Chapter 36: Becoming Famous Suddenly

"Recently, Iron Man fought a fierce battle with a fire-breathing man in the heart of New York City, and it ended badly," the newscaster's voice echoed in the gym.

Jiang Chen stood on a treadmill, watching the broadcast in disbelief. The footage showed a distant, blurry image of him fighting Iron Man, flames engulfing his body.

"Through live video, we can see the intensity of the fight," the reporter continued. "However, due to the distance, we couldn't capture the face of this fire-breathing person. Their identity, background, and even gender remain unknown."

Jiang Chen couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and frustration. The idea of his face plastered across the news as some mysterious "fire-breathing man" was surreal.

"As this incident spread, many New Yorkers have expressed their opinions on this unexpected battle," the reporter said, switching to street interviews.

The screen flashed to an excited fan, yelling into the camera. "FUCK... Iron Man is the best! He's my hero! That fire guy? Get outta here!"

Another person chimed in, "That fire dude was awesome! He was completely covered in flames! Looked so badass!"

"I don't trust him," a concerned woman stated. "He might be connected to the recent bombings. What if he's an alien? Iron Man, save us!"

A man laughed, adding, "I wanna know if that fire guy is a man or a woman. Also, how do his clothes not burn off? Does he end up running around naked afterward?"

Jiang Chen facepalmed, his expression a mixture of disbelief and embarrassment. The media had even started calling him Burning Man. Burning Man? Really? he thought. Couldn't they come up with something better? Like Flame Soul or something more... dramatic?

He sighed, feeling a weird sort of celebrity status creeping up on him. The gym was buzzing with chatter about the mysterious "Fire Man," and he couldn't help but cringe, realizing they were talking about him.

Out of nowhere, a burly foreign man nudged Jiang Chen, looking at him conspiratorially. "Hey, buddy, you know the truth?" he said, his voice dripping with faux secrecy. "I'm actually Pyro."

Jiang Chen stared at him in disbelief. The man straightened his posture, trying to look cool despite his protruding belly, and ran a hand through his thinning hair.

Jiang Chen coughed to hide his laughter, rubbing his temples as he turned to leave the gym, but the loud voice of another man caught his attention.

"In my eyes, Iron Man and that Pyro guy are nothing!" the man boasted as he showed off his muscular arms to a group of women. "Iron Man is just rich. Pyro? He just breathes fire. Neither of them can match these muscles."

Jiang Chen shook his head, taking a deep breath as he headed toward the exit. Just as he was about to leave, a familiar voice made him stop.

"Hey, we meet again."

It was Natasha Romanoff—Black Widow—standing in front of him, hands casually in her pockets. She was dressed in a sports bra, her athletic figure impossible to miss. "Where have you been hiding since you slipped out of S.H.I.E.L.D.?" she asked with a sly smile.

Jiang Chen hesitated, unsure how to respond, when Hawkeye suddenly emerged from the locker room. The moment he saw Jiang Chen, a glint of hostility crossed his otherwise stoic face. Clearly, he hadn't gotten over their last encounter.

Natasha stepped closer, her eyes scanning Jiang Chen. "You look different," she remarked.

Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Natasha playfully poked his stomach. "You're stronger than before."

Before Jiang Chen could respond, Hawkeye stepped forward, flexing his biceps as if to challenge him. His eyes locked on Jiang Chen, full of silent rivalry.

Jiang Chen couldn't help but smirk. Lifting his shirt slightly, he revealed his perfectly toned eight-pack abs. "It's nothing, just a few extra abs."

To his surprise, a group of women nearby gasped in awe. "Wow! How did you get your muscles like that?" one asked, stepping closer. "Can we train together sometime?"

Another chimed in, "You have to give me your number! We need to talk fitness... over dinner."

Hawkeye's expression darkened. He had been showing off his physique moments ago, but Jiang Chen's sudden display of muscle had stolen the spotlight. How had he gotten abs like that in such a short time?

Natasha, impressed, raised her eyebrows and grinned. "Not bad at all," she said. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she added, "Wanna join me in the boxing ring for some practice?"

Jiang Chen wasn't sure how to respond.

Without waiting, Natasha moved toward the ring and called out to a large man lifting weights nearby. "You, come up here."

The man looked at Natasha dismissively, but climbed into the ring. However, within seconds, he was taken down by Natasha's expert grappling skills.

The gym erupted in cheers and gasps. Natasha got up, dusting her hands off and smiling down at Jiang Chen. "Your turn," she challenged, her eyes gleaming.

Jiang Chen sighed, realizing he had little choice.