Question: M: I've also read some negative reviews. What was said before this conversation?
Answer: W: I read in the newspaper that the novel you are reading is excellent.

Question: M: I'm just on holiday. What was said before this conversation?
Answer: W: Why are you visiting Hong Kong?

Question: W: Didn't they announce that our flight was delayed? M: I didn't hear anything about a delay. I thought everything was running on time. What happened? What was said before this conversation?
Answer:
M: What took so long? I thought your flight was supposed to arrive 3 hours ago!