Stoyan, who was far sharper than Ivan realized, took one look at Ivan’s greedy eyes and smiled. "Of course, Ivan. Start with the big trees at the back. Work hard, and there will be a great reward at the end of the day."
Ivan showed up at Stoyan's gate, grinning like a fox. He even brought his own tool—a sharp, ancient adze (a tesla ) passed down from his grandfather.
"Stoyan, my friend!" Ivan shouted. "I see your trees are heavy. Let me prune them for you. No charge, just neighborly love!"
"You worked so hard, Ivan, that you snapped the head off your old tool," Stoyan said calmly. "The metal blade fell into the deep well while you were swinging it—it's gone forever. But since you’re such a 'smart' neighbor, I saved the only thing left for you."
By sunset, Ivan was exhausted, covered in sap, and his hands were blistered. He climbed down from the last tree and wiped his brow. "Finished, Stoyan! Now, about that reward?"