This second volume of the series "In the Shadow of the Dragon" takes us into the Laogai of Gansu. After being kidnapped by the Beijing police, Cao Yu is transferred to Lanzhou. She will have to survive at the cost of her own morality and her innocence. Fortunately for her the friendship of her friend Weina will enable her to meet these challenges and to escape many dangers. The lover of Weina, the terrible Wang Gang, a follower of Kang Sheng (the former Chief of Chinese secret police), will manipulate all the labor camp staff and inmates to achieve his goals. In Beijing, Mona continues her strategy of dismantling democratic networks. Her lover Wang Jun's deeply disappointing her but when 'You've made your bed so you must lie on it'. Erwan and Cecile will succeed in adopting a Chinese child despite enormous difficulties. They will take advantage of their network of friends. Nevertheless the end of their relationship is close. Other characters in this volume are subject to events and their destiny no longer depends on them. The Dragon has extended its shadow over all.