Although Chu Mingcheng was testing for a two-star certification, he was a complete beginner when it came to freediving theory and techniques, so being placed with the one-star students for the initial lessons posed no problem. The only difference was that his assessment would be more rigorous.

If you wanted to get into spearfishing, an AIDA certification was preferable. PADI's standards were considered less stringent, and many spearfishing clubs wouldn't accept it.

Most women opted for PADI because the system offered a popular mermaid course. The graceful performers you see gliding through aquarium tanks were all certified through that program.

【TN: AIDA and PADI are two of the world's largest scuba and freediving training organizations.】

Lu Zheqiang then began explaining the Frenzel maneuver in detail.

"Leave a small gap when you pinch your nose," he instructed. "This way, you don't have to force air into your ears every time you lift your throat, which can cause middle ear fatigue. The air you push up can escape through that small gap in your nose. Practice this 200 times a day until you're satisfied with your frequency and success rate."

Just then, a female student asked, "Instructor Da Qiang, how do we know if we've done the Frenzel correctly?"

Lu Zheqiang replied, "It's actually very simple to tell if you've successfully equalized with the Frenzel."

"Watch me. Pinch your nose with one hand and press on the hollow just below your sternum with the other. Exhale all the air from your lungs."

"The hand on your stomach and your belly itself should not be tensed at all. Repeatedly lift your throat."

"If you hear the sound of air being pushed into your ears, it means you've successfully equalized."

Lu Zheqiang then demonstrated. His pinched nostrils pulsed rapidly, though the sound of air entering his ears was inaudible to the students. In just a short time, his nostrils had pulsed more than sixty times with impressive frequency.

"Alright, now everyone give it a try. I'll come around and correct you."

"Ah Cheng, you first!"

"Okay!" Chu Mingcheng nodded, pinched his nose, and naturally used the base of his tongue to push the air in his mouth.

He had already tried it himself while Lu Zheqiang was explaining and found the Frenzel maneuver surprisingly easy—he wasn't sure if it was because of his "Effortless Swim" ability.

He could feel a drumming sound in his ears, and after a few repetitions, they felt slightly pressurized.

Seeing how easily he performed it, Lu Zheqiang smiled. "Ah Cheng, you've never practiced the Frenzel before, have you?"

"No. I've never even heard of it, let alone practiced it."

"Then it seems you're a natural at the Frenzel. With your swimming ability, getting a two-star certification will be a breeze."

Hearing the phrase "a natural at the Frenzel," the other students looked on with a hint of envy. Many aspiring two-star divers were held back by this very technique.

Those who were naturals at it instinctively used the base of their tongue to push air from their mouth when they pinched their nose, requiring no lengthy practice.

Lu Zheqiang continued having the remaining students try the maneuver one by one, correcting their mistakes before moving on to introduce the freediving equipment and its functions.

Chu Mingcheng wasn't particularly interested in this part; he only needed a wetsuit and spearfishing gear. A snorkel could be useful for breathing without lifting his head, but if he was already at the surface, lifting his head wasn't a big deal.

The mask was a real nuisance—it obstructed his vision and felt uncomfortably tight. However, in certain situations, it could protect his eyes. Fins were optional for him. They would be helpful for swimming when he was holding hunting gear, but the downside was that since he felt very little water resistance, wearing fins actually increased the drag slightly. It also required more effort from his legs and made it impossible to swim at high speeds. That was why he hadn't worn fins on his previous dives.

The club naturally sold freediving equipment, and Lu Zheqiang recommended some entry-level gear, but Chu Mingcheng had already brought his own and didn't need to purchase anything else.

After the equipment introduction came the most important part: safety procedures.

First, every freediver needed an excellent dive buddy. Whether freediving or scuba diving, diving alone was strongly discouraged.

This was another point that Chu Mingcheng felt didn't apply to him, but he listened attentively. Lu Zheqiang explained many potential dangers in the water and crucial rescue knowledge.

The morning passed quickly.

Lu Zheqiang told everyone to go for lunch and a break, and to meet at the pool at one o'clock for the next phase of training.

He was about to take Chu Mingcheng to lunch, but before he could get up, a female student with a stunning figure named Tong Shuman stopped him.

"Chu Mingcheng, don't be in such a hurry to leave."

"Instructor Da Qiang, and everyone, we've all come from different places, and it's fate that we've met. How about we all have lunch together?"

Tong Shuman had the best figure and the strongest presence among the six women in the class. When she suggested lunch, all the other women agreed, and a few of them sneakily glanced at Chu Mingcheng, whose easy confidence made him stand out among the men.

The other male student seemed tempted. Six women—a meal could be a great way to get closer, and maybe even lead to something special.

Lu Zheqiang smiled. "I won't join you. I have something to do this afternoon. You all go ahead!"

With that, he nodded to Chu Mingcheng and left the classroom.

"Since Instructor Da Qiang isn't going, let's just have a student lunch. What do you two gentlemen think?"

Chu Mingcheng stayed noncommittal.

This woman does know how to work a crowd, he mused. Taking the lead like that—does she expect me just to go along?

And suggesting a group meal without mentioning how to split the bill first… with only two men here, a little social pressure, and most guys would feel obligated to pay.

After all, it wasn’t often you met someone shameless—or thick-skinned-enough—to brush that off. Most men were either polite or just straightforward, which made them easy to sway.

Chu Mingcheng directly refused. "You all go ahead. I have plans with a friend for lunch!"

With that, he took a slight detour and left the classroom from the other side.

The remaining students looked at each other, and Tong Shuman, who had suggested the lunch, glanced at Chu Mingcheng's retreating back with a flicker of interest in her eyes.

But the lunch wouldn't be canceled just because one person left; that would be too obvious.

She turned to the other male student. "Are you coming?"

The young man, looking a little hesitant but unwilling to back out, said, “I don’t have any plans. A meal together sounds fine.”

“Alright, let’s go then!”

Tong Shuman’s brows lifted ever so slightly at his response. The sucker’s here, she thought, pleased. Calling out to the others, she took the lead, guiding the group to find a place for lunch.

[Click to View Image]

—-

Chu Mingcheng left the club and started searching online for famous local snacks, then hailed a taxi.

Arriving at a food street, he first bought a shrimp cake. An Xiuwen occasionally made these, and he was curious to see how the local version differed. One bite, and it was a familiar taste, but this one was coated in a sauce that made it more flavorful. It was delicious.

Next, he came across a shop selling coconut rice. Coconuts seemed to be a local favorite, so, curious, he stepped inside and ordered a portion.

When it arrived, Chu Mingcheng was surprised to find it quite similar to the sticky rice from his hometown, though made with different ingredients. He had chosen the savory version, which was mixed with coconut meat and marinated pork ribs, the rich aroma carrying a subtle hint of coconut sweetness.

After paying and leaving, he also picked up a cup of Qingbuliang, another local specialty dessert.

【TN: Qingbuliang (清补凉) is a popular, refreshing sweet soup or dessert from southern China, especially Hainan. It typically contains a mix of ingredients like mung beans, red beans, barley, taro, watermelon, and coconut milk, served chilled.】

The meal was very satisfying. The only downside was the scorching weather, which dissuaded him from taking a leisurely walk back.