Chapter 138: Starting a Venture
Walter was the sole breadwinner in his family, working as a high school chemistry teacher at a public school, not a private one, so his salary was modest at best.
Supporting his family on Walter's income was a struggle, especially with a new baby on the way. Expenses like formula, diapers, and future school tuition loomed large, and his paycheck simply wouldn't cover it all.
Frank suspected that Walter's sudden decision to start a drug business was driven by the need to earn extra money for his new daughter.
"Money is a wonderful thing, but I'm also struggling with it. My son's college tuition hasn't been sorted out," Frank sighed.
As the conversation shifted to financial woes, the cheerful atmosphere faded, replaced by a more somber mood.
Skyler grew slightly wary, suspecting Frank might be visiting to borrow money from Walter.
In Skyler's eyes, it was unusual for Frank to suddenly reconnect after so many years. His visit seemed like it might have an ulterior motive, possibly seeking a loan.
It's a common suspicion when distant relatives or friends suddenly show up unannounced—they likely have a favor to ask.
"Actually, we..." Skyler started, trying to politely decline Frank's potential request.
"I'm here in New Mexico to ask Walter for help," Frank interjected before Skyler could finish.
"Oh no!" Skyler thought, concerned, and shot Walter a look, silently warning him not to agree to anything Frank proposed.
"The kids are growing up, and I can't keep going like this without work. I've decided to start a small business. I know Walter's knowledge of chemistry could be helpful," Frank explained.
"Of course, you don't need to invest any money. I just need Walter's expertise—technical equity," Frank added.
"A startup?" Skyler paused, surprised by Frank's proposal, which differed from her expectations.
"Yes, it's related to chemical products. I don't know the details, but I have other partners. I thought of Walter's chemistry skills, which might be useful, so I came to ask for his help," Frank continued.
"I believe Walter will understand the project with just a glance," Frank said, looking at Walter.
Walter, however, was baffled, as Frank hadn't mentioned any of this beforehand.
"Um..." Skyler hesitated, contemplating the offer.
"Don't worry, Walter won't need to move to Chicago or quit teaching. He can help after school or during his free time," Frank assured, sensing Skyler's reservations.
"I see..." Skyler's expression softened.
"Frank!" Walter exclaimed, unable to hold back.
"Of course, I'll discuss this with Walter in detail," Frank smiled.
Frank didn't elaborate further, leaving Skyler to inquire privately with Walter later. The conversation shifted back to lighter topics.
Later, as Frank toured Walter's home, he noticed a framed certificate on the bedroom wall: "Leader in Crystallography Proton Radiation Effects Research, Nobel Prize Outstanding Contribution Award."
This award marked Walter's peak, the greatest acknowledgment of his talent.
Yet, who would have imagined such a brilliant individual would end up as an ordinary high school chemistry teacher, not even at a university?
"Frank, what did you mean earlier?" Walter asked quietly when Skyler was out of earshot.
"You know what I meant," Frank replied.
"I'm not doing it again," Walter said firmly, furrowing his brow.
"Don't be so quick to refuse. You did well; it was just a small mistake. This time, I'll help you, ensuring no accidents," Frank reassured.
"Of course, it's just a suggestion. If you truly don't want to, I won't force you. I'll be in New Mexico for a while. If you change your mind, you can always find me," Frank offered.
Initially, Frank hadn't planned to partner with Walter. He had declined Walter's proposal through email.
Coming to New Mexico from New York, Frank hadn't intended to team up with Walter; he simply didn't want to return to Chicago.
But upon arriving, he found Walter and Pinkman entangled in a mess.
Two amateur dealers' first sale ended in a gunpoint encounter with the chemist, resulting in a reversal where the chemist triumphed. The sale failed, leaving them to deal with two bodies, a situation too absurd for a movie plot.
This confirmed Frank's reluctance to partner with Walter—it was too unreliable.
He even considered abandoning the two fools and returning to Chicago.
However, discovering Walter's crystal samples in Crazy Eight's car changed his mind.
The purity of the crystals astonished Frank.
Having been a seasoned alcoholic and addict, Frank recognized their value instantly.
Walter's creation was like uncovering a mountain of gold.
If Frank could tap into this, he could cover Lip's tuition and all his children's college expenses, prompting him to reconsider.
Facing terminal cancer, with symptoms like fatigue, night sweats, and loss of appetite warning of his limited time, Frank decided to take a risk.
Since he was dying, he might as well gamble everything to secure his children's future.
Despite tensions with his children, Frank couldn't shake his concern for them.
Such is a parent's mindset: no matter how children treat their parents, parents always worry about their children.