Jason watched the street corner for a while, noticing a shadowy figure of a vehicle approaching. He turned to Red Hood and said, "In a moment, block the road and claim to be a mob member collecting protection money. Insist on searching the cargo for any prohibited items."
"Won't that backfire?" Red Hood protested, "Though I don't understand much about the rules of the mob, their checkpoints are usually fixed, aren't they? If you block the road, the truck driver will just run you over."
"Interesting, you seem to know a bit. Have you ever driven a truck in Gotham before?" Jason asked, eyeing Red Hood. Red Hood flinched inwardly, realizing that the boy was keener than he thought.
Red Hood shook his head and Jason went on to explain, "Drivers from Gotham would do that, but these drivers are not from Gotham. They're rich folks brought in from outside, terrified of the mob. Especially with you looking like a madman right now, they'd open the truck door without a second thought to let us search."
"When the time comes, I'll sneak into the cargo and follow the truck into the hotel. You don't need to get on - just wait at the public telephone booth on the same road we came from. Once I've got the goods, you'll pick me up here..."
Red Hood did not object to the plan. In fact, it sounded perfect. But he still asked, "Are you sure you can get out of the hotel in one piece?"
"I'm not sure," Jason shook his head and admitted. "I've never been to such a fancy hotel. I have no idea what it's like inside or who's there. But that doesn't matter. Sometimes, you just have to gamble."
Red Hood fell silent, but the plan was still in progress. The truck's lights shone from around the corner, their shadows casting on the wall like a sun.
The sun moved from west to east, time flowing backwards to earlier in the day.
A hand reached out and straightened the table lamp, then slowly lowered the pen. A sigh echoed in the room, and Shiller rubbed his brows.
A knock echoed, to which Shiller replied, "Come in."
Evans appeared in the doorway, holding a notebook, and entered while reading. "Professor", he said, "The pathological analysis for the patient in Room 2 is completed. Would you like to see?"
Shiller pointed towards the table. Evans handed him the notebook. After reading, Shiller commented, "Well written. Send it to Doctor Brand and proceed with the treatment as outlined."
"Evans, your performance is impressive. You should qualify for the outstanding graduate student award. Prepare the necessary documents, and I'll submit them for you to the administration. If selected, you'll not only receive a grant but also find it easier to secure a recommendation for post-graduate studies."
"Thank you, professor, but I won't be participating in that competition." Evans stated regretfully. "I feel it's somewhat unfair, considering that effectively, there are two of us studying, giving us double the time others have."
Shiller raised an eyebrow and responded, "It seems you value academic fairness. However, your condition is also unique and should be considered in the selection... Oh, aren't you eligible for the illness assistance scheme at Gotham University? Have you applied for it?"
Evans shook his head. Shiller retrieved a paper from his drawer and said, "I'll write you a diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Remember to claim it when you return to campus next week."
Evans smiled at Shiller and asked, "Professor, you seem to be in high spirits, have you encountered anything pleasant?"
Shiller paused before answering, "I suppose you could say so. I have found a student with exceptional talent—intelligent, sharp, and willing to think."
"In the few days that I have been tutoring him, I have felt invigorated. And oh, I owe part of that invigoration to Bruce Wayne—he's finally stopped going to school." Shiller said, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed demeanor.
"I was going to ask about him—where's Bruce?" Evans asked, somewhat confused. "The lower-grade student Lex tried to find him earlier. I couldn't help him, since I didn't know where Bruce was."
"Bruce? He should be resting in a hospital right now. He was severely injured during an incident recently, but his recovery is going well. He should be discharged by next week." Shiller replied as he continued writing the diagnostic report.
He then stopped writing and asked, "Would you find it unfair if I allowed Bruce Wayne to graduate?"
"Unfair? I don't see why," Evans shook his head. "We all know he'll graduate, even if it's delayed, he's bound to graduate."
"Moreover, his graduation won't affect Wayne Enterprises. He could put off graduation forever if he wanted. Therefore, it doesn't really matter whether he graduates or not."
Shiller paused and asked, "Are you sure every student would think the same way?"
"Why the sudden turn of events, Professor? You want Bruce Wayne to graduate now? I remember you saying that he did not have the necessary credits."
Shiller sighed, got up, and walked to the window to look at the sky outside and said, "Yes, coursework is crucial as one must possess theoretical knowledge in order to apply it in practice."