"She went on to say that since she had already refused to take the items, it was highly inappropriate for me to keep insisting. She said that if word about our dispute were to get out, it would be unbearable for her. She threatened that if I dared say another word about it to anyone, she would spread rumors that I pursued her."
"Her words scared me into silence. Luckily someone else came out at that moment, and Mrs. Liu left hastily. When I got back, people kept asking what Mrs. Liu and I were doing in the courtyard. I didn't know whether to tell them the truth or not, so I ended up saying that my stomach was unwell, and I had to go back earlier."
