金玉其外，败絮其中 Gold on the outside, rotten in the middle
Explanation
比喻外表华丽，内里空虚。
To describe something that appears beautiful and glamorous on the outside, but is actually empty and rotten inside.
Origin Story
从前，杭州有个卖柑橘的商人，他挑选柑橘特别仔细，卖相极好，个个金黄饱满，如同金玉一般。可是一些顾客买回去后，发现里面却是败絮，腐烂不堪。有人指责他欺骗顾客，他却说："世人多有金玉其外，败絮其中者，官吏武将中也有不少这样的人，他们外表光鲜，内里却腐败不堪，难道不是金玉其外，败絮其中吗？"
Once upon a time, there was a tangerine merchant in Hangzhou who was very meticulous in selecting his goods. His tangerines were all golden and plump, looking like jewels. However, some customers found that the inside of the tangerines were rotten and spoiled. Someone criticized him for deceiving the customers, but he retorted: "There are many people who are 'gold on the outside, rotten in the middle'. There are many such people among officials and generals, who appear glamorous on the outside but are rotten inside. Aren't they also 'gold on the outside, rotten in the middle'?
Usage
用于形容人或事物外表华丽而内里空虚的情况。
Used to describe people or things that are outwardly beautiful or impressive but inwardly empty or corrupt.
Examples
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他这个人外表光鲜亮丽，其实内里空虚得很，真是金玉其外，败絮其中。
ta zhegeren waibiao guangxianliangli, qishi neili kongxu hen duo, zhen shi jinyuqiwai, baixuqizhong
He is outwardly glamorous, but inwardly empty, a typical example of 'gold on the outside, rotten in the middle'.
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这家公司虽然看起来很成功，但实际上财务状况很糟糕，典型的金玉其外，败絮其中。
zhejiagongsi suiran kanqilai hen chenggong, dan shijishang caiwuzhuangkuang hen zaogao, dianxingdejinyuqiwai,baixuqizhong
Although the company appears successful, its financial situation is actually very poor, a classic example of 'golden exterior, rotten core'.