In a forest, there is a big tree where crows live on the branches, and underneath the tree, there is a hole where a fox resides.
One day, a crow got hold of a piece of meat and as soon as it brought the meat back to the tree, it was spotted by the fox.
The fox, with a cunning gleam in its eyes, said to the crow, “Dear crow, how are you today?”
The crow didn’t reply, thinking to itself, “Who doesn’t know you foxes are sly? If I respond, as soon as I open my mouth, the meat will fall, and you’ll snatch it away.”
The fox didn’t give up, and it said again, “Dear crow, how are your children doing?”
Still, the crow didn’t respond, thinking, “I’m not that foolish; I won’t fall for your trick!”
Seeing that the crow wasn’t falling for it, the fox pondered for a moment and then said, “Dear crow, my lovely neighbor, your feathers are the most beautiful, none of the other birds are as gorgeous as you.”
Upon hearing this, the crow felt extremely pleased, thinking to itself, “This fox finally has some taste.”
Seeing that the crow seemed somewhat moved, the fox immediately continued, “Dear crow, your voice is the most melodious, everyone loves to hear you sing. Won’t you sing a song for me?”
The crow, now even happier, thought, “Usually, everyone says my voice is unpleasant, only this fox knows how to appreciate my singing.”
So the crow happily began to sing.
But as soon as it opened its mouth, the meat fell down, and the fox swiftly grabbed it and ran off.
The crow was left dumbfounded.
The big tree said, “Oh crow, oh crow, the fox, in order to deceive you of the meat, spoke nothing but lies. From now on, when others praise you, you must be more vigilant!”
The crow deeply regretted its actions.
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