And if there is no record in the repository, what should I do with the default value? Check if the returned value is different from the default? I actually don'

And if there is no record in the repository, what should I do with the default value? Check if the returned value is different from the default? I actually don't see any real benefit in cleanliness. The only thing that could actually happen is using the default in some way that could eventually bring the data in some strange state. An NPE would at least shout "YOU MESSED SOMETHING UP" in my face.