Chapter 16: A New Routine
Jesse had mastered his world, or at least that's how it felt. With the NZT-48 vaccine, his mind was sharper than it had ever been. No more paranoia. No more crashes. He was able to see patterns in everything, from the way people interacted to the movements of the cartel, and even the growing pressure from the IRS. His empire was flourishing, and he was untouchable, at least for now.
But the mental sharpness that came with his new routine—working with the cartel, managing his meth business, and staying ahead of the IRS—had begun to take a toll on him. Despite his brilliance, he couldn't shake the hollow emptiness that had grown within him. Something was missing. He could calculate everything, predict every outcome, but it felt like he was losing himself in the process.
That's when he decided to make a change.
Solving the IRS Problem
Jesse's mind was always working, but now, with the NZT-48 and the vaccine, he could work at a pace that was simply impossible for anyone else. The IRS had been getting closer, their investigations into his business were reaching a boiling point, and the walls were closing in on him. But Jesse wasn't just reacting to their moves—he was thinking several steps ahead.
After weeks of meticulous planning and manipulation, Jesse finally figured out a way to make the problem go away. Using his vast knowledge of finance, tax loopholes, and the IRS's internal workings, he crafted a brilliant scheme. He set up a series of complex, layered shell companies—none of which could be traced back to him—and funneled money through them in a way that was nearly impossible to trace. He even used a few off-the-books transactions to throw off any suspicion.
Jesse wasn't just dodging taxes—he was erasing the trail completely.
He was able to use his genius to cover his tracks, making the IRS's investigation hit a dead end. They'd have no proof, no tangible leads to go after him. He didn't just outsmart them; he had practically made himself invisible to their radar. For the first time in a while, Jesse felt a weight lift off his shoulders. The IRS issue was solved, at least for now.
Taking Time Off
With that issue behind him, Jesse realized he needed to slow down. The relentless pace he had been maintaining wasn't sustainable. He needed rest. He needed a break from the constant mental strain that came with being in control of everything.
So, Jesse began taking three days off each week. On those days, he wouldn't touch NZT-48. He wouldn't even think about his business. He would give his mind the time it needed to reset. His routine became one of careful balance—he could feel the clarity of the vaccine when he was on his active days, but on his off-days, he allowed himself the luxury of living without the brilliance.
The first few days without the drug felt strange. The world didn't move at the same pace. His thoughts weren't as fast, as sharp, and for a moment, he questioned whether he was making the right choice. But soon, he realized that the rest was exactly what he needed. He'd gotten so used to being on all the time that he had forgotten how to relax. And with his mind finally at ease, Jesse realized he could still be himself—just a little less perfect, a little less in control.
Going on Dates
It didn't take long for Jesse to realize another thing: he was lonely. The isolation of his genius, the constant pressure from Gus and the cartel, had created a wall around him. Even though he was surrounded by people—Badger, Skinny Pete, and the rest of his crew—he had no real connections. And his relationship with Jane seemed like a distant memory, another time before everything had spiraled out of control.
One evening, after a particularly successful run with the business, Jesse decided to take a chance. He went on a date.
He'd always been a little awkward with relationships, especially after everything he'd gone through, but now, with a clearer mind, he felt like he could give it a shot. The first date was simple—dinner at a quiet restaurant. Nothing extravagant. He had no agenda, no ulterior motive. He just wanted to connect with someone.
Her name was Rachel. She was an artist, passionate about painting, with an easy smile that reminded him of better days. They talked about everything—art, life, music—things that didn't have anything to do with meth or crime or business. For a few hours, Jesse felt like a normal guy.
When he walked her home that evening, he felt something he hadn't in a long time—hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to life than being the smartest person in the room. He didn't need to control everything.
A Growing Connection
After that first date, Jesse began to see Rachel more often. It was nothing serious yet, just dinners, movies, long conversations in the park, but it was enough to make him realize that the world wasn't entirely made up of business deals and criminal activity. There was still room for the simple things—the human connections he'd been missing.
The more he spent time with Rachel, the more he found himself letting his guard down. She didn't know about his genius, the meth empire, or the cartel. And he wasn't about to tell her. For the first time, he didn't need to be the smartest person in the room. He didn't need to manipulate every situation. He could just be Jesse.
And for the first time in a long time, he felt human again.
The Balance Between Worlds
Despite the moments of peace, Jesse knew he couldn't leave the business behind entirely. There were still dangers lurking—Gus was still a threat, and the cartel was a ticking time bomb. But as he spent more time with Rachel and took his days off, he realized that he didn't have to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders alone. He could balance the darkness of his life with the light of his growing connection with her.
He still took his vaccine once a month, still used NZT-48 when necessary, but for the first time, he was allowing himself to be more than just a criminal mastermind. He was letting himself feel the simple pleasures of life—things like laughter, touch, and companionship. For a few hours each week, he could forget about everything else.
The balance between worlds wasn't easy. But for the first time, Jesse believed it was possible to navigate both. The smart, calculated businessman who ran a drug empire and the guy who went on dates, laughed, and just lived.