Chapter 49: More Tricky Incidents

Jiang Chen reclined in the plush mansion gifted to him by Chief Matthew Ellis, watching a news segment about his latest heroics.

"Breaking news! A new superhero has emerged, saving the city with his extraordinary abilities. Chief Matthew Ellis personally awarded him a medal," the reporter announced.

"His name is Jiang Chen, but many know him as the 'Fireman,' the same hero who had a run-in with Iron Man."

The news then cut to interviews with excited citizens.

"Fireman! I want to have a little Fireman with you!" a middle-aged woman shrieked excitedly.

Jiang Chen grimaced and stood up from the sofa, taking a deep breath. This is getting out of hand, he thought.

The TV continued, showing a mix of enthusiastic and hopeful voices.

"I think he's awesome! Did you see him on that motorcycle?"

"Fireman, the world needs you! You can save us!"

Jiang Chen was watching with amusement when suddenly, the screen flickered. A dark symbol took over the broadcast. His eyes narrowed as he recognized it: the symbol of the Ten Rings, the notorious terrorist organization once led by the Mandarin.

But wait... wasn't the Mandarin just a front? Jiang Chen thought. Killian's dead, and that guy was just an actor, right?

The screen shifted to reveal a bearded man wearing ornate rings on each finger. He grinned menacingly, his voice filled with menace.

"I'm back. The world will tremble once more."

And just as quickly as it appeared, the broadcast returned to its normal programming.

Jiang Chen was left in stunned silence. This man looked like the Mandarin, but the rings... Could the real Mandarin exist after all?

Just then, the doorbell rang. Standing at the door was Colonel Ross, a familiar face Jiang Chen had dealt with before.

"Mr. Jiang," Ross said stiffly, "the President would like to see you."

As Jiang Chen entered the office of Chief Matthew Ellis, the leader stood and walked over, greeting him with a warm handshake.

"Jiang, how are you settling into your new place?"

"It's comfortable, thank you," Jiang Chen responded, though he knew this wasn't just a courtesy call.

Ellis's face turned serious as he gestured for Jiang Chen to sit. "I won't waste your time. You saw the broadcast just now, didn't you?"

Jiang Chen nodded, his expression unreadable.

Ellis continued, "The Mandarin, or at least the real Mandarin, leads a dangerous organization known as the Ten Rings. S.H.I.E.L.D. captured him a while ago, but he managed to escape in the chaos of that recent bombing."

Jiang Chen remained silent, processing the information.

"We need your help," Ellis said firmly. "This time, I'm asking you as the leader of this country, not S.H.I.E.L.D."

Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow. He knew Ellis was sincere, but there was more to this.

"The Mandarin controls elemental forces—wind, rain, even lightning. He's unlike anything we've faced before," Ellis added. "Your strength could tip the scales."

Jiang Chen considered this. The Mandarin's rings intrigued him far more than the man himself. If those rings really had the power to control the elements, they would be worth investigating.

Before he could respond, Ellis spoke again. "I realize there's been tension between you and S.H.I.E.L.D., but I'm asking for your help for the sake of the country."

A smile tugged at Jiang Chen's lips. "Don't worry, I'll handle the Mandarin," he said calmly. "But I don't need S.H.I.E.L.D. I'll do this alone."

Ellis looked concerned but didn't argue. "I trust you, Jiang, but the Mandarin is extremely dangerous. I just want to make sure you're prepared."

Jiang Chen's confidence was unwavering. With the Mind Stone in his possession, his abilities were growing exponentially. The Mandarin, no matter how powerful, didn't seem like a real threat to him.

"Trust me," Jiang Chen reassured him, "this won't be a problem."

Ellis sighed. "Alright. But please—be careful. The country can't afford to lose someone like you."

Jiang Chen chuckled. "I'm not planning on going anywhere."

As Jiang Chen rose to leave, he placed a small vial on the desk in front of Ellis. "One thing, though—there's a girl named Anna Bell. I want you to deliver this to her. It's an Extremis antidote. Tell her it's from her big brother."

Ellis nodded, a bit surprised. "Consider it done. Thank you again, Jiang."

Jiang Chen gave a final nod and left the office, his mind already focused on his next mission. The Mandarin was waiting, and Jiang Chen was more interested in those mysterious rings than anything else.