about to become a big deal in the next few years."
"Iron Man?" Jack repeated, curiosity piqued. "Yeah, I remember hearing about it. The movie did pretty well, right?"
"Not just pretty well," Sandro corrected. "It's the beginning of something much bigger. Marvel's got a whole universe of characters that they could potentially bring to the big screen, and 'Iron Man' was just the start. But here's the thing Dad, Marvel Studios is still relatively small compared to the giants like Warner Bros or Disney. If we move quickly, we could potentially acquire Marvel before Disney or Warner Bros does. It's a risk, sure, and very expensive but the payoff could be huge. We're talking about owning the rights to some of the most iconic characters in pop culture—Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Avengers, all of them."
Jack listened intently, absorbing the information. Sandro knew his father was always open to new ideas, especially when they had the potential for high returns. But Jack was also a cautious man, one who understood the importance of due diligence.
"And you're sure about this?" Jack asked, his tone serious. "You really think Marvel's going to be that big?"
Sandro nodded, even though his father couldn't see him. "I do, Dad. I've got a good feeling about this. Marvel's storytelling, their characters, the way they've built a connected universe in their comics—it's something no one's really done on this scale other than DC's. If we get in on the ground floor, we could be sitting on a goldmine."
Jack was quiet for a moment, considering Sandro's proposal. Finally, he spoke, his voice thoughtful. "Alright, son. I trust your judgment. I'll look into it, and see what kind of deal we could potentially make. But we'll have to move fast if we're going to beat Disney or Warner Bros to the punch."
Sandro felt a rush of excitement at his father's words. This was more than just a business opportunity, it was a chance to shape the future of entertainment in a way that few people ever could. But his thoughts didn't stop there.
"There's one more thing," Sandro added, his mind shifting to another potential investment. "The UFC. They're the biggest name in mixed martial arts right now, but from the news I collected, the financial crisis has hit them hard. They're struggling to pay their fighters and staff. If we could step in and provide some financial support—maybe even acquire a stake in the company—we could help stabilize them and grow the brand even further."
Jack's interest was clearly piqued. "The UFC, huh? I've heard about them. They're making waves in the sports world, but I didn't realize they were in trouble."
"They are," Sandro confirmed. "But they've got a loyal fan base and a product that's only going to grow in popularity. The sport is raw, it's exciting, and it's got a lot of room to expand globally. If we can help them weather this storm, I think there's a lot of potential there."
Jack was quiet again, weighing the options. Sandro could almost see his father's mind working, turning over the possibilities and risks. Finally, Jack spoke, his voice firm and decisive.
"You've given me a lot to think about, Kiddo. Marvel and the UFC—these are bold and risky moves, but they could pay off big if we play our cards right. I'll start making some inquiries, and see what we can do. And about those malls we acquired—I wanted to let you know that the renovations are already underway, just as you planned. They should be completed by the end of next year, right when the economy I expected to start bouncing back hopefully. Your ideas for those properties were spot-on, son. I think we're going to see some serious returns once they're up and running."
Sandro smiled, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. It wasn't just about the money or the business—though those were certainly important—but about the fact that his father valued his input and was willing to take his ideas seriously. It was a validation of everything Sandro had been working towards, both in the business world and in his wrestling career.
"Thanks, Dad," Sandro said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I really appreciate you trusting me with this. I know these are big decisions, but I think they're going to be worth it."
Jack chuckled, the sound warm and reassuring. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, Sandro. And you've got a knack for seeing opportunities where others might not. That's a rare talent. I'm proud of you, son."
The words hit Sandro deeply, bringing a lump to his throat. He had always admired his father, and looked up to him as a role model, and hearing Jack express such confidence in him was something he would cherish.
"Thanks, Dad," Sandro said again, his voice thick with emotion. "That means a lot to me."
"Well, you've earned it," Jack replied. "And don't forget to keep me in the loop on what's happening down there in FCW. Sounds like you've got some exciting things going on too. Your mother and I are both so proud of everything you're doing."
As if on cue, Sandro heard a faint rustling on the other end of the line, followed by the familiar voice of his mother, Taylor. "Sandro, sweetie, are you still there?"
"Yeah, Mom, I'm here," Sandro replied, his voice softening as he heard his mother's voice. "How are you?"
"We're both doing great," Taylor said warmly. "And we're so proud of you, honey. We know you've been working hard, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for you. Just remember to take care of yourself too, okay?"
Sandro smiled, feeling the love and support from his parents across the miles. "I will, Mom. Thanks. I love you both."
"We love you too, Sandro," Jack said, his voice filled with affection. "Now go get some rest. You've earned it."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Sandro ended the call, placing his phone on the nightstand. He sat in silence for a few moments, letting the conversation with his parents sink in. The world outside was full of challenges and opportunities, but he felt ready to face them head-on.
With the weight of his conversation with April still lingering in the back of his mind, Sandro knew he had some personal decisions to make as well. But for now, he was content with the progress he was making, both professionally and personally.
He stretched out on the bed, feeling the tension of the day slowly ebb away. Despite the uncertainties that still lay ahead, Sandro felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was on the right path, and with the support of his family and friends, he knew he could handle whatever came his way.
After lying on his bed for a couple of minutes, Sandro finally forced himself up, shaking off the remnants of sleep. He knew that wallowing in his thoughts, especially after the intense conversations of the previous night and morning, wouldn't do him any good. He needed to clear his head and refocus his energy.
He headed to the bathroom, stripped off his clothes, and stepped into the shower. The hot water cascading over his body was like a reset button, washing away the tension that had built up over the past few days. Sandro closed his eyes, letting the water run over his face as he took deep, calming breaths.
His mind drifted back to the conversation with his father. Marvel Studios and the UFC—two massive opportunities that could change the course of his and his father's future. The thought excited him, but it also brought with it a sense of responsibility. He knew that he had to be sharp, both mentally and physically, to handle what was to come.
After the shower, he quickly changed into a set of clean workout clothes—his usual choice when he needed to burn off some steam. He glanced at himself in the mirror, noting the determination in his own eyes. It was a look that he recognized from his father, Jack—a look of someone who was ready to take on the world.
With his mind set on his next task, Sandro made his way to the kitchen. He wasn't one to skip meals, especially when he had a busy day ahead. He prepared a healthy brunch, consisting of scrambled eggs, avocado toast, and a side of fresh fruit.
As he ate, he turned on the television, more out of habit than actual interest. The news program he always watched was on, and as expected, they were still talking about the aftermath of the Lehman Brothers collapse. The financial world was in turmoil, and the ripple effects were being felt everywhere. But Sandro knew that where others saw chaos, he and his father saw an opportunity.
He finished his meal, cleaned up the kitchen, and headed out the door for a run. Running had always been his way of clearing his head. It was a time when he could think, plan, and prepare himself for whatever was coming next. Today, he needed it more than ever.
The morning air was cool, with a slight breeze that made the run even more enjoyable. Sandro kept a steady pace, his thoughts drifting between the various challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. His mind wandered to April, and the unresolved tension from the previous night. He knew he needed to address the situation Sooner or later, but for now, he decided that he needed to give her space to cool down.
As he ran, the rhythmic sound of his footsteps on the pavement became almost meditative. The streets were somewhat busy, with occasional cars and buses passing by. It was a welcome contrast to the noise in his head, and it allowed him to focus on his run.
Suddenly, his phone rang, breaking the calm. He glanced at the screen and saw Dusty's name. Without breaking stride, he answered the call, greeting the veteran trainer with a breathless, "Hey, Dusty. What's up?"
Dusty's voice came through the line, as warm and jovial as ever. "Morning, Sandro. You out for a run?"
"Yeah, just trying to clear my head," Sandro replied, his breath coming in steady bursts. "What's going on?"
"I've got some good news for you, Kiddo," Dusty said, his tone carrying a note of excitement. "The higher-ups at WWE were really impressed with the response from last night's show. They've given the green light for the FCW Divas Championship tournament to go ahead, and they're willing to let bygones be bygones about the funding. They see it as a positive thing."
Sandro felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had been worried that his involvement in personally funding the championship might have rubbed WWE the wrong way, potentially straining his relationship with the company before he even got his foot in the door. However, hearing that the management was satisfied with the response eased his concerns.
"That's great news, Dusty," Sandro said, genuinely relieved. "I was worried there for a minute that I might have overstepped."
"Nah, Kid, you did good," Dusty reassured him. "You showed initiative, and that's something they respect. But I didn't call just to tell you that. There's something else."
Sandro's curiosity was piqued. "Yeah? What's that?"
"Well, in recognition of all the effort you've put in—not just with the Divas Championship, but also with your in-ring work—Steve and I want to offer you a spot in an upcoming FCW tag team championship tournament. It's to crown a number one contender, and it's happening the week after the Divas tournament kicks off."
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Name: Alessandro Zhang
Age: 18 (2008)
Birthplace: Orlando, Florida USA
Brand: FCW
Wrestling Style: Mixed Of All Style
Faction: None
Championship History: 0