Chapter 171: Work
"Haha, there were so many funny stories from back then. Hard to believe so many years have passed," Walter said, wiping away tears of laughter.
"To Snots. Wherever he is, may God bless him," Elliott raised his glass.
"To Snots," Walter echoed, taking a sip of his drink.
"By the way, do you still remember that insufferable Professor Robitt?" Elliott asked.
"Of course. Just mentioning his full name would send him into a rage," Walter nodded.
"But I have to say, I didn't expect you to come here with Frank. I thought you two had long lost touch. Ever since he dropped out, I haven't seen him again. I figured I'd never run into him for the rest of my life," Elliott said.
"He used to play pranks on you all the time. You two really couldn't stand each other," Walter replied.
"Pranks? That was outright bullying! He was a total thug. If it hadn't been for you and Gretchen, I probably would've spiraled into depression and dropped out myself," Elliott said, his voice low. "Honestly, I still carry a bit of trauma from that."
"You're exaggerating. That was all in the past. He's changed a lot," Walter said.
"Still… I miss this kind of conversation between us, Walter. It really feels like we're back in college," Elliott sighed nostalgically.
"Yeah, me too," Walter nodded.
Chatting with an old friend about the good old days made Walter forget his worries — even his cancer — if only for a moment. He was genuinely happy.
Although Frank was also an old friend and college roommate, Walter's bond with Elliott ran deeper. Frank had dropped out early, while Walter and Elliott had been classmates from undergraduate through graduate school, even working together after graduation.
Walter had led the Nobel Prize research group, and Elliott had been one of his team members. They had been through so much together — their shared memories far outnumbered those with Frank.
"We should get together more often. Skyler and I would love to have you over for dinner sometime," Walter offered.
"Definitely. That sounds great," Elliott nodded. "But actually… I had something else in mind."
"Oh?" Walter blinked, not quite following.
"What I mean is… we should work together again. Like old times," Elliott said.
"What, you planning to come teach high school with me?" Walter quipped, his smile fading slightly as he began to catch on.
"No, Walter. I'm being serious," Elliott said earnestly.
"Wait… are you saying you want me to come work at Gray Matter?" Walter asked.
"Exactly. You're perfect for it. No one knows your talent better than I do. You've got experience — hell, I used to work for you," Elliott replied.
"I… I wouldn't even know where to start. I've been out of the loop for so long. You have no idea what my life looks like now. I spend my days in front of a chalkboard trying to teach kids the basics of the periodic table," Walter said, conflicted.
It had been decades since he last worked at the cutting edge of science. The field had evolved rapidly. Walter hadn't just taken a short break — he had been gone for over twenty years. Getting back on track wasn't just difficult — it was daunting.
"I understand. You might be a bit rusty at first, sure. But you don't realize the advantage that gives you. You bring a fresh perspective. You'll notice things we've been blind to. That's invaluable to us," Elliott said, leaning forward.
"You remember that feeling, don't you? Spending months stuck on a problem, your focus narrowing to a pinpoint, and then someone on the outside offers a simple idea that breaks the deadlock. That's what we need — your clarity."
"Walter, you are exactly the kind of person we need."
Walter didn't answer right away. His expression grew complicated. The hesitation and internal conflict on his face were plain to see.
"Well?" Elliott asked, eyes fixed on him.
"Elliott, that's a very tempting offer. Truly. I appreciate it more than I can say. But… there are some personal reasons I need to consider," Walter said.
"There's no problem that can't be solved," Elliott replied with conviction.
"It's more complicated than that… a lot more complicated," Walter said quietly.
In the past, the younger Walter would've rejected such an offer without a second thought. But time had worn away his pride and edges. The once-brilliant prodigy had become an ordinary high school chemistry teacher.
Yet even now, he couldn't bring himself to accept. Returning after two decades — he wasn't just unsure of himself. He was afraid.
And then there were the deeper issues. Working under an old friend would change their relationship from equals to boss and subordinate. And then there was the awkward, unresolved history between Walter and Gretchen.
Most importantly… he had cancer. And not the kind you beat — the kind that beat you. With all the symptoms and complications, how could he commit to a full-time research job?
Everyone knows: when a friend recommends you for a job and you fail, it doesn't just reflect on you — it embarrasses them too. You have to work twice as hard to make them proud.
And Walter? His body couldn't handle that kind of pressure. He might collapse in the middle of an experiment.
"Walter, we can help you," Elliott said suddenly. "We have excellent medical insurance."
Walter's expression shifted instantly. His brows furrowed.
"I'm serious. The best healthcare coverage available," Elliott repeated, watching Walter closely.
Walter didn't reply. He simply looked across the room toward Skyler, who was chatting with someone else — but kept glancing back at him.
In that instant, it all clicked.
Skyler, who had never liked parties, had insisted on coming to this one — Elliott's birthday party. She'd been unusually insistent.
Walter's face darkened slightly. His expression turned grim.
"So, Walter… what do you think?" Elliott asked again, eyes narrowed.
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