Chapter 053: She's Just a Little Girl

 Lorna Dane was about to leave when a sudden noise stopped her in her tracks. She glanced back at Jiang Chen and asked, "Do you know where he is?"

Jiang Chen, casually slinging the black bag with the scepter over his shoulder, replied, "Tony Stark said the Mandarin is likely on the Us-Mexico border, but that doesn't mean he's at the broadcasting building in New York."

He shrugged slightly. "He's a performer, after all."

Lorna, her face set with determination, responded firmly, "Then let's go to the TV station and find him."

Before Jiang Chen could react, she grabbed his hand, yanking open the door—only to be met by a man standing outside, his hand raised as if about to ring the doorbell.

"Who are you?" Lorna demanded, her voice stern and eyes narrowed.

Though Lorna didn't recognize him, Jiang Chen did. One glance at the man's attire gave him away—he was from S.H.I.E.L.D.

"My name is Angus, S.H.I.E.L.D." the man introduced himself, his gaze fixed on Jiang Chen.

"The Mandarin is at the broadcasting building in New York," Angus informed them. "You promised the President you'd handle the Mandarin, so we're asking you to follow through."

Jiang Chen's expression soured. "How many hostages are there?"

Angus, a hint of pride in his voice, answered, "We've been monitoring New York closely. The civilians were evacuated discreetly. Now, it's just the Mandarin and his men in the building."

"Captain Hill and Barton have our agents surrounding him. We've got the place wired with all kinds of weapons," he continued, his tone almost smug. "If the Mandarin resists, we'll bomb him without hesitation."

Jiang Chen sneered, his eyes cold. "So why are you still asking for me?"

Angus smiled tightly. "The President gave the task to you."

Jiang Chen's voice grew sharper. "Then why did S.H.I.E.L.D. interfere?"

Angus's smile didn't waver. "The Mandarin is not easy to deal with. We're just ensuring he doesn't escape. And though you told the President you'd handle this alone, it's better if we're prepared. If the Mandarin gets away, it'll be chaos."

Jiang Chen scoffed. "You've been operating in secret, and now you suddenly tell me you have him surrounded? You just want me there to watch your people arrest him? No thanks. Handle it yourself."

Angus, looking helpless, spoke into the communicator in his earpiece, "Report to Captain Barton, he's refusing to engage."

With that, Angus turned and left, his steps quick.

"I can't stand that guy," Lorna muttered, glaring at his retreating back.

Jiang Chen was about to respond when his phone rang. He glanced at the unfamiliar number, curiosity piqued. Hardly anyone knew his number.

"I'm Tony," came the voice of Tony Stark as soon as Jiang Chen answered.

"How do you have my number?" Jiang Chen asked, mildly irritated.

Tony's voice was rushed. "Not important. There's something you need to know—Anna Bell was captured. I just found out this morning, through Happy."

Jiang Chen's brow furrowed. "Who took her?"

"No idea. You'll need to ask Happy. I've already sent him to your place." Tony's voice sounded strained. "You know, the leader asked me to send someone to deliver medicine to her. I wasn't keen on it, but for you, I agreed. Feel honored."

There was a loud crash on Tony's end, followed by a frustrated curse. "I'm busy. Deal with it."

And with that, Tony hung up.

Jiang Chen stood still for a moment, digesting the information. Anna Bell, kidnapped? Who would take her? She's just a child. His mind was still spinning when he remembered what Angus had said about the Mandarin. Everything seemed to be happening too quickly.

"What's wrong?" Lorna's voice broke his train of thought. "Are you in trouble?"

Jiang Chen shook his head. "No, it's not that. I just need to save Anna Bell."

Lorna's expression darkened for a brief moment before she asked, her tone almost cautious, "Anna Bell... is she your girlfriend?"

Jiang Chen let out a weary sigh. "No, she's just a little girl."

At that, the tension in Lorna's face faded, and the corners of her mouth curved upward in a small, relieved smile.