Chapter 169: 160. Back To Orlando
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Joe turned to Sandro, his expression turning into something akin to admiration. "Seriously, though, Sandro," he said, "you're in your first year, and you're already showing up veterans in this business. That promo? That was masterful. You had the crowd eating out of the palm of your hand. Hell, you had me believing you were gonna take my head off in that ring."
Sandro smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, Joe. That means a lot coming from you. I've been watching you for years, and getting to work with you like this? It's an honor. I just want to make sure I'm giving you my best every time we're out there."
Dusty let out a hearty laugh, clapping his hands together. "That's the spirit, boys. That's how we keep this business alive. Respect, hard work, and a damn good story. Now, you've set the bar sky-high for this pay-per-view. I expect nothing less than a match of the year contender."
Joe smirked, adjusting the title on his shoulder. "Oh, don't worry, Dusty. We're gonna deliver. I'll make sure of it." He turned to Sandro, extending his hand. "And I know you will too."
Sandro took the handshake, their mutual respect clear as day. "You know it," he said firmly. "We're gonna tear the house down."
Dusty smiled as he observed Sandro and Joe, his arms crossed over his chest. The satisfaction was evident on his face as he nodded approvingly. "Alright, boys," Dusty began, his authoritative yet warm tone cutting through the lingering tension. "Y'all nailed it tonight. That was a masterclass in how to sell a pay-per-view. But we're just getting started. Next week, we're gonna up the ante."
Sandro and Joe both straightened, their attentiveness signaling their respect for the legendary figure before them.
Dusty continued, "Sandro, next week, you've got a singles match against Eric Young. It'll be a ten-minute bout, but here's the kicker. You're gonna look like you're about to win, but Joe here," Dusty gestured toward Joe, "you're gonna get involved. Distract Sandro and the referee. That's when Young capitalizes, hits his finisher, and steals the win from Sandro."
Joe chuckled, the gears in his head already turning. "Mind games, huh? I like it. It sets the tone perfectly for the pay per view."
Sandro nodded, his jaw tightening slightly. "Makes sense. It'll show the fans that Joe's trying to throw me off my game, keep me from building momentum for the coming pay per view."
"Exactly," Dusty said, pointing at Sandro. "It's all about the psychology. The fans will eat it up. Joe's the champion, and champions will do whatever it takes to hold onto that gold. And you, Sandro? You're the underdog trying to prove you belong. This is the kind of storytelling that keeps butts in seats. While it's generic, it have been a proven method countless times."
Sandro and Joe exchanged a glance, both nodding in agreement. Dusty's vision was clear, and they were both fully on board.
"Alright, that's it for now," Dusty said, clapping his hands once. "You boys rest up, and we'll run through everything at the taping. Great work tonight."
With that, Dusty left the area, his confident stride signaling his faith in the two competitors. Joe, still holding the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship on his shoulder, gave Sandro a pat on the back. "You're doing great, Sandro. Keep it up, and you'll be a champion before you know it."
Sandro smirked, his humility shining through. "Thanks, Joe. I'm just trying to make sure I'm giving you my best out there."
Joe nodded, satisfied. "You're doing more than that. See you next week."
As Joe walked off, Sandro took a deep breath, the adrenaline from the night's events still coursing through him. He headed back to the locker room, his mind replaying everything Dusty had said. The story they were building was captivating, and he knew he had to deliver every step of the way.
In the locker room, Sandro quickly changed out of his ring gear and into a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Just as he was tying his shoes, he heard familiar voices approaching. Nicole and April, his two girlfriends, entered the room, their smiles brightening his mood.
"You killed it out there tonight," Nicole said, leaning against a locker. "The crowd was electric. You and Joe are building something special."
April nodded in agreement. "Seriously, the way you delivered that last line? Chills. Total main event material."
Sandro chuckled, appreciating their encouragement. "Thanks, you two. It felt good. Joe's a great dance partner, and Dusty's got this whole thing mapped out perfectly."
The three of them left the locker room together, heading toward the parking lot. As they walked, Sandro's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, smiling as he saw the caller ID. It was his father, Jack.
"One second," Sandro said to Nicole and April as he answered the call. "Hey, Dad."
Jack's warm, familiar voice greeted him. "Sandro! How's my favorite son doing? Did you have a good day?"
Sandro grinned. "I'm your only son so im better the favorite, and It's been a long one, but yeah, it was great. How about you? How's everything on your end?"
"Busy as ever," Jack replied. "But that's the way I like it. Listen, I wanted to talk to you about something. This Saturday, we're hosting a business party at the Nexum Core headquarters here in Orlando. I'm inviting all the founders and CEOs of the companies we've invested in. It's a chance to expand our network and showcase the reach of Nexum Core."
Sandro raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That sounds big. What do you need from me?"
Jack's tone softened slightly. "I'd like you to come if you're free. I want to introduce you to everyone. It's a good opportunity for you to see the kind of network we've built and make some connections of your own."
Sandro considered the offer for a moment. His schedule was tight with the build up to the pay per view, but he couldn't deny the importance of what his father was asking. "Alright, Dad. I'll be there. Just send me the details."
"That's my boy," Jack said, pride evident in his voice. "I'll send everything over tonight. Thanks, Sandro. It means a lot."
"Anytime, Dad," Sandro replied. "Talk to you soon."
As he hung up, Nicole gave him a curious look. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah," Sandro said, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "My dad's hosting a big business party this Saturday. Wants me to be there to meet some of the people he's working with."
April smiled knowingly. "Sounds important. Are you gonna go?"
"Yeah," Sandro said with a nod. "It's not every day I get a chance like this. Plus, it'll be nice to spend some time with my dad. We don't get to see each other as much as we'd like."
Nicole placed a hand on his shoulder. "Well, don't forget about the match next week. Joe's gonna try to get in your head, and you can't let him."
Sandro smirked. "Don't worry. I've got this."
As they reached the parking lot, the three of them said climbed into Sandro's car, and Sandro's mind already racing with everything he had to prepare for in the coming days as he began his drive.
Sandro's week blurred by in a haze of training sessions, promo tapings, and the mental preparation required to keep up with the intense demands of FCW's storytelling. The stakes for the upcoming pay per view were sky high, but Sandro had no time to dwell on the pressure as Friday arrived, bringing with it a new challenge.
Sandro was set to fly to Orlando to attend the prestigious business party his father, Jack, had organized tomorrow at the Nexum Core headquarters in Tampa.
He had spent the previous evening carefully packing a suitcase with essentials, tailored suits, crisp shirts, polished dress shoes, and a designer watch Jack had gifted him years ago for special occasions.
Sandro wanted to look his best, knowing he might be meeting some of the most influential people in the business world. His mind buzzed with the possibility of shaking hands with the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, and other founders or CEO's of their respective industries that they had invested in.
Before leaving for the airport, Sandro double-checked everything, ensuring he hadn't forgotten anything and also double-checked his plane ticket, which he had purchased earlier in the week, and headed to the airport. He sent a quick text to his father and mother to let them know he was boarding his flight soon.
To his father and mother, "Hey, just letting you both know I'm going to board my flight soon. Can't wait to see you guys in Orlando. Love you!"
Then, he shot a message to Nicole and April, letting them know he'd be away for a couple of days but that they were welcome to stay at his apartment if they needed to.
To Nicole and April, "Flying out for a couple of days for tomorrow. You two can hang out at my place if you want, spare keys are in the usual spot. I'll miss you both. See you soon!"
April's reply came almost instantly, "Don't worry, we'll keep your place from burning down. Good luck with your dad's big event. Love you."
Nicole's response followed shortly after, "Have fun! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back. Love you too!" With a smile, Sandro grabbed his bags and headed to the airport.
The flight to Orlando was smooth, giving Sandro a rare moment to relax. He leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes as he imagined the evening ahead.
Three hours later, the plane touched down in Orlando. As Sandro made his way through the bustling airport, his phone buzzed with a notification, "We're outside. Can't wait to see you!" It was from his mother, Taylor.
Stepping outside into the Florida sun, Sandro's face lit up when he spotted his parents waiting for him. His father, Jack, stood tall and proud, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit despite the casual occasion. His mother, Taylor, radiated warmth, her smile as bright as ever.
Without hesitation, Sandro hurried over, pulling them both into a big hug. "Missed you guys," he said sincerely.
"We missed you too, sweetheart," Taylor replied, patting his back and kissing him on his cheek.
Jack chuckled, adjusting his son's collar after the hug and patted him on the shoulder. "You've been doing great things, Sandro. It's good to have you here."
Jack grabbed Sandro's suitcase as the family made their way to the waiting car, a sleek black Rolls Royce. Their driver, a man named Charles, tipped his hat in greeting before loading the luggage into the trunk. Once settled inside the plush interior, the car smoothly merged into the Orlando traffic.
As they drove toward their home, Sandro glanced at Jack, curiosity written all over his face. "So, Dad, I've been wondering, what's the real reason behind this party? Expanding your network is important, sure, but there's got to be more to it than that."
Jack chuckled softly, glancing at his son with a knowing smile, impressed by his son's perceptiveness. "You're not wrong," he admitted. "The party is partly about expanding our network and showcasing what Nexum Core has accomplished. But more importantly, it's about making a statement."
"A statement?" Sandro asked, intrigued.
Jack nodded. "Nexum Core may be a relatively new player in the industry, but we've built a solid foundation. We've invested in companies that will dominate their markets for years to come. This party is a way of showing everyone, from industry leaders to potential investors, that we're not just another fund. We're a giant in the making."
Taylor chimed in, her tone calm but proud. "Your father has also invited people from outside the companies Nexum Core has invested in. Artists, innovators, even journalists. The idea is to create a space where connections can be made across industries."
"Journalists?" Sandro raised an eyebrow.
Jack chuckled. "Don't worry, they won't be allowed in the main event space. But they'll be outside, mingling, interviewing guests, and taking pictures. It's all about building hype and cementing our reputation."
Sandro nodded, the weight of the event settling in. This wasn't just another party. It was a strategic move to position Nexum Core as a dominant force in the business world.
By the time they arrived home, Sandro was both excited and slightly overwhelmed. The family estate was as grand as ever, its sprawling grounds meticulously maintained.
Inside, the staff greeted him warmly, many of them having watched him grow up. After settling into his old room, Sandro took some time to decompress. He opened his suitcase, laying out the outfit he planned to wear the next evening. A sharp navy suit with a subtle pinstripe, paired with a crisp white shirt.
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Name: Alessandro Zhang
Age: 19 (2009)
Birthplace: Orlando, Florida USA
Brand: FCW
Wrestling Style: Mixed Of All Style
Faction: Dragon Boom (Tag Team)
Championship History: 1x FCW Tag Team Champions