At 9 pm, as the city slowly settled into silence, a young woman returned to her apartment, feeling drained. She opened the Xiaohongshu (RedNote) app, clicked on an account called "Lily's Emotional Tree Hole", and paid 60 yuan ($8.66) for a 30-minute listening service.

A few minutes later, a voice call began in the app's private chat. One voice belonged to a young person searching for an emotional outlet; the other was Li Xing, a recently retired middle school geography teacher who, as she puts it, is eager to "make a contribution in her later years".

There was no formal consultation room and no appointment required — just two strangers connected through the internet.

Scenes like this have become increasingly common in the digital age, with virtual "tree holes" emerging as essential platforms for addressing the emotional needs of Gen Z.

The term "tree hole" originally referred to a literal place where people could whisper secrets. Today, it has taken on a metaphorical meaning: someone who listens and safeguards private feelings.

From anonymous confession spaces on social media to apps offering paid listening services, and even independent "listeners" on platforms like Xiaohongshu, a market-oriented, lightweight emotional support network is gradually taking shape.

Li, 55, is from Wuxi, Jiangsu province. Thirteen years ago, she passed the national second-level psychological counselor examination, though she never pursued a career in the field. After retiring, hoping to continue "realizing her self-worth", she began working as a listener in October 2025.

Since then, she has spoken with over 200 clients. About 90 percent are young people, and approximately three-quarters are women. Many are also overseas students and Chinese expatriates.

"The internet connects everyone," Li explained. "They might be living alone abroad, and their social support systems can be much thinner."