When shit hits the fan, sometimes the fan hits you (but for the better).
Last Friday, my computer became infected with a faux antivirus program. So naturally, I took it in to get it fixed. I think I vaguely mentioned in one of my earlier posts that I used to write blog posts for a computer company, if not, there you go. Although too short-lived to really be considered a “job experience,” I managed to churn out a few articles, gained tech-savvy knowledge, and parted on amiable terms. So it was a relief to know that despite my having left abruptly last December due to personal reasons, I could still go in to get my computer fixed without the meeting being completely uncomfortable on both parties.
When I first arrived at the shop, they were already preoccupied with a customer, so I took a seat and observed the owner’s (my ex-boss) two dogs, one of them, the pup, being a new addition. Between the yipping and playful jabs of the dogs and the current consultation/conversation between the customer and sales representative up front, I could hear the voice of my ex-boss in the back also conversing with a customer on the phone. Although I didn’t expect him to come out, he eventually did, and I think he was surprised (terrified?) to see me. He of course, asked why I was there, to which I sheepishly replied, “I got a virus…again.” So he took me to a less cluttered area on the long work station table they have situation in the far corner of the front room to begin my own consultation.
After plugging in the computer and booting it up, we discussed what had happened (I was watching RHoA and reading comics when I got infected; most likely obtained the virus from the comics site since I only started visiting the site about a week earlier), and how much it would cost to wipe out the computer (the laptop, my mother and I speculate, was previously bought by another customer who downloaded a bunch of crap, realized it was a bad idea as it made the computer slow down considerably, taped it all back together, and returned it). To my surprise, he offered to expunge the laptop free of charge and also added in that he’d download Windows 7 and contact me on Monday about retrieving the computer. We then waited a few minutes as the sales representative typed up the other customer’s information, then when he was done, my ex-boss took a spin on the computer. When I’d previously visited the shop as a customer, the charges were all placed on my brother’s name, mainly because he was a frequent customer (he bought both his customized desktop and laptop there) and I was still a minor, so my ex-boss decided to make a new account solely for me. After typing out my information, he then proceeded to hand me the receipt.
Now, I did expect to at least pay $150 to rid the virus on my computer (the flat rate for laptop fixes is $150, desktops $90), so it was a real shock to me, when I saw $799.85 on the receipt. I was literally about to tackle my ex-boss, grab the laptop, and scram in the opposite direction, dogs or not. However, as I reread the receipt, I noticed the “Balance Due” part of it read $0.00. My ex-boss had given me a 100% discount. Of course, still thinking there was some sort of miscalculation, I asked him if there was a mistake. He replied no and gave me a surreptitious-like grin. Of course, I couldn’t ask him to elaborate as there were actual paying customers in the room and it would be problematic should they find that I was let off of a hefty bill while they were not. So I gave him my thanks and left, the receipt in my hand almost surreal.
I picked up the laptop yesterday after giving my ex-boss a mini gift of cookies and tea. When I’d handed it to him he’d exclaimed jokingly, “Are you trying to make me fat again?” His way of saying thanks. I only wish I could have given him something more, especially after giving the computer a test-run. I still can’t believe how great the computer runs and how clean, bright, and fast it is. It’s practically brand new.
