My first blind date ended in failure.

Not only did I gain nothing, but I also ended up paying for two cups of coffee and a tiramisu.

Learning from this experience, I decided to bring along my second-tier friend, the one with visible numbers over her head, to my next date. She’d act as my advisor, offering some advice. That way, I wouldn’t be so clueless when facing my date.

However, once I could clearly see how many relationships the man across from me had been through, I started becoming picky.

“This guy’s level 8, and he’s still doing blind dates? Either he’s a player, or there’s something shady about him. I don’t want to be another fish in his pond.”

“How does this greasy guy even have a level 5? How did his ex-girlfriends put up with him?”

“Is this guy really level 4? He looks like he knows what he’s doing. Is his level accurate?”

“So, this is what a level 0 person is like. Do I look that clueless to you all?”

After several failed blind dates, my friend started to lose patience with me.

“What kind of boyfriend are you looking for, exactly?”

“I don’t know. I just want to gain some experience.”

My friend sighed. “Next one, no matter what level he is, if you think he’s decent, just go for it!”

Luckily, I soon met someone I thought I could really get to know.

He was a second-tier like my friend.

To me, a level 2 man has some relationship experience but isn't overly romantic.

In other words, he can be more considerate in a relationship without the worry of meeting a player who knows how to manipulate situations.

On the day we met, Liam Sterling wore a crisp white shirt, the collar neat and fitting, paired with a simple yet stylish look.

He was a little late, having just gotten off work and hit the evening rush hour. When he sat down, he immediately apologized several times, his tone sincere.

I paid close attention to his appearance and manners.

He had a handsome face, with sharp features that weren’t overly delicate, and a gentle aura with no sharp edges. His gestures and speech were humble and cultured.

During the conversation, he took the initiative to bring up topics, preventing any awkward silences. While eating, he made sure to look out for both me and my friend, his table manners and eating habits impeccable.

I silently rated him in my mind.

Overall, I’d give him a 98, leaving a couple of points to see how things progressed.

“How do you feel?” my friend whispered.

“He seems great,” I replied, a little embarrassed, before adding, “I think we could take things further.”

After the meal, my friend made an excuse to leave early.

Before she left, she gave me a thumbs-up and mouthed the words: “Go for it!”

“Miss Kessler, how about we go for a walk to help digest our meal?”

Perhaps noticing that I felt a bit awkward being alone with him, Liam suggested the next step.

I agreed. “Sure.”

Walking along the riverbank, we chatted casually about random topics. He was well-read and funny, so the atmosphere was light and enjoyable.

A breeze blew by, and I felt a little cold, unable to suppress a slight shiver.

But Liam noticed.

Without hesitation, he draped his jacket over my shoulders and gently said, “Don’t catch a cold.”

For the first time in over twenty years, I truly understood what it felt like to blush and have my heart race.

The entire walk felt like a dream. I was almost dizzy, answering his questions automatically.

Before I knew it, we had reached the building where I lived.

It was time to part ways, and I felt reluctant to leave.

Just as I was about to go upstairs, Liam suddenly placed his hand on my shoulder and turned me around to face him.

I looked up, his face only inches away.

I softened my breathing, afraid I might disturb him.

Liam lowered his head, and our gazes locked.

A soft, pink glow seemed to fill the air around us.

Even though I had never been in a relationship, I knew exactly what this sweet atmosphere meant.

I closed my eyes, and two seconds later, a gentle kiss landed on my lips.

I think I’ve fallen in love.

The next morning, as I brushed my teeth, I clearly saw the "LV.1" above my head.

I had my own love level!

Though it was just level one, it was enough to make me happy all day long.

At work, I walked in with my head held high, biting into my sandwich, striding into the office.

Colleagues I knew greeted me as I passed by, then stared in surprise at the number floating above my head.

Every time I walked past someone, I could hear their whispers behind me.

It didn’t matter that I couldn’t catch all the words; I knew they were talking about my level, just like they always gossiped about others.

For the first time, I felt like being talked about behind my back wasn’t so bad. At least their amazed looks made me feel thoroughly pleased.

As expected, they began pulling me into their gossip sessions, naturally.

"Look, Simon was level six yesterday, and today he’s level seven. He’s definitely in a relationship again."

"I saw Leo and Katy coming in together this morning, and their levels both went up by one. They’re definitely hiding something from us and hooking up!"

"Did you guys notice? Cathy is wearing the same outfit as yesterday."

"Tsk tsk tsk, something definitely happened last night."

I stood by, listening to them chat, feeling like I'd unlocked a whole new world.

There was a secret excitement stirring inside me, as if something was about to break free.

I glanced around at everyone’s levels, quietly memorizing them, matching them to the people. Then, like I had just uncovered some secret intel, I quietly returned to my desk.

As the workday was wrapping up, I received a message from my boyfriend, Liam: "Are you free for dinner tonight? I booked that restaurant you mentioned yesterday, the one you’ve been wanting to go to but didn’t have anyone to go with."

His thoughtfulness and care made me feel like I was swimming in honey.

With a sweet smile on my face, I replied, "That sounds great, let’s go together!"

"Wait for me after work, I’ll pick you up."

The smile on my face grew wider and wider, so obvious that anyone who saw me would know I was texting my boyfriend.

As I passed by, colleagues looked at me, exchanging knowing glances, before bursting into smiles.

Fiona, from the next desk, shot me a look. Suddenly, she sneered with disdain and coldly said, "You’re grinning like that, thinking you’re the star at some nightclub? You’ve been slacking all day, do you even still want to work?"

I put my phone down and continued with my task, ignoring her.

She was just a love rookie without a level, of course, she couldn’t stand seeing others in sweet relationships. She must be jealous of me!

I thought back to my own attitude towards colleagues who were in love before, and decided Fiona was probably feeling the same way I used to.

After work, I quickly packed up when I saw Liam’s message saying he was downstairs.

I glanced over and saw Fiona’s hands still flying over the keyboard, showing no sign of stopping.

I slowly walked up behind her, gently patted her shoulder, and with a hint of superiority in my voice, said, "It’s after hours, you should stop. Anything can wait until tomorrow. You should find yourself a boyfriend and enjoy life."

Fiona turned around, giving me a look of both disdain and pity, swatting my hand off her shoulder, then turning back to her work, coolly saying, "Mind your own business."

What an ungrateful brat!

I was trying to pass on some good advice, but she didn’t appreciate it one bit.

If she was content being a clueless fool with no love level, so be it.

I scoffed, grabbed my bag, and hummed a song as I headed downstairs.