In the office of the Metropolitan Federal Investigation Bureau Base, Jimmy, who was sitting next to the meeting table, stood up and shook hands with Bruce who just walked in.
The robust African-American investigator's demeanor always seemed a bit serious. He stepped back, allowing Bruce to enter the office, and the two sat down beside the table.
"Mr. Wayne, we greatly appreciate your cooperation with the investigation amidst your busy schedule, contributing to federal security and education," Jimmy courteously flattered Bruce.
Bruce shook his head gently, a worried expression on his face. He turned to Jimmy, "You should know why I'm here, I don't want my education background to be tainted, nor do I want Wayne Enterprises involved in this."
"I am here to ensure that your investigation does not affect my business, and that there will be no rumors that could harm my personal reputation."
Bruce's words were straightforward, but Jimmy didn't mind. He seriously addressed Bruce, "Mr. Wayne, trust in the capabilities of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We adhere to law enforcement impartiality and will do our utmost to provide a satisfying outcome for everyone."
"Alright, let's put the pleasantries aside," Bruce seemed somewhat impatient. He looked at Jimmy, "What did you guys want to ask me?"
Before Jimmy could speak, Bruce interjected, "You should know that, burdened with Wayne Enterprises, I barely had time for school. If you hope to get insights into Professor Rodriguez's personal habits from me, then you're expecting too much."
"Of course," Jimmy nodded, "This is just a routine inquiry. It won't invade any of your or anyone else's privacy. If you feel uncomfortable with any question I ask, you're completely free to refuse to answer."
"Wait, you guys wouldn't be planning to do a psychological assessment or profile on me, would you?" Bruce frowned, "Don't play that game with me. No politician or businessman would allow anyone to probe into their inner thoughts."
Seeing Bruce's strong resistance, Jimmy sighed softly, "Mr. Wayne, calm down. You haven't made any accusations against Professor Rodriguez. As long as you don't claim you've been mistreated by him, we won't subject you to any psychological tests."
Bruce rolled his eyes, "I know Rhomann and Thomas too. I never thought that they would be so sensitive. What harm could a university professor do to them? What, has the Sionis Family and the Elliot Family run out of people?"
Hearing this, Jimmy's eyebrows twitched a bit, but instead of responding immediately, he made a mental note of what Bruce just said.
This conversation raised a question during Jimmy's investigation: it would make sense that Rhomann and Thomas, as the eldest and heirs to the two big families, should be immersed in business dealings all day like Bruce described, not having time for school.
Even if they had to appease the professors at school just for the sake of their reputations, they wouldn't be stuck at school accepting someone's bullying. They have the power to leave at any time.
Typically, bullying within student-teacher relationships occurs when the teacher is very dominant, and the student is utterly powerless.
Both rich heirs should not be in a powerless situation. Their relationships with their teachers aren't that unequal.
However, Jimmy didn't think this information would clear Shiller of any suspicion. The final decision would still depend on the accuser's testimony and what happens when both parties confront each other.
"Alright, Mr. Wayne, let's begin. Since you have not made any accusations against Professor Rodriguez, we will only ask some simple questions."
Jimmy leaned forward, looking at Bruce, "In your memory, what kind of person is this professor?"
"A typical college professor," Bruce answered, "He enters the classroom two minutes early to lecture and leaves immediately after class. During theoretical classes, he's boring enough to put you to sleep three times in ten minutes. During debates, he's fair and just."
"Could you describe your first impression of him in one word?"
"Strict," Bruce replied.
Jimmy nodded, then asked, "Did you feel uncomfortable about this strictness?"
Bruce pursed his lips, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Whether a strict teacher is good or not often depends on your attitude towards studying. If you want to study well, then a highly educated, serious, and strict teacher would, of course, be more popular."
"But if you just want to muddle through, like me, and you happen to encounter a strict teacher, you would probably curse him a thousand times a day in your heart."
"Have you ever done that?" Jimmy tilted his head slightly, lifted his eyelids, and looked at Bruce from above his eyes.
Bruce shook his head, "Why would I bother to antagonize a teacher like that? Anyone with a conscience knows that he's doing it for your sake and simply fulfilling his responsibilities as a teacher. He wanted to teach me, but I didn't need to learn. I'd say we lack common interests, but it's not enough to breed hatred."