I think Meimei made the point when she was crying that had she been forthcoming about the pregnancy with Lakan, then he may have bought her out sooner. Maomao also likes to beat around the bush instead of being direct.
Fengxian mentioned that she was also born in the brothel and had no mother. When I saw that maomao wasnβt told, but instead figured out who her mother was the thought that the Old Lady being her grandmother popped into my head. It would explain why Fengxian was kept and looked after instead of thrown out. What are your thoughts on that idea?