Once upon a time, there lived a Crane. He loved building houses, and many animals and birds who approached him were satisfied with his work.
One day, a Fox contacted him on a construction forum:
Listen, Crane, I want to create a housing cooperative for foxes. We're tired of living in burrows and want to live like people do. If you build an apartment building for us, I'll pay you well.
The Crane thought about it. No one in the forest had built anything like this before, and the Fox was offering guarantees that she had many clients. "The deal seemed promising," he thought.
He shared his thoughts with his best friend, the Woodpecker.
But the Woodpecker shook his head in disagreement:
Don't get involved with that schemer! She's been up to no good for a long time! I heard she lived with the Hare, and then she evicted him from his home, threw him out on the street, and kept the place for herself. The poor fellow now stays with friends, and no one can help him.
The Crane valued his friend's opinion and thought about declining, but a morning video call from the Fox on Skype changed his mind:
Come over for a business lunch today, partner. We'll eat, discuss everything, and then decide what to do next.
Alright, Fox, I'll come!
The Crane answered, surprising himself. To be honest, he wouldn't have minded eating.
At the appointed time, he was already sitting at the Fox's table.
While she was busy at the stove, the Crane looked around. The cottage was sturdy and well-built; it was clear that a serious owner had constructed it. He complimented her on the house.
It's left over from my ex-husband!
The hostess smiled cunningly and placed two bowls on the table.
Please, try the oatmeal. It's very nutritious, and I watch my diet.
And she began eating with appetite.
The Crane looked at his bowl—the porridge was spread across the plate. He tried to eat, but his beak only struck the plate. It was uncomfortable for the Crane, and he refused the food.
Watching him, the Fox offered:
Alright, partner, don't struggle. Give it to me.
She took the plate and ate it all in an instant.
When they were done eating, the Fox glanced at the time on her phone and concluded:
Sorry, dear, I have nothing else to offer you, and I need to run to a meeting. Next time we'll have dinner at your place, and I'll collect an advance from my clients for building materials and bring it to you!
The Crane was initially speechless at the Fox's audacity and behaviour, but he didn't show it.
He decided not to refuse:
Alright, Fox, it's a deal, come over!
He answered and left the trickster hungry.
When the Woodpecker heard about the "business lunch," he patted his friend on the shoulder and said:
Didn't I tell you?! She'll deceive you!
Well, I'm no fool either!
He replied.
The Fox came to the Crane's home pleased and confident in her success. And to not waste time, she quickly sat down at the table, intending to have a good dinner, and said nothing about business.
The Crane, with a carefree expression, placed two shakers with a nutritious cocktail on the table:
I also watch my figure and eat a minimal-calorie dinner in the evening. Help yourself!
And he began drinking the cocktail.
The Fox tried to drink, twisting around the bottle in every way, but the opening was very narrow. She couldn't manage it.
Meanwhile, the host finished his drink and said:
Forgive me, dear, I have nothing else to offer you. And I need to go—I have a contract signing with the Beaver for building a dam. So I'll be busy for the next six months. When you leave, don't forget to enter the gate code.
And he added:
Give my regards to the foxes in their burrows. Thanks to you, they'll be living there for a long time!
The Fox, realizing there was nothing to gain and that her cunning plan had been discovered, left looking upset. From that moment on, she stopped communicating with the Crane.
Soon, all the animals and birds were talking about the schemer's deception and fraud. A big scandal broke out. The Fox had to return the money to the foxes, the cottage to the Hare, and she had to flee the forest.
The Crane said to the Woodpecker:
You see, friend, no matter how much you scheme and lie, the truth cannot be drowned and always rises to the surface!
Read fairy tales and you'll never find yourself in such a situation.
