All landlords can check that.
Basically, all landlords will investigate a customer's credit records before renting out a property, and if there is a record of defaulting on rent payments, many landlords would rather leave the place vacant than rent to such a person.
In this regard, America does it quite well, as both landlords and tenants' interests can be somewhat protected.
This is also one of the reasons why many American middle-class people never recover, once they run into economic problems and have a default record.
Their overall credit will be impacted, affecting many things that were once simple and making it even harder to turn things around.
In other words, if Val is convicted because of this incident, finding a job afterwards would become a luxury for him.
Robert realized the seriousness of the problem, "Since Luke and Daisy have said so, then go, there's nothing to hesitate about.
Although you've caused some trouble for the supermarket, you've also acted to protect its interests. From another perspective, the supermarket needs responsible employees like you.
If every employee were as responsible as you, there wouldn't be any so-called zero-dollar shopping incidents, nor the need for ridiculous legal measures."
Robert patted his son on the shoulder, "Val, be tough, stand up straight like a man; you did nothing wrong.
I will support you from behind."
Val was moved and nodded, "I understand."
Robert shook his head, continuing to admonish, "No, you don't understand, you have to enter the supermarket with your head held high and your chest out. When the employees in the supermarket look at you, you must face them fearlessly.
Yes, let all the employees know that you did nothing wrong, you are a hero.
On the contrary, if you go to the supermarket looking dejected and timorous, the employees will look down on you, thinking that you're the one who was wrong, and that they are right.
This damn world is like that, mostly full of opportunists."
Val lifted his head and responded loudly, "I got it."
Robert gave a thumbs up, "Good, I'm proud of your growth."
Figueroa Supermarket.
Val walked into the supermarket with his head held high and his chest out, followed by Luke and Daisy.
Many employees saw him; some nodded in greeting, some wore surprised expressions, and others whispered to each other.
A black supervisor in uniform came over, "Val, are you alright?"
"Err, I've just been temporarily released on bail."
The black supervisor, Thomas, shook his head and sighed, "You were too impulsive."
Val had thought to admit his mistake, but remembering his dad's words, he didn't respond.
Daisy said, "Hello, I'm Val's lawyer, what's your name?"
"I'm the supermarket's supervisor, Thomas."
"We'd like to talk to the person in charge of the supermarket about Val's situation."
Thomas looked at Daisy, then at Val, "Okay, just a moment."
Thomas took out his phone to make a call.
After a while, he hung up and gestured, "Follow me, the general manager is waiting for you in his office."
Soon, the group arrived at the general manager's office.
The general manager was a white, middle-aged man, not very tall, with a slicked-back hair, dressed in a black suit, looking quite meticulous.
The man stood up and invited everyone to sit on the sofa beside the coffee table, introducing himself, "I'm the manager here, Kathu Posia. You're Val, right? I remember you."
Then he looked at Luke and Daisy, "How may I address you two? Which one of you is Val's lawyer?"
Daisy said, "I'm Daisy, Val's lawyer; he's Val's family member."
The general manager, Kathu, turned to Thomas and said, "Thomas, please serve our guests some coffee, thank you."
Once Thomas had left, the general manager, Kathu, asked, "Val, how's the situation now? What's your purpose in coming to see me?"
Daisy briefly explained some details and then shifted the topic, "Val is an employee of the supermarket and he got into a conflict with a suspect in defense of the supermarket's property.
He acted in self-defense, and I'd like to know how the supermarket plans to handle this matter."
Kathu thought for a moment, "Personally, I sympathize with and support Val.
But from the supermarket's perspective, we cannot get directly involved in the case, otherwise, the suspect might sue the supermarket along with Val.
If the supermarket becomes a defendant, the compensation could be astronomical.
So I hope this matter can be handled personally by Val. Of course, since he is our employee, we won't abandon him, and we will provide certain support behind the scenes."
Daisy wouldn't be easily swayed, "What kind of support will the supermarket provide?"
Kathu thought and said, "Moral and financial support."
"That's too vague; I think we should discuss the specific terms of the agreement." Daisy took out paper and pen, ready to listen attentively.
Kathu glanced at Val and continued, "If it can be proven that Val acted in self-defense, we are willing to provide him with full legal fees, and during this period, compensate him with paid leave."
Daisy countered, "What if he can't prove he acted in self-defense?"
"If he didn't act in self-defense, then his actions have nothing to do with the supermarket, and we can't provide more help.
The supermarket has its difficulties too; I hope you can understand."
Daisy looked at Val, who appeared bewildered and wore no clear expression.
Daisy then looked at Luke, who nodded slightly.