"Cultivating prestige" and "building momentum" are actually easier in modern society than in ancient times. Back then, if a scholar from a humble background wanted a shortcut to success, many would choose to become hermits in the mountains, especially on Zhongnan Mountain. That's where the term "Zhongnan shortcut" comes from.
Even someone as brilliant as Zhuge Liang had to "live in seclusion in Nanyang" in his early days.
In modern society, you just have to make good use of the internet.
Li Xiang's thoughts raced, a grand blueprint already taking shape in his mind.
'Hmm, this plan can't be finished in one phase. It'll need at least twelve, maybe even twenty-four or more. When the time comes, all the underground shelters will be connected, forming one massive Underground City.'
'Even if the Apocalypse comes, modern society can't function without the internet. I'll have to find a way to set up my own local area network and then figure out how to connect with other bases.'
