```
As these words came out, Zhou Xueting's face immediately changed dramatically.
She promptly challenged the landlord, "What do you mean by this, landlord? Why won't you return my security deposit?"
The landlord looked at Zhou Xueting and sneered, "Nonsense, you lived here for more than a year. Has my property not suffered wear and tear? Shouldn't you pay for some of that?"
"Besides, you've left my place in a complete mess, with scratches everywhere!"
"Renting it out again will require hiring someone to clean and redecorate, which will cost a significant amount of money!"
"Shouldn't you be the one to pay for this?"
Hearing this, Zhou Xueting immediately responded angrily, "Landlord, aren't you just making things difficult? Since when do tenants have to pay for wear and tear?"
"Moreover, the house was like this when I moved out, and it is still the same now!"
"Where are these scratches you speak of, where is this mess you mentioned?"
