Chapter 183: Craftsmanship
Frank watched the entire process and realized that Pinkman had a natural talent for chemistry.
By the time Walter reached the mid-stages of cooking, Frank was lost in the complexity of the process. The array of chemical reagents and equipment left him bewildered, unable to distinguish one from another.
Walter would ask for a specific beaker, but Frank, faced with a multitude of them, had no idea which one Walter meant.
However, Pinkman could understand and follow Walter's instructions, identifying each item and assisting Walter throughout.
If Pinkman continued working with Walter and practiced enough, he could memorize the entire process and eventually cook independently.
According to Walter, mastering this basic chemistry didn't require extraordinary talent.
Walter found it simple, but he was a seasoned expert with experience on a Nobel project. What seemed easy to him could be a Herculean task for others.
If it were that easy, why didn't the market have products as good as Walter's?
To Frank, Walter's process was incomprehensible even when witnessed firsthand, which highlighted Pinkman's potential in this field.
The old saying about having a "golden skill" refers not to a government job but to possessing a craft. Whether it's cutting hair or cooking, having a skill ensures you can always earn a living.
Having lived with Pinkman for so long, Frank knew him to be a kind-hearted, somewhat stubborn, but fundamentally good kid. He was quite straightforward.
Frank treated Pinkman like a half-son, guiding him and considering his future. Learning from Walter would secure Pinkman's future, ensuring he could always make a living.
Maybe one day, Pinkman could become a chemistry teacher like Walter at a public school.
Walter's guidance would be more than enough for Pinkman to thrive.
Public schools didn't require advanced knowledge, and with Walter's fundamental chemistry teachings, Pinkman could easily qualify as a teacher.
Regardless of how much a public school teacher earns, saying you're a teacher commands respect across cultures.
In America, public schools lack a standardized curriculum. Schools in New Mexico differ from those in Chicago.
As a chemistry teacher, Walter could recommend Pinkman to fill his position upon retirement. With Walter's knowledge, Pinkman could smoothly pass the interview and start teaching.
American teachers hold secure positions, free from competition over student performance affecting their status or income.
Teachers aren't fired for poor performance, allowing them a lifelong career until retirement, a job many seek but can't find.
"I can't do it. I'm not up to it," Pinkman said, lacking confidence when Frank suggested he learn Walter's craft.
"Walter, any objections to teaching Pinkman?" Frank asked.
"None," Walter replied, though interrupted by a coughing fit.
"You should learn. I'll teach you the steps. You don't need to understand the principles, just follow the process," Walter assured.
Due to cancer, Walter was physically weak and needed Pinkman as a backup in case he couldn't finish the process.
"We all believe in you," Frank encouraged, patting Pinkman on the shoulder.
"I..." Pinkman opened his mouth but said nothing.
Frank and Walter stepped outside for a smoke, needing fresh air from the cramped, sauna-like RV.
"Frank, I've done some calculations," Walter suddenly said.
"Calculations?" Frank asked.
"If I can't recover and die, I considered Skyler's retirement, Walt Jr.'s tuition, my daughter's expenses... factoring in inflation, a good state university costs $45,000 annually. Two kids for four years totals $360,000."
"My mortgage still has $107,000 left, plus $30,000 interest, totaling $137,000."
"Then there's living expenses—food, clothing, utilities—at $2,000 monthly, or $24,000 annually. Over ten years, that's $240,000."
"Altogether, $240,000 plus $360,000 plus $137,000 equals $737,000."
"And that's not counting my daughter's needs or school expenses."
"I need at least $800,000. Do you understand, Frank?"
"Before I die, I need to leave $800,000," Walter said, taking a deep drag.
Clearly, Walter had spent countless nights calculating these figures, worrying about the amount he needed for his family.
"How will you explain this money to Skyler?" Frank asked, touching on a crucial issue.
"I'll hide it until I'm near death, then tell Skyler everything. She'll use it wisely for the kids," Walter explained.
"What about you?" Walter asked Frank.
"Me?" Frank exhaled smoke.
"You said you have six kids—wait, seven. Sending them all to college isn't cheap," Walter noted.
Walter's calculations didn't surprise Frank. He knew about the high cost of college from his experience with Lip at the University of Chicago.
"I never thought about exact amounts, just leaving as much as possible."
"My situation's complex. One child doesn't need my help, and the others might not all go to college," Frank admitted.
Karen was set with Officer Eddie's inheritance, covering her college.
Lip was sure to attend college, but the others were uncertain. Fiona and Ian had potential, while Debbie, Carl, and Liam were too young to predict.
(End of Chapter)